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10 Steps to Make your Raft Fishing Trip More Enjoyable

Nelson Oxley
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10 Steps to Make your Raft Fishing Trip More Enjoyable

Fly fishing out of a raft can be a challenge–from backing the trailer down the ramp, rowing the boat, or fishing with people that have never fly fished before. However, there are a lot of similarities and differences between being a walk and wade angler or a float angler. Float fishing from a raft opens more angling opportunities in big whitewater, or smaller streams drift boats don’t like to go down. Here are 10 steps we recommend to make your float trip more enjoyable. 

Dry Bags

Who likes wearing wet clothes, or finding their phone on the bottom of the raft? Having a dry bag on a raft is a must. Most people use dry bags to protect their equipment from water. Most whitewater fishing rafts are self-bailing, meaning they will always have water circulating throughout the boat so they don’t have to bail it out. Keep your clothes and electronics dry by using a Chums dry bag. 

Chums makes rolltop dry bags in sizes and shapes to fit just about any need, and we’ve been having great luck with their 32L-capacity Downriver Rolltop Backpack, pictured here in their eye-catching Fish Camo pattern.

Sunglass Retainers

Any fly angler will tell you having polarized sunglasses is one of the most important tools for sun glare, as well as protection when throwing hooks around in the air. You will get hooked at some point, but keep your eyes protected from the sun with polarized sunglasses and have a sunglass retainer on at all times. We personally recommend using the Chums monofilament or stainless steel retainers, as well as the braided retainers since they are small in diameter, and flies can get caught up in the bigger retainers. One other benefit is they stay off of your neck and don’t get sweaty. Using a sunglass retainer is crucial in preventing your expensive shades from going overboard. (Trust us – spending a day on the river without sunglasses is NOT pleasant). For an added level of protection, check out the floating retainers from Chums, which will keep your glasses on the surface should they happen to go for a swim.

Boat Net

I’m sure you have forgotten your boat net, and know you’ll never forget it again. A boat net with a long handle makes your float trip much more enjoyable while on a raft. Little nets do work; however, a longer handle and bigger net bag will help with bigger fish, and less of a hassle getting that fish in. Don’t forget to keep those fish wet and dip your hands in the water before touching the fish!

While chasing a fish down with your hat and hands can be a wild time. A net is much better! *Disclaimer: the net was forgotten in the truck that day.*

Rod Storage

Rod storage is a considerable component to fly fishing out of a raft. Everyone has that one fishing friend that brings 4 rods for a half-day float trip and needs to be able to have them rigged and ready to go for different conditions, but safely having a holder for a fly rod is always mandatory so you don’t end up with broken rods. Rods break on boats–especially in quick whitewater, or on a big fish. Keep those rods tied down and safe with a good storage system. 

D-Ring Taping

D-Ring Taping is an excellent tactic. Any raft you have or purchase has various D-Rings around the boat. If you are struggling with getting your fly line stuck on various components of the boat, tape your D-Rings so your fly line doesn’t get tangled before you cast or when you’re fighting a big fish. 

Raft Safety

Raft safety is a huge ingredient for executing a safe and effective outing. Wear a Personal Floatation Device and have a mount attached to your PFD for a knife. Most raft fly fishermen use anchors, one of the biggest liabilities on every boat, especially on whitewater. Bring a knife on the boat to cut your anchor line if needed, so you don’t get into an unfortunate whitewater accident. 

Safety Talk

Before you push off from the ramp, make sure you organize a proper shuttle. Make sure you have a safety talk with the people you are fishing with. If you are in big whitewater, wear your PFD. Talk about what to do prior to flipping your raft. Mention lean bars as “the seatbelt” of your raft, how chairs can swivel 360 degrees, and where the medical kit is located. Don’t forget a throw bag with adequate rope, and keep your feet up and arms as “paddles” in the water if you decide to get dumped in. Also, be aware of your oars when you anchor. Always rig to flip, even if it’s mellow water. Water and rocks will always win, so don’t forget a small raft pump and patch kit. 

Organization

Have a dedicated organizational system for your gear, food, camera, phone, wallets, and other gear. Using a Chums Dry Bag not only will keep your gear dry, but it will also be an effective organizational tool to access your essentials while being on the water. Put your sunscreen and bug spray in packing cubes, or in another bag. Have an available place for trash, pack it in, pack it out!

Cupholders

Catching fish and drinking a cold one can be necessary. Having cupholders helps with organization. Every boat captain, guide, or experienced rower doesn’t appreciate it when you don’t pick up your cans, and don’t bring glass on the river, especially in an inflatable raft. Drink responsibly and don’t spill your beer all over your boat! 

Boat Box

Do you just bring your hip bag from wade fishing on the boat? You can, but it might get drenched. Keeping it in a separate dry bag, or dry box is the way to go. Have all your flies, leaders, tippet, and floatant in a designated space that’s strapped down for whitewater. This will keep all of your equipment dry so you don’t get all of your streamers rusted up. 

Conclusion

Within these steps, you’ll be ready for any float fly fishing trip on your raft, and make your outing much more enjoyable. Some of these suggestions may be common knowledge; however, being rigged for an enjoyable day on the water keeps the stress out, and having the proper equipment remedies your experience. 

If you are looking to keep your Sunglasses on your head instead of in the water or in need of some new dry bags, check out the full lineup from CHUMS HERE. 

Behind the Brand: Chums

Staying Afloat #5: Chums

Reel of the Week: Of the ways to catch Tarpon

Nelson Oxley
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Reel of the Week: Of the ways to catch Tarpon

A note from Captain Colin Philips:

“This was the first cast of the morning after a long drive and not much sleep. It was hard not to laugh after seeing it happen so fast. You have to love when a plan becomes reality. Keep the fly pattern simple, and keep it moving!”

Follow Captain Colin Philips and his stories on Instagram at @colliemang.

Check out the stories below:

How to Choose the Best Hooks for Tarpon on the Fly

Video of the Week: Trouble with Tarpon

ASGA’s Albie Project and Management Push Highlight Species’ Importance

Flylords
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ASGA’s Albie Project and Management Push Highlight Species’ Importance

Arguably the most misunderstood fish in the sea, false albacore, or albies, are highly sought after and respected fish in some regions and a nuisance catch in other regions. Yet, in total, recreational anglers took some half a million directed trips in 2021, according to one of NOAA Fisheries’ main data sources. Despite this demonstrated recreational fishery and existing commercial fisheries, we know very little about albies from scientific and management perspectives. Partly as a result, there is no federal, regional, or state fishery management for albies. Put another way, there is no formal regulation for this species, no commercial or recreational limits–not yet that is.

The American Saltwater Guides Association (ASGA), a group that prides itself on relying on science to accomplish its tagline, “better business through conservation,” hopes to change both of those realities.

Many of ASGA’s members are in the “completely addicted” category of albie fishermen, as I’m sure some of you are as well. Their membership consists of light-tackle and fly fishing guides, fishing-related businesses, and conservation-minded anglers. Up in New England and even down through North Carolina, albies are a key species that afford anglers and businesses tremendous opportunities.

For good reason, too. They swim inshore and are known for their hard fighting and drag screaming nature. Trust me, there are not many fish out there as exhilarating, chaotic, and frustrating as albies. They are flat-out a blast to catch with fly gear.

ASGA clearly understood this interest, love for the species, and the opportunities it provides–especially, as other key inshore species (striped bass and bluefish) have faltered. So, the group launched an acoustic tagging project earlier this summer with key patterns including Costa Sunglasses, the New England Aquarium, Orsted (an offshore wind developer), and many others. Because of just how barren the scientific base is for albies, any data ASGA receives from the study will be beneficial. For example, the tagging study can assist the scientific understanding of migrations and nearshore movements, catch and release mortality estimates, and whether the same fish that are caught in New England make it down to Florida.

This is the type of data needed, or at least preferred, to effectively manage marine fisheries. So, ASGA launched a new campaign to formally manage this species under the Magnuson-Stevens Act (federal fisheries law) and develop precautionary measures to protect this species into the long-term. It’s pretty crazy when you think that in this day and age, with all of our technology, we aren’t managing a species like false albacore that provide so many opportunities to recreational anglers, as well as the fact that commercial fishermen do target them. Yet, there is nothing on the books that would prevent a multi-million pound commercial fishery from emerging, if the market price improved or albies became the target of other commercial uses, such as the reduction fishery.

So, while there is no crisis today with albies, that ASGA and others know about, there is ample rationale to be proactive and precautionary so we don’t end up in a worse situation with albies in the future. To that end, check out ASGA’s Albie Campaign page and consider signing onto their letter–deadline is Thursday, September 9th. Brands like Costa, Simms, TFO Rods, Cheeky, and others are getting involved to encourage precautionary management of albies. Consider joining the campaign today!

Photos by @Captedzyakfishing and @CaptMikeHolliday.

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Flylords Launches: “Fly Shop Tour”

Joseph Berney
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Flylords Launches: “Fly Shop Tour”

From coast to coast, fly shops are the lifeblood of local fishing communities. We are excited to hit the road and showcase these shops and local communities around the Rockies!

Along the way, we will be hosting events in Fort Collins, Jackson Hole, Bozeman, Boise, and Orem (Salt Lake City)! Come join the tour with us at one of these events supporting local conservation organizations. More information about the events is below.

Fort Collins, CO

Jackson Hole, WY

Bozeman, MT

Boise, ID

Orem, UT

utah event poster fst22

We can’t wait to see you on the tour! Presented by Simms, YETI, Costa, Adipose Boatworks, Sage, and Turtlebox Audio!

Ole Red: A Redfish Angler Story

Declan Rogers
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Ole Red: A Redfish Angler Story

We met at the ramp. As the Ankona slid off the trailer, we watched headlights in the distance slowly crawling their way to the unmaintained refuge ramp. We joked about the electric start and how maybe we’re actually moving up in the world. The motor proceeded to die once Jeff threw it in gear. This is our usual luck. We never move up.

Running through the dark in silence we crossed the lagoon to the east wall. We talked about 10,000 hours. We talked about what that meant. Jeff is 10,000 hours; he’s a master. No one poles the lagoon more than him, and no one is as diligent in hunting these resident fish. He shops for bird flies at Hobby Lobby, works till midnight every night, and gave up everything to live closer to the ramp. 

He’s one of those guys you meet and say, “wow you really live it.” I love fishing, but when I listen to his stories I have to accept – I just like it. He’s a different breed and with that one of the few that can put you on lifetime fish in a fishery that some would say has collapsed. He’s willing to do more, fish more, sacrifice more, and put in the time commitment needed for mastery. If you don’t believe in the 10,000-hour rule, book a day with him. 

No plan survives first contact with the enemy. But that day, it did – a miracle. We were looking for that fish, the one that’s lived in this lagoon for over 40 years. The one that didn’t exist. As the sun rose, we watched a fish wave. It was as though his tail was too big to raise entirely. A giant fan, calling us in.

We positioned the boat and set up for our first shot of the day. As the fly landed we both knew. No instruction came from the man on the platform, and the fly never reached the bottom. My first strip would end up being the set, and for the next 20 minutes, we would make only noises, no words. 

As the fish came closer I imagined the heartbreak that would likely ensue. He would pull the hook, he would break the line, and I would have a story to tell and nothing to show. This is the way it usually goes. 

As we tried to land it, the fish made a last-second dive, wrapping itself around the trim tabs, effectively stopping my heart. Two headshakes later I couldn’t stand to watch. I fish for fun, and moments like this make that hard.

Tail Grab. He was ours.

We got the giant to hand and instantly joined him in the water. Too big to lift, and too incredible to comprehend. This fish had seen it all, every fly, every bait, every storm, and the glory days of the lagoon dating back to when Flip and Chico would poll her grassy flats. If only this fish could talk. 

We grabbed a few pics and watched her kick away.

I went out the following morning. My truck died at the ramp, my 25 blew up on the water. It was one of those days. I had outlasted my luck and it was time to pay the piper. I’ve learned to appreciate days like this. Strike out enough times and maybe just once you’ll feed the fish of a lifetime.

Put in the hours, suffer on the water, and every so often you can hold that fish that keeps you coming back. #lagoonigans

Angler story written by Declan Rogers, find him out on the water chasing big fish with Jeffery Mulder. 

Check out the articles below:

5 Effective Flies for Redfish from Trouts Fly Fishing

Airflo Redfish Fly Line Review

Enter the #MadeInAmerica Giveaway

Patrick Perry
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Enter the #MadeInAmerica Giveaway

New Mexican Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Public Access

Dan Zazworsky
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New Mexican Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Public Access

The ruling confirms the public’s right to access and walk river and stream beds that cross private land in New Mexico.

From Backcountry Hunters & Anglers:

SANTA FE, N.M. – The New Mexico Supreme Court has ruled again in support of public access to public waters in a Thursday decision that confirms the public’s right to walk or wade streambeds crossing privately owned lands.

The opinion ruling by the court follows its unanimous decision in March to strike down a regulation that allowed landowners to close access to streams flowing through their properties. The New Mexico Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, along with the New Mexico Wildlife Federation and the Adobe Whitewater Club of New Mexico, had filed suit in 2020 asking the court to nullify the regulation as unconstitutional. That decision overturned the so-called Non-Navigability Rule and also voided closures adopted previously on several New Mexico streams.

Today these groups celebrated the court’s most recent ruling as a reaffirmation of a longstanding public right in New Mexico.

“The New Mexico chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is pleased to see the final opinion on stream access in our state,” said Joel Gay, New Mexico BHA’s policy advisor, and former chairman, “but it shouldn’t come as a surprise to either anglers or landowners. In 1945 the New Mexico Supreme Court issued much the same opinion – that all waters in our state are owned by the public and may be used for fishing, boating, and other recreation provided the public doesn’t trespass over private property to enter or exit the stream.

“New Mexicans have always had this right of access,” continued Gay, who lives in Albuquerque. “It’s a shame that for decades streamside landowners and NMDGF said otherwise. Our thanks to the Supreme Court for reminding everyone of that fact.”

“The rivers of New Mexico are unparalleled nationwide,” said Hattie Johnson, Southern Rockies stewardship director for American Whitewater. “The state constitution and legal precedent have always provided access to rivers and streams for recreation and fishing since statehood. The decision from the Supreme Court today explicitly protects those longstanding rights which provide for the flourishing, growing, and inclusive outdoor recreation community. We are so proud of our affiliate club, Adobe Whitewater, and the other petitioners on the case. These dedicated paddlers, anglers, and outdoors people have fought tirelessly to protect New Mexicans’ inherent rights.”

“Going forward, we have to evaluate existing statutes, rules, and policies to see what’s applicable and where new ones may be needed to create a workable system that protects both public and private rights,” said John Crenshaw, board president of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation. “The NMWF looks forward to engaging in that conversation with stakeholders across the spectrum of the issue and is grateful to the NM Supreme Court for the clarity of its decision.”

Review a timeline of New Mexico public waters access.

The New Mexico Constitution, which is based partly on Spanish and Mexican law stemming from the state’s colonial era and differs from other state constitutions, declares that all waters belong to the public. The state Supreme Court spelled out that right to access more than 70 years ago.

BHA President and CEO Land Tawney heralded the court’s ruling as a win for New Mexico – and a win for public access.

“This is a great day for New Mexicans from all walks of life,” Tawney said. “This decision solidifies that we the people own and have the right to access our public waters. A big, hearty thank you goes to those individuals who stepped up. Your courage and steadfastness breathe hope to others who are facing similar challenges in other states. Let’s go fishing!”

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Seager X Flylords Present: Behind The Cast

Jared Zissu
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Seager X Flylords Present: Behind The Cast

Behind The Cast is an unfiltered look behind Seager & Flylords teams meeting for the first time. The two groups send it down the Gunnison River for a 4-day float trip in the backcountry of Colorado where they enjoy some of the best fly fishing on the planet.

Make sure to check out our full Collab Merch line here!

One Last Time: Support Clean Water Act Protections for Bristol Bay

Will Poston
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One Last Time: Support Clean Water Act Protections for Bristol Bay

Bristol Bay is home to one of the most prolific salmon runs in the world. Just this year, Just under 80 million sockeye salmon entered the Bristol Bay region, according to Alaska’s Department of Fish and Game, which blew the 2021 record run out of the water by nearly 15 million fish! While some other fisheries aren’t doing as amazing as Bristol Bay sockeye, it’s pretty clear just how special Bristol Bay is, and we haven’t even discussed the bears, massive rainbow trout, and other wildlife species that thrive in this wild and pristine region.

Yet, as I’m almost certain you know by now, the region has been under threat by the  would-be massive Pebble Mine extracting more than 6 billion tons of ore and forever altering the watershed. Today, permanent protections for Bristol Bay, through Clean Water Act authorities, are close to being restored. The $2.2 billion fishing economy, sustainable fisheries that support indigenous populations, and world class outdoor recreation opportunities is more than deserving of protections, as it provides Alaskans with long-term economic opportunities rather than a short term boom with high uncertainties.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

So, one last time, stand up for Bristol Bay and tell the EPA and politicians that you support reinstating Clean Water Act protections for this world-class watershed. The final deadline to submit comment to the EPA is Tuesday, September 6th. Take action today! 

Photos by Ben Shay

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Fishing Ethics: Float Fishing

Andrew Braker
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Fishing Ethics: Float Fishing

Welcome back for the second installation of the Fishing Ethics Series brought to you by Fat Tire… This time around we are focusing on float fishing.

As more people continue to enter the world of fly fishing, more boats are hitting the river, tensions between anglers are rising, and the pressure on natural resources is increasing. With these growing trends, it’s never been more important to educate and inspire anglers to act responsibly out on the water. So, grab a Fat Tire and check out the 17 tips you need to know when float fishing.

Truck and boat parked at boat ramp

Don’t Rig on the Ramp

Rather than rushing straight to the boat ramp, take your time to prepare your gear in the staging area. The area directly in front of the boat ramp is valuable real estate, and you shouldn’t go there until you’re completely ready. If your vehicle is on the boat ramp, you should either be launching or trailering the boat. All other parts of the process should occur in the staging area off to the side. Actions like inflating rafts, rigging up rods, arranging the cooler, attaching the anchor, etc., can all be completed before moving the boat into the ramp area (or even done at home before hitting the road).

Truck backing up a boat

Practice Backing Up a Trailer Before You Get to the Ramp

It is always a good idea to be confident with backing in a trailer before you actually get to a boat ramp. Under the pressure of a crowded boat ramp, you (and everyone else at the ramp) will be thankful that you took the time to practice ahead of time. Take a day off during the week while the boat ramp is empty, and practice. This practice will go a long way!

If you are struggling with launching the boat, please ask for help. Other anglers would rather help out and clear the way instead of watching you fumble back and forth a hundred times.

boat in staging area

Be Quick

When you’re ready to launch the boat, make it snappy. Boat ramps aren’t always crowded, but when they are, there will be a line of people waiting for your spot. Have a plan to get in and out quickly.

One way to speed up the process is to have a friend with you. With two people, one person can stay with the boat and the other person can drive the vehicle. This drastically speeds up the process.

Person preparing a boat

Take Up as Little Space as Possible

Some boat ramps are wide enough to allow for multiple boats to launch at once. If this is the case, make sure you leave enough room for other boats to access the ramp at the same time. This is where practicing will come in clutch… Having your boat alongside the dock, rather than launching in the middle of the ramp will make it way easier to get the boat off the trailer and to the dock. Once the boat is in the water, move it to the side so that other people can continue to access the ramp while you’re parking the car. Most importantly, after the boat is launched, don’t be the person that takes up two parking spots.

Angler fishing from boat with another boat close by

Give People Space

Give other boats extra space during technical sections of the river. Depending on the river, only one boat at a time may be able to fit when traveling the best line. When you do get close to other boats, judge the speed that other boats moving at, and make sure you’re not cutting them off. If there is a boat anchored, keep your space!

two people on a boat

The Downstream Boat has the Right of Way

Related to giving people space, boats in front of you have the right of way. If you’re getting close to the boat in front of you, or you’re aiming to make a pass, make sure you do so during a moment when there is no technical areas, and when the river is wide enough that the other boat is not affected. Also, a little communication can go a long way when passing other boats. Similarly to when you’re passing someone on a bike, it’s common curtesy to warn the other boat.

Person wade fishing

Respect the Waders

Give wading anglers as much room as you can! They have the right of way. Similarly to if a boat was anchored in a particular area, you would want to keep your space from that boat.

If you think about it, when you’re floating the river you have an exorbitant amount of flexibility to fish different areas of a river in comparison to anglers limiting to walking to their spots. If you have the privilege to be on a boat, give wading anglers their space, and find the next best spot.  And yes, this even applies if the person is fishing your ABSOLUTE FAVORITE HOLE. It’s probably their favorite too.

Rafts and people

Respect Other People Using the River

Believe it or not, the river isn’t just used by people looking to catch fish. You could be sharing the waters with people who are tubing, kayaking, rafting, or doing a variety of other activities. Despite the fact that we are all doing different activities, we are all dependent on the river as a common resource. Make sure to treat people with respect and understand that we’re all there to share a common resource.

Private water sign

Don’t Anchor in Private Water

This is one tip that can get a little confusing. Recognizing private land is one thing, but understanding private water can be a little tricky. Depending on what state you’re in, the laws can be a little different.

For example, in Colorado, the law states that land owners not only own the dry land on the side of the river, but the river bottom as well. In this unique situation, boats can float by legally, but they are not allowed to anchor in these areas. While this is true in Colorado, the law changes state by state. Before you float a section of river, make sure to do your research and find out what is allowed in that particular area.

Attaching an anchor on a boat

Don’t Anchor Your Boat in a Bad Position

In some situations, if you anchor in the middle of the river, there isn’t enough river on either side for other boats to pass. When you do choose anchor, make sure you take the time to find a spot that allows for other boats to pass with ease.

Two people drinking Fat Tire beers on a boat

Don’t Play Loud Music

Whether you’re hiking along a trail or floating down a river, it’s always best NOT to play loud music. You should have a good time on the river, but don’t let your “good time” negatively influence someone else’s experience.

Fat Tire beer and a fly rod

Booze Responsibly

There’s not many things as great as floating down a river and sipping a Fat Tire. With that being said, we cannot overstate the importance of drinking responsibly. If you’re on the oars, running the shuttle, or even the person slinging streamers off the front of the boat, everyone should know their limits and drink responsibly.

Trout and net

Handling the Heat

Before floating a section of river it’s always important to check on the river conditions. Especially WATER TEMPERATURE during summer months. When it comes to trout, water over approximately 67°F is unhealthy for fishing because there is a high likelihood that the fish will die. During the heat of the summer some sections of rivers will actually have restrictions (i.e., hoot owl restrictions) on the times of day you’re allowed to fish, or restrictions on fishing at all.

For more information on this topic check out this article.

Boat ramp parking lot

Know Where You’re Taking Out

Missing the boat ramp is never a fun thing to do, and it can even be dangerous in certain situations. Taking the time to line out your plan of action before you hit the river is super important. Safety aside, it’s always nice to know your distance and cadence for a given float. If you’re looking for a helpful tool when planning a successful float trip, check out the OnWater App.

Pack out what you Pack In.

Wherever you are, it’s always important to pack out what you pack in. Meaning that everything that you brought with you should be leaving with you at the end of the day. Establishing a go-to receptacle onboard is a great way to make sure you’re achieving this goal. It’s also a great way to help keep your boat clean and organized.

Person reaching for a Fat Tire beer

Be Respectful

As with nearly all of our etiquette articles, the number one rule is to be respectful. If you treat others the way you want to be treated on the water, then we’re all going to be better off.

two people with a trout

Have Fun

At the end of it all, a day floating on a river is one of the best things life can offer. Make sure to take a deep breath, maybe a sip of Fat Tire, and enjoy the time on the river.

That is all for Float Fishing Ethics! Stay tuned for the next installation of the Fishing Etiquette Series brought to you by Fat Tire. Next time we’ll be hitting the river for some tips on Float Fishing Etiquette.

 

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