broken-fish.net

Well, almost ;^)

Just need a cleat or something to secure the anchor rope, but using some bits and pieces I had in the garage, I was able to put what I think should be a very functional front anchor. Some wing nuts, a couple bolts, a number of washers, and a small section of PVC pipe to act as a roller for the anchor rope, all mounted to a 4 foot section of galvanized pipe that fits nicely into the front end of the pontoon boat frame, just ahead of the left foot rest.

I hope to find a mounting clip similar to those that are used to put the frame together, so that I won’t need to use any tools at all – the wing nuts help, but need to use a standard screwdriver to get it tightened well. It might be a good idea to spray paint the anchor mast as well to prevent any rust.

Tags: equipment, mods, pontoon boat

Well, I broke down today and purchased a electric motor for the pontoon boat (and canoe). Ended up getting the 30lb. thrust model – Rob bought the same one, and has found it more than adequate to move the pontoon boat around.

I’m still researching the battery. He bought a Kirkland deep cycle from Costco. It’s a $100. Walmart has an Energizer model, for the same price, and I believe that Canadian Tire’s Nautilus batteries are the same price as well. I’ll also need to get a charger – thinking that I’ll pick up the Minn-Kota portable charger ($60), or a Nautilus charger ($70).

Update: Picked up the Canadian Tire Nautilus battery. And began setting up the pontoon boat to how I think I want things positioned. I used a section of 2×4 about 60″ long, so that the 2×4 extends 6″ past each side. This way it can act as an oar rest if I want the oars right out of the water. A couple 1/4″ slots allow the board to sit nicely into the deck plate, and I’ve secured it with 3 lag screws and washers.

I’ve also reversed the head of the trolling motor. I think that it will be more comfortable trolling so that I sit and watch my line having the motor configured this way. It’s only a single screw and nut to put it back to normal, so we’ll see how it works out.

I’m also thinking about fashioning some sort of wheel system – and have a wheel on each side of the rear deck that can swing down for transport. Still working that out in my head.

Tags: equipment, fly fishing, pontoon boat

IF YOU’VE LOOKED at the stack of fly-fishing catalogs on your bedstand lately, you’ve probably noticed a lot of recent growth. Just 15 years ago, fly fishers could reliably choose from a small handful of products for their wader, jacket, vest, and sundry other needs. Established companies such as Hodgman, L.L. Bean, Orvis, Patagonia, and Simms have been providing technical products for decades, but lately they’ve been joined by such upstarts as Albright, Cloudveil, William Joseph, and even Under Armour, to name just a few. Having all these new players at the table means an increase in competition—and where there’s competition, innovation thrives. Unfortunately, all that innovation can add substantially to the level of confusion when an angler walks into a fly shop and takes a couple wading jackets or pairs of waders down off the walls. What makes a $350 wader a $350 wader anyway? Why is a $350 model worth more than the one that costs $99? To answer these questions, you need to understand a little about how fly-fishing clothing is designed and made.

This is a very good article that helps demystify the marketing jargon used by the different companies that make breathable waders.  Check it out! > Fly Fishing Waders: Breathable Waders – MidCurrent

Tags: equipment, waders

I’m currently researching pontoon boats – I think that this spring I am going to make the leap and retire the tube as my personal fishing craft.

After looking at the offerings available at the local shops – which basically consist of the Outcast and Water Skeeter lines – I started researching a bit more – checking out other fishing forums, and came across another company, North Fork Outdoors, based in Utah, USA.

They have a model called the Skykomish Sunrise – and actually have a couple versions of it. I’m intrigued by the ST model – the size, the casting platform and lean bar, the river rating, and the capacity. I’m trying to find a local dealer – without a lot of success yet. Looks like they have an added bonus – including a stripping basket at no charge.

Tags: equipment, pontoon boat

I think I might get a pontoon boat this year – trying to determine what to get though is harder than I thought….

Criteria:

• suitable for lake AND river fishing
• durable (some of the rivers I see myself fishing on can get pretty shallow)
• ease of assembly
• motor mount (in case I decide to get an electric motor)
• suitable for overnight trips

Not sure what else that I might/should take into consideration, other than a budget… but as in most things, it’s flexible – provided that there’s good justification. I’m a firm believer in “you get what you pay for”, but within reason ;^)

It seems that the Outcast and Water Skeeter are the primary manufacturers of high quality pontoon boats… and from those suppliers, the Outcast Cougar seems to be the most appealing. I like the low draft (3″), and the low profile. However, I like the idea of a casting platform, like on the Water Skeeter Chetco…. the pontoons definitely seem like they would be good for the rivers (based on my experience with canoes), but I have heard that they aren’t great on shallower waters…

Tags: equipment, pontoon boat