The Outfitter in a 12.5-footer is perfect for running most western rivers with fisherman. It’s not a self-bailing raft but the boat is also really light at sub-90 pounds. The lead pyramid style anchors are the most prolific. You can run it as a paddle boat with 2 thwarts or pull the thwarts, throw on a fishing frame and run it hard. They have a rock solid trailer that is designed to take abuse. A backpack version is really handy for hauling around difficult to reach campsites. I shredded one boat on a trailer and did a home repair with NRS hypalon and the correct glue. On some of their models, they use NRS frames but they also have used different styling in the past. Like dry boxes, coolers can function as seats. The 14-footer however would make a nice raft for big water in the northwest and it can function as a solid gear boat if needed. Buying a raft trailer is the last step. Raft Fishing on the Tongariro River. You will find a bunch of great fly fishing raft manufacturers and a few that are questionable. The custom frames are fitted with an anchor system, elevated angler seats and rod holders. If you like running light and pushing the limits of smaller waters without sacrificing the ability to hit big water, this is a wonderful boat. It has a front bay for a dry box or cooler that functions as a seat. Blackfoot Strike by Sotar Streamtech advertises their rafts as drift boats. Would prefer to sell raft and trailer together but am willing to hear offers on raft/trailer seperately. They have a very narrow design and sell on the portability factor with room for two anglers and a rower. You might even grab one for the dog. Whether you are a seasoned angler or first time fly fisher, we got you covered. It’s self bailing just like the Otter but the floor does not have baffles. It runs 13-feet long and comes with their lean bars, padded seats, gear box bays and heavy duty frame. This series actually has 9 different boats which is a little overwhelming. fly fishing raft can range from single-seaters to having a … Warranty DisclaimerWe provide a lifetime warranty on the aluminum frame. I don’t work for any of the companies listed here but I will help you order the best fishing raft for your personal needs. The fly fishing raft made for casual use may be inflatables, which can further be either rigid or soft, as well as collapsible in other materials. It maximizes the blade surface area under water in shallow zones. The Otter is loved by many owners and you see them everywhere. Advanced reservations are highly recommended. The welded inner seams and thick PVC design makes it prime for use and abuse. The modular design makes them easy to assemble, adjust and customize. Expect to shell out at least 2k for a decent used raft much more for a shiny new boat. The angler gets a lean bar and the rower has a comfortable seat with an anchor system. If the glue is not the highest quality, it might break down and cause leaks along the strip which is difficult to repair. Oars are often overlooked but they make a huge difference. The Green River Drifter has a diamond plated floor that transforms raft interiors into drift boats. Two bucket boats and one self bailer with a blown baffle that didn’t stop the raft from running every day for a summer. They are best suited to day trips but the flexible sides make it possible to stuff them away where hard sided coolers don’t fit. Air Chambers: 4+1. Max Persons: 3. I’m loving the way it rows and cuts across water. Dragonfly with Delux Dre Fishing Frame Have a look at this fly fishing frame from Down River Equipment. The XTC2 is also a two person frame design. At other times, it’s just fun to talk fly fishing rafts and enjoy the excitement of ordering a fresh rig. Overall Weight: 125 lbs (approx.)*. The floor system is really convenient but not possible unless you have a hard floor. Fishing oars require feathering and superior control. Storing gear inside the raft is important. Dragonfly self bailing whitewater raft for fishing and whitewater expeditions. They offer a cargo trailer with a raft deck or a flatbed version. These loops mean two points of the anchor will contact and grab the bottom to stop the boat quickly. Max Capacity: 1000 lbs. High Ended Welded Seam Rubber with Extra Chaffers on Bottom for Extreme River use, Light Weight aluminum Frame in either one piece (for quiet performance, and less moving parts) our multi piece break down frame (see video), Frame has Front Integrated Casting Brace, Heavy Duty Extra Durable Finish on Aluminum Frame, Tempress Padded Front/Rear Swivel Seats & Low Back Rowers Seat, Harken Performance Rigging, Integrated Anchor System, Sawyer 8′ Wood Utility Oars w/ High End Regal Oar Locks. He is currently fly fishing down the Pan American highway, exploring fisheries from a camper van with his companion, Shale dog. These fly fishing raft are designed to be super easy to transport and maneuver. It’s extra stable and measures at 14′ 6″ with 7′ of width. Designed by Blackfoot River Outfitters founder John Herzer and custom built in the USA by SOTAR, the Blackfoot Strike is the ultimate fishing boat. I’d advise a test run and a reference before jumping into this emerging market. Like I said, they have a ton of options. Updated or edited Jan 7. It can open up endless new areas to fish and can be a great way to spend some time on the water with friends. Gear for your next down river fishing adventure. Take your time, do the research and buy a raft that is made to last. Carlisles and cataracts also nice and they make great workhorse oars. It can haul 1500-pounds of weight and is perfect for a couple of people, gear and a dog. It can take on the bigger water but the tracking and interior space are suited to fishing with two anglers and a rower. We keep testing and tweaking until we get it right for all our Outcast Fly Fishing Rafts. The new Bruin model is a step up that can run as a single, double or three person boat. The NRS raft fishing frames are the gold standard. Now that you have a raft and frame setup, it’s time for the fun stuff. 02 Dec. When it comes to frames, there are a few dedicated manufacturers and quite a few custom makers that do small batches. John has been rowing Sotar boats since 1984 – and rowed rafts a distance equivalent to twice the circumference of the earth! I’ve seen and rowed on their frames and they are obviously made by experienced anglers. Seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. 2021 - 2 weeks ago. Not cheap by any means but you get the Sotar quality. Not many rod holders are made for off the shelf purchase. Tube Diameter: 15″. Advantages of Float Fishing Rafts. We sell used fishing rafts with frames and used drift boats! No thwarts and not intended to haul a big load of gear. With a new frame design and secure leg locks for each angler, this is the perfect boat for the avid fisherman or guide. The 13-footer is perfect for fishing and you can order it as a package with the NRS fishing frame. The Cataract SGX with a Cutthroat Oar Blade is also ideal. Located on the banks of the Salmon River in Idaho our team offers expert advice and steep discounts on two hand switch and spey rod packages that are ready to fish. It has the warranty and a great price point for a raft that should last for decades. Blackfoot River Outfitters in Missoula Montana teamed up with Sotar to make their version of the ideal fishing raft. It has a lean bar and standing platform and is built to function like a drift boat. My absolute favorite is the cube shape with the welded loops on each corner. Condition is Used. These rafts come with High End Tempress Fish ON/ Off Seats, This boat is a true 3 seat raft, an actually full sized 300# person can fit on it! Their San Juan 3-bay model is really well planned for anglers as well. This boat is super nimble and responsive. Finding a deal on off-brand rafts is enticing but cheap glue and corner cutting can wear out a boat in a hurry. The other interesting thing about the Puma design is the internal air bladders. The Salmonfly is the next model up and is slightly larger at 13′ 6″ with gear bays, angler seats, lean bars, anchor system and all the goods. You can’t feather or adjust the blade angle. – ALL SOTAR Strikes come standard with FOUR air chambers in the main outside tube. I’ve fished in a bunch of Otters, some with much more than 5 years of hard use as guide boats and they are running strong with no holes or patches. It can pair with a bunch of different frame styles but the NRS fishing frame combined with a Super Puma is really ideal. They do not stick and pull up easily. Designed for 1-2 anglers and for use on lakes and rivers with rapids up to Class II, the Stealth Stalker is, by far, the most portable inflatable fishing raft available. I really like the Taylor LD 2-Bay model for a 2-person raft. ... “I want fly-fishing to be simple: uncomplicated, easy, safe, no drama, memorable. They are nice to have and they protect your rods from catching on brush or being broken by a boat dog. Everyone has a different set of needs ranging from a smaller, sneaky boat for one or two people to a whitewater capable rig setup for multiple fisherman. The stripping baskets are a nice touch for preventing tangles and hangups on the frame as well. The fishing PFD is perfect for personal use and you can throw in a few basic model vests for other folks. The stability is excellent and it remains very responsive, making for the perfect compromise. Favored by guides all over the world, this 14' fishing raft is the most stable and versatile fishing platform available. Fly Fishing - Guided Fly Fishing Float Trips Wyoming $0 (ftc > Grey Reef/Miracle Mile/Upper North Platte) pic hide this posting restore restore this posting. The welding is nice and adds to the durability. If you’re rowing 100+ days with anglers, it’s hard to go wrong here. Drift Boat Discussion Raft Question. In terms of basic function, a raft is no different than a drift boat in terms of river trip fly fishing adventures.A raft is designed to drift down the river with the current, with the rower or guide controlling the speed by facing forward and pulling against the current. They are heavy which factors somewhat into the loading, unloading and portaging scenario but otherwise, the boats are nice and they hit a great price while having big water capabilities. Check out this guide to buying a fishing raft and get in touch to place an order. I have a soft spot for Achilles rafts. We can also arrange fly fishing guide trips to any of the areas many lakes, streams and creeks, include private waters like the BarZX and Giannetti Spring Creeks. Sticking to the proven brands that offer customer support and a rock solid warranty is always a good idea. Hypalon is also easy to patch and repair. They also have some really cool rafts like the Mini Max that can fit with a welterweight frame for a crazy portable yet whitewater ready craft. The boats break down small and are easy to transport. Each one was hypalon and they were old and well used but still held air perfectly. Outcast Fly Fishing Rafts - inflatable pac series rafts are designed, water tested and refined by expert boaters. No Cheap Seats! Most raft anchor systems run on pulleys and the anchor rope is held by a cleat that is easily within reach. I’ve rowed a few of these and they are fantastic boats. You can also opt to add standing platforms and casting braces for anglers. You want dry storage but also need easy access to fishing equipment. They do appear to have a glue strip like those found on many Saturn and Odyssey rafts. They run on the heavy side but the trade-off is the incredible frame design. Being a relatively new thing in the market, I can’t report on durability either. They use thick PVC and welded seams. Free shipping, no sales tax. Like all of their designs, versatility is the key with this brand. The Green Drake raft is their smallest and it’s the perfect trout boat. The XL3 is the 3 person full fishing frame and the XTC3 is a more minimalist version frame. This system is for fly fishing enthusiasts who want to have a personal fly fishing boat that can carry extra cargo. They make a great raft and are an all-around solid company with a big footprint in the whitewater community. Their Steelhead model is designed to run the big rivers while hauling a load of gear and anglers. Big tubes create a really responsive ride and the floor is self bailing but not inflatable. Started the Busted Oar Lock to share interesting stories and discoveries from the road. It looks like the raft comes in several different sizes but the 13.5-foot model is the one I’ve seen used most often in Northwest Montana. It’s light and rows more like a drift boat with the diminished tube size. The anchor system runs off a system of pulleys and a cleat and it works great. The durability is rock solid and NRS has a big factory for support and professional repairs. Oh, and did we mention it fits in the back of a pickup or on top of a car or SUV? The frame is a perfect fit and you can have this thing setup and ready to fish within an hour of receiving the package. All America Denver – The prices seem pretty good from these guys and the trailers look well built. You can run an NRS frame or one of the custom frames used by the outfitter. Want Help Ordering? Trout Bohemia. Hyside fishing rafts are Hypalon coated nylon that is extra durable and loved by outfitters and private boaters. It runs at 13.5-feet so it has a little more interior space for anglers. There are a number of fly fishing rafts on the market currently. You can easily adjust the seat placement by loosening the bolts and sliding them along the main rails to find the perfect fit. The PAC 1400 comes complete with a rower's platform, secure standing decks for bow and stern anglers and can accommodate enough gear for day trips and overnighters. Personally, I like a minimalist approach with a few high quality items like a cooler, dry bags and a quality anchor. The specs are similar to an Otter at a much lower price point. Zach Lazzari is a freelance writer, fly fisherman and explorer. With the Bruin, you can squeeze through the channels and portage easily. Sawtooth Raft Trailers – I like the concepts from this company. You get the 5-year warranty as well. The biggest being the ability to seat three large people on one raft. I think the 13-footer has plenty of space for 2 anglers and a rower with a bunch of gear. Writing, photographing, hunting, fishing and exploring full-time. The Searunners. General Fly Fishing Discussion. It’s a killer boat for big water and multi-day trips but still can run the smaller rivers without issue. The team at Hyside has a cult-like following and it seems like they sell out of models every year. These are awesome rigs for one person fishing however. For angling, adding a fishing frame will obviously change that arrangement. We test our rafts in the most demanding whitewater in the world and in a diversity of lakes, oceans and bays. Trouts Fly Fishing is Denver's Premier Fly Shop and Outfitter. Jumped on board the raft with Jesse from rafting New Zealand http://bit.ly/2Q1ONyO to Float fish the amazing tongariro river. 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