do you need fins on a pontoon

[johan-p]

hi Guys
i need some answers so i am calling in you're help
do you need fins on the use of a pontoon
who use them and who dont, and why do or dont you use them

johan
[signature]

[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]That is a logical question. The simple answer is that you do not NEED them, but it is good to wear them, for many reasons.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The oars on a pontoon craft work very well to move you across the water. They allow you to move faster and cover more water. However, they are not good for helping you maintain your position or for moving only a short distance while you are fishing. A good pair of fins lets you fish "hands-free", with the oars stowed in their inactive position. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]If there is absolutely no breeze at all, it is not much trouble to keep fishing, without worrying about having your pontoon blow you away from the area you are fishing. But, since pontoons sit higher in the water, they catch the wind more and they move across the water with even the slightest breeze. That makes it almost impossible to keep fishing if you must work the oars all the time. You need either a good anchor or a set of fins...or both.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Wearing fins can also help you steer your pontoon if you have a lot of strength but are not good at rowing in a straight line. Even the guys that hook up electric trolling motors will sometimes just let the motor run, while trolling, and use their fins to steer.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The last reason for at least taking fins with you on your pontoon is as a "backup" system. You can break an oar, or lose one while fishing. Without both oars, you will either have to use the remaining oar as a paddle (very tough in a pontoon) or hope the wind blows you in the right direction to where you left your vehicle. Fins are not as fast or efficient as oars, but they can at least help you move in the direction you want to go.[/#0000ff]
[signature]

[johan-p]

ok then
thats a clear answer i need to buy a pair of fins


thanx Pat

johan
[signature]

[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]I sure do get the blame for a lot of money being spent on equipment. It is too bad that I do not get a commission on all of the stuff I sell for other people.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I am sure that once you are completely outfitted, and have a chance to get to know your system, that you will appreciate the extra freedom you have for fishing when you are wearing fins. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]As I usually advise newcomers to flotation fishing, be sure to try on your fins, with your waders and everything you will wear in cold water. Do not get fins that are too small or they will cramp your feet. There are several past threads on fins in the Best of the Best thread at the top of this page.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Good luck and send us some pictures of your new pontoon when you get it all set up.[/#0000ff]
[signature]

[Carp_Punisher]

[#505000]I use my pontoon over my tube almost exclusivly now. I like being up out of the water better and I like being able to take more junk out on the water with me. [/#505000]
[#505000][/#505000]
[#505000]When I first got the toon, on my second trip I decided to leave the fins home. BIG mistake!! In even a very gentle breeze the wind will start to to turn and spin you around. On that trip I spent more time trying to stay put than I did fishing. Even in a gentle breeze I would stay put but my craft would start to drift left or right pointing me in a different direction than where I wanted to fish.[/#505000]
[#505000][/#505000]
[#505000]Ever since that ill fated trip I always take fins just to keep my craft pointed the direction I want to face.[/#505000]
[signature]

[Fishhound]

Hey johan-p,

I use fins sometimes - mostly when I am in my pontoon on rivers. However, my pontoon is designed to be very change-able though. When I am on stillwaters or lakes, I sometimes change my pontoon to a different configuration where fins are not needed or even useable.

At those times, I either use only the oars or I use an electric motor for mobility. When I do that, I have to employ an anchor system to hold me in place.

As has been mentioned by others, having fins is very usefull for no-hands control of the pontoon so that a person can concentrate on fishing.

No matter which method I choose, the wind will be the biggest challange in boat control, although waves and/or currents can also be a large concern.

My suggestion is to get some good scuba diving fins and practice to find out when or where you should use them to your advantage in what ever situation you are most likely to encounter. Fins don't take up much room, so you can almost always bring them anyway.
[signature]

[fairwayphilly]

I ALWAYS use my fins. Like TD mentioned I set the trolling motor in one direction and use fins to steer and fish hands free. even with the motor off on dead still water I still use them to rotate the craft and move along slowly. Even with the anchor down I use them to keep from spinning at the end of the line. There are more powerful fins on the market, but I prefer a set that goes OVER my wading boots. It allows me to walk around on the shore, launch my craft on less than ideal bottoms without worrying about taking my boots off or tearing my waders and in a pontoon application you don't need the force from your fins like you do with a tube.
[signature]

[HenryDavid]

I find myself wiggling off the seat when I use fins, now I use strictly oars, I guess it's a matter of personal choice, if you get used to doing it one way (with some practice) that's the way to go.
[signature]

[HenryDavid]

I figured out today why I don't use fins, I put one oar behind me, out of the way, on the right side (fly fishing), drop anchor usually, unless there's little to no wind or I want to drift a bit, then use the left oar to position myself, facing to the right or the left, then I stand up on the frame, can still row standing up, my toon doesn't have a platform, I just stand on the frame next to the seats, worked well today.
[signature]

[tubeN2]

[font "Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"][black][size 1][font "Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"][black][size 1][#0000ff]I sure do get the blame for a lot of money being spent on equipment. It is too bad that I do not get a commission on all of the stuff I sell for other people.[/#0000ff]

Quote


I am sure that they are sending your commissions and on time. They are usually in the same envelope with your Cabelas Stock holders Dividends check.[cool]
[/size][/black][/font][/size][/black][/font]
[signature]