BFC Float Clinic How to select and use personal watercraft suitable for fly fishing
BFC Float Clinic • Personal watercraft not multi-user boats • Discussion on design, options, and best use. • Making a selection - features to look for • Operational & safety considerations
My experience with PFD dates back to 1950
What do you think a 12 yr. old kid might do with 2 inner tubes, 1/3 sheet of plywood, 10-feet of rope, and a scouting knife?
SHOW OF HANDS How many have decided on a particular type of personal watercraft?
What boat should I buy? You're the only one who can answer that question….no single craft fits every need. The challenge is to find the boat that's the best fit for you or buy more than one boat …. that’s what I had to do!
Personal Watercraft
Limited discussion
Why canoes are not included……
What else is not included……
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Decision Factors
Type of water lake vs. river & distance to be traversed on land & in the water Targeted species Usage on big lakes subject to marginal conditions Usage on rivers where structure & rapids will be encountered Storage and transportation constraints How often will you be on your own - safety & size How much gear are you likely to carry Is this craft for day use only Will you be in the boat more than a few hours at a time - comfort Can you physically handle fins as your only means of propulsion. How far will you be carrying the craft on your own Need for easy & fast access Build quality
Del Canty, the Colorado angler who was a legend
Del Canty’s Lunker Hunter by Infield Creations Late 1970’s …early 1980’s
The float tube was a dual bladder (left/right design) with a small third bladder in the backrest. It inflates by way of an air sock that you wave in the air like a trash bag to trap air, close the end and plug small valve end into bladder, then just squeeze like toothpaste tube to transfer air. The tube itself weighed around 3-pounds
Hebgen Lake 1974
Business was booming
O Shape Over the years, the belly boat has evolved from its perfectly round O shape into newer U, V, and even H shapes. New designs and trends have caused the classic belly boat to fall by the wayside
U Shape BUT‌.. V Shape
Newer designs do not = a better boat Fishing on lakes where wind is constant and severe the old style round offers the lowestprofile available. Pontoons, U-boats, or Vboats which have sides with more surface area to catch a breeze, can be tough to control. Typically, these vessels sit higher in the water, presenting a bigger target. Moreover, its easier to hold your position and far less tiring against the waves.
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Old style boats use truck tubes which a bit more rugged (do not have seams) than the bladders found in newer designs
On the the other hand‌.
There are big advantages the U, V and H-shaped float tubes. You can put one in the water, sit down in it, and then put your fins on. You to sit higher in the water which improves vision, casting, and comfort. The A-shape helps you to move through the water a faster and the storage options are not only greater but far easier to access.
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Outfitting your craft adds to the comfort & enjoyment
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Cross over boats ‌. no frame
Why a float tube? There are few other craft that you can carry like a backpack, and walk past the long line at the boat launches to the water or hike in to your favorite spot. The beauty of float tubes is their simplicity; they don’t take a lot of skill. Once in the water, just paddle backwards; to turn around simply paddle with one foot. Within an hour it will be second nature. Wind is rarely a problem for the float tube-situated angler.
The Fishing Kayak
Has been primarily focused on saltwater offshore & flats fishing
Expect stronger growth in the freshwater Two Types - SOT (easier to master, safer, but heaver & SI While a kayak can be elaborately outfitted, they are best suited to the minimalist The Kayak chosen will depend on your fishing plans - a day fisher is 12 to 14 feet with no rudder while a weekender is 16-feet or better with rudder Transport & handling issues
New Concepts
Game Changers
Getting from point A to B
Why‌ The kayak is simply the best shallow water (6 to 24-inch) boat with the ultimate level of stealth you can own.
Pontoon Boats
Unmatched Versatility
Sit Sit & stand Cargo/gear transport Oars, fins, and/or motors Anchor systems Flat/slow/fast water capability Packable Wide Ranging Design
Specialty Designs
Power Drifter Raised Frame 8-foot oars Stand-up floor system Anchor system Motor mount 500-pounds of cargo 15-inch tubes 2 Air chambers
Compactness ~ shallow draft ~ more energy to propel ~ suitable for stillwater use only
Good tracking ~ not well suited to fast water
Suitable for moving water ~ fast maneuverability ~ resists plowing underwater ~ tubes draw more water
Designed for heavy water ~ short footprint = fast oar response, turn quickly with fins, poor tracking ~ difficult to hold in position
Stadium Seat
Meshed Chair
Molded Plastic
Why do I need fins? When you are using your fins your hands are free to fish
Don't but your boat in a river until you feel comfortable on a lake Pontoon boats are not rowboats with a v hull that tracks Learn to push (more dangerous) and pull the oars Face dangerous objects and pull on the oars rowing upstream Always anchor in slow or stationary water
Face dangerous objects and pull on the oars rowing upstream Plan your route to ferry across the river based on current flow and obstacles
SMART IDEAS Oversized Crocs Coast Guard Approved Life Vest Long, comfortable, and flexible fins for lakes Shorter and wider fins for rivers Tether attached to the frame Anchor & anchor rope Oars blades that float Oar stays Rain Tarp Waterproof Bag Rod Holders Net
The Access Issue
THANKS FOR YOUR ATTENTION & TIME
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