Which Angler Raft is Best for You?
Rocky Mountains Rafts has an assortment of rafts designed to meet the needs of different anglers on varying types of water. Choosing which raft is right for you comes down to your type of fishing and which type of water you most often run. A raft that is properly matched to your conditions and fishing style will make time spent on the water much more enjoyable. Rocky Mountain Rafts has boats designed for tight quarters where casting angles and maneuverability are paramount. Other rafts are designed for wide rivers with abundant room to backcast. Raft sizes vary and can accommodate everything from a day trip with a buddy to a large family or client group on a multi-day adventure. RMR also has rafts that are ready to go right out of the box, rafts that are fully customizable and can be adapted each time you float a different water, and many options in between. Before reading further, feel free to browse our angler raft lineup here: https://rockymountainrafts.com/collections/fishing-rafts
Hit the ground running with the RollCast
The RollCast is a 12’ ready-to-go option with everything included. The frame, casting platform, oar towers, oars, valves, swivel seats, and some extras allow you to get on the water immediately without piecing together components. Its size is perfect for one angler and a rower. The RollCast is easy to transport and does not require a trailer. It is light enough that it can be secured in a truck bed or on a roof rack. The 6” drop stitch floor with EVA pad lends stability for standing while casting. Its simple design leaves ample room for casting in all directions.
Value of the Double-Haul
The Double-Haul is a slightly larger raft coming in at 13.2 feet with 20” tubes. Again, the stability of the drop stitch floor shines in this model allowing for ease of movement around the boat and plenty of options to spread out while casting. The Double Haul is rated for class I-III water which covers most fishing trips. The increased size over the RollCast is ideal for additional occupants and more gear. There are plenty of raft and frame colors to pick from allowing you to meld into the environment or make a statement as you float down the river.
Get Exactly what you want from the CatPhish Cf-140
This 14’ cataraft can do anything that you want it to. It excels in turbulent whitewater where you’d find hungry smallmouth or lunker trout lurking in slack water behind a boulder. The CatPhish is so versatile that it can also support a motor mount for lake fishing. If you’ve never been in a cataraft, they track very well and can be precisely maneuvered. They ferry better than traditional rafts as well. There are a lot of rigging options with the Tightline Angler Frame that even includes a motor mount and an optional front fishing frame off the bow can be selected if desired.
Can you use a designated whitewater raft for fishing?
This option is actually very common. Chances are that if you are considering a fishing float in technical water, you already have whitewater experience. RMR’s line of whitewater rafts, which are already streamlined for efficient travel, can definitely be used as functional fishing rafts. For example, the SB-120 or the SBDS-120, when rigged with fishing frames, are a common hybrid setup. The big advantage here is that you can own one boat that does it all. The drop stitch floor models of whitewater rafts are especially useful in both applications as they provide a more stable casting surface.
Features to consider before selecting a fishing raft?
No matter the model of fishing raft, or even if using an adapted whitewater raft, a few features must be present. First, a drop stitch floor is widely preferred as the best flooring option for anglers. Drop stitch floors are rigid, and many RMR models have EVA foam on top for increased traction. Second, the frame layout should be such that it does not interfere with casting and does not create snag points. Third, maneuverability is crucial. Depending on the water you run and the people you transport, you may be looking for something like a cataraft that is quickly responsive to a rowers actions, or a bigger raft that can carry all of your gear. Lastly, consider how you are going to transport and store the boat. A trailer and a spacious garage to store everything is not a given for many anglers. As mentioned above, there are models to accommodate your situation.
Explore all of the angler rafts here:
https://rockymountainrafts.com/collections/rmr-angler-rafts
