Toons or Yaks - What at the advantages

[Construction Recruiter]

It is the time of year that I have a little extra money to spend and I have been considering buying either a toon or a yak. With the yak you have sit-on or sit-in. Whats the advantages of one of thses over the other for trout fishing and what caused you to pick to craft that you picked? Stumped

[Trout8myfly]

CR - there were a few threads a short while back in which the pros and cons of yaks and toons were discussed.

Kayak only discussion:
http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/forum/showthread.php?t=49967&highlight=kayak

Multiple pontoon discussions:
http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/forum/search.php?searchid=32473

Also, you might run an advanced search for either kayak or pontoon and limit the search to the Gear and Equipment thread (or don't, as is your right :>).

I have a toon but am starting to yearn for a 'yak. Problem is I'm also starting to yearn for a new roof, brakes, tires, HVAC, landscaping, etc. etc.

[BrandonT]

Pontoon:
-Stable
-Slow
-Can't go upstream
-Higher casting platform
-Easier to look down on the water
-Harder to get in and out quickly

Kayak:
-Less stable
-Fast
-Lower profile on water (harder to look down on fish)
-Easy to get in and out

I was thinking about pontoon, but decided on a kayak. I don't currently own a truck, and didn't want to hassle with tearing down a pontoon everytime. I love my kayak. On flat water, I can keep up with my friend using a johnboat with a trolling motor. The foot controlled rudder makes it a breeze on open water. On moving water, it's effortless to paddle upstream and hold a position in a eddy. With a lower profile, it's also easier to sneak up on fish. I might buy a pontoon later on down the road, but I will never give up fishing from a kayak!

[OldDawg]

You will have to try both and see which you prefer for your fishing conditions. I have both a pontoon and a yak. I have used both in flat water. If I am fishing from the craft I prefer the 'toon. If I use the craft to move from one wade site to the next I prefer the 'yak. If wind is an issue I prefer the yak. I can paddle upstream on the 'Hooch in the yak. I do not care to try it on a pontoon.

[Jackster]

I yak is easier to get in and out of? I dunno... All I do with my 'toon is stand up to get out and sit down to get going.
Where I feel the 'toon shines for fly fishing is when you are in, and trying to hold position against wind and/or current. 'Tooning with fins allow you to do that quite well with a lot less need to put the rod down to paddle.
Gear storage is very convenient too.
The only times I long for a yak is when toothy critters might be in the water or when fighting a tidal current.

[Franko]

Kayaks look way cooler. I have an anchor system, rod holder, and fishfinder all on my yak and enjoy paddling when the fish ain't bitin'.

[bluewater194]

Of course that is when I'm fishing alone, I'd prefer a driftboat or raft anyday.

Pontoons - There are many, many choices out there. Most are made for flat water although I see guys in class iii rapids with them. (I also see corn dunkers in innertubes but that doesn't make it safe). There are many light weight versions on the market that assemble easily and can be checked on commercial flights (usually less than 50 lbs) for western fishing. Generally they are pretty stable (depending on model), and the lighter models can in fact be easily rowed upstream (granted not as easy as a yak). Models also come with motor mounts and anchor systems which make great one man set-ups. Things to consider are 1)materials of construction, 2)weight capacity, 3)river rating, 4)weight, 5)ease of assembly, 6)dimensions (which will affect 2-5). Generally the less expensive boats have low weight capacities and are rated for class ii water or less. They have PVC bladders surrounded by some type of outer shell (usually nylon in a range of deniers). These boats may serve you perfectly depending on needs. More expensive boats are made to carry more, be more durable, and provide stability in a variety of water conditions. Welded heavy weight whitewater pontoons are expensive but usually ride higher and are more durable(may be somewhat overkill if you are fishing slow streams or lakes). Standing platforms are now available on several models but should be looked at carefully before purchasing.

Yaks - A good many choices now custom made for fisherman. These are go anywhere fishing machines that provide the most stealth. I have followed bonefish around in the Fl. Keys with a sea kyak without spooking them. Kyaks are hard plastic (usually polypropylene) and can take a beating. They range in price form a few hundred to over $2K. Consider stability, weight, weight capacity, and water rating.

Kickboats - These are essentially small rafts with no floor. They have the highest weight capacity and are easily assembled and packed. They will fit in a Yuko. Much like a pontoon with no frame. I've been teased by fellow anglers saying it looks like I am fishing out of an innertube from a distance. Check out www.kickboat.com. Call and ask for Kevin if you are interested - he will generally sell to you direct at a little lower cost.

[sageboy]

If you are interested in seeing what pontoons are capable of, check out the videos at http://www.northforkoutdoors.com/NewStuff.html. Keep in mind that Dave Scadden toons are considered top of the line by alot of people and carry a price tag to match. - Bob

[bluewater194]

...as the previous post suggested are considered the best on the market. I have the Skykomish Sunrise and I can tell you it is stable, comfortable, and is a load of fun.(Especially if you attach a 9 HP to it and just ride around at high speed- you only need a 2.5-4 normally) It assembles in less than 10 minutes (once you practice a few times), and the standing platform makes sight casting easy. Highly recommend if you have the $. They now have a thermal welded heavy weight PVC model called the H2 which makes me wish I would have waited a year.

They do have a smaller version of the Sunrise called the Delaware (on the website) which should be cheaper if you can find anyone selling them. They are a relatively small operation - call them direct and ask for a deal.

[mayberrynut]

Yaks, Toons, What about Noes. A canoe is a good compromise. A 12-14 foot can be paddled and handled by one person and will accomodate 2 when necessary. You can also find em cheap most any time.

[Jackster]

Yaks, Toons, What about Noes. A canoe is a good compromise. A 12-14 foot can be paddled and handled by one person and will accomodate 2 when necessary. You can also find em cheap most any time.

The biggest drawback again would be control while fishing, just like in kayak's.
I can drift downstream facing the shore for a long, long time in my 'toon while fishing all the while by using fins. Same with lake and pond fishing... you can troll at your own pace along the shoreline simply by finning and can counteract wind to maintain position.
I sold a canoe about 8 years ago to get my 'toon and never once had regrets.

[Mozdog]

I am looking at getting a H2, where in Georgia can I order one. I have been saving for a couple of years for one. This looks like the one to get.