The Pros and Cons of Fishing from a Pontoon Boat - A Look at the Sylvan 8520 Cruise-N-Fish

[@KempOutside]

My latest pontoon boat video is now out! Check out the review I did on my fishing pontoon, a 2017 Sylvan 8520 Mirage 4PT! Here's the link! kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6Wpg413g5iqn68

[@joehenry447]

Hi , would you be from Ohio as I have a Nephew named Kevin Kemp that I have not seen for 25 years .

[@fishingwithvance]

The Pup is so funny. What a fishing partner. I am thinking of jumping into the Pontoon fishing game. Thanks for the information.

[@KempOutside]

She is my best fishing buddy! I love fishing from pontoons. Thanks for watching!

[@hardknoxs]

Thanks for the in depth video, This is the exact video i needed to see!!! I have been debating pontoon or dedicated fishing boat and now i know a pontoon boat would fit my lifestyle better!

[@KempOutside]

For some reason my first reply got deleted. Thanks for watching! Pontoon boats make great fishing platforms. Be sure to check out the review I did on my Sylvan, which is set up for fishing! kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6Wpg413g5iqn68

[@Ghostrunner55]

Love your stories and your tone. Very friendly and honest sounding

[@KempOutside]

Thank you so much!

[@danadamsjr3224]

Hi, I have a 2019 Crest 200. I just had a Minnkota Terrova Ii-Pilot installed. Had a storage plate put on the back so it’s out of the way for family fun. It’s March 2023. Haven’t used it yet. I’m excited to though

[@KempOutside]

Hope you enjoy the new boat!

[@catfishstalkeroutdoorswith530]

Awesome. Thanks for the video! I am in the process of purchasing a fishing pontoon.

[@KempOutside]

Thanks! Enjoy your new toon!

[@warrenlee3472]

Having a pontoon fun is very spacious. I will recommend getting a fishing tritoon instead of a pontoon. Very stable. I even jump waves on mt tritoon and i don't even get wet. They are very stable. They have a fishing livewell. You will need to buy 2 things after getting the fishing pontoon. A deckhand anchor at the back to keep this boat anchor. You def need to get a trolling motor. Lately i haven't been catching much fish. So i am planning to buy a trolling motor. The quieter the better. Get 115hp and up for sure. Anything lower you won't be happy. Pro for pontoon is that you can fit a family of 8-10 and still very comfortable. Pull a tube if there is no fish and a bbq propane tank. It is the best thing of your life. If you are hardcore fishing then get a Lund boat. I miss my old boat. It was fast and i enjoyed it. Caught a lot of fish also, easier to tow. The pontoon boat was much more fuel efficient except for towing it with a truck it drinks gas from point A to point B. The cons is that the hull makes some noise near the tubes when there are waves. That might scare the fish away. Harder to tow because you can't see what's behind you. If you are not good at backing up the trailer to the launch then i wouldn't recommend a pontoon unless you leaving it on the lake. If you live near the lake or put the boat at the cottage then i think you should get a pontoon. If you have kids then def get a pontoon/tritoon. Your kids can sleep and the bimimi top is very good staying in the shades. Bennington or Manitou makes a good Tritoon. Mine is a 22 foot Manitou Aurora Angler with 4 fishing chair and livewell. I am really happy with the purchase.

[@rik4369]

Great video. I own a 17 ft metal jon boat but want something to SAFELLY take the grandkids river fishing. Your video was a great help.

[@B.A.Bassangler]

lol, your dog is so chill!

[@KempOutside]

Haha yes she is! I love having her on the boat with us.

[@fishintherutt3897]

Thanks man, lots of great info. I'm still on the fence with pontoons, but this video helped

[@KempOutside]

Glad it was helpful. Here is the video I did on my fishing pontoon. It may help as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6Wpg413g5iqn68

[@chloesamclutch]

Moved to West Coast of Florida north of Tampa and have been boat confused since arriving on what I eventually want. Went out on a friend's pontoon and there is so much room and the shade is nice from the Bimini top. I'm definitely considering a pontoon!

[@Dave-xq1su]

Great job. Thank you very much, I’ve been looking to get a pontoon to fish off of and also take the family out on. I outgrew my 14’ welded aluminum outboard and dreaded selling it but I knew I wouldn’t upgrade with it still being in the driveway.

[@tonyko3029]

Good in-depth analysis.

[@KempOutside]

Thanks for watching!

[@workinprogress4870]

I’m open to getting a pontoon for my next boat but has to have an electric trolling motor, large down and side imaging fish finder, ability to troll down to 2mph with the main motor or have a kicker, and a more open platform in the rear since I troll with a bottom bouncer a lot and don’t want the top in my way or anything else.

[@michaellingo640]

I bought a 2005 8520 Sylvan and it was the best boat I could have imagined. Mine has the 2 fishing chairs at the bow, that can go in or outside the rails. I had thought about a bowrider to fish on or a bass boat like my brothers but when I saw the pontoon, it was a combination of all the things I wanted in a boat. Keep up the good work and catch that Big One!!!

[@KempOutside]

I really love both of the Sylvans I use for fishing. Glad you like yours! Thanks for the comment and for watching!

[@OutdoorswithVance]

Nice boat. My dad just gave me his pontoon boat. I can't wait to make some videos from it. I subbed to your channel. Thanks for sharing

[@KempOutside]

Thanks for the sub! Enjoy your new boat! I love pontoons as you can see.

[@douggrostefon3867]

Great job as I'm looking for the exact type of boat and the Pros much outweigh the Cons for me! Any used boats, send them my way!!

[@KempOutside]

They are really great for fishing and family. good luck finding the right toon for you!

[@inohaveshirt]

Great info! Love MN fishing

[@KempOutside]

Mr. Washe washe thanks! Me too!

[@MBDronePhoto]

Fished several times on the Santee with a old guide named Big John. Pontoon boat was the ticket for big water and multiple fisherman on a guided trip. Went back with my wife and had several lazy sessions fishing for catfish. Now that I am in the market for a boat, might have to get me one of these.

[@KempOutside]

Pontoons are the way to go! Thanks for watching!

[@ThisLifeOutdoors]

Good looking channel. Love the content. Keep it up.

[@KempOutside]

Thank you!

[@budmanzoom4441]

Great review!

[@KempOutside]

Thanks for watching!

[@uwspmgc]

Good info. Sounds like they're more tailored to live bait and catfishing?

[@KempOutside]

Both of those are great uses for a pontoon but we have boated everything from bluegill to king mackerel off our pontoon boat. If you are fishing a lot of people on the boat, the less casting the better, but when its just a few of us casting for bass or in our case in Florida, snook, redfish and sea trout is just as doable.

[@WookOutdoorsTV]

We have fished a pontoon for a while and enjoy it. It’s not the best option but it’s a good option.

[@KempOutside]

Little Wook Outdoors like most things in life it is a compromise. But I enjoy fishing them and the family loves them to so we make it work!

[@Nona-ik3ho]

Love your Videos! Watched the two on pontoon boats. Great info, thank you! I’m trying to convince my husband to look at them. First thing he wants to get is a fishing boat when we move to Arkansas in a few months. His concern is pulling it with his 2020 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 sport since it has a V6. Do you know the size pontoon boat that truck could pull by chance? I would love to have more of a family boat with easier access for those with disabilities, a couple kids and our dogs. Thanks again for all the great tips. The pros & cons helped greatly 😊

[@KempOutside]

I probably wouldn't pull anything over 20' with that truck but you need to check weights to be sure. But I have to think a pontoon boat would be perfect in Arkansas for what you want to do. We love ours. And we catch a lot of fish!

[@enriquewilliamsteeny]

I can relate to this Comment in so many ways and here for the same reasons. We too live in Arkansas. Hope y’all enjoy my home state as much as I do

[@robinstewart6510]

Personally, I'd go with an 18ft or even a 16ft. The Tacoma (driver only) can tow roughly 6500lbs, and (between passengers in the truck, boat, motor, fuel, personal gear, etc) a 20ft pontoon would really be pushing the top of that weight limit. If the truck has been modified (larger tires, etc), that towing capacity is even less. My wife drives a Tacoma. I tow our 20ft pontoon with my Tundra.

[@kadengeyer8220]

I have a cabin on horseshoe lake mn, about 10 min from cross lake. I’m from Iowa.

[@KempOutside]

I love it there! I don’t know if you saw it, but I was fishing in Crosslake and encountered two bears. Here’s the video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6fWop6Af56iedU

[@jamesflowers9673]

I am moving to Bradenton in a few weeks, and have been looking the right style boat. I wouldn't be looking to purchase right away though. Curious as to how these would do for bay an offshore. Will gladly provide money, bait an food for a beginners trip!

[@KempOutside]

A pontoon certainly has its pros and cons. I take mine offshore only occasionally. The weather has to be perfect. They are great in the bay though!

[@duramaxdiesel774]

I just got one and they are great, my has a fishing pkg. I leave in largo

[@talon1706]

I made a raft out of trees when I was a child. It worked. This will work too.

[@speedracermccool3552]

I'm working on getting a pontoon at the moment for summer fishing but I do alot of summer fishing in minnesota I'm actually located in pine city minnesota and I can tell you cross lake and pokegama are not great fishing lakes they are more so recreational lakes if you would want I can take you out to some awesome lakes in minnesota that nobody knows about and show you where to catch what I also don't really use sonar or any of that I just recently got a depth finder/fish finder but I only use it to keep and eye on depth as of right now I have a 19ft aluminum big water boat with an i/o and I fish small lakes mainly but if you ever want to go fishing and actually catch your limit every time let me know!

[@oxyfide]

Is there a way to remove some of the seating in certain areas to be able to get up to the edge of the boat?

[@KempOutside]

Not easily. But they make pontoon boats with better layouts for fishing.

[@ratherbecamping809]

Love my Lowe SF234. It's awesome for fishing and cruising. The only thing I hate is wind. It makes it impossible to control the boat when we are trying to crappie fish.

[@KempOutside]

Pontoons definitely catch a lot of wind. I pick my fishing spots based on wind direction a lot of days.

[@duramaxdiesel774]

I have one with a zusuki 150 it runs great .what size motor you have?

[@KempOutside]

we have a 115 Yamaha. that Suzuki is a great motor!

[@duramaxdiesel774]

Just got it a moth ago ready to do some fishing this year in the bay area . I got the fishing pkg.

[@KempOutside]

@@duramaxdiesel774 Awesome! They really are great platforms for fishing, especially with small kids. Good luck!

[@dougs3196]

After watching enough flat bass boats getting swamped just from other boat wakes , plus I like taking my family safely.

[@KempOutside]

Pontoon boats are fantastic for kids because they are so safe! That was the number one reason I chose a pontoon after we adopted our boys. Thanks for watching!

[@GeorgeBonez]

Oh man love your channel. I consider you to be a “real pontoon boater/fisherman and you teach a lot of things many newbies like me don’t know to ask. I’ve been a bass fisherman in NC for over 40 years but I’ve always wanted a pontoon boat. Not specifically for fishing but for the family. Well two days ago I bought a 2021 Harris 21’ tried-toon w/Merc 150hp (not setup for fishing). My family loved it so I got it rather than loading it up with fishing equipment and quite honestly I was tired of shopping for boats and just wanted to get it over! Lol I hope you’re the type that answers questions on your channel because I’m going to have a few! Lol 😂

[@KempOutside]

Thanks for watching and enjoy the new boat! Yes I respond as much as I can so fire away!

[@Capt_Billy]

How shallow can you go in a pontoon?

[@KempOutside]

18-24" depending on how loaded down with people, gear and coolers we are.

[@Capt_Billy]

@@KempOutside Thanks!

[@KempOutside]

Fishing with Billy happy to help!

[@meatball6870]

LOL- It is cool-and funny- how you can tell he does not want to offend the non-hard core folks.

[@KempOutside]

LOL, it is a fine line sometimes!

[@240LTS]

@@KempOutside … You we’re very respectful in your review. Not that I would have been offended but some are quick to bash others. Good job on the video. Thank you. . Jeff .

[@stevehenry9053]

hell yeah

[@KempOutside]

Steve Henry thanks for watching!

[@duanecalhoon3322]

Get rid of the changing station,,, gr8 place for 3 batteries for 36v trolling motor

[@meatball6870]

Fished Lac Vieux Desert on a pontoon this past week. Lac, being the headwaters of the WI river is often windy, but this week-especially so, as well as being cold. If we had not been on a pontoon, my friend and I would have been back at the cabin with most of our crew, instead of helping build an addition to the casino. I am completely scrapping my plans for a bass boat purchase and looking at Bass Buggy type pontoons. Thanks a bunch for the video, and for those who were wondering, this viewer gives pontoon fishing a big thumbs up.

[@KempOutside]

Thanks for watching and I think you will love your choice of a pontoon boat for fishing! We do!

[@JaimeBlanco666]

How do you think it would do in inshore creeks? I’m in NE Florida (Jacksonville).

[@KempOutside]

pontoon boats do fantastic on inshore creeks. they don’t draft much.

[@sealanderadventures]

I appreciate your video, and you've made up my mind on using a pontoon boat as my next fishing platform. So, I'm in the market to buy a used one to upgrade. 1. Do spotlock trolling motors work on pontoons. 2. I live in Florida panhandle will use fresh and salt water, but my main fishing focus is big catfish on lake Eufaula, Al, Lake Seminole a d rivers. Should I rig up boat to fish bow or stern while on anchor? 3. What new style fish finder/gps mapping should I buy to find catfish, shad, skipjack in freshwater up to 150 foot deep? I have extens 2D plotter experience, but know nothing about down or side imaging? I appreciate you video and any help you may provide.

[@KempOutside]

Thanks so much for watching! Spotlock trolling motors work great! I only have problems when I am facing a strong wind and strong current going the same direction. If I had to do it all over again, I would go with a 36 volt system instead of 24, but the vast majority of the time I have no issues. I have a video coming out this Thursday that you will want to watch that shows my pontoon boat, a Sylvan Mirage 8520 4PT. This boat is set up for fishing off the bow and stern, and I do both depending on what I am fishing for. For fishing for catfish, my guess is you'd want to fish off the stern. That's the awesome thing about these pontoon boats though. They are very versatile and you can set them up pretty much any way you want. As for fish finders and GPS, I love my Garmin units, but both Humminbird and Lowrance also make fantastic graphs! The technology is changing all the time so I recommend you go to a Bass Pro or West Marine and take a look at what's currently on the market. Play with the menus and settings and see what you like. Also, Mike Smedley has an awesome channel where he does a video series on how to use sonar. Check out his channel for some great info! kzbin.info

[@stickermigtigger]

Someone should build a single man's version of one of these. One without all the cushions and couches. I've never had a fish ask me if they could lay out up front in the sun before.

[@mondingperez4790]

DIY install a mount

[@KempOutside]

It has been a while since I made this video. Install a mount for what?

[@vincentcuccia1244]

@@KempOutside trolling motor maybe

[@KempOutside]

@@vincentcuccia1244 could be. This is my father in law's boat so I am not going to add anything. I have my own pontoon boat with a trolling motor.

[@tilliemorris6241]

I wanted to see you fish

[@KempOutside]

Here is a video of us fishing from this pontoon boat. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIqnk3togtWgqqM

[@gallee8071]

Boiler Up

[@KempOutside]

Boiler Up!

[@DevinMains]

You lost me at the Purdue hat. Go Hoosiers! Good video though!

[@KempOutside]

LOL I live in the middle of SEC country so as long as you are a B1G guy we are good!

[@robinstewart6510]

👎 Your pros & cons seem to be more focused on the "Sylvan 8520 Cruise-N-Fish" pontoon boat than pontoon boats in general. Since most aren't going to have that particular boat, much of what you say isn't really going to help all that much.

[@mittiejackson3427]

Those bass boats are not comfortable,. Aluminum 12 and 14 ft boats are bout the same. To room to move around.

[@KempOutside]

Pontoons make life comfortable! Thanks for watching!

[@mittiejackson3427]

@@KempOutside you're welcome.

[@clevelandmclamore5102]

To small for handycap wheelchair

[@tim4269]

I hate fishing from a pontoon boat for all the reasons he stated.

[@KempOutside]

But would you agree a day fishing from a pontoon boat is better than a day working?

[@bobchristian6702]

No

[@KempOutside]

no what?

[@normanmartin7722]

Too much talk in beginning. Get to the point.