BlogOctober 2021

3 Characteristics of the Best Pond Fishing Boats

3 Characteristics of the Best Pond Fishing Boats

By Andy Whitcomb

Oct 11, 2021

Ponds are great places to fish but some areas may be inaccessible from shore. Here’s how to determine the best pond fishing boats.

Ponds are usually great places to learn how to fish. With their high productivity, limited size, and easy access, the chances of putting a lure or bait in front of cooperative fish are higher than larger, deeper bodies of water. Sometimes ponds are large enough or have steep or brushy shore areas so that you may want to look into small pond boats for fishing bank inaccessible areas. Here are characteristics of the best pond fishing boats and why.

1. Small

Defining what is a “pond” or a “lake” can get a little murky. Depth is a factor, with ponds usually shallow enough to let sunlight reach the bottom and unable to stratify temperature layers. However, surface area may be more practical for answering best pond fishing boats questions as there also are some relatively large bodies of water that remain shallow and never stratify. Pond fishing boats should be small enough to maneuver in tight places and ride high to stay above the bottom in water that may be just inches deep in places.

2. Light

Not all small boats are light. For easier carrying, consider small fishing boats made of light material such as an aluminum john boat or any variety of plastic fishing boats. Because some great ponds are remote, far away from roads, pond fishing boats may need to be carried by hand or pulled on a small, walkable cart.

3. Stable

The best pond fishing boats are stable and thus more able to be stealthy, part of any list of pond fishing tips. For instance, a sit-in kayak may be small and light but a sit-on kayak tends to be less wobbly, thus less of a chance of spooking fish especially if you are adventuresome and sure-footed enough to try standing up in your kayak. The stability of a flat-bottom jon boat or mini-pontoon type boat is not only great for sneaking up on fish, but valuable for those who may be learning how to boat.

Personal preference is a big factor when trying to determine the best pond fishing boats. However, due to the unique size and depth of ponds, these boats will have small, light, stable qualities. Check with your state to see if your small pond boat needs be registered because this can vary by factors such as boat length, power source, and where it is launched.

Andy Whitcomb
Andy Whitcomb
Andy is an outdoor writer (http://www.justkeepreeling.com/) and stressed-out Dad has contributed over 380 blogs to takemefishing.org since 2011. Born in Florida, but raised on banks of Oklahoma farm ponds, he now chases pike, smallmouth bass, and steelhead in Pennsylvania. After earning a B.S. in Zoology from OSU, he worked in fish hatcheries and as a fisheries research technician at OSU, Iowa State, and Michigan State.