Friday, July 8, 2011

The Experience of Fly Fishing Boats

By Bill Hefensen


It used to be that all fly fishing was down from the shores edge. A fly fisherman would set out in waders, wading boots, and hat. He would have fly rod in hand and carry everything he needed in his many-pocketed fly vest.

However, now it can be hard to find a part of the river to fish. With so many waders out there it can sometimes seem impossible. This is why more and more fisherman are turning to fly fishing boats. Fly fishing boats offer many advantages over traditional river wading.

The Perfect River Boat

Fly fishing boats change the way you fish. They allow you to reach all of those pristine fishing holes that wade fishers try to get to. They also allow you move right over the fish without spooking them. Fly fishing boats are ideal for fishing the larger rivers in the Western US.

Perhaps the most popular of the fly fishing boats is the drift boat. The drift boat is essentially a dory that has been converted for river use. These fly fishing boats have a flat bottom and sides that flare out. They ride high in the water and can spin around very quickly. This makes them ideal for maneuvering rapids and avoiding river obstacles. Many people use rubber rafts for river fishing, but rafts seem sluggish and hard to maneuver by comparison.

Drift boats are designed specifically with river fishing in mind. They are made to take on water and keep you and and your things dry. Drift boats have ample dry storage which is a boon to any river fisher. Additionally, they provide a solid enough foundation to stand on. Many even have built in knee locks. This allows a fly fisherman to stand and cast even while shooting down rapids.

Fly fishing boats come in many flavors. River rafts are perhaps the most common. However, drift boats offer significant improvements over rafts. they move much more quickly and turn incredibly fast. Additionally, they can drop anchor at any time. This allows you to stop and fish pods of fish.

The drawback to using a drift boat, is that you need a trailer to move it. You also need a boat ramp to launch it and remove it from the river. Additionally, they can bottom out in extremely low water.

Of all the fly fishing boats, drift boats are the most expensive. Of course, a quality drift boat can last a lifetime if it is well cared for. Even so, dropping five or more grand on a fishing boat is too much for many people. However, if you can afford it, you won't be disappointed.




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