Classic Accessroies Colorado Pontoon Boat

   

      I had the pleasure of give one of these boats away on our Float Tube Fishing Forum just recently. We have a annual toy drive for the spark of love, and Classic Accessories has for the last 4 year donated to the cause.  I thought I would take a quick moment to give a small review about the Colorado Pontoon Boat.   To start after receiving the pontoon boat at home I decided to build it so that I could take proper pictures for our members to know what they were competing for.  

      It is a fairly easy boat to build as I was able to have it together in the my living room with in an hour.  Being the first Pontoon boat I had built I figure that is not to bad.  you start with the pontoons and inflate to almost full capacity.  The combination quick inflation/ deflation valves made inflation quick and simple these are a great improvement on the basic valves you still find on float tubes.  After the pontoons are inflated you then are able to add the mounting assembly to the pontoons  which is used to attach the seat to as well as to have have the pivot spot for the oars.  

      Next you add the seat assembly which is simple attached with pin system assembly which make it easy to assemble and disassemble.  Then you attach the back basket and anchor arm.  This piece has both a anchor pulley and a plate to mount a trolling motor to.  Finally you need to attach the foot resets and add the oars and you are ready to go.  Overall I believe this Pontoon boat is a great product from Classic Accessories.  If you are in the market for a 9' pontoon boat this is one you might want to look at.  Below is a list of spec's that  you might find helpful in making your discussions.    

Special Features 

• High storage capacity; includes 10 mesh pockets, 12 zippered pockets and two insulated drink holders
• Wire rear storage and battery platform
• Rod holder can be mounted in three different positions on each oar stand
• Anchor system with fillable mesh bag; cleat and pulley controls can fit on right or left side of boat
• Sturdy two position motor mount for trolling
• Detachable foam fly patch

Boat Specifications

• 9' pontoons
• 400 lb capacity
• River rating—Class 1
• Assembled size: 108"L 56"W 26"H
• Weight: 71.5 lbs

Comfort Features

• Three oar-lock positions
• Seat and footrests adjust to a wide range of leg lengths
• Padded fold-down plastic seat

Safety Features

• Safety labeling as per ABYC standards
• Rides high for improved visibility
• Unique dual-side stripping apron with fish ruler allows entry and exit without unclipping
• Non-slip footrests

Construction Features

• Heavy-duty pontoons with abrasion-resistant PVC bottoms and tough nylon tops
• Bronze oar-locks
• Powder-coated steel tube frame
• Rugged 7' two-piece aluminum oars
• Cold and heat-resistant bladders
• Combination quick inflation/ deflation valves

Chatterbaits in Newport Harbor

     So I got this wild idea OK maybe it is no big deal but for a one trick pony it is a big deal.  "I am going to fish a chatterbait in the saltwater and catch a spottied bass, or die trying".  So last week in one of our forum events that just happened to be in Newport Harbor.  I had spent the week reading up on Chatterbaits and asking question on the forum, and I started to build my confidence up.  So it was almost time to pack up and head out to Newport for some float tubing with the crew, of course I still needed the chatterbaits if I was going to try this for myself.  So with not much time left I headed down to the local Wal-Mart (the last stop in tackle when you are not near a real tackle shop) to pick up my arsenal.  Not much to choose from so I left with a white 3/8 oz. and a blue 3/8 oz. chatterbait from Z-man lures.

     I figured I would attack to each lure a trailer and what better trailer for saltwater bass fishing the a Big Hammer Ring Hammer.  Armed with some knowledge and a few chatterbaits I hit the harbor with a determination to at least get a strike or two with my new found baits.  This was a big learning curve but I stuck with it for as long as I could bare it.  I guess it was good the bite was tough, because after casting for an 3 hours with no bites I was ready to through in the towel.  But I pushed on and just before I got out of the water it happened.  A grump of a spot bounded my chatterbait as if it was pissed off at all the vibration my bait was throwing off in the water.  This was a pure react strike, full on aggression to seek and destroy but chatterbait.  That last and only fish on the day left me with a desire to continue to throw a these baits and continue to expand my arsenal on the water.  I have been continuing my reading and studying of these baits and have recently came across some pro's that have said take off the skirt and show off the trailer in all its glory.  I have now been removing the skirts and will be sure to report back on how this has work for me in the salt for the always fun to catch Spotted Bay Bass.