Float Tubes vs. Pontoon Boats in the Yukon

May 13, 2006 at 5:02 pm

I was doing some research today for my next “Whats Up Yukon” article on personal propelled watercrafts and was curious about whether float tubes or pontoon boats are better for fishing in the Yukon. I own a Buck’s Bags belly boat and have enjoyed fishing it in the local stocked lakes. I love being able to throw it in the car, head out to Hidden Lakes and fish for two to three hours after my kids go to bed.

I have had great luck trolling leeches, nymphs and chironomid pattern with a sinking fly line. After chatting with Jason and Sean at the Sportslodge and Glen at Sports North I am thinking a pontoon boat may be better. I always thought that pontoon boats were for moving water like fishing the Takhini for Grayling. I thought they were too cumbersome to carry and fish with oars on our little local lakes.

Glen says that pontoon boats are outselling float tubes these days and they are great for stillwater applications. He says that you can cover more water in greater comfort in a pontoon than a float tube. I agree hands down with comfort as I have found it a bit tiring to kick all day and painful to not cover more water.

I actually own a second hand pontoon boat that I have yet to inflate. I would imagine it would be tricky on a pontoon boat fighting a fish on a windy day with both hands on the rod. The boat would probably lose ground and may take you closer to the shoreline if not careful.

I guess an anchor would help but then there is another underwater obstacle for the fish to get tangled on. I’ll try them both this year and get back to you with an official tested position. What do you think? Any recommendations on brand or features?

By the way this weather sucks…

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