[rvinson]

Fish Cat 8:

Picked it up off craigslist from a guy over in Parker... Said he only used it like 1 time.. And based on the condition I would have to say he was telling the truth!!


So far it is just a stock set-up with the added wheels for transport(Wheels have been reinforced)

 

[rvinson]

So...... This is my 1st personal tube/toon ect. I have a boat and have used a bass hunter(small bass boat) ect


Just wondering what type of tips/suggestions/ect that people may have for me?


I have been doing searches online and am planning on making a mount for my HDS-5. Not planing on gettign a TM... yet.

Looks like I'll prob. wanna rig up a rod holder and also a net holder of some type.


Ok so what about waders? I know i need some if i plan on fishing places like Quincy... but what about just for comfort? If im fishing a metro body of water in the spring or fall it may be required due to water temp... but what about summer time?

What about fins? The toon has really nice oars with metal oar locks....

Should I rig up some way to attach my rods to the toon while I fish just in case i drop it??

Life vest..... required by law? or just suggested?

Whistle?

Registration?(My understanding is that as long as i dont have a motor of any kind I do not have to register?)




As far as the regulations/safety questions go i could look those up online... but for some reason i am having a hard time finding good links for the CPD/DOW.... Seems they may be doing mntc on the site or something?

 

[hobiecat]

Wear a vest..just because it's a smart thing to do. Attach a whistle to it for the same reason. No registration needed until you put a motor on it. Waders in spring and fall..go wet in the summer. Neoprene is cheap. Looks like a nice toon.

 

[cochise]

Don't drop your rod in the water.

Nice boat.

 

[shutupandfish]

Keep a life jacket and whistle on board, and have your name and address written on it somewhere. Keeps the rangers off your back.

 

[baetisrun1]

I don't like waders, unless it's a must for colder temps. Always have your fins at least near. It's much easier to fish when you're not having to row. Rod holders are almost a must. I will also tell you that ya need to get that thing down a river. Maybe the Colorado through Pumphouse or Radium. It's so much more fun going down a river rather than putzing around a lake. But that's just my opinion! That bout will handle a fun class III river no problem. And to be honest it could go through a class IV if need be. Not suggested unless you're fairly experienced however! Also, always wear your life vest. Especially if you have waders on!

 

[hobiecat]

Jim mentioned the fins..You'll definitely want to wear them on ponds or lakes. You'll use the oars to get you where you want to go..but the fins will allow you to move around and fish.

 

[rvinson]

Awesome info guys keep it coming!!

Also i have a small ancor that i will be using.. The back of the toon has an anchoring system with a small pulley.

 

[dieseldoctor]

Jim mentioned the fins..You'll definitely want to wear them on ponds or lakes. You'll use the oars to get you where you want to go..but the fins will allow you to move around and fish.

Yup.... The oars are your outboard and the fins are your bow mounted trolling motor. I can fish in my pontoon without my oars, but wouldn't even take it out without having my fins.

Outcast makes some quality boats! I've got an old pontoon outcast used to make for BPS that's still kicking and I beat the hell out of it.

I used neoprene forever but this year I switched to breathables and they're much more comfortable.

Nice buy!!!

 

[Pilotfly]

Good advice from the folks already. I have a Bucks Bag pontoon that looks somewhat similar. I have used it on the Colorado from NewCastle down to Silt and on the lower Gunnison and on sections A and B on the Green in Utah. Handled those rivers just fine. Also lots of time on lakes in Oregon, Utah, and here in western Colorado. Never used neoprene's as I have found breathables to work just fine. If colder, I just layer fleece under the breathables. I have Force fins and would never use another brand - expensive but well worth it. On lakes I use the fins and oars. On rivers I only wear my wading boots and never use fins. Perhaps others do, but I usually just float from place to place on rivers and then beach the toon and fish up and down the shore till I've covered the water and then float to the next place. I'll have to admit that I don't always wear my vest on lakes but it (and a whistle) are always right next to me. On rivers I don't float without the vest on. If there is a stripping apron that came with your fishcat definitely use it. If it didn't come with one see if you can get one from the manufacturer - they probably have some for replacements. Enjoy the toon.

 

[FishDr]

Nice boat - I've been floating around in a Fish Cat 8 for about 11 years and I love the thing.

Advice-wise, I do not have much to add, since most of your questions have been answered. Definitely wear a vest (I use an auto-inflating one), and fins are key. On smaller ponds/lakes, you might even dispense with the oars.

I rigged up an OG Lowrance M68/S sonar/GPS on my Fish Cat and it has worked very well. You can see the PVC mount I made for it in the pics. Rod holders are a must - some guys like their rods vertical, others horizontal. I went with horizontal because (1) I sometimes forget to check that my rod/bait has a clear path behind it and I'd rather not hook another rod and launch it into space and (2) if your rods are laying down, you can sometimes sneak into/under overhanging brush that would snag things.

If you're planning on fishing at night, you can rig an "all-around white light" that sits vertically above your head - I had mine rigged off of the back of the seat, and then changed it to a PVC mount off of the anchor mount.

Here's the underside of the 'toon with the transducer.

Sonar mount on top of 'toon. I used a piece of flat PVC cable-tied to the frame.

Side-view showing a couple of rod holders.

Transport wheel rig. If you plan on fishing local ponds, this is a real bonus, because you can wheel it in, instead of trying to carry it.

Have fun with the new boat!

 

[Pilotfly]

Oh, forgot about the sonar. I use a Hummingbird 130 on my pontoon. I rig it on the outside of the pontoon so the extension isn't hanging down by my legs which was always getting in the way while I finned around the lake. I really like some of the features FishDr has on his pontoon and it's given me several ideas to use on my toon. Like FishDr I have an auto-inflating vest. I just don't like wearing it on small lakes which is probably not the best decision but then that's just me. You do what is safe and sensible for you.

 

[FishDr]

Just saw that you already have a transport wheel - never mind about that bit of my post.

 

[rvinson]

Thanks again for the info guys!! This will be a continuous project for me.. one thing at a time.

I did get some waders and fins..... And got my HDS mounted up.. Still need to create a better ducer mount... Maybe something out of PVC like FishDr.

Today I was able to take her out on her maiden voyage... Had never used waders or fins or a float tube.... So was just wanting to get out and get some practice.

It took me a little bit to get use to paddling it... Very touchy and have the get it right if you wanna go straight LOL

Then I tried out the fins... Couldnt figure it out at all at first... Was really struggling bad.... Then I realized I should get the paddles up and out of the water all the way.. DUH right?? LOL After I did that it was much better and I was able to navigate pretty well using either the paddles or the fins.


So.....Of course I brought a couple rods.. and a single box of lures and some Senko's .... Was wanting to see if the Largies were up cruising the shallows yet.... Didnt see any.... Didnt get any bites off a Senko fished up shallow and even up in the reeds.


After about an hour of the Senko I decided to switch over to a Jointed Shad Rap that runs 6'-13'....

Second.. maybe third cast was parallel to the shore about 20' out.. in around 8-10' of water.....


BAM!! New Personal Beast/Best Smallie

She was a FAT HOG

And pretty wide!

And of course I released her!!

Was great having the fins on when i was fighting the fish!! Was able to keep complete control of the boat with both hands still on the rod!! I may need to get a net though.


Fished another hour or so without another bite so i called it a day.... Already loving my new Pontoon boat!! Cant wait to make the next modification(s) and try the next pond(s)!!

 

[CF LURKER]

Nice boat - I've been floating around in a Fish Cat 8 for about 11 years and I love the thing.

Advice-wise, I do not have much to add, since most of your questions have been answered. Definitely wear a vest (I use an auto-inflating one), and fins are key. On smaller ponds/lakes, you might even dispense with the oars.

I rigged up an OG Lowrance M68/S sonar/GPS on my Fish Cat and it has worked very well. You can see the PVC mount I made for it in the pics. Rod holders are a must - some guys like their rods vertical, others horizontal. I went with horizontal because (1) I sometimes forget to check that my rod/bait has a clear path behind it and I'd rather not hook another rod and launch it into space and (2) if your rods are laying down, you can sometimes sneak into/under overhanging brush that would snag things.

If you're planning on fishing at night, you can rig an "all-around white light" that sits vertically above your head - I had mine rigged off of the back of the seat, and then changed it to a PVC mount off of the anchor mount.

Here's the underside of the 'toon with the transducer.

Sonar mount on top of 'toon. I used a piece of flat PVC cable-tied to the frame.

Side-view showing a couple of rod holders.

Transport wheel rig. If you plan on fishing local ponds, this is a real bonus, because you can wheel it in, instead of trying to carry it.

Have fun with the new boat!

Curious to see the rigging for your light. Care to share?

(If it is in the picture sorry i do not see it)

Nice buy rvinson!

And great job on the maiden voyage with the pb!

 

[RD3]

I have an Outcast 9 Lite. “Lite” just means it has an aluminum frame. It is not made any more, but is similar to yours. Here are some suggestions…

· Get a 5 pound fluke style anchor. Kicking against the wind for 8 hours is not fun. Using your fins to stop weathervaning off the anchor is much easier.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Slip-Ring-Mechanical-Anchor/737868.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch%2F%3FN%3D5100515%26Ne%3D5100515%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Danchor%2Bcoated%26Ntx%3Dmode%252Bmatchallpartial%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts%26WTz_st%3DSearchRefinements%26form_state%3DsearchForm%26search%3Danchor%2Bcoated%26searchTypeByFilter%3DAllProducts%26x%3D0%26y%3D0&Ntt=anchor+coated&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

· I use a portable transducer mount from Cabela’s. The clamp switches from vertical to horizontal clamping. I clamp it to the rear deck, but I am not sure your 8 footer has one. The portable mount has several grooves for mounting the stock transducer mount that comes with your X5. Just remember to reach back and unclamp it before you back into shore. If you forget, it is no big deal. The transducer will pivot and get a few scratches in it before you realize why you are stuck.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Port...sducer+mount&WTz_l=Header;Search-All+Products

· Get a net and attach it to your pontoon with a magnetic net holder like the fly fishermen use. Your net will float off in the commotion someday or fall of when rowing and you will not notice it disappeared. I attach mine to the split-ring that keeps the oar lock in. I use an telescoping MeasureNet. A net with a long handle gets in the way too much and falls over easier.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabe...magnetic+net&WTz_l=Header;Search-All+Products

· I am not sure where I got them, but I have these oar holders that Velcro around the frame. I do not use them to hold the oars, but I use it to hold the net. With the handle attached to the magnet, which is attached to the oar lock, I put the oar keeper as far back as possible and put the net end of the net in it. Both ends are secured to the side of the pontoon and out of the way until I need it.

· I bought a stern light and clamp it to my trolling motor mount. There is enough room I can fit the trolling motor and light on the mount, but it is tight. Get an LED light if you plan on being out all night or multi-day trips. Legally, I think you need a masthead (red/green) light when “underway”. But since you are rowing, I feel most folks will let you fall into the “at anchor” rule that just needs the stern light. Just do not go out into the middle of Chatfield on a busy Saturday night.
http://www.attwoodmarine.com/store/product/14176

· It looks like the Outcast 8 has a lot of rocker on the bottom of the pontoons. Mine does and it make it turn on a dime. That is great if you are navigating around obstacles in a river. It is a pain if you are going long distances on a lake. Lots of zigzagging if you do not stay focused on your rowing. Not much you can do except practice and stay focused. Or get a trolling motor.

· A trolling motor is a great add-on for larger lakes. If you add one to your 8 footer, you probably need to keep the battery weight down. I have a 40 pound thrust with a size 24 AGM battery. The two combined add 80 pounds to the back of the pontoon. I had to move my seat as far forward as it will go and inflate my pontoons to be more rigid.

· I have been in 2.5 foot whitecaps and felt safe, even with the trolling motor and battery. Without a trolling motor, you may not be able to go against strong winds. The pontoon will take waves better from the sides than from the front/back. If you get into trouble, row sideways across the wind until you get to shore, not straight into the wind.

· Add another vote for breathable waders. Just add layers for the air temperature. For cold water temperature, you need multiple socks because you want your feet are in the water all the time. I bought an extra pair of wading boots that are a size or two too large. I can get two super thick socks and a liner sock in them comfortably and still have room for a toe warmer pack.

· I use Cabela’s lightweight wading boots. You are kicking them all the time and I do not want to kick the weight of the boot any more than necessary.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Foot...oots/103896180.uts&WTz_l=Unknown;cat103896180

· For lakes, I always wear an inflatable PFD. On a river, I have a fishing style Type 3 PDF.

That is all I can think of that other folks have not already answered. You will be amazed at how good of a fishing platform that little pontoon will be.

 

[rvinson]

Wow RD3... Thanks for taking the time to write all that info up for me!! I need all the ideas i can get... That way i can start implementing them as I get the cash.

 

[tl1000r]

i used to run my trolling motor locked back. and used a fin to troll all day backwards easier than going forward. id just turn my foot to turn the toon, great for hands free fishing. wish i d have never sold it.

 

[daffy]

Here is my Tieton III bass machine!

Minnkota 35 lb thrust motor... Full size deep cycle battery placed inside cooler, Mounted car sterio car speakers, Trolling motor plug to power trolling motor and charging battery without touching it. Sirous radio tuned to blue collar comedy (get er done!)
My Eagle Fishmark 320 which is really handy with the on screen voltage meter. Enough power to putt around the lake for like 5 hrs depending on how much motoring you do!
Really a fun cost effective rig!

 

[FishDr]

Curious to see the rigging for your light. Care to share?

(If it is in the picture sorry i do not see it)

Nice buy rvinson!

And great job on the maiden voyage with the pb!

Here are some pics of the light rigging. The light is an older model of the Attwood portable stern light, with the light post that came with it. Everything else is PVC.

Here's a pic of the light w/post attached to a PVC base (screwed in with wing nuts), and the "utility" frame I made out of PVC to hold the light and a large landing net.

Here's a close-up of how the light post is attached to the PVC.

Here's what the light post and utility frame look like when they're assembled. I adjusted the height so that it was about 6" higher than my head (wouldn't want to have a partial eclipse of the light because of a giant noggin').

And here's what it looks like mounted on the 'toon.

If you're thinking of heading out of state, you definitely want to rig one of these up. I learned the hard way that NE requires all watercraft (including float tubes) to have a white all-around visible light on as soon from sunset to sunrise. It doesn't matter if there's still enough light to see - if the sun has gone down, your light is on, or you're contributing ~$75 to Nebraska Game and Parks.