Fishing Forum

So I used the standing platform with lean bar on my toon
few times.
I got to tell you that I really dont care for it much. It is
kinda scary in a way. I think Im just going to keep
sitting down on my a$$ and enjoy fishing that way.
Anyone uses standing platform on they toon?

Peter
[signature]

Awesome when there are Gulpers.....can really get the distance on the fly line too.

It was a little "scary" the first few minutes but after realizing there was nothing to be scared about, it became a great fishing tool.

Things to be aware of.....without the bar lock...if you loose your balance, grab the back of the seat not the bar as it folds inwards.
The deck can get very slippery, so make sure you have sure footing.
This is true with any pontoon standing platform.

Now what is really scary is trying to stand without a lean bar.

At least the standing deck on the NFO's are bigger than any others[cool]
[signature]

peter... I have not used a standing platform but just a bit of insight... that first pic fg posted is of her hubby mojo.. .and he is a big guy... over 6 foot and over 200... he looks pretty stable to me.. but I can imagine that it is scary standing up on one of those things until you get used to it... and you have a great toon to work with...

MacFly
[signature]

Peter,

There might be a difference between standing on the X5 vs the Madison since the X5 is at least a foot longer and has more volume. It helps to have the frame just a little further back as well. Also, not sure if you have the locking bar which really adds to the comfort level.

I stood on mine on the Kern River (in a slow moving section) and it was great. On lakes, the main time I stand up is when the wind is blowing. I anchor the boat and then fan cast all around me before moving to a new location. Otherwise, I seem to drift too fast if there's any breeze when I'm standing.

Jim
[signature]

[quote Jim_T]Peter,

There might be a difference between standing on the X5 vs the Madison since the X5 is at least a foot longer and has more volume. It helps to have the frame just a little further back as well. Also, not sure if you have the locking bar which really adds to the comfort level.

I stood on mine on the Kern River (in a slow moving section) and it was great. On lakes, the main time I stand up is when the wind is blowing. I anchor the boat and then fan cast all around me before moving to a new location. Otherwise, I seem to drift too fast if there's any breeze when I'm standing.

Jim[/quote]

Right you are Jim. Outlaw is posted at 10' 6" but when inflated is actually an inch under 10', same diameter however, and the Madison is wider.

I had a picture of the OutlawX5 with two frames on it. Kind of cool. One back by the bend rowed and the one in front stood and fished. But, the one in the front was Larry Tullis...need I say more about how well these boats are balance....even with more weight towards the front.

I do have several friends with the Madison and they love it. It is true, you don't use the standing platform all the time, BUT, it is there if you want to.
[signature]

[cool][#0000ff]I have some buddies that have Skykomish's and Madisons.
They've floated the Green, Henry's Fork and the Madison to name a few using the standing deck and lean bar while fishing. They've used them on stillwater also. (none have the bar lock either) Never have I heard anyone say anything negative about them until now. I guess some people have a harder time of doing things than others. Nothing wrong with that. Confidence can be a factor too I suppose. If you're not confident with the setup, you'll not be comfortable standing and casting.
If you don't like it, try it later on when you're more comfortable with the 'toon.
Since I put a gas motor on mine I haven't had the lean bar on, but I still stand and cast using the platform.FWIW, like Mac said, 6'3, 225 slim lbs. and size 13 boot.[laugh][/#0000ff]
[signature]

How come you don't use the lean bar when you have the motor installed? Do they interfere with each other? I use the lean bar stop when I have my trolling motor installed.

Did either of you do anything to quiet down the metal-on-metal sound when pulling out the platform so as to not spook the fish? I attached a velcro strip to the top of the frame but I'm thinking about switching to some shrink tubing on the piece that slides along the top of the frame.

Jim
[signature]

I haven't noticed it scaring any fish but I am either fishing very deep or out in front of me.
The velcro was suggested by Larry. Our decks were the first of a new builder so they didn't slide so easy at first. We had to do a little tweeking and used CAR WAX....they slide like a dream now.
[signature]

[quote Jim_T]How come you don't use the lean bar when you have the motor installed? Do they interfere with each other? I use the lean bar stop when I have my trolling motor installed.
[#0000bf]Jim, I just haven't put it on when I've used the Nissan.
Plus, I've got a 7" pedestal that the seat is bolted to, so I'm not sure if it would work.
Using wing nuts, I can convert it pretty quickly back to my other seat so I'm down on the frame.(I have 2 seats).[/#0000bf] [#0000bf]With the seat raised, I don't use fins. If I want to move a few feet, I use my oars. It's pretty easy. I anchor down a lot, sight fish or deep nymph on stillwater.[/#0000bf]
[#0000bf]As for the sound, when moving the platform out, I've never thought about it.[/#0000bf]

Did either of you do anything to quiet down the metal-on-metal sound when pulling out the platform so as to not spook the fish? I attached a velcro strip to the top of the frame but I'm thinking about switching to some shrink tubing on the piece that slides along the top of the frame.

Jim[/quote]
[signature]

Thanks. I'm shopping around for a used gas motor to use when I'm in my local salt water bays and I love the idea of having a gas and electric for bass fishing just like the big boys (I have a 40# trolling motor I use for fresh water).

I'll consider the pedestal if I go gas.

I'm thinking of a 2 or 3 hp motor to save on weight (my back is starting to give me some problems). Would that be enough hp? I would limit my trips to inside the bays but there is a small amount of tidal flow and of course the wind.

Jim
[signature]

The 5hp Nissan I have is 58 lb. Less than a deep cycle battery actually. I just beefed up the rear deck a little.
I wanted the 5hp because it had a F- N -R lever and a external tank. I think the smaller ones are neutral and forward only. 360º steering doesn't do anything for me.

As a side note, I bought a Scotty anchor lock and bolted it to the rear deck next to the motor. Perfect.

edit- I'm going to say it now before anyone get's their panty's bunched up.
Sorry for the hijack, just some different information.[angelic][angelic]
[signature]

I can't speak for Peter but I don't think he will mind the highjack. He and I talk all the time and we're both looking for all the info we can get on accessories and improvements for our pontoons, especially from those that have the same or similar models.

I know he's looking into a motor as well, although it's a trolling motor (but once he sees my gas motor on my baby bass boat I'm sure he'll want one as well []).

Jim
[signature]

[quote Jim_T]I can't speak for Peter but I don't think he will mind the highjack. He and I talk all the time and we're both looking for all the info we can get on accessories and improvements for our pontoons, especially from those that have the same or similar models.

I know he's looking into a motor as well, although it's a trolling motor (but once he sees my gas motor on my baby bass boat I'm sure he'll want one as well []).

Jim[/quote]


LOL
yeah, you right !
[signature]

Thank you everyone for your input. I guess I will need to
get used to it. Maybe at later time.
For the type of fishing I do I really dont need to stand
up much but its nice to know that I can if I need to.

Peter
[signature]

I don't imagine anyone uses a standing platform allot.
But, you catch something in the distance...maybe 50' or 60' out.
Not quite sure what it is and you don't want to move close for fear it will move.
HEY! You can stand up and see it...plus cast to it with ease.
This is especially true when fishing the weeds for Tiger Musky or Trout...plus tossing that big old mouse!

Not to mention, they are just plain KEWL!!![cool]
[signature]

Well, its not like Im going to remove the platform or anything. I will keep it there . It works good for putting
my fins on (when on the water), to put my fly rod down
next to me when I need to and it catch whatever I may drop..............
And IF I ever have the need to use it when there it is.[]

P;S: I got the new oars. Thay are so cool. I cant wait to
try those out.

Peter
[signature]