Choosing the Right Boat for Your Lifestyle: Pontoon vs. Fishing Boats
Discover the pros and cons of a pontoon boat vs. fishing boat to find the perfect match for your needs. Whether you prefer versatility and comfort or a serious fishing setup, learn which boat best suits your lifestyle and adventures on the water.
Why Are Pontoon Boats Getting Popular?
You might be wondering why people are trying to decide between a pontoon and a traditional fishing boat. After all, why not get the type of boat made for fishing, right? Well, there are reasons you might be better off with a pontoon. Pontoon boats originated in the 1950s as family-style leisure boats. They didn't have a high reputation with fishermen.
However, pontoon boats have come a long way since the 1950s. Many people want a boat with which they can do more than one thing. Fishing families want a boat that can move faster while still providing plenty of room for comfort and movement. The industry has paid attention by pushing the limits of what the average pontoon boat is and what it offers.
The good news is that pontoon boats tend to cost a lot less than the average traditional fishing boat. Many fishing enthusiasts are reconsidering pontoon boats to determine if they fit their lifestyle.
Where Do You Plan To Fish?
Pontoons lean more toward the leisure side of boating, while fishing boats are more utilitarian. If you plan to fish on the open ocean or other rough bodies of water to catch large fish, you'll likely be better off with a true fishing boat. On the other hand, pontoon boats do well in calmer rivers, lakes, and sheltered bays.
If you're looking for a relaxing time on the water while throwing your line out for some fish, a pontoon boat offers more room to stretch out and is ultimately more comfortable than a traditional fishing boat. If you're a dedicated angler who enjoys fishing in rough waters and targeting large or abundant catches, a traditional fishing boat is likely the better choice.
Serious Fishing or Casual Fishing?
Ultimately, your choice of a boat will come down to the level of seriousness of your fishing endeavors. Many boats made specifically for fishing include the features that serious anglers want, including live wells, rod holders, marine-grade stainless steel, high-volume fuel tanks, and a fishing-friendly deck layout. Some pontoon boats offer these features as well, and some features can also be added to pontoon boats as you desire.
However, this all comes back to how seriously you take your fishing endeavors. If you and your family only go fishing a few times a year, you probably don't care too much about fancy fishing features. On the other hand, a serious angler will probably consider every feature mentioned above to be a must-have.
At Reeder-Trausch Marine Indy, we can help you find the best boat for your needs, whether that’s a versatile pontoon boat or a serious fishing boat. Get in touch today!
