River Rafts for Fishing

River Rafts for Fishing⁚ My Experience

I’ve been an avid fisherman for years‚ and I’ve tried just about every type of fishing boat there is. But when it comes to river fishing‚ there’s nothing quite like a river raft. River rafts are stable‚ versatile‚ and can be easily maneuvered into even the most remote fishing spots. I’ve had some of my best fishing experiences from a river raft‚ and I’m convinced that it’s the best way to fish rivers.

Choosing the Right Raft

When choosing a river raft for fishing‚ there are a few things to keep in mind. First‚ consider the size of the raft. A larger raft will be more stable and can accommodate more people and gear‚ but it will also be more difficult to maneuver. A smaller raft will be easier to maneuver‚ but it will be less stable and may not be able to accommodate as many people or as much gear.

Second‚ consider the type of water you’ll be fishing in. If you’ll be fishing in calm waters‚ a raft with a lower profile will be fine. If you’ll be fishing in whitewater‚ you’ll need a raft with a higher profile and more rocker.

Third‚ consider the features you want in a raft. Some rafts come with built-in rod holders‚ cup holders‚ and other features that can make fishing more enjoyable.

I personally use a 14-foot raft with a high profile and plenty of rocker. It’s stable enough to fish from in even the roughest water‚ and it has plenty of room for all my gear. I’ve also added a few custom features to my raft‚ such as a built-in cooler and a rod rack.

Here are a few of my top picks for river rafts for fishing⁚

• AIRE Tributary 143D⁚ This is a great all-around raft that’s perfect for fishing rivers. It’s stable‚ durable‚ and has plenty of room for gear.
• NRS Otter 14⁚ This is another great option for fishing rivers. It’s a little smaller than the Tributary 143D‚ but it’s still very stable and has plenty of room for gear.
• Maravia C14⁚ This is a high-performance raft that’s perfect for fishing whitewater rivers. It’s very stable and has plenty of rocker‚ making it easy to maneuver in even the roughest water.

No matter what type of river fishing you do‚ there’s a river raft that’s perfect for you. Do your research and find a raft that meets your needs and budget.

Outfitting the Raft

Once you’ve chosen the right raft‚ it’s time to outfit it for fishing. Here are a few essential items you’ll need⁚

• Rod holders⁚ Rod holders will keep your rods secure while you’re fishing. I recommend getting rod holders that are adjustable so that you can position your rods at the perfect height and angle.
• Cup holders⁚ Cup holders are a great place to keep your drinks and snacks within reach. I recommend getting cup holders that are recessed so that they don’t get in the way when you’re fishing.
• Cooler⁚ A cooler is essential for keeping your food and drinks cold. I recommend getting a cooler that is large enough to hold all of your food and drinks for the day‚ but not so large that it takes up too much space in the raft.
• Anchor⁚ An anchor will help to keep your raft in place while you’re fishing. I recommend getting an anchor that is heavy enough to hold your raft in place in even the strongest current.
• First-aid kit⁚ A first-aid kit is essential for any outdoor activity. Make sure your first-aid kit is stocked with all of the essential supplies‚ such as bandages‚ antiseptic‚ and pain relievers.

In addition to these essential items‚ there are a few other items that you may want to consider adding to your raft‚ such as⁚

• Fish finder⁚ A fish finder can help you to locate fish and determine the depth of the water. This can be a valuable tool for finding the best fishing spots.
• Trolling motor⁚ A trolling motor can help you to move your raft around quietly and efficiently. This can be helpful for getting to fishing spots that are difficult to reach by paddling.
• Bimini top⁚ A bimini top can provide shade from the sun and rain. This can be a valuable addition to your raft if you’ll be fishing in hot or wet weather.

Outfitting your raft for fishing doesn’t have to be expensive. With a little planning‚ you can easily find all of the essential items you need at a reasonable price.

Fishing from the Raft

Once you’ve got your raft outfitted‚ it’s time to start fishing! Here are a few tips for fishing from a river raft⁚

• Choose the right spot⁚ The best fishing spots are often found in areas with structure‚ such as rocks‚ logs‚ and vegetation. These areas provide cover for fish and make it easier for them to ambush prey.
• Use the right bait⁚ The type of bait you use will depend on the type of fish you’re targeting. Live bait is often the most effective‚ but artificial lures can also be effective.
• Be patient⁚ Fishing from a raft can be a slow process. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t catch a fish right away. Just keep casting and reeling‚ and eventually you’ll be rewarded.

Here are a few of my favorite memories of fishing from a river raft⁚

• I once caught a 20-pound salmon while fishing from a raft on the Kenai River in Alaska. It was the biggest fish I’ve ever caught‚ and it was an amazing experience.
• I also caught a 10-pound brown trout while fishing from a raft on the Madison River in Montana. It was a beautiful fish‚ and it was a thrill to catch it.
• I’ve also had some great experiences fishing from a raft on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. The scenery is amazing‚ and the fishing is excellent.

If you’re looking for a new and exciting way to fish‚ I highly recommend trying river rafting. It’s a great way to get away from the crowds and experience the beauty of nature. And who knows‚ you might just catch the biggest fish of your life!

Advantages of River Rafting for Fishing

There are many advantages to fishing from a river raft‚ including⁚

• Access to remote areas⁚ River rafts can be used to access remote fishing spots that are inaccessible by foot or by boat. This gives you the opportunity to fish in areas that are less pressured by other anglers.
• Mobility⁚ River rafts are very mobile‚ which allows you to quickly and easily move from one fishing spot to another. This is especially useful when you’re searching for fish or when you’re trying to avoid crowds.
• Stability⁚ River rafts are very stable‚ which makes them a safe and comfortable platform for fishing. You can stand up and cast without worrying about falling overboard.
• Versatility⁚ River rafts can be used to fish a variety of different rivers and streams. They can also be used for other activities‚ such as camping‚ swimming‚ and floating.

In addition to the advantages listed above‚ I’ve also found that fishing from a river raft is simply more enjoyable. There’s something about being on the water and surrounded by nature that makes the experience more relaxing and enjoyable.

If you’re looking for a new and exciting way to fish‚ I highly recommend trying river rafting. It’s a great way to get away from the crowds‚ experience the beauty of nature‚ and catch more fish.