Fishing Frenzy

Many fly fisherman head to the river outfitted in their waders, knee high wading boots, and fly vest. They generally have their rod in hand and a dozen flies stuck to their favorite fishing hat. This is an iconic view of fisherman that hasn't changed for decades.

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 Best Boat

Fly fishing boats allow fisherman to drift right by all those shore fisherman. They allow you to find the pristine, untouched holes in the river. Perhaps the best of the fly fishing boats, is the river drift boat. The drift boat excels in the river fishing found in western states.

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.

Of all fly fishing boats, the drift boat is a frequent favorite among fly fishermen. It is designed specifically for river fishing. The high sides help keep fishermen dry even in rapids. There is ample watertight storage to keep clothes and water sensitive items dry. They also provide a stable platform to stand on. Knee lock allow you to safely stand and cast even while racing down whitewater.

Of all the fly fishing boats on the market, drift boats are most suitable to rapids. They are by far the most maneuverable. They can turn on a dime. They are also much faster on the water than traditional river rafts. Although, drift boats will dent if rammed into large rocks, they can take a beating and are very durable.

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.