|
If you have ponds or streams in your area that are accessible only by hiking, why not try a pack raft? Anglers hiking in without a raft aren't able to reach the deeper waters casting from shore. Also, shore anglers have limited open shorelines necessary for casting. Often these open areas have fallen trees that can prevent the landing of a big fish.
Two people inflatable rafts made of high quality PVC with several air chambers and oar locks is an ideal vehicle to fish remote waters. These rafts allow anglers to troll with their oars or cast from a more elevated position.
Manufacturers created a commodity that would be durable and perform well. This was a difficult task for raft manufacturers. The first thing they found was that outdoors people met two issues. One was wearing away and the other was ripping. After investigations a manufacturer recognized where the harm to the plastic originated. They discovered that the rocks in the body of water and dragging the raft caused ripping and tearing. Some raft makers installed an extra layer of material on the bottom of the boat. They did this to improve the strength of the nylon base-fabric under normal use. One manufacturer used bullet proof vest fabric in its base fabric.
They make some rafts of 35 ounce PVC coated polyester fabric. You can easily carry and repair these rafts. PVC overlay is less susceptible to rips and tears. The air
compartments are hot air bonded for strength and efficiency. Some rafts have baffle cones within the tube that expands if there is a loss of air. Some two person raft weighs from 13 to 17 pounds and rolls up to the size of a sleeping bag.
Raft makers strongly propose you buy your first raft from a manufacturer having a good reputation. A raft is only as good as its frame. Load, people, oar location, and the water you intend to float have an impact on designs. Tube diameter often depends on what stretch you wish to run, and the amount of gear that you need to take. Think about buying larger tube diameters for smaller stream flows, so the boat will not draft as much water.
Fishing areas of ten acres or less are ideal for a two man raft. Even with the increase in the angling public these out of the way waters receive very little angling pressure. On these ponds or streams it is common to have these waters to oneself.
| 
