Buyers Guide to Inflatable Rafts for Fishing

Choosing an Inflatable Raft

Now that we've gone over the different types of inflatable rafts that are available, the next step is to just figure out what type of inflatable raft is right for you. Really, though, the choice is pretty simple.

The Madison River in Montana.

A rigid inflatable raft (one that is large and has the option of having a frame installed) will be your choice if you take out large parties on either day trips or weeklong expeditions and need to haul lots of gear. These types of inflatable rafts are also ideal if you want the options and convenience that a frame provides. Just remember that these inflatable rafts are much more difficult to transport and setup than non-rigid inflatable rafts. Because of this, if you plan on using the raft a lot, you might consider getting a trailer for it to avoid the time and hassles of constantly having to set up and take down the raft.

Rigid inflatable rafts will also be your choice of vessel if you plan on running Class IV whitewater. The toughness and durability of these rafts will allow the raft to survive the mean encounters with obstructions that occur in whitewater rafting.

It should be noted that rigid inflatable rafts (except specially designed small ones) are not well suited for solo paddlers. The large size and weight of these inflatable rafts make paddling a chore and maneuverability difficult. If you plan on doing most of your floating alone, a non-rigid inflatable raft is highly recommended.

Non-rigid inflatable rafts, on the other hand, are ideal for both solo anglers and float parties up to three people. These inflatable rafts handle whitewater up to Class III and provide plenty of room and comfort for day trips. For solo paddlers, these inflatable rafts (just remember to get a good one!) also work extremely well for multi-day floats. Non-rigid inflatable rafts also provide for very easy setup and are immensely portable.

Quality Concerns : Avoid Cheap Inflatable Rafts

It is important to mention how important it is to avoid the cheap inflatable rafts that are commonly found in department stores these days. While these cheap inflatable rafts work fine for the local beach or small pond, if you plan on doing a long river float in these boats - especially through remote terrain or where rapids will be encountered - avoid these rafts like the plague. The lack of durability of these cheap rafts are legendary. Using these cheap inflatable rafts is a wonderful way to end up having a long walk back to the car due to the raft falling apart. The reason these inflatable rafts lack durability is that their fabric is of the cheapest variety found and quickly breaks down under UV rays, mildew, chemicals and just plain old use. Even worse, the seams of the raft (the seams are what connect the various compartments) are poorly made. As such, the seams quickly begin to either come unglued or develop holes in their own right. And once a hole or rip develops in a seam, the raft becomes useless, as repairing holes in seams is extremely difficult and rarely lasts.

Inflatable Raft Summary

In summary, non-rigid inflatable rafts work extremely well for most situations that anglers will find themselves in. While the dedicated rigid inflatable rafts are ideal for hard core fly fishermen, for those who tend to go it alone or need portability in a boat, a non-rigid inflatable raft is an excellent choice.

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