Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Re: Raft questions- Which model of the flycraft do you have?

The Smithfly is also light enough to drag up onto a tree trunk fallen over the stream and drop it over the other side, as Andrew and I discovered on a recent small-water float. I thoroughly enjoyed fishing from it.

On Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at 3:44:29 PM UTC-4 brianl...@gmail.com wrote:
Hey Andrew,

This is great feedback!

Thanks again,
 Brian

Sent from my iPhone

On May 5, 2021, at 1:48 PM, Andrew R <andrewre...@gmail.com> wrote:

 My response from the other thread about buying a raft. Just as applicable here:

My two cents: Get a Smithfly Big Shoals. Richie at District Angling is a smithfly dealer and can hook you up. 

The smithfly is pretty much the same as a Flycraft but better materials and design (in my opinion), particularly the frame, plus it's American-made too. I've also found the flycraft to be less stable than the smithfly due to its smaller tubes and narrower footprint. The Stealthcraft Hooligan and Hooligan XL are in the same class as the smithfly and flycraft (light enough to carry apx 125-150 lbs) and very good options, just slightly more expensive. I've fished out of all three (and own the Smithfly) and the Smithfly is my favorite hands down. 

I previously owned an Outcast PAC-1300 (similar to an NRS, RMR, or other more "traditional" fishing raft"). It's a great boat but much less versatile in terms of the water you can fish than a Smithfly or Flycraft. Super stable and can run class 5 whitewater but weighs over 300 pounds and you'll need a trailer. The bigger tubes and wider width make it drag in flatwater so it's really only good for moving water. 

You can put a 2.5 or 3 hp motor on the smithfly (or flycraft or Hooligan). I've used mine on tidal creeks for snakehead, reservoirs for pike and largemouth, the NB Potomac for trout, the upper Potomac, Rappahannock and Doah for smallmouth. You can get a poling platform and casting platform to turn it into a carp poling skiff, or even fish certain out of the way places on the bay (tribs, inlets, etc). 

Keep in mind that any boat you order is likely going to take at least a couple months to deliver. COVID has screwed up supply chains everywhere and recreational boat demand is through the roof. 

Tight lines,

Andrew R

On Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at 3:11:39 PM UTC-4 rfa...@gmail.com wrote:

I won't push the boat since we're SmithFly dealers, but there are 5 rafts on our area rivers, a bunch of which are members on TPFR who would be happy to give a recommendation or opinion on the boats.

 

 

Regards,

 

 

R

 

From: Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders <tidal-potoma...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Rob Snowhite <r...@robsnowhite.com>
Reply-To: Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders <tidal-potoma...@googlegroups.com>
Date: Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at 1:58 PM
To: Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders <tidal-potoma...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Re: Raft questions- Which model of the flycraft do you have?

 

Check out the new smith fly inflatable flats boat. Pretty cool looking. 

Sent from my iPhone



On May 4, 2021, at 1:28 PM, Chris Young <cdyo...@gmail.com> wrote:

Idk to be honest.  Its the first version.  Only seats two.  and doesnt have a thigh bar.  Has a lean bar, which can take some getting used to for some folks.  I think the newer versions may be slightly wider, but not sure.  from my perspective, the biggest plus is that I can just put on top of my car, if I was to get something that required a trailer, I'd just get an regular raft

On Monday, May 3, 2021 at 11:46:31 AM UTC-4 brianl...@gmail.com wrote:

Hi Chris,

 

Brian here... excellent feed back... which model fly craft do you have?

 

I have been looking at the fly craft, smith fly , and outcast rafts as well. 

 

I have two sons in their late 20's, and a  young grand daughtet  

 

So - I have been more focused on a 3 person raft - also like the idea of being able to transport it in the back of my pickup tuck with a bed extender - versus a trailer.

 

The fly-craft 'x' or  'guide' model with thigh bars seems to make the most sense?

 

Or maybe an outcast Pac 13 with thigh bars?

 

The outcast Pac 14 has been highly recommended by some of flyfishing sm bass buds in pa - they say it's a great raft, lasts forever,  and indestructible- but it requires a trailer. 

 

Thoughts?

 

Thanks again, 

Brian 

Sent from my iPhone



On May 3, 2021, at 11:06 AM, Chris Young <cdyo...@gmail.com> wrote:

I have a flycraft.  It is good on skinny water and very maneuverable on and off the water...easy to toss on the roof of your car, but (a) it is very tippy (could be an issue with a kid)....need to be pretty careful the first couple times you get it in any fast water...takes a little practice  and (b) its a massive pain in the ass to fish from the rowing seat....the way its set up is to be much lower than the casting seat.  So kind of depends on what you plan to use it for.  

On Sunday, May 2, 2021 at 8:38:49 AM UTC-4 eowill...@gmail.com wrote:

Hi, Matt, 

 

I don't own a boat (don't really have a place to store it), BUT

 

I would consider if you are using it mainly as point-to-point transportation or plan to cast for smallies from it as you drift, with occasional pull-outs to work a spot. If the latter, I'd certainly want to go with a raft with a larger and more stable floor. While it would be heavier and more awkward to maneuver (on the water and at the launch and take out), it would also be more stable through any seasonal rapids and probably more versatile all around. And soon enough your sons will be able to assist on these fronts. 

 

Curious to hear what those with actually experience of inflatables on these waters would say. 

 

Best, 

Owen Williams

 

On Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 10:29:29 AM UTC-4 matt.h...@gmail.com wrote:

I know there have been discussions in the past but was hoping there might be some more up to date insight. I'm deciding between an aire traveler canoe or a Flycraft. I fish the Potomac, Shenandoah, rappahannock and Susquehanna mostly for smallmouth and am looking for a boat I can maneuver myself since I'll usually be alone or with my young son. I've seen some people mention Aire but not much on the Flycraft. Once you throw in frames, oars, etc the cost is pretty similar. Any thoughts or insight? I will put a small motor or trolling motor on either to be able to go up or downstream in calm areas. In a few years my boys will be big enough that I will want to take both of them. 

 

Let the opinions and thoughts begin...

 

Matt

On Sat, May 1, 2021 at 7:11 AM <tidal-potoma...@googlegroups.com> wrote:

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