Even Hardcore Anglers Appreciate Creature Comforts!

All pontoon boaters have to admit it sooner or later. A major part of boat-ownership fun is researching, discovering and purchasing just the right gadgets, those little odds and ends that meet your specific needs and suit your overall on-the-water lifestyle.

That's especially true if you're a serious angler. If you're going to spend significant amounts of time on the water, you'll want to make sure that your pontoon fishing boat is equipped with all the appropriate gear — even the little creature comforts that you might not fully appreciate until you're fishing your way into the noon hour on a scorching summer day.

That's right, we're talking about amenities. Being passionate or even hardcore about fishing doesn't mean you shouldn't be comfortable.

To start, consider purchasing a mountable umbrella for the back of your pedestal fishing chair. While pontoons are ideal fishing platforms, , the sun can be an issue, as it is aboard all boats — after all, a Bimini top can only protect the mid to aft sections of your deck. If you're fishing from a pedestal chair on the bow deck, you won't be able to take advantage of that appealing pool of shade.

Cabela's sells a great boat-seat umbrella for pontoon fishing boats. It's huge, with a 48-inch canopy, and it attaches to the back of your seat with a separate, adjustable bracket. You can remove the umbrella from its bracket quickly and easily for storage.

Also, you might want to consider purchasing additional mounting brackets so you can have several mounting stations around your boat. Anglers make use of every inch of their pontoon's deck space, which means you'll need sun protection in more than one place — mountable umbrellas will give you that much-appreciated shade wherever your designated fishing space may be.

Another important add-on for a fishing pontoon is a slide-out lure tray and drink holder that fits underneath your pedestal fishing seat. If you're a serious angler, you may want to talk to your dealer about installing this option, which allows you to keep a fully stocked lure tray within easy reach while offering the added convenience of holding your beverages. Simply pull this durable plastic tray out from beneath your seat, select your lures and enjoy a cold drink.

Now you won't miss any fish action, even if you need shade, a new lure or to quench your thirst. It's all right there, immediately to hand. So maybe comfort can be hardcore, after all.

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