Fishing in an Inflatable Raft?

[Roadster]

Hello,
I hope this note finds you all well. As I am upstairs typing this forum posting, I am almost positive my husband is downstairs researching inflatable rafts. It's what he's been doing for the past two years on and off. I'd love to help him make a decision so he can have something this camping season. That's where you come in.

My husband loves to fish. But the better fishing is done in something that floats. He would like to get something that deflates so it can be packed away in a vehicle or in Bessie the RV when not in use. We really don't want to pull a boat behind our RV. He plans to use the raft in calm bay water at Mosquito Lake: Stop The Mosquito Lake Buzzz – CU On The Road

I worry about him being in the water and a fishing hook punctures the raft. So I would think having several air bladders would be pretty critical so he stays afloat, as well as some puncture resistent outer layer.

Have you successfully (or unsuccessfully) used an inflatable raft for fishing? If so, was it a particular brand? He gravitates to the Seagate brand. Any recommendations or guidance would be much appreciated!

Thank you!
Chris (Roadster)

[Roadwarrior]

I use one like the one shown in the link, to fish lakes in Washington.... The pontoon bladders are covered with a thick cordura material. Takes about 5 minutes to set up and take down. Have him always wear a life jacket (in variable models for fishing) when he's using it. Some models can even accept an electric trolling motor.


Pontoon Boats for Fly Fishing : A Buyers Guide to Finding the Right Pontoon Boat

[yellowdog00]

I bought the Sea Eagle 285 last year for the same reasons you mentioned. I have enjoyed mine. When I get to where I'm camping I inflate it with foot pump and leave it inflated in back of truck taking it back and forth to ramp. It has two air chambers. It is stable on the water but is easily pushed around by the wind. I use the trolling motor on mine. Only hassle with that is the weight of battery that has to be taken in and out. My only regret is not getting the two person model that would allow my wife or a buddy to join me. Sea Eagle makes a good product.

[Roadster]

Originally Posted by Roadster

Hello,
I hope this note finds you all well. As I am upstairs typing this forum posting, I am almost positive my husband is downstairs researching inflatable rafts. It's what he's been doing for the past two years on and off. I'd love to help him make a decision so he can have something this camping season. That's where you come in.

My husband loves to fish. But the better fishing is done in something that floats. He would like to get something that deflates so it can be packed away in a vehicle or in Bessie the RV when not in use. We really don't want to pull a boat behind our RV. He plans to use the raft in calm bay water at Mosquito Lake: Stop The Mosquito Lake Buzzz – CU On The Road

I worry about him being in the water and a fishing hook punctures the raft. So I would think having several air bladders would be pretty critical so he stays afloat, as well as some puncture resistent outer layer.

Have you successfully (or unsuccessfully) used an inflatable raft for fishing? If so, was it a particular brand? He gravitates to the Seagate brand. Any recommendations or guidance would be much appreciated!

Thank you!
Chris (Roadster)

He gravitates toward the Sea Eagle brand (not sea gate). Thanks.

[Roadster]

Originally Posted by Roadwarrior

I use one like the one shown in the link, to fish lakes in Washington.... The pontoon bladders are covered with a thick cordura material. Takes about 5 minutes to set up and take down. Have him always wear a life jacket (in variable models for fishing) when he's using it. Some models can even accept an electric trolling motor.


Pontoon Boats for Fly Fishing : A Buyers Guide to Finding the Right Pontoon Boat

This is interesting. Looks like a hybid between a kayak and a raft.

[Roadster]

Originally Posted by yellowdog00

I bought the Sea Eagle 285 last year for the same reasons you mentioned. I have enjoyed mine. When I get to where I'm camping I inflate it with foot pump and leave it inflated in back of truck taking it back and forth to ramp. It has two air chambers. It is stable on the water but is easily pushed around by the wind. I use the trolling motor on mine. Only hassle with that is the weight of battery that has to be taken in and out. My only regret is not getting the two person model that would allow my wife or a buddy to join me. Sea Eagle makes a good product.

Yes! Sea Eagle (not sea gate, as I originally posted). I would think he'd have to shoot for something bigger, like 3-5 man, because the family would probably want to go out with him. Is comfortable? Do you sit on the floor?

[clubhouse]

I fished from several inflatables, however now I have a sit on top fishing kayak. Hard to beat a kayak for portability and fishability. Thule, Yakima and others all make great racks for all vehicle types to transport them easily. I would strongly consider pushing him towards a kayak -- get a peddle drive if your budget supports it.

The other really good thing is they are very affordable second hand from Craigslist.

[dewey02]

Has he considered getting a porta bote instead?
We have one and it folds up to look like a surfboard and unfolds to become a 12 foot rowboat. It mounts to the side of the RV and is only 4 inches thick when mounted.
Here's the link:
http://youtu.be/s-nga83T1mY

[TCNashville]

This is what I use. Venture Outdoors 6T modular pontoon boat. Dimensions are 6x4 ft and assembles in minutes, or fits into any SUV or pickup truck bed fully assembled. Weighs 60lbs. Pontoons are rotocast like a Kayak.

[Imnaha.Mansion]

As far as one man options they have inflatable horseshoe shaped boats with no frame but you supply the power. Pontoon boats ride higher and are warmer but you have a free to deal with. Large pontoon boats called catarafts are used in white water rafting can carry a few people and a motor and cooler, but are vary pricey. Personally never trusted folding boats, others like them. I would avoid cheap one air chamber inflatable rafts. Safer boats are of sturdier material and have more than one air chamber. The higher you ride above the water the more wind will affect you.

[troutslayer]

I have a Sea Eagle 420X Explorer kayak. It's great for floating a river (even fast ones) but not so good for fly fishing because the seats put you so low that it's difficult to cast. There's not a lot of room for storing long fly rods either. HOWEVER, the great thing about Sea Eagle is that you can buy their product and if you don't like it you can return it within 180 days of purchase. You can essentially "borrow" one of their crafts and return it if it doesn't fit your style.

[yellowdog00]

Here is mine with the seat that is very comfortable. They also make a two person with same seat. The larger you go the less portable. I also mounted a rod holder and fish finder.

[eldermike]

I have a couple of Jackson sit on top Kayaks. I only fly fish and have no issues casting from the sitting position. I have also considered some type of inflatable boat but the ones I see on the lakes I fish seem to be trolling or anchored and I assume that's because of issues with the wind.

[skijlw]

I have a 10' inflatable pontoon boat. Only weighs 50 lbs and sets up in minutes. I have floated shallow water rivers where I hung up on rocks and snags and never had a leak. The Kevlar material on the pontoons is nearly indestructible. Very stable craft and easy to row. There are many makes on the market and prices very.

[Roadster]

I want to thank each of you for your suggestions and photos. I'm going to ask my husband to take a look at your feedback. And we will hopefully move forward with this decision. I'll keep you posted. Thanks again!!!