DISLIKES:
1)Toobs are sloooooow…… nuff said.
2)Toobs can be a bit uncomfortable in less than ideal conditions. For myself comfort equates to quality fishing time on the water. Toobs, because of their simple design and construction can be a bit of an effort to maintain a comfort level that allows you the maximum amount of stress free time on the water. Hypothermia, cramps, limited movement, and sitting down in a soft inadequately supported seat with chest waders on, Toobs are a wet ride in bad conditions,… Well,…. you get the picture.
3)Toobs are not particularly seaworthy. Susceptible to wind, wave, and current, and having only your best physical effort to supply locomotion, they are at best a fair weather, short range, platform.
4) Toobs are small. Fisherman are notorious for needing to carry lots and lots of stuff. Toons are inherently poor regarding cargo, and/or accessories carry.
The Pontoon:
The Pontoon is the natural progression in the Float Fishing realm, from the Float Tube
to a more conventional watercraft. It is a boat. A small, very special kind of boat.
Simple, self propelled, and with the same close proximity to the environment we all enjoy in the Toob, BUT,…. with the improvements in performance, comfort and fishability that make it my choice in Float Fishing. (REMINDER: I am about the fishing!)
LIKES:
1) Toons are a real boat. Toons sit on the water. You sit on the Toon. As much as this is a difference of just a few inches ( the proximity of your butt, to the water surface), It is the world of difference. Toons are fast, very maneuverable, a dry ride (comfort), warm (comfort again), can be propelled by an assortment of means, have great range and seaworthiness, are inherently safe, can carry a BOATLOAD (pun) of stuff, and are an extremely worthy fishing platform.
DISLIKES:
1) Toons are a real boat. With the decision to own a Toon, comes the commitment to own a boat. Toons are expensive. Toons are bigger, heavier, need more room to store, are less easy to transport, (especially, from your vehicle to the water), are more complicated with more parts, require more assembly time, and maintenance, can carry a BOATLOAD (pun) of stuff, AND!…. if you decide to put a motor on it, has to be registered with the local Department Of Motor Vehicles!!!
As I have mentioned before Toobs and Toons are completely different, and yet similar items. One is about simplicity and economy. The other, about commitment, and performance. The common element between the two is the ability to enter the environment on a close and personal level and enjoy Fishing at it’s simplest and most rewarding.
My next article regarding the Toob and Toon will be a more technical and comprehensive comparison that will help support my aforementioned contentions regarding both.
See you next issue!
By; FTFF Contributor
V.S