Pontoon Rookie! help please?

[pkred]

So I got a Pontoon boat off KSL finally. I got all set up and went down to the outlet of Utah lake and the Jordan river. i had a worm on and was slowly making my way up river. Bam fish on. I though it was a carp cause it was bending the heck out of my pole. Now the trouble starts. I was getting pulled around like a sparrow in a hurricane. right into the reeds. I do not have a net so i decide to paddle back to my launch. I get there the fish is still on. I beach my boat and start to reel in the fish. OMG its the biggest Channel I have ever caught.[sly] I try to pull it up onto the bank, and my hook rips off its lip. The fish swims back into the deep murky Jordan and I am on the bank thinking to my self..... I need to work on my set up.[frown]My questions are how do you boat a big fish on a toon? And what is the best way to make a deck for my equiptment? I looked at the archives and I think I got some good ideas for the rod holder. I also need a net. And any other advice from you guys would help. I think i'm hooked! No pun intended.
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[fairwayphilly]

I always used a pair of flippers to hold position (also used it to steer when I ran an electric trolling motor). A net is critical however.
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[sinergy]

Make and model of pontoon would help little so we get an idea of what your working with. Also get a light anchor help you stay positioned. Definitely use flippers always good to have back up to your oars .

I have a Creek Company ODC sport that has a snap on front Mesh cargo deck theres 4 straps that snap on the frame it seem pretty universal may work on your toon. I think CC sell them or you could fabricate one I think any light water proof hard surface would work hard part would be being able to make it detachable so you can get in and out of your toon with ease.

OH and CONGRATS ON THE NEW TOON
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[bubba_burt]

I use flippers and an anchor as well, and they help out considerably. Also a drift net will help out as well, as you might find out that in windy conditions you get blown all over. Hope you enjoy your new toon[][]
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[Troll]

For sure get some flippers. The good news is you can get the small ones! They are just for positioning and fighting fish. You hae to really fight the fish too. Steer them where you want to go.
I find a medium handle, not to deep net is ideal. Small enough to store, big enough to be of use.

For rod holders and gear platforms, consider PVC. Many on this board are pretty handy and are always coming up with ways to mount things.

To mount a simple plywood (painted, of course) platform usally only requires buying 4 hitch pins at Home Depot. Most frames have a few spare holes to put them through. Align the board where you want it and hold it in place with tape. Drill through the holes in the frame and into the plywood, This will assure the holes in the board align with the frame holes.
When the frame is fully assembled, place the platform in position, drop in the pins and ad your gear.
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[pkred]

Its is a buck bag Alpine 6 ft. I like the plywood platform idea thanks.
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[Marathonman]

Hey, I also have a pontoon boat. The flippers are a great idea. Bring a sidecutter to cut the spikes off the catfish before putting them in the wire fishbasket.
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[SportfishinSteve]

[#000080][/#000080]
[#000080]Here is a picture of my toon and how I carry a net and pole holder. Everyone has their preferences, but this works for me. [cool][/#000080]
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