Just so you and everyone knows, a lot of rafts can accommodate a small outboard nowadays. It's great because those engines are only 40lbs and specifically designed to be portable/storable. You use it to cover the water or when you're tired and use the ores for fishing -- best of both worlds. I live and flyfish in central TX, probably about to start guiding, and it's going to be my first choice when it happens.
I sold my John boat and got a fishing raft. The mariner 4. Much more fun and like you said no maintenance and no tabs or tires. Just charge the battery and go trolling or fish up against a rock face. You are ahead of your time.
Hi Alvin , great description on advantages and disadvantages of a raft . All boats serve a purpose and I would say rafts are the most versatile especially on rivers . Thanks
What a deep review on your versatile raft boat. From the raft manufacture point of view, I think the rafts is the best option to make so much equipment improvement and this is fully agreed by majority of the fishing publications.
I went the raft route a couple years ago. Bought a 3 year old used one for 60% if retail and mostly built my own frame using an online guide. It is great for fishing smallmouth here in Virginia; especially during rocky low water, and is the family truckster when the wife and I go on overnight trips. Pleasant surprise that the wife enjoys rowing so I enjoy fishing ;). An anchor system is a really nice add on.
Just sold my 16' Tracker, and "upgraded" to a Stealthcraft Hooligan XL. Rivers are all blown out from rain, dying to get it wet. This video gives me the reassurance that I made the right decision. Bass boat just sat in the drive most days, I use my canoe more than anything. Figure the raft will be better for longer trips, an stability.
I use kayaks and paddle boards as my fishing craft. While I have hard shell versions of both it has been my inflatable boards and kayak that generally get the most use and for many of the same reasons that you cited in regards to your rafts. I try to keep to keep one of my boards in my vehicle for unexpected opportunities.
Great video! I have a question for you. What is the least you'd be willing to spend on a raft? I'm not trying to break the bank on a raft, but I'm also not trying to sink a boat half way down my float. At what price point are you worried about the quality of the raft/your safety or return on investment? Also, what are your thoughts on pontoons vs rafts? Thanks!
The raft works great if you don't have enough space to store a full size boat. Mine is stored in my garage on a self. The boat is in a Husky storage box and the frame and oars are in a duffel bag.
We do river surveys in the summer months (as well as a little fishing). We keep a deflated raft in our hard-sided boat. There have been multiple occasions where we will go as far as we can in our boat, stop and inflate our raft, and keep getting after it. Couldn't do our job without one.
Just bought a two man raft with frame etc. (Bruin, by Water Master out of Montana) like the high pressure drop stitch floor, handles like a drift boat. I can load it in my pickup with no help, I love it and it’s already motivated me to spend a lot more time on the water...
Awesome video brother! CLICK, WATCH, LEARN...it's that easy!! Question for you, how resistant to punctures from sticks, rocks, sharper objects are they? Any prefered rubber repair kits you use?
Thanks Alvin, good info. I’ve been checking out the Flycraft Stealth 2.0 on line, any thoughts. The bummer is, they aren’t sold by any retailers so you can’t just go and see what you’re paying for. Any information you may have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again
Been trying to decide between a raft and a drift boat for here in Montana. With the fluctuations of water levels during the summer, I am in the process of a 14’ Aire Tributary with full frame and three seats.
I have a hobie 14 for marsh fishing in Louisiana, wouldn't mind one of these so I can bring one or both of my kids with me to get on some reds deep in the marsh. Juat worry about how shallow these actually draft, this would be a nightmare stuck on a mud flat
For getting back in the marsh I would probably get a jon boat. Room for 3 and will draft less than the raft. A small outboard a paddle and a push pole.
It all depends on the water. On my home river, a raft is perfect for the upper stretches due to class 4 & 5 whitewater. A drift boat would work, but later in the season it gets pretty boney. On the lower stretch a low profile drift boat like a Claka headhunter skiff or an Adipose are what you would want because of the wind. I've owned both and a raft is what I settled on, because I like the upper stretches of the river best. Less people and ore fish. The majority of the boats you see are there for whitewater rafting.
Great vid... my streams are too small for a normal raft, so I'm debating between a float tube, paddle board or maybe even a kayak. I've got a small car, and some of streams get real shallow or even blocked in parts so I'm not sure if Kayak is going to be mobile enough even if I could fit it on my roof.
Hi, Alvin! Been enjoying your content! Was curious if you had any reccomendations on trailers for carrying a raft. I am in the process of building my raft rig now, and raft specific trailers are hard to come by in the south. I appreciate your reply.
Awesome video as always Alvin so having the repair kit is a must that would also make sure to have a pump as well then correct?...i know dumb question but i just got my first raft and the maiden voyage will be soon just wanna make sure im doing my due diligence as the family captain =)
Always keep a repair kit with ur raft. As well as any tools for the frame/oars u might need. I keep a water proof plastic ammo can in my raft with that stuff, plus a first aid kit..always keep ur pump in as well.. I bout a pump bag that attaches to my frame, Salamander gear makes it..
I have seen lots of different methods for doing a shuttle. Everything from calling an Uber to taking a bike or motorcycle and locking it up at the take out and riding back. I haven't really shopped for rafts lately. The ones I own are all more than 10 years old.
Could you please tell me they kind of Toyota you are using to haul your trailer? I have a kayak trailer and I’m looking for a Toyota to haul my fishing/camping gear. What do you recommend so your car doesn’t smell like fish when hauling fishing gear? Thank you so much 😊
@@AlvinDedeauxFlyFishing That’s funny! 😂 My wife gets in my truck and says “it stinks in here..it smells fishy”. I say that’s the smell of success! 🎣 👍🙂
Hi Alvin, I noticed in your videos you have your rods carried in your vehicle on two vehicle clothes bars. I was wondering how you keep the rod tips from hitting the windshield? Also if they are, have you had any issues with the rod tips getting damaged?
Hi Alvin, love ur stuff. I’m a kayak fisherman here in Austin; lakes river ponds, marsh fishing in E Matty, and open bays down in Corpus. I have two boys 8 and 6. And want to bring them along and introduce them to some fishing adventures...have been thinking raft or canoe...don’t particularly want a trailer and want to keep costs low. Have u ever fished from a canoe? Any thoughts or suggestions for how to cheaply take the boys along? Thx!!
@@AlvinDedeauxFlyFishing thank u sir. My brother fly fishes and introduced me to ur channel...ur gonna turn me into a fly guy🤣🤣🤣 i want a red on fly!!!
It's done with tenders all the time for sail boats. Usually they'll be recommendations on outboard size if the raft comes with or has some sort of transom you can add on. Good stuff.
@@wesleywillard I know exactly what you're talking about thank you. Do you have a raft with one? Or do you know any raft companies that have easily installable transoms?
@@jakenelton1322 I think it might be tough. The small outboards don't really push a raft that well. Mostly just help getting down river on long stretches. We don't really have any shuttle services in Texas either. Most rafts will hold 2 or 3 people so we just take 2 cars.
What kind of fishing are you doing in West TX? Best place to buy a raft? Also, how do you secure those rod holders to the coat hanger hooks in your Runner? Mine slip off the hook if I go over a speed bump or pothole. Love the channel, I’ll hang up and listen.
Bass fishing out west. I think the only way to get a raft in Texas is to order online. The rear of the rod holder is an old version of the rod loft. The front hanger is extended so that it's a real tight fit. Only falls down if the kids mess with it.
It's a harness that is attached tithe frame. Threaded through the floor about 1/3 of the way from the front of the boat. Makes it a lot easier to load the boat on a steep drop.
I like the raft. Having a floor is nice an the raft will float shallower, because of the floor. But I also have a cataraft, so I might be the wrong guy to ask. 😂
I've owned a couple of drift boats, and they are comfy, but we fished this kind of stuff everyday. Never saw a drift boat even try. ruclips.net/video/tBDFUef4ZW0/видео.html
@@AlvinDedeauxFlyFishing Hell yea buddy. From a former and future again steelhead guide from Oregon, with NOLA roots - Love your takes on this channel. Would love to trade you some days on Reds or Jacks down there for a 3-4 day float down the Deschutes swinging spey rods for summer steelhead.
A raft might be the most versatile fishing boat you can get.
It's simple. Alvin posts a video, you watch and absorb the goodness.
Thanks!
I’ve made a sound clip of Alvins laugh my ringtone... seriously though. Big fan of the videos!
"COSMIC CRAWDADS"!!!.. Thanks Alvin. You're the man!
Just so you and everyone knows, a lot of rafts can accommodate a small outboard nowadays. It's great because those engines are only 40lbs and specifically designed to be portable/storable. You use it to cover the water or when you're tired and use the ores for fishing -- best of both worlds. I live and flyfish in central TX, probably about to start guiding, and it's going to be my first choice when it happens.
I sold my John boat and got a fishing raft. The mariner 4. Much more fun and like you said no maintenance and no tabs or tires. Just charge the battery and go trolling or fish up against a rock face. You are ahead of your time.
Thanks I’ll take it, I just bought a 2 man raft
I dig the trailer modification!
Something I have to do all the time.
Hi Alvin , great description on advantages and disadvantages of a raft . All boats serve a purpose and I would say rafts are the most versatile especially on rivers .
Thanks
What a deep review on your versatile raft boat. From the raft manufacture point of view, I think the rafts is the best option to make so much equipment improvement and this is fully agreed by majority of the fishing publications.
I went the raft route a couple years ago. Bought a 3 year old used one for 60% if retail and mostly built my own frame using an online guide. It is great for fishing smallmouth here in Virginia; especially during rocky low water, and is the family truckster when the wife and I go on overnight trips. Pleasant surprise that the wife enjoys rowing so I enjoy fishing ;). An anchor system is a really nice add on.
Thanks for sharing
Just sold my 16' Tracker, and "upgraded" to a Stealthcraft Hooligan XL. Rivers are all blown out from rain, dying to get it wet. This video gives me the reassurance that I made the right decision. Bass boat just sat in the drive most days, I use my canoe more than anything. Figure the raft will be better for longer trips, an stability.
Hey Dustin! I’m considering a stealth craft raft! Do you still like yours after a year?
I think I caught my first Rio in that raft... Thanks Alvin!
Lot's of fish in that raft.
I use kayaks and paddle boards as my fishing craft. While I have hard shell versions of both it has been my inflatable boards and kayak that generally get the most use and for many of the same reasons that you cited in regards to your rafts. I try to keep to keep one of my boards in my vehicle for unexpected opportunities.
Great video! I have a question for you. What is the least you'd be willing to spend on a raft? I'm not trying to break the bank on a raft, but I'm also not trying to sink a boat half way down my float. At what price point are you worried about the quality of the raft/your safety or return on investment? Also, what are your thoughts on pontoons vs rafts? Thanks!
I have been looking at a Flycraft raft for a while now. One of these days I am going to pull the trigger on one. Great video Alvin.
Thanks for watching.
good stuff alvin
Thank you!
The raft works great if you don't have enough space to store a full size boat. Mine is stored in my garage on a self. The boat is in a Husky storage box and the frame and oars are in a duffel bag.
We do river surveys in the summer months (as well as a little fishing). We keep a deflated raft in our hard-sided boat. There have been multiple occasions where we will go as far as we can in our boat, stop and inflate our raft, and keep getting after it. Couldn't do our job without one.
Sounds like fun!
This is the first video of yours I've seen, so simple, and too the point, love it, subbed. (Well shot too)
Thanks for watching!
My man that’s a bad ass raft! I have a drift boat but plan to add a raft for summer time low water.
You can never have too many boats 😂
@@AlvinDedeauxFlyFishing that is so true!!
Just talking about this subject with a buddy the other day. Great insightful information. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Generous advice as always, Alvin. As a longtime class V rafter and mediocre angler, I agree!
Great video! Thank you!
Glad you liked it!
Just bought a two man raft with frame etc. (Bruin, by Water Master out of Montana) like the high pressure drop stitch floor, handles like a drift boat. I can load it in my pickup with no help, I love it and it’s already motivated me to spend a lot more time on the water...
Nothing like a new boat to get you out on the water more.
Awesome video brother! CLICK, WATCH, LEARN...it's that easy!!
Question for you, how resistant to punctures from sticks, rocks, sharper objects are they? Any prefered rubber repair kits you use?
Looks like you have a nice Montana windshield.
I do!
Love your shirts! 🙂 And your videos also..Thanks a lot! 👍
Glad you like them!
I’ve got one of those Colorado 9 foot pontoon Raft just need to use it more often
Why haven’t I found your channel sooner!! Great videos!!!
Thanks a lot!
Thanks Alvin, good info. I’ve been checking out the Flycraft Stealth 2.0 on line, any thoughts. The bummer is, they aren’t sold by any retailers so you can’t just go and see what you’re paying for. Any information you may have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again
I don't really know that much about them, but I haven't ever heard any complaints.
Been trying to decide between a raft and a drift boat for here in Montana. With the fluctuations of water levels during the summer, I am in the process of a 14’ Aire Tributary with full frame and three seats.
Can't go wrong with a raft.
In MT as well & looking at rafts. How has the tributary worked out you? It is on my short list
0:15 that one flexer kid in your zoom class on his yacht
Alvin is so smart he doesn't even mention big W in his videos cause rafts hate it so much haha. Love the content. keep it up!
Good stuff. Thank you
Glad you enjoyed it
Can you share any details on that trailer mod. What are the cross members made of? Are they PVC rollers?
I have a hobie 14 for marsh fishing in Louisiana, wouldn't mind one of these so I can bring one or both of my kids with me to get on some reds deep in the marsh. Juat worry about how shallow these actually draft, this would be a nightmare stuck on a mud flat
For getting back in the marsh I would probably get a jon boat. Room for 3 and will draft less than the raft. A small outboard a paddle and a push pole.
Ah, another great option to contemplate! One of the most rewarding, informational and enjoyable subscriptions I have. Thanks as always Mr AD
Awesome, thank you!
What are your thoughts on not having a self-bailing floor on a raft for central Tx rivers?
Great content!
Thanks for watching!
Alvin, may I ask where you got that front casting brace ?
Northwest River Supplies (NRS). They make the whole frame.
What you use for a clearer and protective coatings. Thanks
this is first time i’ve seen your channel. As soon as you started talking, I said that fella is a Texan. 😂 From another Texan.
Welcome aboard!
It all depends on the water. On my home river, a raft is perfect for the upper stretches due to class 4 & 5 whitewater. A drift boat would work, but later in the season it gets pretty boney. On the lower stretch a low profile drift boat like a Claka headhunter skiff or an Adipose are what you would want because of the wind. I've owned both and a raft is what I settled on, because I like the upper stretches of the river best. Less people and ore fish. The majority of the boats you see are there for whitewater rafting.
So many choices.
What’s an ore fish?
Great vid... my streams are too small for a normal raft, so I'm debating between a float tube, paddle board or maybe even a kayak. I've got a small car, and some of streams get real shallow or even blocked in parts so I'm not sure if Kayak is going to be mobile enough even if I could fit it on my roof.
Good luck out there.
Hi, Alvin! Been enjoying your content! Was curious if you had any reccomendations on trailers for carrying a raft. I am in the process of building my raft rig now, and raft specific trailers are hard to come by in the south. I appreciate your reply.
Yeah they are hard to come by around here. I have either had one custom built or modified a utility/flatbed trailer.
Awesome video as always Alvin so having the repair kit is a must that would also make sure to have a pump as well then correct?...i know dumb question but i just got my first raft and the maiden voyage will be soon just wanna make sure im doing my due diligence as the family captain =)
Always keep a repair kit with ur raft. As well as any tools for the frame/oars u might need. I keep a water proof plastic ammo can in my raft with that stuff, plus a first aid kit..always keep ur pump in as well.. I bout a pump bag that attaches to my frame, Salamander gear makes it..
You briefly mentioned accessories and upgrades to your rafts. How would you suggest rigging a raft for fly fishing?
I have seen a few stripping baskets that help with line management. Yeti coolers and lighter oars are nice as well.
Besides getting a fishing buddy. How does one deal with rafting solo? Also, what's a good raft to start with for trout water in SE and Central PA?
I have seen lots of different methods for doing a shuttle. Everything from calling an Uber to taking a bike or motorcycle and locking it up at the take out and riding back. I haven't really shopped for rafts lately. The ones I own are all more than 10 years old.
who's the music artist in the intro?
Could you please tell me they kind of Toyota you are using to haul your trailer? I have a kayak trailer and I’m looking for a Toyota to haul my fishing/camping gear.
What do you recommend so your car doesn’t smell like fish when hauling fishing gear? Thank you so much 😊
I have a 4Runner. It smells like fish. 😂
@@AlvinDedeauxFlyFishing That’s funny! 😂 My wife gets in my truck and says “it stinks in here..it smells fishy”. I say that’s the smell of success! 🎣 👍🙂
Alvin, do you have a specific brand you feel is one of the best?
I have used Aire rafts for quite a while. Both of the ones we have are over 10 years old and still going!
What model of boat is the one you picked up?kinda looks like a outcast pac1300..
Tthat's what it is.
Hi Alvin, I noticed in your videos you have your rods carried in your vehicle on two vehicle clothes bars. I was wondering how you keep the rod tips from hitting the windshield? Also if they are, have you had any issues with the rod tips getting damaged?
They are pretty much always touching the windshield. Do damage in the last 20 years.
Hi Alvin, love ur stuff. I’m a kayak fisherman here in Austin; lakes river ponds, marsh fishing in E Matty, and open bays down in Corpus. I have two boys 8 and 6. And want to bring them along and introduce them to some fishing adventures...have been thinking raft or canoe...don’t particularly want a trailer and want to keep costs low. Have u ever fished from a canoe? Any thoughts or suggestions for how to cheaply take the boys along? Thx!!
Jerome, I fished out of a canoe for years. Lot's of places will work for a canoe that are too small for a raft.
@@AlvinDedeauxFlyFishing thank u sir. My brother fly fishes and introduced me to ur channel...ur gonna turn me into a fly guy🤣🤣🤣 i want a red on fly!!!
I have a Smith Fly raft. Anyone else. Interested in your point of view. Thanks
Do you have any experience with putting a small outboard motor on a raft I’ve seen it done a couple places but wondering what your thoughts are?
It's done with tenders all the time for sail boats. Usually they'll be recommendations on outboard size if the raft comes with or has some sort of transom you can add on. Good stuff.
@@wesleywillard I know exactly what you're talking about thank you. Do you have a raft with one? Or do you know any raft companies that have easily installable transoms?
I think NRS sells one. I have a couple of friends who have them on their rafts for long flat stretches.
@@AlvinDedeauxFlyFishing so I live in state with not a lot of shuttle services do you think it’s worth it as a way to get back to put ins?
@@jakenelton1322 I think it might be tough. The small outboards don't really push a raft that well. Mostly just help getting down river on long stretches. We don't really have any shuttle services in Texas either. Most rafts will hold 2 or 3 people so we just take 2 cars.
What oars and oar length do you use on the Super Puma?
8.5' on one and 9' on the other.
What kind of fishing are you doing in West TX?
Best place to buy a raft?
Also, how do you secure those rod holders to the coat hanger hooks in your Runner? Mine slip off the hook if I go over a speed bump or pothole.
Love the channel, I’ll hang up and listen.
Bass fishing out west. I think the only way to get a raft in Texas is to order online. The rear of the rod holder is an old version of the rod loft. The front hanger is extended so that it's a real tight fit. Only falls down if the kids mess with it.
Got the same raft. You recall what brand of the frame you have one yours?
It is from NRS.
Which raft do you use?
Aire Super Pumas.
Fix that window, you ain't legal. Whoopwhoop lol
Texas don't care!
@@AlvinDedeauxFlyFishing hell I've been pulled over 3 times for a cracked windshield. Always on holiday weekends...
@Adam Steffen Dang man that sucks, guess I been lucky. Just one more thing to be grateful for.
So what brands would you recommend?
I have used Aire and NRS, but there are a few other good ones out there. I haven't bought a new one in the last 10 years.
What’s up with the strap going underneath the bow?
It's a harness that is attached tithe frame. Threaded through the floor about 1/3 of the way from the front of the boat. Makes it a lot easier to load the boat on a steep drop.
@@AlvinDedeauxFlyFishing ur the man!! Thanks for the response n keep up the content dude!!
What are the dimensions of your rig?
It is 13 foot Super Puma from Aire, frame is from NRS.
Alvin, were you on MeatEater?
I was on one of their RUclips videos and the first season of Das Boat.
You bang your drift boat on a rock hard enough and suffer hull damage you will have an even longer day and night out fishing.
🔥🔥🔥
I’m torn between a 13 ft raft and 16 ft cataraft…
I like the raft. Having a floor is nice an the raft will float shallower, because of the floor. But I also have a cataraft, so I might be the wrong guy to ask. 😂
Looking for a raft that'd fits a family of 5. 2 adults and 3 kids under 12 years of age.
On a river..... Absolutely a raft is better!!!
two person rafts man fresh water salt water get hole done go check out go rafts 2 person baot iman 3 in next boat canu boat john boat
different oars for the raft vs the drift boat?
Not unless one of them is a lot wider.
The quick answer is no. Fishing out of a drift boat is a far better fishing experience.
I've owned a couple of drift boats, and they are comfy, but we fished this kind of stuff everyday. Never saw a drift boat even try. ruclips.net/video/tBDFUef4ZW0/видео.html
Who gives a thumbs down on a video like this? Must be a Democrat
The only correct answer is to own a drift boat, raft, skiff, and jet sled.
That's my answer!
@@AlvinDedeauxFlyFishing Hell yea buddy. From a former and future again steelhead guide from Oregon, with NOLA roots - Love your takes on this channel. Would love to trade you some days on Reds or Jacks down there for a 3-4 day float down the Deschutes swinging spey rods for summer steelhead.