Need ideas for the ULTIMATE fishing pontoon!

[Mr. Stogie]

Hey all. Only my second post here in the group. I’m looking for ideas of just about any kind to turn a 2002 20 ft Crest pontoon boat into the ultimate fishing platform without sacrificing too much of the pleasure aspect of the boat (Gotta make the wife happy too!) Just to give you an idea of what I’ve done so far. I added a 60” shaft, 70 lb thrust power drive TM to the front. This pontoon has two front fishing chairs but they were behind a fence. Fence eliminated! Now there is room for the trolling motor and fishing! Also added a Helix 7 by the front fishing chair and a Helix 5 by the drivers console. Took out the ridiculously small “live well” and will use that to stow the TM batteries. Built myself my own live well from the insert of a half barrel planter, complete with its own aerator and individual lithium battery. Even used a kids snow disk for the top, works perfectly! Also added to solar charges to maintain the batteries and a twelve rod aluminum upright rod holder. Got the 50 Merc tuned up and added a SS prop. So I think I’ve got everything covered. This baby is going to be on Sam Rayburn permanently as I just retired and live in Houston. So I’m almost there. Just looking to see if anyone can think of anything I might add to really take this little project of mine over the top. I thought about forward facing but that was a little out of the budget. So think big! Nothing is too crazy! What am I missing? Remember…THE ultimate fishing platform! Can’t wait to hear your ideas! 

[Fishingmickey]

Power poles? Serious lithium battery for the trolling motor, Maybe upsize the trolling motor for those windy days. Rod holders for trolling.

FM

[WRB]

Does the “barrel” livewell have a drain and fill circulation pump? Do you intend to put fish or bait in the barrel?

Weight distribution is important in all types of boats so balance the load.

Pontoons are difficult to maneuver in the wind, you may need a stern TM to help turn the boat in tight spaces. 
Telecoping push pole comes in handy along with a longer handle net.

Enjoy,

Tom

[casts_by_fly]

have you seen the tiny toon on TBN's youtube?  They converted a smaller pontoon to a tiny boat bassboat with family friendly features.  Pretty cool build.

 

I don't know what storage you have, but for me that's a biggie.  Enough space to store a couple rods, your tackle boxes, some ancillary gear and tools, etc.  if you're leaving it on the water, you probably don't want to carry your gear to the dock every time you go.  

[J Francho]

I have a '94 Bass Buggy that's great for taking kids and seniors out on.  Things I'd add to yours:

Vertical rod holders toward the stern

Bow mount TM with an auto deploy and spot lock

Don't completely ditch the low fishing seats, but get a back rest style bike seat

Kayak J-hooks so you can mothership

Long handle landing net

Docking pole

Learn to use the big OB to control drift

You already have the Bimini top

Some type of gimbal mount for the graph so you can see it from anywhere

Inboard trailer guides for easy retrieves

[Alex from GA]

There's one down the cove from me with 2 400hp engines to get to the spot first.

[Way2slow]

Where did you mount the trolling motor?  I have a 24’ Bentley fishing model and the fence and gate as you call it, is behind the two pedestal fishing seat so you have an open deck up front.  I mounted my two TM batteries in the back with the cranking battery.  I installed blind nuts under the front deck and a quick connect so it only takes a minute to remove and install the TM when I don’t want it in the way.  Mine came with a large live well up front.  I use a 9” Garmin on a swivel mount up front with the Xducer on the TM so I see what’s under me and not 24’ behind me.  I have a 7” that’s mounted on the console with the Xducer on the back for navigation.

[FishTax]

Some cool lighting. I'm thinking color adjustable LED rope lighting around the floor or fence. Definitely a good anchor system and push pole. I've had to get out and push a pontoon numerous times. Pole is preferred!

[Bigbox99]

Can you relocate the front railing back a ways to make a smaller enclosed area and to open up the front for a fishing platform?  That high railing would make skipping and pitching awkward for me.  How modular are these things that you can unfasten and reattach railing to the platform with ease or is it a pain?