I Want a Mini Pontoon Boat!

This will be the cry of many men this Christmas. Mini Pontoon Boats are just way too exciting to be ignored. They are so compact and durable, maneuverable and just plain cool. Fishermen are just drooling at the possibilities. 
Imagine fishing in all those tiny areas that look so great, but are completely unattainable with a big boat. Fishing from a mini pontoon boat is a lot of fun. You are free to move around or sit comfortably in your chair. It’s like you are just a part of nature on top of the water. Nothing blocks your view or gets in the way of your cast. 
Maneuvering a mini pontoon boat is a dream. You will find yourself navigating lakes and streams with just about no effort. Structures where fish love to hang out may have been a challenge or just plain impossible to get to with you big boat in the past. But, with a mini pontoon boat, it can be a simple task. You will be the envy of every fisherman you come across!
Not only is a mini pontoon boat great for getting around, it is great for bringing out your friends and family as well. Do not let the name “mini” turn you off. There is plenty of room to bring along company or maybe even your grill. Just getting out on the water and not worrying about getting stuck or wearing out before you are done is a great feeling. Getting your kids out for a fun run or a day of fishing can be a priceless experience. 
When you are ready to purchase your mini pontoon boat, look for ones made with maintenance free materials. You do not want to be worrying about rust while your boat is not even being used. Many pontoon boats are marketed with inferior materials and may not be worth the investment. Look for sturdy, long lasting materials, quality craftsmanship and affordable pricing. It is possible to find really high quality boats for less than you imagined.
Mini pontoon boats are great because they are so easy to hook up to your car and go. They are so lightweight that you can pull them on a trailer with just about any vehicle. No need to invest in a big truck just to pull your boat. These guys are easy to get in and out of the water even by yourself. 
This Christmas, you know what to ask for. It’s most definitely a mini pontoon boat this year! It will be a small investment for such a big return.

About the Author: Brad Metzler is the owner of Pond King Inc., an industry leader in the production and sale of Pontoon Boats, Mini Pontoon Boats, Floating Docks, Honey Hole Trees, and Turtle Traps. Pond King Inc. also consists of Lake and Pond Management Professionals that are dedicated to finding the most economical solutions and strategies for your fish stocking needs. 

Catching Catfish with Children

There is nothing quite like spending the day fishing for catfish. Just relaxing outdoors enjoying some quality time with your friends and family is a great escape from the normal fast-paced existence we have become accustomed to. Taking your kids out to catch some catfish is a time honored tradition. Getting the family out on a mini pontoon boat can double the fun on your catfishing trip. 
Kids especially love taking a fishing trip on a mini pontoon boat. You can bring along many accessories that you normally would have to leave behind. The most popular thing to bring with you is a grill. There’s nothing like grilling out with the family while you appreciate nature and get some good fishing done. On a mini pontoon boat, you can get into all those little nooks and crannies that are normally left unexplored by other boaters. You can navigate through shallow waters and over obstacles without worrying about damaging your boat.
If you are going out catfishing, you should learn a little about their habits to increase your chances of a good catch. Knowing a thing or two can also make you seem like the expert in front of those you wish to impress! 
Catfish hunt for food using their sense of smell. Kids enjoy trying all different kinds of foods on their hooks to see what the catfish will like. Hot dogs and beef jerkey are popular choices! Catching crickets and digging up worms are also fun experiences for kids. 
Many catfish feed at night, so an afternoon trip may be your best bet with family. Remember to bring flashlights or other sources of light so that you can keep fishing after dark. It probably is not a good idea to take small children fishing after dark, so use your best judgment and make sure that there is more than one adult present. 
A lot of catfish are scavengers that feed off of the bottom. Choose bait that sinks if possible. Most prefer aquatic insects and almost all catfish love to eat crayfish. Children love catching crayfish in the shallows along riverbanks and streams. Consider taking the kids crayfish hunting the day before to get them pumped up about the catfishing trip without wearing them out completely in one day. Once you get on the mini pontoon boat, remember that you are all here to relax and have fun. Keep the attention span of the children in mind and help them to enjoy the experience.

About the Author: Brad Metzler is the owner of Pond King Inc., an industry leader in the production and sale of Pontoon Boats, Mini Pontoon Boats, Floating Docks, Honey Hole Trees, and Turtle Traps. Pond King Inc. also consists of Lake and Pond Managment Professionals that are dedicated to finding the most economical solutions and strategies for your fish stocking needs. For more information, please visit www.pondking.com.

Fly Fishing from a Mini Pontoon Boat

Many fly fishermen are starting to realize how fun and versatile a mini pontoon boat is for fly fishing. It can just get you into all types of fishing areas that are either too deep or too remote for traditional wading. Plus there are other perks to using a mini pontoon boat for fly fishing. For example, it can be safer for small children to learn the art of fly fishing. You can easily picnic or even grill out while relaxing and fly fishing on a mini pontoon boat. 
If you are new to fly fishing or just want to give it a try, there are a few basic things that you should know to make your fly fishing experience more enjoyable and possibly more productive. If you plan on taking a child fly fishing, you may want them to practice casting in the yard before going out on the boat. Make sure that you have a clear area. Use a small weight instead of an actual hook or fly when practicing your cast technique. 
When teaching a child, make sure that you do not push them to do something that they are not interested in. Most children will naturally be interested and fishing can prove to be a great bonding experience for the two of you. If you want to peak a child’s interest, consider offering rewards for learning, along with as much positive reinforcement as possible. Children as young as three or four years of age can learn to cast a fly rod, so do not be too intimidated by a child’s age. If your child is not mature enough or interested enough to really get the technique down, consider letting them use a regular child’s rod or just throw rocks or fish food into the water from the boat. The important thing is the time that you spend together appreciating the outdoors. 
The first thing you need is equipment. Ask for help when selecting your fly rod at the sporting goods store. A beginner fly rod will be easier to handle and make your trip more enjoyable. There is no need to spend a lot of money on your beginner rod and reel. You can always invest more as your skills progress. Ask to make sure that the rod, reel and line you are purchasing are sufficient to catch the kinds of fish you wish to fish for. 
You may choose to pick up a local fishing guide to identify the types of fish in your area. Fly shops are great resources for determining which types of flies are working best and where at the time of year that you are fishing. If you are not sure, check the internet or pick up a beginner’s fly fishing book. Another option is to go out on the water and pay attention to the bugs that you see. Are they floating calmly on top of the water? Are they darting quickly across the surface? You want your fly to seem like the local bugs that the fish like to eat. You can adjust your strategy based on what you see in nature. 
With the versatility of your mini pontoon boat, you fly fishing experience can be a great one, even on your first trip out!

About the Author: Brad Metzler is the owner of Pond King Inc., an industry leader in the production and sale of Pontoon Boats, Mini Pontoon Boats, Floating Docks, Honey Hole Trees, and Turtle Traps. Pond King Inc. also consists of Lake and Pond Managment Professionals that are dedicated to finding the most economical solutions and strategies for your fish stocking needs. For more information, please visit www.pondking.com.

Do I Need Boater’s Insurance for a Mini Pontoon Boat?

So you have purchased a mini pontoon boat. Congratulations! Let the fishing and fun begin. But wait, you have invested in your boat and you should protect it. By purchasing boater’s insurance you are protecting your investment. 
Many people finance their boats and are required by the lender to carry boater’s insurance. If your boat is stolen or if something catastrophic happens, the lender stands to lose money and so do you. Insurance creates a safety net for you and the lender. Boater’s insurance is a low-cost way to ensure that you and the lender are protected. Many states require that your boat be insured as well. 
You will need, at the bare minimum, liability coverage. Liability covers damage done to other people’s property by your boat. You will be glad that you have it if your boat comes untied and slams into a million dollar yacht! Liability can be purchased to cover different amounts and the cost difference between slight coverage and a lot of coverage is usually very minimal. Consider getting as much coverage as possible in this area. 
Many people choose to buy insurance that covers medical costs incurred by themselves or other passengers on their boat. You may think that the chance of injury on a mini pontoon boat is minimal, but if someone takes a hook to the eye and ends up with a $30,000 medical bill, then you could be liable for that money. Medical coverage is a good idea if you will ever have passengers on your boat or if you yourself are not covered by medical insurance. 
If you finance your mini pontoon boat, the lender may require comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive covers things that could damage your boat that is out of your control, such as hurricanes, tornados, hail, lightening and theft. This does not cover theft of things left on your boat, but the actual boat itself. Comprehensive coverage can keep you from having to continue to make years of payments on a boat that you do not even have anymore.
Another coverage to consider is uninsured boater insurance. There is usually a very small monthly charge to carry uninsured boater insurance. This covers you if damage occurs to your boat by an uninsured or inadequately insured boater. This can keep you from having to pay for loss or damage to your boat in the event of an accident that was not your fault. This also usually covers hit and run accidents. 
Always be sure to check with your insurance company about specific coverage. Ask questions and educate yourself about each coverage you select. Insuring your mini pontoon boat is just about never a bad idea!

About the Author: Brad Metzler is the owner of Pond King Inc., an industry leader in the production and sale of Pontoon Boats, Mini Pontoon Boats, Floating Docks, Honey Hole Trees, and Turtle Traps. Pond King Inc. also consists of Lake and Pond Managment Professionals that are dedicated to finding the most economical solutions and strategies for your fish stocking needs. For more information, please visit www.pondking.com.