Plying the water from shore is a great way to fish. Planting oneself in the same spot and getting to watch the river's activity unfold throughout the course of a morning can be as peaceful a thing as anybody can hope to experience in nature. Riffles and eddies can be observed and dissected with surgical precision. A lunker trout that slurps infrequently can be detected by a patient angler. However, DIY float trips offer a totally different adventure. The satisfaction of getting yourself, your vessel, and maybe some buddies on and off the water while landing some fish is second to none. Miles of water can be covered and you can stop any time you want to work an area that looks promising. You are truly on your own schedule. Plus, fishing from a raft allows you to fish spots that are not accessible from shore due to obstacles like steep banks and limited road or property access.

Choosing a River

Choosing a river to float is at the top of the list when planning a DIY trip. If exploring a new location, reliable access for put-ins, take-outs, and camping spots is crucial. Public access points maintained by state agencies are pretty reliable. But then again, many of us have driven to a launch to discover that it is temporarily closed due to construction or for some other reason. It just takes a second to verify the access points are all clear while planning a trip.

River conditions can change rapidly with upstream rainfall or dam releases. The NWS river forecasts are pretty darn accurate and should be referenced within a few days of the scheduled trip date.

Again, if trying a new river or a new section of river, do some research about fish populations. Most state fish and wildlife agencies have recent biologist reports detailing fish species and abundances. Things like trout stocking schedules or spawning runs for steelhead, salmon, or bass can change week to week and might influence the timing of your trip.

And to cover the safety side of things, check the class ratings for the water you will float. Be sure that you and your raft are suited for what you will encounter. Remember, these class ratings can be different under different flow conditions.

The Right Float Setup

Some DIY float trips are more about the floating, and some are more about the fishing. Luckily, RMR's raft setups can accommodate both. Self-sustained DIY trips involve transporting your own gear including dry bags and coolers, so cargo space and tie-down points are crucial. The RMR fishing frames can be set up to create space for cargo and to create areas for standing and casting. Definitely do a test setup at home to ensure that you have the correct rigging for your trip.

Boats like the CatPhish are incredibly versatile and would suit a multi-person trip with room for gear. The drop-stitch floor provides infinite options for casting. Anywhere you have a clear floor spot can become a solid casting platform. If the water you are floating is right for an anchor, include that in your setup. It's nice to be able to “spot lock” when the fish are biting. Even boats in the SB series and the RollCast would do quite well on a DIY trip.

Getting the Most Out of Your Float

A successful DIY trip is something to be proud of. Success is measured in good times had, fish caught, and a safe return. To achieve those metrics, here are a couple pointers:

• Don't rush through good water. Anchor or pull over to thoroughly work it.
• Use your boat to access spots where shore anglers can't. Catch them by surprise!
• Pack all the safety essentials — extra clothes, first aid and emergency gear, raft repair kit, etc.
• Share your float plan with people not on the trip.
• Take your time and relax. It's about the journey. Take photos. There's no prize for first to the take-out.

Conclusion: Repeat

If you had the DIY adventure of a lifetime, repeat the experience! Maybe it will be the exact same trip. Maybe it will be a different time of year. Or maybe it will be a different river. If your first DIY trip wasn't ideal, take notes from what held you back and make adjustments for next time.