I've have floated and fished from a WaterMaster Kodiak for nearly a decade, floating almost every major blue ribbon trout river in Wyoming and Idaho and Montana. Simply the best solo fishing craft around. Here are some lessons I've learned along the way... 1. Do not use the upright rod holders that WaterMaster sells. They keep you from being able to cast and fish from the boat. Instead, lay the rods on the right side of the boat, with the reels in the attached gear pocket. I will float rivers like the Madison with three rods ... nymph, dry, and streamer, each quickly accessible on my right side. 2. Carry as little gear as possible. Especially fly boxes. If you somehow overturn all that gear will be lost. Wear a jacket or shirt with big front pockets to hold fly boxes with your essential flies. Wear a lanyard around you neck with your clippers, pliers, gink, etc. Again, if you don't see that rock or log ahead of you and turn over, everything that is loose in or on the boat is gone. Keep it simple. 3. Carry a long handled net, not a shorty, so you can reach out in front of the boat to net fish. Store the net on the left side of the boat using one of the tie down straps to hold it in place. 4. When you fish from the boat you want your system as simple as possible. You will be using your fins to control your speed and how you face down the river. Takes practice but it can be a deadly way to catch fish. 5. When fishing a dry or nymph rig or streamers, avoid casting a long line. Instead, keep a straight line, no excess slack, with your finger on the line against the cork handle. Cast simple straight casts that target where you want the fly to be. No false casts. Only short casts, almost like Euro nymphing. Deadly. 5. Again, keep your system simple. Store anything that you need dry in the dry bag. 6. Always carry the dry bag on the boat, held down with the boat netting. If you rip a hole in the boat that can't be repaired, you will need it to hike out. You will want that dry bag backpack to do that. Happy fishing.
Excellent contribution. Thank you for taking the time to share this with us, you can only learn this through heavy and frequent use of these boats. Well done.
@Reds Fly Shop,thanks a lot for the video.i bought an Intex3 a few months ago and just used it yesterday.i knew somewhat on how to row but basically didn't know enough.i went out a little bit to drop my crab pots and came back in.i was tired and miserable.the tips u give here make me feel confident In retrieving my pots today.again thanks and keep helping people as u been.thanks
Great video. I’m looking forward to the video on using fins as well. Also a video on what you take and how you attach it to the boat would be interesting. Thanks
Red's Fly Shop Joe, which pump do you have on the raft? It is so hard, when I completely fill the raft when it is 80 degrees and then when it hits the 65 degrees water it looses some compression. I think a pump on the river after ten minutes could solve the problem. Looking for your recommendation.
I have found all your videos to be highly informative and have incorporated many of your techniques into my own system of fly fishing. I would be interested in seeing in action of your complete set up of backpacking the watercraft along with the rest of your fishing gear. For example maybe a scenario where you need to hike a hundred yards from your vehicle to get to the water.
Interesting boat concept! Does that mean that your feet are wet all the time (for hours and hours on end)? Also, what if the current is very strong? Will anchoring the boat not be bothersome in a matter of minutes?
Not at all, your feet go up on the foot rest strap in the front. Unless you use fins, which I don't very often in rivers. I don't run an anchor on mine in rivers, I'll stand up on my feet or beach it. I carry an anchor for lakes though. This boat is fishy.
My primary rod points back with the reel tucked under a strap. Easy to get to. If I have multiple rods setup, which I usually do, I will securely strap it in. Great question. Next video will include this.
Great video! How do you choose between the Kodiak vs the Grizzly? Do you find the extra feet in the Kodiak more troublesome rowing and carrying? Is it worth the extra weight when not camping?
Awesome video. Im a bit confused as to what would be considered the fastest water/rapids this is safe on. Can you take one of these on class II or III rapids? Im looking for a single person watercraft that will be safe on the deschutes and similar rivers next may.
WaterMaster can handle it, but the OutCast Clearwater has bigger pontoons and a rocker to knock down the waves. I've reviewed that one as well and we have them in stock.
Another great video. Is the seat high enough to be comfortable to cast from while seated? Where do you put your fishing rods/ do you point them out the back of the raft?
Thanks for the cool video. I really like this water craft. One question? Has anyone from the shop ever had to hammer down toward Yakima to pick up an errant rental?
I just point the tips out the back and put a strap over them (the strap is welded into the boat). Always clip your rods in! I've heard many stories of anglers losing rods out here.
Another great one from Red's; thank you so much. I have a Kodiak that I've only used in stillwaters. Meanwhile, my favorite steelhead river gets pounded on the road side, and is pristine on the other side ! Time to take action. Love your vids
If i rent one where will Red's transport me to launch for a 5-6 hour float?? Can you list the put in spots and approx. float times back to Reds allowing for stops to cast.
Of course, it all depends on the nature of the flow. 15k can be very benign, depending. If my river was 15k however it would be running like a fire hose! All depends, but they are incredibly stable.
Also curious and shopping for a single man boat for a river that flows 4000cfs that you must be grounded on to fish. Thinking based on your big water comment that the Kodiak maybe a Better option. May have to come rent one for the skwala hatch
Well they are they are considered the best, you are looking at $1500 to start but the quality is unparalleled. redsflyfishing.com/collections/watermaster-boats-accessories
Wow. $1500!!!! I’m all about get what I pay for. If these work as good as u say they will Be popular by end of the year, made by competitors for way less and of higher quality and a name brand will Pay em for it. I overpay for a lot of things cuz I justify it with brand loyalty and it’s obvious when people see u they know it’s pricey. This looks like a Walmart product to the passer by, doesn’t look like some guy decked out in Simms, Patagonia, Orvis ( or your brands of choice ). I dunno. I like the idea of it though!!! $1500 inflatable sure seems to have too Much instruction on when it does or doesn’t work. I’d be happy to try one for free and buy one at $1500 if I love it cuz the idea seems applicable but for now I’m a pass. Luckily for all of u my opinion means nothing.
@@redsflyshop Sorry but you have forced me to challenge this entire sentence. By whom are they considered the best ? Exclusive dealers ? The owners? How long have you personally been using a craft of this nature?? I own both Water Master and Water Striders for 15+ years and while I'll agree Water master is a fine boat, to me, Water Strider is an ever better boat. If you used one in a side by side comparison you would know what i mean. Quality unparalleled ? What? Water Strider's Urethane alloy raft material is stronger and more abrasion/puncture resistant than WM's PVC. So it Hyplon. That's a fact, not an opinion. I've never had even a pin hole in 15 years of running all montana waters and the New River here in the East. Can't say the same for WM. Bottom line: WS is more portable(3pc oars vs WM's 2pc and no rigid plywood seat), superior raft material (puncture and abrasion), lighter in weight(boat itself less than 19lbs), and is basically the up-graded, 2nd generation version of a water master, done better. Do your homework people. www.nwrafting.com/river-equipment/types-of-rafts
@@ekimosurac1 All good points. I would say customer feedback in overwhelmingly in favor of WaterMaster, but I haven't come across a WaterStrider. I'll check it out, thanks for watching.
I wish you had talked more about the use of fins. I personally don’t like to have my feet dangling in the water as you’re moving for fear of hitting a submerged rock or tree branch and risk breaking or twisting your knees. If you’re on a personal watercraft like this when the water is higher and there is substantial current, using fins in my view is rather dangerous.
Hey joe i follow you all the time on this boat you need two strong arms don't you. I have one arm that's kind of handicap. Think i could operate it. Might have to keep fishing off of the bank. Thanks jerry Dell
It probably gets annoying after having it rub against your shins or calves for a while. Also, rowing it can't be easy, with water banging against the tubes both outside and inside the boat. For short distances, though, in places otherwise inaccessible, this awkward, no-bottom raft can prove useful to he who thinks it beats a regular boat.
I can see myself spending $1500 to dump myself in front of my friends several times in one trip. My friends will throw extra logs on the fire with a joke for me all night
I've have floated and fished from a WaterMaster Kodiak for nearly a decade, floating almost every major blue ribbon trout river in Wyoming and Idaho and Montana. Simply the best solo fishing craft around.
Here are some lessons I've learned along the way...
1. Do not use the upright rod holders that WaterMaster sells. They keep you from being able to cast and fish from the boat. Instead, lay the rods on the right side of the boat, with the reels in the attached gear pocket. I will float rivers like the Madison with three rods ... nymph, dry, and streamer, each quickly accessible on my right side.
2. Carry as little gear as possible. Especially fly boxes. If you somehow overturn all that gear will be lost. Wear a jacket or shirt with big front pockets to hold fly boxes with your essential flies. Wear a lanyard around you neck with your clippers, pliers, gink, etc. Again, if you don't see that rock or log ahead of you and turn over, everything that is loose in or on the boat is gone. Keep it simple.
3. Carry a long handled net, not a shorty, so you can reach out in front of the boat to net fish. Store the net on the left side of the boat using one of the tie down straps to hold it in place.
4. When you fish from the boat you want your system as simple as possible. You will be using your fins to control your speed and how you face down the river. Takes practice but it can be a deadly way to catch fish.
5. When fishing a dry or nymph rig or streamers, avoid casting a long line. Instead, keep a straight line, no excess slack, with your finger on the line against the cork handle. Cast simple straight casts that target where you want the fly to be. No false casts. Only short casts, almost like Euro nymphing. Deadly.
5. Again, keep your system simple. Store anything that you need dry in the dry bag.
6. Always carry the dry bag on the boat, held down with the boat netting. If you rip a hole in the boat that can't be repaired, you will need it to hike out. You will want that dry bag backpack to do that.
Happy fishing.
Excellent contribution. Thank you for taking the time to share this with us, you can only learn this through heavy and frequent use of these boats. Well done.
@Reds Fly Shop,thanks a lot for the video.i bought an Intex3 a few months ago and just used it yesterday.i knew somewhat on how to row but basically didn't know enough.i went out a little bit to drop my crab pots and came back in.i was tired and miserable.the tips u give here make me feel confident In retrieving my pots today.again thanks and keep helping people as u been.thanks
Love it Joe! By far your instruction on the Watermaster is the best out there! Can’t wait to get out the Yakima soon.
Thanks!
Great video. I’m looking forward to the video on using fins as well. Also a video on what you take and how you attach it to the boat would be interesting. Thanks
Great job Joe!! Glad I own a Watermaster for fishing the Yakima!!!
Oh they are awesome Mark. Super fishy little boats.
Red's Fly Shop Joe, which pump do you have on the raft? It is so hard, when I completely fill the raft when it is 80 degrees and then when it hits the 65 degrees water it looses some compression. I think a pump on the river after ten minutes could solve the problem. Looking for your recommendation.
@@markmeyocks1537 I'd recommend a K Pump - small and gets really good compression to get the PSI you need/want
In my 50’s and just got a Grizzly. Little nervous about getting back on a river. Great tips.
Best review on this boat I ever seen.
This is a how-to. Maybe you didn’t like the other reviews because you were looking for a how-to?
Thanks…probably going to trade in my pontoon for a Kodiak. Would love to see a video on fishing from one of these while moving (fishing the bank).
Thank You! Very helpful video.
Thanks very much, we love fishing out of small 1 person boats.
Excellent instruction. Love my Kodiak!
I have found all your videos to be highly informative and have incorporated many of your techniques into my own system of fly fishing.
I would be interested in seeing in action of your complete set up of backpacking the watercraft along with the rest of your fishing gear. For example maybe a scenario where you need to hike a hundred yards from your vehicle to get to the water.
Interesting boat concept!
Does that mean that your feet are wet all the time (for hours and hours on end)? Also, what if the current is very strong? Will anchoring the boat not be bothersome in a matter of minutes?
Not at all, your feet go up on the foot rest strap in the front. Unless you use fins, which I don't very often in rivers. I don't run an anchor on mine in rivers, I'll stand up on my feet or beach it. I carry an anchor for lakes though. This boat is fishy.
Excellent - But where do lay your rod and gear when on the move?
My primary rod points back with the reel tucked under a strap. Easy to get to. If I have multiple rods setup, which I usually do, I will securely strap it in. Great question. Next video will include this.
Great video!
How do you choose between the Kodiak vs the Grizzly? Do you find the extra feet in the Kodiak more troublesome rowing and carrying? Is it worth the extra weight when not camping?
Great question. I should lay the two side by side and explain. If you plan to backpack it in, Grizzly. Big water and waves, Kodiak.
Awesome video. Im a bit confused as to what would be considered the fastest water/rapids this is safe on. Can you take one of these on class II or III rapids? Im looking for a single person watercraft that will be safe on the deschutes and similar rivers next may.
WaterMaster can handle it, but the OutCast Clearwater has bigger pontoons and a rocker to knock down the waves. I've reviewed that one as well and we have them in stock.
Another great video. Is the seat high enough to be comfortable to cast from while seated? Where do you put your fishing rods/ do you point them out the back of the raft?
Thanks for the cool video. I really like this water craft. One question? Has anyone from the shop ever had to hammer down toward Yakima to pick up an errant rental?
Never. These boats are really easy to use.
Super Info !!!! Where do You stow your rod(s) ?
I just point the tips out the back and put a strap over them (the strap is welded into the boat). Always clip your rods in! I've heard many stories of anglers losing rods out here.
lateral epicondylitis?
Another great one from Red's; thank you so much. I have a Kodiak that I've only used in stillwaters. Meanwhile, my favorite steelhead river gets pounded on the road side, and is pristine on the other side ! Time to take action. Love your vids
Great thank you so much, love my Kodiak!
If i rent one where will Red's transport me to launch for a 5-6 hour float?? Can you list the put in spots and approx. float times back to Reds allowing for stops to cast.
I was all set to get one of these '' grizzly '' until I saw the price..lol Looking at the Packfish 7 which i hear good things about as well.
Take a look at the Outcast Scout. We use those here as well, good boats.
If your still in the market look at the Maxxon Wigeon, same size as the grizzly but $550
Would you be comfortable in this raft on a river flowing at 12-15,000 cfs?
Of course, it all depends on the nature of the flow. 15k can be very benign, depending. If my river was 15k however it would be running like a fire hose! All depends, but they are incredibly stable.
Red's Fly Shop Thank you
Also curious and shopping for a single man boat for a river that flows 4000cfs that you must be grounded on to fish. Thinking based on your big water comment that the Kodiak maybe a Better option. May have to come rent one for the skwala hatch
How much are those?
Well they are they are considered the best, you are looking at $1500 to start but the quality is unparalleled. redsflyfishing.com/collections/watermaster-boats-accessories
Wow. $1500!!!! I’m all about get what I pay for. If these work as good as u say they will
Be popular by end of the year, made by competitors for way less and of higher quality and a name brand will
Pay em for it. I overpay for a lot of things cuz I justify it with brand loyalty and it’s obvious when people see u they know it’s pricey. This looks like a Walmart product to the passer by, doesn’t look like some guy decked out in Simms, Patagonia, Orvis ( or your brands of choice ). I dunno. I like the idea of it though!!! $1500 inflatable sure seems to have too
Much instruction on when it does or doesn’t work. I’d be happy to try one for free and buy one at $1500 if I love it cuz the idea seems applicable but for now I’m a pass. Luckily for all of u my opinion means nothing.
@@redsflyshop Sorry but you have forced me to challenge this entire sentence. By whom are they considered the best ? Exclusive dealers ? The owners? How long have you personally been using a craft of this nature?? I own both Water Master and Water Striders for 15+ years and while I'll agree Water master is a fine boat, to me, Water Strider is an ever better boat. If you used one in a side by side comparison you would know what i mean. Quality unparalleled ? What? Water Strider's Urethane alloy raft material is stronger and more abrasion/puncture resistant than WM's PVC. So it Hyplon. That's a fact, not an opinion. I've never had even a pin hole in 15 years of running all montana waters and the New River here in the East. Can't say the same for WM. Bottom line: WS is more portable(3pc oars vs WM's 2pc and no rigid plywood seat), superior raft material (puncture and abrasion), lighter in weight(boat itself less than 19lbs), and is basically the up-graded, 2nd generation version of a water master, done better. Do your homework people. www.nwrafting.com/river-equipment/types-of-rafts
@@ekimosurac1 All good points. I would say customer feedback in overwhelmingly in favor of WaterMaster, but I haven't come across a WaterStrider. I'll check it out, thanks for watching.
I wish you had talked more about the use of fins. I personally don’t like to have my feet dangling in the water as you’re moving for fear of hitting a submerged rock or tree branch and risk breaking or twisting your knees. If you’re on a personal watercraft like this when the water is higher and there is substantial current, using fins in my view is rather dangerous.
I'll do another video on that, good question.
Hey joe i follow you all the time on this boat you need two strong arms don't you. I have one arm that's kind of handicap. Think i could operate it. Might have to keep fishing off of the bank. Thanks jerry Dell
It probably gets annoying after having it rub against your shins or calves for a while. Also, rowing it can't be easy, with water banging against the tubes both outside and inside the boat. For short distances, though, in places otherwise inaccessible, this awkward, no-bottom raft can prove useful to he who thinks it beats a regular boat.
It's so light there isn't any discomfort while wading, not an issue whatsoever.
@@redsflyshop, thank you!
Finn video please 🙏
The boat Fred Flintstone would use
Ha yes. Exactly.
I can see myself spending $1500 to dump myself in front of my friends several times in one trip. My friends will throw extra logs on the fire with a joke for me all night
That is funny, but you would have to try really hard to do that! These boats are incredibly rigid.
Hi
great tip . learn the boat .ignore the fishing !!
Thanks much! Once you know the boat fishing is easy.
Boby boby Bob