Pontoon boats are quite famous mainly for fishing purposes. Fishing pontoon boats are stable, spacious and provide a great casting platform. Separate from fishing, they make great fun cruising around and relaxing. Unfortunately, some fishing pontoon boat models possess a substantial price tag. If you are planning for a budget buy, then you will be looking for standard features with good quality. In this article, we will see the best fishing pontoon boats for the money spent.
How To Select The Best Fishing Pontoon Boats?
Those interested in fishing should look for options that can make your fishing experience worthy. Also for making the investment fruitful, it is better to look for options that can be utilized while fishing, cruising and other activities.
Fishing Pontoon Boats – Length
When taking your pontoon boat on a fishing adventure, you will have to have good storage for your fishing gear. This can include fishing rods, fishing nets, tackle boxes, etc. In general, 22′ long pontoon boats will be a good choice for those passionate anglers. If larger fishing pontoon boats are not in your budget, then mini pontoon boats, small pontoon boats, and inflatable pontoon boats make excellent budget friendly fishing pontoon boats.
Fishing Pontoon Boats – Floor Plan
After considering length, the second consideration is the floor plan. The best fishing pontoon boat floor plans will incorporate two separate designs. One design will be a comfy cruiser, and the other will be a fishing boat. The model should offer the best of both worlds. This means you don’t have to look for other options; your pontoon boat can be your party companion too.
Fishing Pontoon Boats – Accessories
The following items will be present in the best fishing pontoon boats:
- Rotating chairs: Full rotating chairs will provide better access to fishing waters.
- Comfortable Seating: So you can comfortable endure long hours on the water.
- Rod holder: So that you can keep your rods in place when they are not in use.
- Live well: So that you can hold the fishes you caught till the weigh in time. Thereby, providing a better survival rate when released.
- Depth/fish finder: Using this GPS device, you can locate the best fishing spots
- Tackle holder: So that you can hold fishing tackle.
Most fishing pontoons will also give you the option to add a trolling motor to the bow. Look for stable fishing pontoon boat models which can be easily driven to as many fishing spots as possible. If you are into saltwater fishing, then you can look for brands offering saltwater pontoon boats.
Best Fishing Pontoon Boats For The Money
Sylvan Mirage Party Fish
The Sylvan Mirage Party Fish pontoon boat is a perfect layout of both worlds, i.e. fishing and cruising. The 22’10” pontoon boat can accomodate about 12 passengers. It has an open floor plan with an aluminum hull.
When out fishing, you can enjoy the experience in the high-back fishing chairs. You have the fishing station with 30 gallon live well. There is a pair of rod holders with multiple rod lockers, and four rod lockable storage at the port side. The model features a depth finder.
When cruising, you can also relax in the port back-to-back lounge. You can also make this the spot for watching the fishing action. The Sylvan Mirage Party Fish comes with an en extended aft deck. It has a 4-step stainless steel boarding ladder. The blue interior mood lighting and 10-foot Bimini top add to the fun features of the pontoon fishing boat. Sylvan offers an industry best 6 year lifetime warranty.
Sun Tracker Fishin’ Barge 22 DLX
The Sun Tracker Fishin’ Barge comes with a lot of fishing and cruising options. The Fishin’ Barge 22 DLX is 24′ 2″ long and 8′ 6″ wide, so there is plenty of room. The maximum carrying capacity is 11 passengers.
There are two loaded fishing decks with both having aerated 32 gallon live wells. There are four comfortable fishing chairs (two at the fore and two at the aft), which provide comfy seating while casting. They have lockable rod storage options near the aft fishing deck. The midship lounge seating includes the STOW MORE storage system. With the STOW MORE storage system, you get storage space for all your gear. Storage is also available in the seat backs, under the seats, and even at the aft fishing deck. You can also have fishing package with fish finder and foot controlling trolling motor.
The Fishin’ Barge 22 DLX also comes with a 10′ Bimini top. The console is well developed and features a deluxe soft touch sport steering wheel. The fishing pontoon boat has a port wheelchair-access gate. The rear boarding platform has 4-step folding boarding ladder & grab rails. The fishing pontoon boat comes with 10+LIFE™ Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Godfrey Pontoon Sweetwater 2186 FS
The Godfrey Sweetwater 2186 FS fishing pontoon boat is known to offer a great experience with fantastic value. With Godfrey fishing pontoon boat floor plans you can cast and reel to your heart’s content. You also get to enjoy the water all day long with your favorite people. There is a blend of Godfrey quality, comfort and togetherness. The Sweetwater 2186 FS comes with stern fish seats and it offers great space for casting a reel. It has double entry stern gates. You get optimal seating for the whole family
They offer many features in terms of integrated tackle storage, aerated live well, rod locker storage, and available fish stations. Integrated rod storage can accept full-size rod and reel combos, allowing you to position them within easy reach for quick access. There is also the depth/fish finder. The steering wheel is upgraded. It also features a stainless steel comfy ladder. They have Limited Lifetime 10 year structural warranty. Even though they come with an amazing warranty, ensure you protect your Godfrey pontoon boat with a custom cover.
Avalon Venture Quad Fish
Avalon Venture fishing pontoon boats not only provides a comfortable fishing experience, they also offer a wide range of versatile features compared to other traditional small fishing pontoon boats. You can balance out the desire for a great fishing set up with enough space to relax with the Avalon Venture Quad Fish boats. There are 16′ and 18′ models featuring four fishing stations in the bow and aft areas of the pontoon boat. The 16′ model can hold up to 6 passengers, while the 18′ model can hold up to 7 passengers.
The setup also includes a live well so that the whole crew can look out for the day’s catches. There are rod holders. If you are someone interested in a high-tech setup, there is option for USB ports, Garmin Fishfinders, and multiple depth gauges. The Venture Quad Fish comes with plush lounging seats and Bimini top. There is extensive storage space. It has a Viper steering wheel. You can enjoy fishing as well as get some entertainment with Fusion stereo and speakers. The boat comes with 10 year Lifetime limited transferable structural warranty.
Lowe Sport Fish 214
The Lowe Sport Fish 214 is designed with both fishing and recreation in mind. The pontoon boat comes with quality construction and premium performance. It has a plush mid-ship L-lounge with table. The table has drink holders. There are four fishing chairs—two fore and two aft which lets you fish from any angle. A 9′ Bimini top helps you can stay cool on those hot days.
There are rod lockers to store and protect the fishing rods when not in use. It also comes with a stern 4-step fold down ladder which provides good support when getting in and out of the water. The pontoon boat also features a rich console featuring automobile grade gauges and comfortable steering. There is radio so you can crank up the tunes.
Lowe provides a limited lifetime warranty on hulls and plywood decking. A 3-year limited warranty on components covers you bow to stern. There warranties are also transferrable to a second owner.
Best Fishing Pontoon Boats for the Money- Inflatable Pontoon Boats
Inflatable pontoon boats can be a great option for fishing. If you are somebody interested in fishing, but not in the budget to buy a full spec pontoon boat, then these can be the best option for you. They are lightweight and easy to carry. They are compact and easily fit in your vehicle when deflated. Therefore, inflatable pontoon boats can be taken to remote fishing spots without the need for a trailer. They can be taken to those locations where handling a big pontoon boat becomes difficult.
Most of these pontoon boats can be used in both freshwater and saltwater. These models usually accommodate one or two passengers. Sturdy construction from quality and durable materials means these inflatable pontoon boats are safe in the water for many years to come. With oars, they give a traditional experience. There are options with motor mounts, which can be a bit faster. With good storage options, they can be handy for your fishing adventure. Most models come with rod holders, fishing net, apron, etc.
Go to our article on inflatable pontoon boats for additional in-depth information which includes our favorite models and manufacturers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the best fishing pontoon boat for the money means balancing features, durability, and affordability to suit your angling needs. Whether you prioritize ample storage, comfortable seating, or advanced fishing features like live wells and rod holders, there’s a budget-friendly option out there for you. By choosing a boat that delivers great value without sacrificing quality, you can enjoy countless days of fishing adventures without breaking the bank. Explore your options, compare models, and get ready to cast off into your next fishing adventure!
