How can I optimize my Manitou pontoon for fishing?

The moment that big bass strikes and your line screams off the reel, you’ll be glad you turned your Manitou into a floating fishing fortress—with stable footing, rod holders everywhere, and a livewell keeping your catch fresh.

TL;DR
Pontoon boats are secretly amazing fishing platforms. They’re stable, roomy, and easy to move around on—perfect for anglers of any age or skill level. This guide covers how to set up your Manitou pontoon boat for serious fishing: choosing the right gear, arranging your deck for maximum efficiency, adding fish finders and trolling motors, and storing everything safely. Whether you’re chasing crappie, bass, or walleye, these tips will help you catch more fish in comfort.

Key Takeaways

Pontoon stability lets you stand and cast without wobbling—game changer for older anglers or beginners.
Remove unnecessary furniture to create open casting decks at the bow and stern.
A trolling motor with GPS “spot lock” holds your boat in place automatically.
Fish finders belong at both the helm and the bow for fishing from anywhere.
Vertical rod storage keeps rods organized and out of the way.
Vinyl flooring beats carpet for fishing—blood and slime hose right off.

Table of Contents

Why a Manitou Pontoon Boat Is a Secret Weapon for Anglers

You might not think of a pontoon when you picture a fishing boat. Most people imagine bass boats with low sides and tiny decks. But here’s the truth: a Manitou pontoon boat might be the best fishing platform you’ve never considered .

Here’s a fact that surprises most people: Many experienced anglers switch to pontoons as they get older because bad knees and backs make traditional bass boats painful. The flat deck means no climbing up and down from elevated casting decks .

Why pontoons work so well for fishing:

Stability – You can stand and cast without holding onto anything. Three tubes and V-Toon Technology keep you rock-solid.
Space – Multiple anglers can fish without tangling lines.
Comfort – Real seats, shade from Integrated Bimini Top Systems, and room for coolers.
Accessibility – Walk everywhere on one level. No ladders or steep steps.

Rhetorical question: Have you ever tried to fight a fish while balancing on a slippery bass boat deck with your knees screaming?

Yeah, that doesn’t happen on a pontoon. You just stand there like you’re on your back porch and reel.

The Evolution of Pontoon Fishing | How We Got Here

Pontoons weren’t always fishing machines. Here’s how they evolved into the angler-friendly platforms they are today.

1980s-1990s – Pontoons are strictly for cruising and parties. Fishing means dragging a cooler to the lake.
2000s – Anglers start adding rod holders to railings. The “fish-and-cruise” concept is born.
2010s – Manitou launches V-Toon Technology, making pontoons handle better and ride smoother. Trolling motors and fish finders become common additions.
2018 – Real-world angler Ernest Paty shares his heavily modified fishing pontoon online, inspiring hundreds of others to convert their boats .
2020-2023 – GPS trolling motors with “spot lock” change everything. You can now hold position without dropping anchor.
Today – Many Manitou models come with fishing-ready features from the factory. Aftermarket tackle centers and rod storage are widely available .

Rhetorical question: Can you imagine going back to anchoring and re-anchoring every time the wind shifts after using GPS spot lock?

Most anglers can’t. It’s one of those upgrades you never want to live without.

Setting Up Your Deck Layout | From Party Barge to Fishing Machine

The first step in optimizing your Manitou for fishing is rethinking your deck layout. Most pontoons come from the factory set up for lounging, not casting. Here’s how to fix that .

Create Open Casting Zones

You need clear space to swing a rod. Look at your deck and identify where you can stand without hitting seats, tables, or railings.

Best spots for casting:

The bow (front) – Remove the front gate or any seats blocking access to the nose. This becomes your primary casting deck.
The stern (back) – The rear corners are perfect for fishing toward the back of the boat.
Along the sides – Keep walkways clear so anglers can move from bow to stern without stepping over gear.

Italicized tip: If your pontoon has a gate at the front, consider removing it entirely. One angler on the Texas Fishing Forum did this and said it made fishing forward “much easier” .

Remove or Replace Unnecessary Furniture

That wraparound couch might be comfortable, but it’s eating up fishing space. You don’t need to strip the boat bare, but consider these changes :

What to remove:

Large L-shaped loungers that block access to railings
Tables in the middle of high-traffic areas
Extra seats you never use

What to add instead:

Swivel fishing chairs at the bow and stern corners – These let you face any direction without moving your body .
Pedestal seats that can be removed when you need open deck space
Aluminum frame seats – They’re lighter and more weather-resistant than big padded loungers .

Rhetorical question: When was the last time you actually used that giant sun pad at the back while you were fishing?

Exactly. Swap it for a couple of swivel seats and watch how much more fishable your boat becomes.

Create Functional Zones

Organize your deck into dedicated areas :

Zone	Location	Purpose
Casting Zone	Bow and stern corners	Standing and casting
Gear Zone	Near the helm or in a corner	Tackle boxes, bait, tools
Fish Zone	Near the stern or side	Livewell or cooler for catch
Chill Zone	Midship or shaded area	Seating for non-anglers

Rhetorical question: Have you ever stepped on a tackle box because it was sitting in the middle of the walkway?

Separate zones prevent that chaos.

Must-Have Fishing Gear for Your Manitou

Here’s the equipment that turns a cruising pontoon into a serious fishing machine. These recommendations come from real anglers and marine accessory experts .

Product Type	Best For	Installation Difficulty	Key Feature	Price Range
GPS Trolling Motor	Hands-free positioning, quiet movement	Moderate – battery and mounting needed	Spot lock / anchor mode	$1,500-$3,500
Fish Finder with GPS	Locating fish and structure, marking waypoints	Moderate – transducer mounting required	Side imaging or down imaging	$300-$1,500
Vertical Rod Racks	Storing 4-8 rods securely	Easy – mounts to fence or seat base	Keeps rods organized and untangled	$50-$200
Swivel Fishing Seats	Comfortable casting from any angle	Easy – replaces existing seats	360-degree rotation	$80-$250 each
Portable Livewell	Keeping bait and catch alive	Easy – plugs into 12V outlet	Aerator pump included	$100-$300
Fluke Anchor	Holding position in mud or sand	Easy – just deploy	Holds well in soft bottoms	$50-$150

Trolling Motors with GPS | The Game-Changer

If you only buy one fishing upgrade, make it a GPS trolling motor. Brands like MotorGuide (Xi5 series) and Minn Kota (Ultrex) offer “spot lock” or “anchor mode” features .

How spot lock works: You press a button, and the motor uses GPS to hold your boat within a few feet of that spot. It automatically adjusts for wind and current. You don’t touch anything.

Here’s a real-world example: One angler on the Texas Fishing Forum installed a MotorGuide Xi5 with remote control. He said he could control it from anywhere on the boat, which meant he could fish from the bow or stern without walking back to the helm .

Bold safety reminder: Always disconnect your trolling motor or unplug it when charging your batteries. Overcharging can damage the motor’s electronics.

Fish Finders | See What’s Under You

You can’t catch fish you can’t find. A good fish finder shows you underwater structure, depth, temperature, and actual fish.

Where to mount them :

At the helm – For navigating to fishing spots and marking waypoints
At the bow – For seeing what’s directly under you while casting
At the stern – Helpful when fishing the back of the boat

Italicized tip: One serious pontoon angler runs four fish finders on his boat – one at the helm, one at the bow, and two extras for passengers. That’s overkill for most people, but it shows how valuable good electronics can be .

For most anglers, start with one good unit at the helm. Add a bow unit later if you find yourself fishing from the front often.

Rhetorical question: Have you ever spent an hour fishing a spot that looked good on the surface but had zero fish underneath?

A fish finder answers that question in about five seconds.

Rod Holders and Storage | Keep Rods Safe and Ready

Fishing rods are expensive and fragile. Leaving them lying on the deck is asking for trouble – someone steps on them, a rod rolls overboard, or lines get tangled into a nightmare.

Storage options :

Vertical rod racks – Mount to the fence. Rods stand upright, reels at the top. Takes up almost no deck space.
Horizontal racks – Mount under the seat or along the fence. Good for trolling setups.
PVC tube storage – Some anglers use 4-inch or 6-inch PVC pipes mounted horizontally to store rods securely. Add a lockable cap for security .

What about security? If you leave rods on your boat overnight, they might grow legs. Lockable rod storage is worth the investment. Some anglers use truck tool boxes bolted to the deck .

Bold safety reminder: Never leave rods sticking straight up when going under low bridges or into a garage. You will snap them off. Ask me how I know.

Livewells | Keeping Your Catch Fresh

If you plan to keep fish for dinner or use live bait, you need a livewell. A livewell is a tank with a pump that circulates fresh lake water, keeping fish and bait alive .

Built-in vs. Portable:

Built-in livewells – Some Manitou models come with these from the factory. They’re plumbed into the boat’s electrical system.
Portable livewells – Plug into a 12V outlet. Work great for occasional fishing. Easy to remove when you want the deck space back.

Livewell tips:

Keep the aerator running whenever fish or bait are inside.
Change the water every few hours in hot weather.
Don’t overcrowd – a 20-gallon livewell holds about 10-15 medium panfish or 2-3 larger bass.

Italicized tip: Add a livewell thermometer. Water temperature affects how fast fish stress out. Cooler water means healthier fish.

Rhetorical question: Have you ever put fish in a cooler with no water and wondered why they were dead and stiff an hour later?

Yeah, that’s not how it works. A livewell keeps them swimming until you’re ready to clean them.

Anchoring and Boat Positioning | Staying on the Spot

You found the perfect fishing spot. Now you need to stay there. Here are your options, from old-school to high-tech .

Traditional Anchoring

A fluke anchor (also called a Danforth) works great for most freshwater bottoms. It digs into mud or sand and holds tight.

How to anchor a pontoon for fishing:

Drop anchor from the bow, not the side. Side-anchoring lets the boat swing in circles.
Let out 5-7 times as much rope as the water depth. Example: 10 feet of water = 50-70 feet of rope.
Set the anchor by pulling backward gently after it hits bottom.

Dual Anchor Systems

For really windy days or deep water, use two anchors – one at the bow and one at the stern. This locks your boat in place so it doesn’t spin or drift .

GPS Trolling Motor (Spot Lock)

This is the modern solution. Press a button, and the motor holds you in place automatically. No anchors, no ropes, no drifting.

When to use spot lock:

Fishing a specific brush pile or rock pile
Holding over a submerged roadbed or reef
Staying on a school of fish that’s moving slowly

Rhetorical question: Would you rather pull up an anchor covered in mud 15 times a day, or press a button?

Most people choose the button.

Fishing Efficiency by Setup Level

Let’s look at how different gear levels affect your fishing success. These estimates come from angler surveys and real-world experience.

See the difference? A properly outfitted fishing pontoon matches or beats a bass boat in everything except top speed. And it crushes bass boats in comfort.

Flooring and Comfort | Fishing All Day Without Hurting

You might be on the water for 8-10 hours. Your body will notice the difference between good and bad seating and flooring .

Ditch the Carpet

Carpet holds moisture, smells, and stains from fish blood and bait. Vinyl flooring is the angler’s best friend.

Why vinyl wins for fishing:

Waterproof – hose it off and it’s dry in minutes
Non-slip – textured surfaces keep you on your feet
Stain-resistant – fish blood wipes right off
No smell – carpet gets funky, vinyl doesn’t

Italicized tip: If you can’t replace your carpet, add snap-in vinyl mats over high-traffic fishing areas. Cheaper than a full re-floor and almost as good.

Comfortable Seating

Premium marine upholstery holds up to sun, water, and fish slime. But the real key is ergonomics.

What to look for in fishing seats :

Swivel base – Turn to face any direction without standing up
Adjustable height – Sit high for casting, lower for fighting fish
Lumbar support – Your back will thank you after hour six
Armrests – Optional, but nice for trolling

Rhetorical question: Have you ever tried to stand up from a low seat after sitting for three hours with no back support?

Your knees and spine remember that experience. Good seats are worth every penny.

Shade and Weather Protection

The sun doesn’t care that you’re trying to fish. A Bimini top or full enclosure keeps you from turning into a lobster .

Shade tips:

Make sure your Bimini doesn’t block casting motion
Consider a second Bimini for full-boat coverage
Removable side curtains extend your fishing season into cooler months

Real-World Example | One Angler’s Ultimate Fishing Pontoon

Let me tell you about Ernest. He’s a serious angler from Texas who converted his pontoon into a fishing machine after bad knees made his bass boat unusable .

Here’s what he did:

Removed the front gate to open up the bow for casting
Raised the back seats on boxes for better visibility and storage
Removed part of the couch seating to open the middle deck
Installed a MotorGuide Xi5 trolling motor with remote control
Mounted four fish finders: one at the helm, one at the bow, one at the stern, and an extra for good measure
Added a second Bimini top so the whole boat has shade
Powered it with a Yamaha 90 four-stroke – plenty of speed for getting around

What he says about it: “After using one for two years I can’t believe I resisted so long. It’s great. A bit slower to get around the lake but what’s the hurry anyway.”

Here’s the thing about Ernest’s setup: It’s not just for old guys. Young anglers with bad backs, families who want to fish together, and anyone who values comfort over speed can learn from his approach.

Rhetorical question: Would you rather catch fish in pain on a “cool” bass boat, or catch more fish in comfort on a pontoon?

Ernest made his choice. Thousands of anglers are making the same choice every year.

Budget-Friendly DIY Fishing Upgrades

You don’t need to spend thousands to make your pontoon more fishable. Here are cheap upgrades that work .

PVC Rod Holders

Buy 4-inch or 6-inch PVC pipe from a hardware store. Cut into 24-inch sections. Mount vertically to your fence with pipe straps. Add a cap on the bottom. That’s a rod holder for about $10 per rod.

Cutting Board Cleaning Station

Mount a plastic cutting board to the inside of your fence near the stern. Add a small trash can underneath. Now you have a fish-cleaning station that cost $15.

Magnetic Tool Holder

Buy a magnetic strip from a hardware store (meant for kitchen knives). Mount it near your fishing area. Now your pliers, hook removers, and scissors are always within reach.

Cooler as Temporary Livewell

A basic cooler with a $30 portable aerator becomes a livewell. Drill a small hole in the lid for the aerator tube. Add a battery. Done.

Italicized tip: Check local regulations before using a cooler as a livewell. Some states require livewells to have specific aeration and drainage features.

Bold safety reminder: Always secure any DIY additions so they don’t become projectiles in rough water. Use bolts, not just adhesive. Safety first.

FAQ | Your Pontoon Fishing Questions Answered

What makes a Manitou pontoon boat good for fishing?
The stable V-Toon Technology and triple tube performance hull let you stand and cast without wobbling, even in choppy water.

Can I add a trolling motor to any pontoon?
Yes, but you need a mounting bracket for the bow or stern. Most pontoon owners mount them on the bow for better control.

How many rod holders do I need?
Four to six is a good start – two at the bow, two at the stern, and two along the sides for trolling.

Are fish finders hard to install on a pontoon?
The transducer mounts to the back of one pontoon log. Run the wire up through the deck. Most owners do it in an afternoon.

What’s the best anchor for a pontoon fishing boat?
A fluke (Danforth) anchor works well for most freshwater bottoms. Use 10-15 pounds for a 20-24 foot pontoon.

Can I leave my fishing rods on the boat overnight?
Only if you have lockable storage. Rods are easy to steal. A lockable truck toolbox bolted to the deck works well.

How fast can a fishing pontoon go?
With a 90-150hp engine, expect 20-30 mph. That’s plenty fast for getting around the lake. Fishing is about the journey, not the speed.

Final Thoughts | Go Catch More Fish

Your Manitou pontoon boat is already a great family cruiser. With a few smart upgrades, it becomes an even better fishing machine. Start small – add a couple of rod holders and a fish finder. Fish from it for a season. You’ll figure out what else you need.

The best part about pontoon fishing? You can bring friends. And kids. And grandparents. Everyone fits. Everyone fishes. Everyone has fun.

Italicized tip: The biggest mistake new pontoon anglers make is overcomplicating things. Start with the basics: rods, bait, a place to sit, and a way to hold the boat in place. Add electronics and livewells later.

What’s your favorite Manitou boat feature or on-the-water experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

References:

Angler’s Edge: Optimizing Your Manitou for Pontoon Fishing | Turn Your Family Cruiser into a Serious Fish-Catching Machine