Pond King Blog

Locating Fish on the River

noreply@blogger.com (Pond King) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:39:00 +0000

Mini pontoon boats are the way to go when you are looking for fish on the river. You can easily get into all those nooks and crannies that you just cannot get to in any other water craft. You may be wondering which swims will give you the best chance to catch the most fish. Here we will discuss what types of habitats river fish love the most and why. You can also learn how to identify these areas from above the water. With a keen eye and the right bait, you could really bring in a haul.
The first thing to do when you get to the river is look for signs of fish. Those little circles on top of the water are a dead giveaway as to where fish are hanging around. This will tell you if they are looming in the center or near the edges of the water. If the water is clear enough, you may be able to tell if the fish are hanging near the surface or deep on the bottom. This will help you to choose your lure.
If you do not visually spot a fish, or if the water is murky, then they may be at the bottom. The easiest way to tell is to look very closely at the water. Tiny bubbles, or fizz, will rise to the surface when fish are bottom feeding. This is because the fish need to release tiny bits of air to keep from floating up. Fizz will not only tell you that the fish are present, but also that they are looking for food and that you should use a lure that sinks.
Another way to tell that fish are on the bottom is to look for unusually muddy areas. If the water is clear and you see a muddy spot, then that is a sure sign that fish are stirring up the mud. If the water is already murky or muddy, the stirring up of mud on the bottom can still be spotted. Usually the mud that they are stirring is a slightly different color than the muddy particles floating in the river. You may even see rising clouds of mud if you look closely.
Fish generally look for cover, not only for protection, but also so they can camouflage themselves when they are looking to ambush their prey. For this reason, you can usually find fish along banks in still water. Look for grass or river reeds growing up through the water. Sometimes you will even see the grass move when a fish swims through it. Look for other things in the water that fish may want to use as their habitats. Stumps, downed trees and limbs make for likely spots. Fishermen have found that mini pontoon boats can safely get them into these areas without risking damage to their boats. Happy hunting!

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.

The Importance of Underwater Fish Habitats

noreply@blogger.com (Pond King) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:19:00 +0000

The Importance of Underwater Fish Habitats

Fish use underwater debris for protection, hunting grounds and spawning. Common debris used as fish habitats include stumps, fallen trees, rocks and branches. Over time, the debris can deteriorate and appropriate fish habitats can diminish. This reduces the fish population that a lake can support. In many lakes, habitat conservation efforts have been put into practice to help keep up the fish population. If you are looking to create a fish habitat in your own lake or pond, you can do so by simply keeping a few things in mind.Traditionally, fishermen have thrown their Christmas trees near their pier or boating docks to help create a natural fish habitat. This can help the fish find places to hide and ambush their prey. It can make fishing off of your pier very enjoyable because there should be a lot of fish regularly hanging around the area. But, it can also be frustrating to constantly get your hooks stuck in the brush. If you intend to fish the area, then you should consider using materials that will not snag your hooks and lures very easily. The Honey Hole Tree is a good option for a permanent fixture.If you choose to make your own, consider using something like PVC pipe. It will not snag your hook and it can be easily removed if you choose to take it out. Algae should grow on it over time and provide good cover for the fish. Keep in mind that PVC can damage passing boats if they are not aware that it is there. Do not put this type of habitat in public waters where boaters might pass over it. Although PVC structures are easily visible on fish finder displays, you do not want to be responsible for damage caused to the boats of unsuspecting drivers. Fishermen have been experimenting with attracting more fish to their favorite spots for years. They have tried lots of things like milk crates, truck tires, trash cans and even old bike frames. All of these things can make a great fish habitat, but you need to think of the purpose. If your purpose is to help the pond or lake support more fish, then your mission is accomplished. If you want to fish in this area, then you will likely run into a few snags. Using natural brush and logs will likely attract the most fish, but again there is the problem of snags plus the added problem of oxygen depletion that happens when wood decays in the water. Using synthetics can solve your problem. Try sticking to soft, pliable materials that will not damage passing boats. If you can also make your creation look a lot like a real plant, with limbs and such, then it will attract even more fish. Whether you are fishing from the bank, your pier or your mini pontoon boat, you will enjoy the abundance of fish that your habitat attracts. Plus, you can feel good about helping to support the fish population in your favorite pond or lake.

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.

I Want a Mini Pontoon Boat!

noreply@blogger.com (Pond King) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:08:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Pond King) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 03:35:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Pond King) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 03:30:00 +0000

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?

noreply@blogger.com (Pond King) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 03:28:00 +0000

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.

Finding Bass on Your Mini Pontoon Boat

noreply@blogger.com (Pond King) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 21:35:00 +0000

One of the greatest challenges of bass fishing is determining the best spot to fish. It takes a little understanding of the bass to figure it out. Once you have it, you can more consistently identify bass areas and reel in more fish. Determining the best area to fish for bass depends on what type of bass you are hunting. Large mouth bass, small mouth bass, spotted bass and black bass all behave differently. Furthermore, they all are very sensitive to conditions. They may exhibit different characteristics at different times, depending on the weather, temperature, lighting and food supply.

One thing that all bass keep in common is their love of cover. Whether it is a downed tree, underwater grasses, a sunken canoe, or a pier, they will most likely be near it or under it. This holds especially true for large mouth bass. They are avid hunters and want to stay concealed.A lot of bass, especially spotted and small mouth bass, like to hang out alongside cliffs. This is where your equipment can come in handy. Many lakes also have topographic maps that can clue you in to where cliffs may be.

If you frequent a specific lake or waterway, keep track of where you find bass. You will need to record everything about the conditions, the time of year, time of day, and temperature of the water, whatever you can. You may not find bass in the same spot again for a while. They tend to migrate around depending on conditions. They like to move to warmer, usually shallower waters to spawn in the spring. But, they may not feed much during this time and they can be difficult to catch. They will mainly be concentrating on egg protection. For this reason, bass fishing is usually best in deeper water, starting in the summer.

As the water warms up in the summer, the bass will want to escape the heat and get into cooler deeper water. They will hang around in large schools around cliffs and deep structures. Large rocks, submerged trees and docks over deep water are good places to find bass during this time. If the water gets too warm, they will want to escape to even cooler deeper water, but the lack of oxygen in really deep water will force them to stay in the shallower warm water. These types of conditions can make the bass act ill, they do not eat a lot, and they can be very hard to catch.
Submerged rocks offer a cool cover in warm water and a lot of bass will stick close to ledges and large rocks to stay cool. During winter, they will return to the shallows and can be a lot easier to catch.The best time to determine good bass fishing areas is in the early morning or late afternoon. During these times you will likely see the bass surfacing for food, and you will know where to go. Choose your lures, keep a bass fishing diary, and get out there for a good year of fishing on your mini pontoon boat.

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 http://www.pondking.com/.

Angling for Crappie: Mini Pontoon Boat Fishing

noreply@blogger.com (Pond King) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 21:29:00 +0000

There is nothing quite like fishing from a mini pontoon boat. The agility and stability of the compact designed mini pontoon makes a perfect platform for crappie fishing. Crappie can be found in almost every kind of fresh water. The mini pontoon boat makes it possible to navigate around from backwater streams to open lakes. Many anglers enjoy crappie fishing because the equipment and technique needed to catch crappie is fairly simple.
Drift fishing is a popular way to catch crappie in the summer months. Crappie, like most fish, will head for deeper water in the summer to cool off. They will not go far below 25 feet due to the low oxygen content of the underlayers of the lake. They prefer still waters, so if you are fishing rivers and streams, look for deeper areas with little current to locate your favorite crappie hole. Drift fishing is fairly simple and works well for these crappie holes, as well as the lake. You will want to locate an area that seems crappie friendly. Do not drive your motor directly over the fish or they will scatter. What you want to do is to use the trolling motor and quietly drift past the hole with your line in the water. Work the line up and down to attract the most fish.
In lakes, many crappie congregate along dam walls to feed. This is where the lake naturally collects things that crappie consider food. Using a mini pontoon boat to drift fish a lake dam is the perfect strategy. You will have a quiet drift along the dam while easily conquering other boats’ wakes.
One of the best times of year to fish for crappie is in the spring. As water temperatures rise in the shallows, crappie move towards them for spawning. Male crappies will be building their nests at this time. Look for grasses that rise above the water, submerged structures and big rocks. Nests are usually made near vegetation in the shallow water. This is where that mini pontoon boat can really pay off!

Think about spawning behavior when fishing for crappie. The males protect the nest. This means that they will become aggressive and attack certain bait. Using this strategy, you can figure out how to catch them. A lot of fishermen are fans of the worm on the hook type of bait, but the male crappie is not necessarily interested in a lot of eating at this time. He will, however, attack larger jigs and bait that looks like a threat to the nest. This is how you can catch a large quantity of crappie in the spring.

Utilizing a mini pontoon boat in your favorite lake, river or stream can help you to have your most productive crappie season yet.

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. For more information, please visit www.pondking.com.

Tips for Taking your Kid Fishing

noreply@blogger.com (Pond King) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 21:26:00 +0000

Taking your child fishing is a time honored tradition unparalleled by other childhood memories. Most fathers dream of fishing with their kids, relaxing and teaching them the patience and skill that it takes to reel in the big one. If you are considering taking your kid fishing for the first time, here are a few tips to ensure that you have a memorable trip.

The first rule of fishing with your child is to make it a fun experience. Do not make promises that you cannot keep. Make sure that they are aware that it is possible to have a lot of fun, even if you do not catch anything. You can have a lot of fun out on the water, whether it is on a pier, in the grass or on a mini pontoon boat. Canoes and pontoon boats can be fun for a kid whether they actually fish or not.

Allow your child to explore the water. Aquarium nets are great for catching tadpoles and minnows. Do not force your child to fish if they are too young to be interested for very long. Let them try to skip rocks and see what floats and what sinks.

Be prepared when you go. Kids’ fishing poles are relatively inexpensive and often come with a small tackle box. Bring some different kinds of bait and let your child pick which ones they like. Using live bait is always a treat and usually an effective lure for just about any type of fish. Bring enough snacks and drinks to keep your kid going. Packing a picnic is a good idea. Kids also get a kick out of using leftover bread or lunchmeat as tackle. Use imaginative language and say things like, “I wonder if the fish will like to eat the same things we do.” Self-casting rods are fun for kids and they don’t tangle very easily. You can teach your child to cast in the yard before you go fishing if you would like.

Remember to keep the mood light and don’t put any undue pressure on the child. Don’t forget to bring a camera with you on the trip! Be encouraging and give lots of praise. This is your chance to spend some uninterrupted quality time together. You can instill a lifelong love of fishing and the outdoors in your child during trips like this. Point out the importance of keeping the water clean for the fish. Talk about how beautiful and precious nature is and encourage them to care about their environment.

If the goal is to really catch some fish, then you might consider a stock pond for your trip. Stock ponds are generally easy to fish and even an inexperienced child can actually catch a lot of fish. If you have the land, you might consider getting your own stock pond in your yard. Also, getting a mini pontoon boat or fishing pontoon boat can make any fishing trip a real adventure no matter what your age!

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.