Choosing Fly Fishing Boats
Written by Bill Hefensen on September 19th, 2009Most people imagine the iconic fly fisherman standing in waste high water, and fully decked out in waders, boots, and fly vest. Many fishermen do indeed choose to carry all of their fly fishing materials into the center of a river. However, this isn’t the only way to fly fish.
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.
Giving the Drift Boat a Chance
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.
The drift boat is perhaps the most advanced of fly fishing boats. The drift boat is basically an enhanced dory. It has been converted to river use and is ideal for fishing the fast flowing river. Drift boats have flat bottoms, wide centers, and high sides.
Drift boats are designed specifically with river fishing in mind. The 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 biggest challenge to using a drift boat is that you will need a trailer to haul it and launch it. You will also be limited put-ins that have boat ramps. Additionally, drift boats do not excel in low water conditions.
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.
You can find plenty of information about fly fishing on the internet. For additional information take a look at this site on fly fishing boats.
Tags: boats, Fishing, Fly Fishing, fly fishing boats, inflatable fly fishing boats, pontoon fly fishing boats, saltwater fly fishing boats, used fly fishing boats
