Fishing Forum

Hello everyone,

I wanted to know if some of you can share information about use of pontoons similar to my 8' fishcat pontoon on Henry's Lake. My wife and I will be fishing a couple of hours on Monday morning.


1. Which areas should I avoid launching and which are best?
2. Do I need to the spray(rinse at the boat launch) on the toons?
I was told that safety inspections are not required for boat launching but I have a trolling motor, whistle, life jacket, rope and both of our toons are registered.
My inital thoughts are to launch at the state dock, setup toons with motors on my trailer, thenback in towards boat docks...unload the toons come back and take off. This is the obvious thing for me, but with the crowds I'm wondering what is actual rules or easiest way. I'm new to using toons this year.



Thanks!
Match
[signature]

With pontoons I don't bother taking up space on the boat ramp. I just pull in as close as I can in the parking lot and carry my toon to the nearest water. Usually you can find a parking spot right near the shore.

Windriver
[signature]

I mentioned the same thing, but what do the shore lines look like as far as people. I would think they are more packed than the ramp.
Match, you get the boats set up, back down and unload then have wife kick off to the end of the dock with your boat. What is the difference at this point with pontoons or boat.
We have been in this situation a lot. But try to be as fast as you can. You pay the same for the right to boat lakes as a big boat so don't sell yourself short.

As far as the wash. We have never had ours washed at the marina and we have both gas and electric. I guess you could get someone that thinks they should, but again I have never had to, and I even ask if they want to or at least check my boat.....nothing.
I don't think it will hurt them if they do, but maybe check the air in them when they are done cause it will be hot water, then cold air.
[signature]

As was mentioned, you have as much right to the ramp as anyone that has tags on their boat. Be prepared to launch when you get on the ramp. Keep the time you use on the ramp down to a minimum and have a great time!

Looking forward to the zoo reports!
[signature]

If I do launch at the state boat dock, I know that my time lauching will be as quick and as an efficient boat launch. I've seen others launch boats and I don't anticipate being the bottle neck.....It can be pretty hairy out there on the boat ramp...some peeps starting their boats for the first time in the season realizing the engine wont start...a classic...

Thanks everyone for feedback....
if we can get in-law scheduling done , we hope to make it monday morning....
[signature]