Tag: fishing

Best Inflatable Fishing Float Tubes Comparison
A float tube, or belly boat or kick boat as its other names go, is a useful tool for solo fishing on still waters. Its original design was a doughnut-like inflatable tube with a hole beneath the center. However, most modern iterations of fishing float tubes now come as an open V or U shape, allowing you to paddle using both feet with better ease.

Given how well-received these newer frameworks are, it is only natural for major manufacturers to join in on the trend. The problem is, each brand is unique, and if you are truly serious about their float tubes, it could take a while before you find a model that can accurately meet your standards.

Now, let’s compare ten of the best fishing float tubes currently in the market, so you can narrow down your list of potential purchases much easier.

10 Best Fishing Floating Tubes in 2021

Before I get into any specifics, I would like to emphasize that none of these inflatable float tubes is rank in any order whatsoever. They are listed solely for comparison purposes, in the hopes of helping you find a specific model to match your fishing setup. Nonetheless, these float tubes are already the best you can get out there, so there are no wrong decisions here.
1. Classic Accessories Bighorn Inflatable Fishing Float Tube
The Classic Accessories Bighorn fishing float tube comes with an extra-large and comfortable backrest. It is made from a combination of tough high-quality materials and synthetic fabric. You also get improved maneuverability on water, thanks to the unit’s hydrodynamic hull shape and unique sculpted design.

The stripping apron with a fish ruler makes it easy to size up your haul, while its horizontal rod holder makes for a convenient fishing setup. In terms of build, the Bighorn float tube measures approximately 54 x 50 x 27 inches (LxWxH) and weighs only 11 lbs. For the total weight capacity, the Classic Accessories Bighorn fishing float tube can carry up to 300 lbs., from both equipment and passenger.

Your storage needs are handled by the two armrests compartments comprised of more than 3 different zippered divisions. There are also rear storage and exterior mesh pockets, for additional room. The D-rings of this water vessel are used for attaching extra gear or creel bags.
1. Caddis Sports Nevada Inflatable Fishing Float Tube
The Nevada float tube by Caddis Sports is built with a custom oversized seat and a backrest bladder. Furthermore, its critical seams are double-stitched, while most of its construction is made from heavy-duty ripstop material.

This inflatable fishing float tube has two main equipment pockets, plus an improved working and stripping apron, which is nylon coated and all mesh. Such area is also reinforced by a padded stabilizer bar. A dry fly patch is also integrated on this device, along with a front fishing rod holder.

As for the dimensions, this float tube measures 46 x 42 x 20 inches. Its weight and passenger capacity are 9.3 lbs. and 225 lbs., respectively. Transporting the boat is also easier, thanks to its storage/carrying handles.
1. Classic Accessories Teton Inflatable Fishing Float Tube
The Teton float tube from Classic Accessories measures roughly 42.5 x 40 x 18.5 inches. It can bear up to 250 lbs. of total weight capacity, albeit the product itself is only 8.5 lbs. It has a comfortable backrest and seat, which are integrated into the main unit.

In total, there are 2 zippered, 2 reels, and 1 seatback, storage compartments on this kick boat. Like most models of the Classic Accessories brand, this inflatable fishing float tube also comes with a lap stripping apron with a fish ruler. The boat is mainly made out of heavy-duty fabric material and is designed with a hydrodynamic hull shape.

Its multiple armrest pockets are easy to access, same with its back storage pocket. D-rings are also present, for towing additional gears. Sadly, it has no drink holders, nor any backpacking shoulder straps but on the other hand, it’s one of the cheapest float tubes currently available.
1. Classic Accessories Cumberland Inflatable Fishing Float Tube
This float tube measures around 56 inches in length, 44 inches in width, and 19 inches in height. It weighs about 14 lbs., but it can withstand up to 350 lbs. of total heft (user and gear). The seat is thickly padded and is paired with an adjustable high backrest, giving you a comfortable experience.

The Boston valves are ideal for effortless inflations and deflations, while its rugged PVC bottom guarantees strong resistance to tear. The overall hydrodynamic hull shape of the unit makes it easy to track with and steer. Apart from two drink holders, you also get two-rod holders for added convenience.

You can easily carry the Classic Accessories Cumberland inflatable float tube with its adjustable backpacking shoulder straps. Its mesh stripping apron with fish ruler also makes it easier to assess every catch. Storage-wise, you can use the two cargo pockets with easy-open double zippers on both armrests, the seat-back mesh pocket with drawcord, and the large back mesh storage platform. Overall and great inflatable fishing float tube!
1. Classic Accessories Marshland Fishing Float Tube
This inflatable fishing float tube’s dimensions measure 56 x 44 x 19 inches, and it carries a total bulk of 18 lbs. Its weight limit is rated at 350 lbs. For the constriction, the product is mostly made of heavy-duty materials and is complemented with RealTree™ Max 5 camo print.

The Marshland float tube can double as a fishing and hunting inflatable watercraft and is back-packable. Much like the other models, this one also sports a hydrodynamic shape for better tracking. An adjustable shotgun tether and two drink holders are also provided, but none for your fishing rod (sold separately).

On the side of the Classic Accessories Marshland fishing float tube, you will find web loops, which you can affix fake brushes to, adding to your overall concealment when hunting. The D-rings on both sides of the tube’s armrest pockets are used for attaching the brand-exclusive decoy bag (optional accessory), which can hold up to 24 duck or 6 geese decoys. You are still given a mesh stripping apron with a fish ruler for your great fishing adventures.
1. Caddis Sports Premier Plus Inflatable Fishing Float Tube
With a 4-inch adjustable foam seat and a 2-inch foam backrest, your comfort is guaranteed on this inflatable float tube of Caddis. The Premier Plus also uses new and improved custom-molded Boston valves for effortless inflation and deflation. Its seams are also double-stitched, which ensures durability.

When it comes to overall construction, this float tube is made of heavy-duty ripstop material on its top exterior, whereas the bottom and front ends are of heavy-duty tarpaulin. Some of its best features include the front rod holder straps, a fluorescent safety accent, and a stripping apron that is supported by a stabilizer bar.

If fully inflated, the fishing float tube measures 57.9 x 43.7 x 24 inches (LxWxH) and weighs about 15 lbs. It can handle up to 325 lbs. in weight capacity. Apart from the two large main equipment compartments and two auxiliary pockets, there are also two removable dry fly patches and an extra cargo area behind the seat.
- Caddis Sports Pro 2000 Inflatable Fishing Float Tube
The Pro 2000 float tube of Caddis Sport carries a total bulk of 11 lbs. and is capable of sailing up to 250 lbs. in the weight limit. For the dimensions, it measures 53 x 46 x 15 inches, when fully assembled. The 2-inch seat and backrest are foam-based.

Its air chambers are securely sealed with Boston-style valves, while the Caddis float tube its general construction is completed using heavy-duty ripstop material, as well as double-stitched seams. The Pro 2000 appears in a unique teardrop shape and sports a ruler apron with a stabilizer bar.

The Caddis Sports inflatable fishing float tube also has a removable fly patch and front fishing rod holder installed on the Pro 2000 model. For storing your tools, you can make use of the two large main equipment pockets on each armrest, and the two auxiliary pockets. In addition, the cargo area behind the seat is great for some needed extra room.
1. Orvis Outcast Fish Cat 4 Inflatable Fishing Float Tube
The Fish Cat 4 belly boat/float tube of Orvis Outcast uses a combination of fabric denier and 500 PVC materials, along with sewn seams. Its air chambers are supported by vinyl air cell material, ensuring maximum durability and resistance to punctures. Its seat is made of foam and paired with a high backrest.

In terms of dimensions, the Orvis Outcast Fish Cat 4 inflatable fishing float tube measures 54 inches in length and 44 inches in width. Its weight, on the other hand, is gauged at 15 lbs., although it can handle up to 250 lbs. of total passenger and equipment weight capacity.

Two gear packs are provided on each armrest. A detachable stripping platform is also bundled with the product, along with other accessories, namely: an air pump, fins, and boat bag. Plus, a basic repair kit is also included in your purchase.
1. Outcast Prowler Inflatable Fishing Float Tube
The Outcast Sport Gear Prowler float tube uses inflatable seats for added versatility and is reinforced by a fully inflatable floor. It has 3 air chambers, each of which is made from urethane material. The valves on this specific device are of Summit II quality.

A combination of fabric denier, 600 PC, and 500 PVC, is used to manufacture this fishing float tube. The seams of the watercraft are strongly sewn, while its stripping apron is height-adjustable. For stowing your personal effects and fishing gears, make use of the left and right armrest storage compartments, or the mesh net at the back.

Speaking of storage, this inflatable float tube can carry up to 325 lbs. in weight capacity. However, the unit alone weighs 21 lbs. When it comes to physical dimensions, this craft measures 64 x 50 inches (LxW).
1. Outcast Super Fat Cat LCS Inflatable Fishing Float Tube
Much like the Fish Cat 4 float tube, the Outcast Super Fat Cat LCL fishing float tube also has the same 64-inch length, but its width is 5 inches shorter, at only 45 inches. This is also relatively lighter than the aforementioned model, weighing only 17 lbs. As for the weight capacity, this fishing float tube can lift up to 300 lbs. of total bulk.

The seat is fully inflatable, including the backrest. Its 3 urethane-based air chambers are accessible via Summit II valves. Moreover, a mix of fabric denier, 500 PVC, and 420 PC, materials, are utilized in the construction of this kick boat. Additionally, the seams are welded, which ensures optimal tear resistance.

The calibrated apron is oversized, so it does not get in the way of your lower extremities. Two large pockets are securely affixed to each armrest, along with two bottle holders. A pocket behind the backrest is also present, for extra storage.

Which is the best inflatable fishing float tube?
- Price
Factoring in your expenses when buying any product is totally understandable, especially if you are on a tight budget, and for inflatable fishing float tubes, it’s no different. With that said, go for the Caddis Sports Nevada float tube if you want to save the most money since it is the cheapest among the group. Next to it is the Classic Accessories Teton, which is the second least expensive kick boat.

Otherwise, if money is less of an issue, then you are free to widen your range for potential buys of a kick boat/belly boat up to the most expensive model on the list, which is the Outcast Sport Gear Prowler. The other two Outcast Sport Gear inflatable fishing float tubes also belong to the expensive class.

Searching for something within the mid-range cost? Then, look into the Classic Accessories Cumberland, Bighorn, and Marshland fishing float tubes. Moreover, both the Pro 2000 and the Premier Plus by Caddis Sports also belong in this price range.
- Technologies and Features
All Classic Accessories float tubes on this list come with a hydrodynamic hull shape. While it may not seem that significant on paper, once you experience the amazing tracking and steering capabilities it delivers, you will immediately understand why it works. However, the teardrop shape of the Pro 2000 is also worth mentioning.

One feature that is commonly expected from most modern kick boats is the calibrated stripping apron. As far as calibration is concerned, all the items in this catalog have numbered aprons. It is in the design and setup of these aprons that some dissimilarity is noted.

For the most part, all four Classic Accessories units use a similar lap-stripping apron with a fish ruler design. Those under the Caddis Sports brand also share somewhat the same setup, including a stabilizer bar. However, the same cannot be said for the Outcast Sport Gear belly boats, which all come with adjustable-height stripping apron.

Another feature you should look for in fishing boats is some form of fishing rod holder. The majority of entries from Classic Accessories have this, except for the Marshland unit, although it has a unique shotgun tether. Furthermore, only the Classic Accessories Cumberland comes with two-rod holders.

The Caddis Sports float tubes each have their own front rod holder. Oddly enough, the Outcast Sport Gear units do not have any default means for holding your rod, despite retailing at very high prices.

Do note that all the rod holders mentioned above thus far, only aim to secure your fishing rod, so you do not have to keep a constant eye on it when on the water. If you want something that is stronger or something to help with reeling in larger fish, you need to buy a separate accessory for it.

Although it may not appear all that significant, a water bottle holder can actually make your fishing experience better, especially if you fish in longer hours or warmer climates. Among the ten best inflatable fishing float tubes, only the Classic Accessories Marshland and Cumberland, Caddis Sports Premier Plus, and the three Outcast Sport Gear models have this feature.

The Premier Plus, however, is the odd one out, since it only has one bottle holder. And, it is found on the apron, unlike the others, which have drink holders at both armrests.

If you are not too keen on wearing your own drying fly patch, then consider any of the Caddis Sports products listed here. The Premier Plus and Pro 2000 each have two removable dry fly patches at their armrests, whereas the Nevada model only has one. If you often use an artificial “fly”, then this feature will greatly benefit you.
- Ease of Use
The user-friendliness of these inflatable float tubes can sometimes be subjective; meaning what you may find as easy may not be the same for others. For example, you may find that the fishing float tubes, which have integrated seats and backrests, are easier to assemble. But, when put into action, those with inflatable seats will likely be better at keeping you above water, which others may prefer more.

Transportability is also a huge factor when determining the ease of use of a float tube. Among the Classic Accessories units, only the Marshland and Cumberland have dedicated backpacking shoulder straps. For the rest of the entries, you can make use of their D-rings to create an improvised carrying system, which is better than nothing at all.
- Construction
When comparing the material construction of each product on the list, it will mostly vary between PVC, heavy-duty fabric, and synthetic fabric, materials. Among the Classic Accessories lineup, the Cumberland model offers a rugged PVC bottom, whereas the others in this group vary between heavy-duty materials and synthetic fabric.

As for the Caddis Sports models, all three of them come with a unique heavy-duty ripstop material. In addition to that, they also use double stitched seams, which ensures adequate intactness. However, of this sort, only the Premier Plus features a heavy-duty tarpaulin bottom and front ends.

When it comes to the Outcast Sport Gear float tubes, a combination of fabric denier, PC, and PVC, materials, is typically found. All three sports a blend of fabric denier and 500 PVC components. But, only the Prowler and Super Fat Cat come with PC-grade parts, rating at 600 PC and 420 PC, respectively.

As for the seams of the Outcast Sport Gear group, only the Super Fat Cat comes with welded seams. The other two have sewn seams.
- Dimensions and Weight
If you are in the market for the biggest inflatable fishing float tube within this catalog, then consider the Outcast Sport Gear Prowler. With an overall length of 64 inches and a width of 50 inches, it takes the lead as the roomiest model among all entries.

However, the Prowler’s steep price might not be for everybody. Alternatively, you can check out the Premier Plus model from Caddis Sports. Its 57.9” x 43.7” dimensions and mid-price range are a good compromise over the expensive Prowler.

For a more compact accommodation, lean towards the Classic Accessories Teton, which only measures 42.5” x 40”. If it is too small for you, look into the Caddis Sports Nevada, with has 46” x 42” dimensions.

As for the lightest water vessel on the list, the Teton unit from Classic Accessories also takes the spot, with only 8.5-lbs. of heft. The Classic Accessories Bighorn and the Caddis Sports Pro 2000 trail closely behind, both weighing only 11 lbs., individually.

When it comes to the heaviest kick boat, the Outcast Sport Gear Prowler leads the group, weighing as much as 21 lbs. Following it is another model from the same brand, the Outcast Sport Gear Super Fat Cat, which carries a total bulk of 17 lbs.
- Passenger Capacity
Do not confuse the exact weight of the product for the amount of heft it can withstand, since some lighter models can potentially carry more load than those with heavier weight. Nevertheless, if you like to bring a lot of stuff on your fishing trips, consider the Cumberland float tube from Classic Accessories. It has the highest load capacity, rated at 350 lbs.

Although its weight limit is 25-lbs. short than the Cumberland, the Outcast Sport Gear Prowler is still a strong contender in this regard. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Caddis Sports Nevada handles the least bulk, with only 225 lbs. of the weight limit.
- Storage
Minor details and differences aside, all 10 float tubes mentioned here are equipped with pocket armrests, which is slowly turning to be the norm for modern iterations of these inflatable float tubes. With that said, it is rare to see similar tubes without this kind of storage setup.

If I had to choose, based on the quality and quantity of the pockets, I would say that the Classic Accessories latest Bighorn series has the most utility. Overall, this particular unit has 6 mesh pockets, 6 zippered compartments, 2 reel pockets, and 1 seatback storage.
- Accessories
Out of all the 10 listed products, only the four Classic Accessories float tubes have a clear indication of including a bladder repair kit in their packaging. The Marshland series is also best paired with the decoy bag accessory, which you either buy separately or purchase a bundle.

If there is one model that offers the most incentives, it would be the Fish Cat 4 by Orvis Outcast Sport Gear. Out of the box, it comes with an air pump, fins, a boat bag, and a repair kit, which you barely see on some of the other entries. However, if you are willing, the Outcast Sport Gear Prowler’s optional anchor system accessory can be useful for fishing one spot at a time.

Conclusion

All in all, these 10 best inflatable fishing float tubes are worthy to be considered as the best in the float tube industry. They each have something unique to offer and have the capability to change the way you fish in non-rapid waters.

However, your decision is all that will matter in the end. What you need to do is lay down a realistic groundwork, which basically means forming your own personal criteria. Simply put, choose a float tube that matches your immediate needs the closest.

For example, if you are on a budget, consider starting your search among the cheap float tubes, and then eventually move your way up. Another factor worth considering is the number of gears you carry. If you tend to over-pack, then picking the model with the highest weight capacity will benefit you the most. Hopefully, all the above-mentioned inflatable fishing float tube comparisons can help make this process more bearable and you can continue fishing asap.
May 1, 2017
Classic Accessories Roanoke Inflatable Pontoon Boat Review
Pontoon Boat Overview

Let’s just be honest, you’re looking at this inflatable pontoon because it’s the cheapest one out there. It’s as basic as it gets, stripped out of all nifty features this is a minimalist’s fishing boat. With no additional features to weigh it down, the Roanoke only weighs 43 pounds and makes a great choice for anyone looking for a cheap and portable fishing pontoon. It’s lightweight, nimble, and durable, and for the amount of money it costs, you will not find anything better.

It’s 8 feet long and has a total carrying capacity of 350 pounds. It features heavy-duty pontoons, aluminum oars, oarlocks, and a powder-coated frame. Some of the “special” features include a stripping apron, armrest pockets with zippers, a storage area behind the seat, and adjustable foot rests. This boat will handle rivers up to class 1.

Thanks to its lightweight design it’s highly portable, it’s never been easier to transport a pontoon boat. The weight combined with the long aluminum oars makes for a fast and highly maneuverable boat. It has oarlocks to make sure that rowing is as easy as possible and if you were to lose hold of them, they will stay with you. Unlike more expensive pontoon boats from Classic Accessories, the Roanoke oars only have one position they can be used at.

Even though the Roanoke is minimal and very basic, it has plenty of storage. Just below the oarlocks, you’ll find two large oversized armrest pockets with zippers. These pockets can store smaller fishing gear like tackles and lures. Behind the seat, you will find a mesh platform, perfect for storing a smaller cooler box or any of your newly caught fish.

The adjustable footrests have six different positions you can choose from, making it easy to use both for short and tall people.

The bottom of the inflatable pontoon boats is made from heavy-duty PVC that’s abrasion-resistant, meaning that scraping against rocks and other surfaces will not puncture the bladders. The tops are made from tough nylon, not as puncture-resistant but will withstand things like hooks and dorsal fins. The pontoon bladders are temperature resistant, meaning they are not easily affected by cold or warm weather.

The aluminum oars that come with your purchase of the Roanoke are 6 feet long and can be separated into two pieces for easier transportation, they also float if you were to drop them into the water. The locks that hold the oars in place are rock steady thanks to the steel tubing,

Features
- Heavy-duty pontoons with tough PVC bottoms
- Rock steady oarlocks
- 6 feet long rugged aluminum oars
- Three storage areas for gear and other small accessories
Specifications
- Dimensions: 96 inches in length (8 ft) , 55 inches (4.5 ft) in width, and 26 inches (2 ft) in height
- Pontoons: 8 feet long pontoons
- Capacity: 350 pounds
- Weight: 43 pounds (Fully assembled)
- Material: Heavy-duty PVC, tough nylon and steel
Our Review

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So you’ve probably grown tired of your float tube, that’s why you’re reading this right? Maybe you’re just out something really cheap? Whatever your intentions are, you can be certain that the Roanoke gives you a sturdy and long-lasting boat for not a lot of money.

It’s basic, but it does basic well

As we stated at the beginning of this review, this pontoon is super basic. This means it has been stripped out of all the cool features a lot of the higher-end models have, things like adjustable oar locks, motor mounts, extra storage plat forms, bigger pockets, and so on. But in no way does it make it less worthy of your money. It’s basic, but it does basics well.

It’s lightweight which makes it unstable in wind

Because most of the features have been taken away, this boat is very lightweight. But the weight has its drawbacks as well. Let’s just say that strong winds and the Roanoke don’t go well together, and they go even worse together if you’re a lightweight yourself. We were “lucky” and got to try this on a really windy day and while I had a blast, my wife had a totally different experience. For her it was a constant struggle, she had to keep fighting the wind trying to go straight and if she didn’t fight back the wind would just grab a hold of the boat and push her way back. If you want to fish in a specific spot in a windy area, you have to get yourself an anchor, unless you want your day to consist of 99% rowing and 1% fishing.

Included oars are long and rigid

Which brings me to the next point, the oars. They’re awesome, with their six feet they’re long which makes for easy and maneuverable rowing. Some owners complained about them being too long, but we think these owners need to practice rowing a little more. When you get the hang of the rowing, it’s easy to get the speed up, if you have just the right conditions (no winds and calm water) you’ll outrace your friends with ease. We don’t know if this a common issue with the included oars, but ours were filled with water after an hour or so, which made rowing pretty cumbersome. Even when taking them apart it was kinda hard to get the water out, it was definitely a pain in the butt, we can’t even imagine how annoying it must be if you’re staying out on the lake the whole day.

Oarlocks are nice but need some DIY-love

The oarlocks feel rigid and sturdy, but the oars tend to slip through them. We fixed this by taping up a large bulge of electrical tape around the ring on the oars, since then no oars have slipped through.

Okay portability for an inflatable pontoon

As for portability, it’s pretty good, nothing out of the ordinary. Pontoon boats with frames are the least portable out of all inflatables. It doesn’t come with a carry bag or transport wheel which makes it hard to transport long distances unless you DIY a way to have it in your back. You can collapse the seat and make the frame somewhat portable, the pontoons can easily be deflated and stowed away. If you need something highly portable, something that’s easy to carry to and from the shore, you might want to look at some other options instead.

Plastic seat gets uncomfortable after two hours or so

The seat is OK, it’s just a plastic seat which may be too hard for some people. We definitely felt sore in our butts after a whole day of playing around with the Roanoke. We’d definitely recommend getting a cushion, especially if you’re not used to these types of seats.

Not rated for motors, but with some modding, it’s possible to mount one

While on the box it says that it’s not rated for motors, we have seen some people modify theirs to hold a smaller electric trolling motor. Not that it’s something we recommend, but if you really want to, it’s possible. Just be wary that the back end of the pontoon will sag if there’s too much weight.

Coldwater affects the bladders, even though they’re “temperature resistant”

We noticed that cold water does actually have an effect on the bladders, even though it says they’re temperature resistant. Coldwater will shrink the bladders most of the time which leads one to believe there’s a leak. If you want to avoid this, go to your lake a couple of minutes early, inflate it and let it sit in the water for a while, then top it off.

Pontoons are durable and will not puncture easily

The pontoons are durable, we went to several shallow spots on the lakes and scraped against rocks (not any sharp ones though) with little to no scratches at all. We would feel comfortable taking the Roanoke to lakes and rivers where there are sharper rocks, without the fear of puncturing our pontoons.

Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to row and maneuver
- Puncture resistant
Cons
- Unstable in wind
- Tracks poorly
- Uncomfortable seat
Conclusion:

The Roanoke from Classic Accessories might not be the most feature-packed and high-end pontoon you can buy. But does it have to be? From our experiences we’ve found that we’ve had just as fun with lower-end models as with high-end ones. It’s a basic boat but it does the job, and it does it well. We promise you’ll get your money’s worth from this pontoon.
January 25, 2016
Sea Eagle 285 Frameless Pontoon Boat Review
Pontoon Boat Overview

This is the Sea Eagle 285, a frameless pontoon boat that is made with one purpose in mind, fishing. The U-frame design of the 285 provides you with the maximum amount of fishing with the least amount of hull weight. It comes with plenty of features to ensure that you’re on top of your fishing game. It has everything a fisherman would need, rod holders, 360 oarlocks, swivel seat, hardwood floor, plenty of storage space, and a motor mount. The boat itself is very portable, when packed into its carrying bag it doesn’t take more space than a larger backpack, which makes for easy storage.

The Sea Eagle 285 can be used in two different ways, you can either row it with the included oars or you can go all in and run it fully rigged. When it’s fully rigged you’ll have a wooden floorboard that provides a stable and ample area for standing and casting. The swivel seat can turn 360 degrees in each direction and will give you a perfect view of your surroundings. When the floorboard, swivel seat, motor mount, and trolling motor are installed, it will weigh around 59 pounds. If you were to choose the oars only, the total weight will drop to about 42 pounds.

This is what you would call ultra-portable, thanks to the frameless design the boat packs into a small carry bag, which makes transportation from your car to the shore easy and quick. The total set up a time for the 285 is about 5 minutes, depending on your experience level. Set up time includes inflating it and installing all the accessories, like the floorboard, seat, motor mount, and rod holders. When packed down it will store nicely in the trunk of your car or underneath the bed.

The hull is made from 1,000 deniers woven based cloth, this gives it a tremendous amount of strength and the PVC coating creates a durable, waterproof, and air-tight seal.

The 285 is equipped with universal Scotty mounts, meaning you can customize your boat as you wish. Choose from a wide set of accessories like rod holders, sounder mounts, anchor locks, running lights, bait boards, or even cup holders.

This is a great inflatable pontoon boat for lakes, rivers, bay areas, and small creeks, almost any area with calm water will do just fine. The large air chambers allow the boat to support a lot of weight, yet it drags as little as 4 inches of water, meaning you’ll be “gliding” on top of the water instead of in it. This allows for fishing in shallow areas where heavier boats would never dare to go.

Features
- U-frame design lets you use the boat it’s full potential while still being lightweight
- Durable and strong 1,000 denier hull to prevent any punctures from happening
- Raised 1000D fabric floor, allowing for a faster more Responsive boat
- Can either be used with only oars or fully equipped with swivel seats and motors
Specifications
- Dimensions: 107 inches (9 ft) in length, 48 inches (4 ft) in width
- Weight: 32 pounds (only hull)
- Carrying Capacity: 450 pounds
- Material: 1000 Denier 36 mil
Our Review

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We were psyched when we got to test the Sea Eagle 285, we had heard lots of great things about it and wanted to test it for ourselves. Turns out it lives up to all expectations, we dare to say that it goes beyond your expectations even.

No pressure gauge, but that’s no problem with the included foot pump

A common problem with inflatable boats is overinflating them, this usually results in a broken bladder. This happens mostly due to inexperience but also because it can be hard to tell what PSI the bladder is at with no pressure gauge. The 285 doesn’t come with a pressure gauge, but that’s not a bad thing in this case. The included foot pump is just too weak to over inflate it, meaning you can pump all the air you want into it and without running the risk of exploding it.

Large air chambers let you fish in shallow areas but makes for poor tracking

As you already know, the large air chambers allow this boat to glide on top of the water surface, it’s good in the sense that you can enter shallow areas without scraping against the bottom. But like always, if there’s an advantage there’s a drawback. In this case, the large air chambers make for really poor tracking and steering, you’re literally controlling an inflated U letter so to speak. We were unfortunate when we tested the 285, we had plenty of wind and struggled to keep going in a straight line. We do not recommend fishing in areas where there’s a lot of wind, you will be spending more time trying to control the boat instead of fishing. If you do not have any other options, please go yourself an anchor so you don’t drift away.

Rod holders could be position further forward

Another minor pet peeve we have is the position of the rod holders. We just don’t see why they place them behind the seat just by the trolling motor. It gets annoying having to spin 180 degrees whenever you want to get a hold of your rod. This can be easily fixed by gluing on additional rod holders in the front.

Really compact and lightweight, if you only use the hull and oars

We love how compact the hull gets when deflated and packed into its bag, it’s really not much bigger than a hiking backpack. But that’s just the hull, if you plan on going fully rigged, keep in mind that you will need space for the swivel seat and its mount, the floorboard, the motor mount, and the trolling motor. It quickly adds up and suddenly it’s not “ultra-portable” anymore, it will still fit in the trunk of your car but don’t expect to carry all the gear to shore in one go.

The floorboard is stable and lets you stand up and fish

The hard floor is a nice addition to this boat, it’s not very often you can actually stand and fish from an inflatable, but with 285 you can. Both I and my wife had no problems standing up, throwing, or reeling in fish. The standing platform was wide enough for both of us and it felt very stable at all times.

Suitable for fishing in a wide variety of areas, as long as the water is calm

While it’s possible to take the 285 to a wide variety of waters, like lakes, ponds, rivers, and bay areas, it will not do very well in anything that’s not considered to be calm waters. It will handle rivers, but only class 1 rivers, anything with whitewater is not suitable for this pontoon. If you plan to fish in saltwater areas, remember to get yourself a trolling motor that’s made for saltwater, as freshwater ones are not made to withstand corrosion. While you’re at it, make sure to clean the hull thoroughly if you’ve been in saltwater areas.

Has plenty of space for gear

Gear storage is another plus, the boat can carry up to 450 pounds and that’s a lot for a one-person boat. Say the average person is 200 pounds, that leaves you with 250 pounds to store whatever you want. We could bring a cooler box, battery, and plenty of fishing gear with us without feeling cramped. You can buy additional accessories from Sea Eagle to hold your bait, cameras, and anchors if needed, so running out of space is not very likely unless you’re really heavy on gear.

Pros
- Can hold plenty of weight, lots of space for gear
- Easy and quick to set up, doesn’t take more than 5 minutes
- Hard floor allows for stand up fishing
Cons
- Rod holders are in an awkward position
- Poor tracking, hard to control in very windy conditions
Conclusion

The 285 frameless pontoon boat from Sea Eagle is great if you want something that can get you around in large areas with calm water. While it’s possible to fish in calmer rivers, the 285 will perform the best in conditions where there’s no wind and no waves. We like the fact that you can choose to either uses it as a basic rowing boat or all in and rig it with swivel seats, motors, and plenty of other fun stuff. The floorboard is a really nice addition which allows to stand up and fish but also carries additional heavier gear.

If you’re looking to get something for the local lake that’s easy to set up and store, you cannot go wrong with 285.
January 22, 2016
Classic Accessories Teton Float Tube Review
Float Tube Overview

Float tubing is the new way of fishing and with each year new people join the floating movement. But what if you want to try float tubing but don’t want to shell out several hundred dollars? You go for the Classic Accessories Teton Float Tube, of course, a tube that is very affordable! It might have a cheap price tag, but the tube itself is far from cheap. There’s hard to find an entry model that’s better than the Teton.

It’s uniquely sculpted design makes for a clutter-free and streamlined deck, to make your fishing as convenient as possible. There are three storage areas in total, two at each armrest and one large pocket in the back seat. The two storage areas in the armrests have multiple pockets to store all of your fishing gadgets and gear. The backrest can also store fishing gear, there are no pockets, however.

The Teton is about 4.5 feet long and 4 feet wide, almost identical to its slightly expensive brother, the Cumberland. It weighs 16 pounds and will carry up to 250 pounds without trouble. To make transportation as as easy possible, there are two backpack straps so you can carry it while it’s inflated on your back. It has a hydrodynamic hull shape, which makes it easier for you to steer and maneuver the tube. It also helps it to track straight.

The seat is not padded but made out of mesh fabric, along with the backrest, the Teton float tube is surprisingly comfortable. The seat is lower than other models, which will have you submerged in the water from about the waist down (it all depends on how much you weigh, heavier people will be submerged more than lighter people).

Like all float tubes, there’s a stripping apron included with a fish ruler. To make for easy removal it’s attached via Velcro patches. The ruler makes it easy for you to measure your fish and decide whether it’s a keeper or not.

The Teton float tube is a great way to enter the world of inflatable float tube fishing, it’s affordable and plenty of features that higher-end models have.

Features
- Three storage areas for all your valuable fishing gear
- Stripping apron with fish ruler
- Backpack straps to make transportation easier
- De-cluttered and streamlined deck
Specifications
- Dimensions: 42.5 inches (3.5 ft) in length, 40 inches (3.3 ft) in width and 18.5 (1.5 ft) in height
- Weight: 16 pounds
- Carrying Capacity: 250 pounds
- Material: Heavy-duty fabric
Our Review

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Considering the astonishingly low price point of the Classic Accessories Teton, you’d think you would get a poorly made boat, but the reality is far different. We were pleasantly surprised by the Teton, maybe because we were constantly thinking of how cheap it was, certainly nothing that cheap can be good, right? Let’s dive right in and see what we have to say.

Seats puts you in the eater, makes it easier to propel yourself

If you’ve read our review of the Cumberland float, you know that my wife had a problem propelling herself due to the high seat. The seat on the Teton is not padded or anything like that, it’s a simple fabric seat. This means it gets you closer to the water, which makes it a lot easier for short people like my wife to propel herself using her teeny tiny legs. If you’re worried that you might be too small for the seat and accidentally slide out when wading, there’s a groin strap that will prevent just that. The main “drawback” (we’re really pushing it calling it a drawback) of having a seat like this is that you get a lot wetter, you can count on getting water up to your waistline sitting in the Teton seat.

First-timers might have troubles installing the bladders, here’s a video to help you out

If you’re reading our review of this float tube, we take it you’re a beginner float tuber. So here’s the thing all beginners should know, you have to install the bladders into the actual tube before you can go anywhere. If you know how to do this it’s quite easy, however, if you’ve never seen a tube in real life it can be quite tricky. The instructions that come with the Teton are not fully clear, especially if you’ve never assembled a tube-like this before. To help you first timers out, here’s an instructional video teaching you how to replace a bladder for a float tube.

It feels solid and rugged, we just wish they would have reinforced the bottom

The build quality is solid, nothing feels like it’s cheaply made or like it would come apart easily. We just wish that Classic Accessories would’ve improved the bottom of the hull, it’s made from the same nylon material as the top and will most likely puncture if something sharp were to hit it. We’d love to see a rugged PVC bottom in the next version of the Teton, please!

Backpack straps are awesome, makes for easy transportation

We just love the backpack straps, they’re highly convenient and make transportation so much easier. The straps cannot be used when the tube is deflated sadly, but once inflated you just throw it up on your back and walk to your destination. It’s like a humongous backpack, but it only weighs 16 pounds which makes it even easier to carry, even if you have a bad back.

Plenty of storage for all your gear freaks out there

The storage areas are pretty neat as well. The two armrest storage areas have plenty of pockets for lures and other important equipment, just be cautious when putting them in, since they might go through the nylon right into the bladder. If you’ve seen the product pictures of the Teton, you probably noticed that the storage areas look sturdy and “inflated”, this is however not the case. In the product pictures, they’ve stuffed these areas, in reality, they’re completely flat. It’s nothing too bad but it does surprise you when you first unpack it. The backrest also doubles as a large pocket, so you have plenty of storage for gear.

No cup/rod holders but it’s easily fixed

It doesn’t have any cup/rod holders like the more expensive versions have, this can be easily fixed with a Scotty float tube mount, just wrap around the tube and fastened, you’re done.

Pros
- A great deal for the amount of money you pay
- Lots of storage for fishing gear
- The backpack straps make it to transport longer distances
Cons
- The bottom is not reinforced, making it vulnerable to punctures
Conclusion:

We’re not going to lie, the Teton float tube from Classic Accessories surprised us. We thought it would be a cheaply made toy like a tube, but it was in fact well made. It’s a very basic and minimal model, it doesn’t have a lot of the added features higher-end models have, but who cares? Since you’re probably paying less than $100, you can’t expect to get a whole lot for that amount of money. It’s a solid product, does what it says on the box, and helps you get closer to your fish. If you want to give float tubing a try, or if you’re just a cheapskate, the Teton will most definitely not disappoint you, unless you have exceptional standards for low-cost products.
January 21, 2016
Classic Accessories Cumberland Float Tube
Float Tube Overview

What some might consider being the best inflatable float tube you can buy, the Cumberland float tube is a low cost but feature-packed craft. Its only purpose is to make your fishing as good as possible. For anyone looking to experience float tubing, you can’t really go wrong with the Cumberland. It’s highly affordable and has the same features as the tubes that cost twice as much. All these features enable you to bring plenty of fishing gear, rods, beverages, and whatnot. And if you find yourself wanting more, there’s plenty of options to install additional accessory holders. If you don’t want something as large as an inflatable boat, but still want all the features a boat has, the Cumberland float tube will give just that.

The Cumberland is compact and portable. It measures about 4.5 feet long when inflated but is roughly half the size when deflated and packed. The two backpack straps make it possible to carry the tube like a backpack when it’s inflated, making transporting it from point A to point B easier and quicker. It weighs only 17 pounds, so even people with bad backs will be able to carry it with the straps without too much effort.

The hull is shaped with hydrodynamics in mind to ensure that it tracks straight and that steering is easy. The raised back reduces the amount of drag and thus making the Cumberland both faster and more maneuverable.

The seat is thickly padded which makes it tons more comfortable compared to other cheaper float tubes. The dimensions of the seat are 17.25 inches wide and 20 inches long, with plenty of room, even for the larger guys. The backrest is adjustable with straps, letting you decide if you rather want to sit straight or lie down in a more armchair-like position. It’s easy to adjust, just pull one of the two straps until they’re the desired length and lock them. The extra padding makes this seat sit higher above the water than other models, which also helps with visibility towards other fishermen. If there’s a need for more visibility there’s a slot behind the seat where it’s possible to install a flag. For added security, there’s a bright orange panel in the back for more visibility.

The Cumberland float tube has two oversized cargo pockets with double heavy-duty zippers for storing your tackle and other small gear. There’s a pull handle for pulling open both zippers at the same time. Behind the seat, there’s a mesh platform for storing additional gear or your newly caught fish.

It has two-rod holders on each side of the tubes, these are not meant to be used fishing but rather to hold your rods when transporting the craft. Easily mistaken for the rod holders are the two cup holders, they’re located on top of each tackle pocket, these will not hold any rods but will hold your favorite beverage of choice.

Features
- A thick and padded seat, with high back support to make long days less painful
- Two oversized pockets for small gear like tackles
- Mesh storage platform for additional gear
- Straps to carry it like a backpack when inflated
- Stripping apron with fish ruler
Specifications
- Dimensions: 56 inches (4.5 ft) in length, 47 inches (4 ft) in width and 17.5 inches (1.5 ft) in height
- Weight: 17 pounds
- Carrying Capacity: 350 pounds
- Material: Heavy-duty fabric with a rugged PVC bottom
Our Review

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The Cumberland float tube was the first float tube we ever tried and we can definitely see why it’s a rising trend among fishermen these days. It’s not for the person that’s afraid of getting wet, as you sit with half your legs in the water. It was definitely something different than we’re used to but in a very positive way. To propel the tube you paddle with your feet, thanks to the high seat you’re sitting in a very ergonomic position, making it easy to kick powerfully.

Shorter people will have a hard time propelling themselves

My wife who is a lot shorter than me, she’s around 5 foot tall, had a hard time efficiently propel herself due to her short legs. The culprit for this (except for my wife’s short legs) is the thickly padded seat.

Get a couple of fins to make propulsion as efficient as possible

To make it as easy to propel yourself forward we recommend getting a set of Paddle Pushers, these allow you to paddle forward instead of backward. It makes it much easier to see where you’re going and allows you to face your fishing spot even in strong winds. A set of diving fins will be more efficient of course, taking you further and making you less tired.

Seat is super comfortable and puts you high above the water

The seat is very comfortable, together I and my wife must have kicked around for almost 5 hours straight. Even though we have healthy backs it’s easy to tell when a seat is poor, and the seat that comes with the Cumberland is great, we had no back strain what so ever. The backrest is also easy to adjust and it will not move when moving around or transporting it.

Plenty of storage for its size

One would think that the storage on a small craft like this would be pretty limited when it comes to storage but it’s quite the opposite. The mesh platform behind the seat can easily store a smaller cooler or your fish. The two pockets on top of each tube are oversized which makes it easy to store all kinds of tackles and bait. We managed to store all our tackles inside the two pockets. Just be careful with your tackles as the insides of the pockets do not have any heavy-duty PVC and can puncture easily.

There are no real rod holders, luckily you can buy them separately

Classic Accessories have written that two “rod holders” are included and in a sense that’s true. Thing is, these rod holders are just Velcro straps meant to hold your rods when transporting them. If you want a set of real holders, you can either make them yourself from PVC pipes, or buy a mount like the Scotty rod float tube mount.

Cup holders will only work if the pockets are full

As for the cup holders, they’re a nice addition but unless you fill the pockets full with tackles and other gear, they won’t be giving much support for your beverage. Not really something that bothered us since we were both occupied with trying to find the best spot.

Stripping apron design could use a better design

Not really a con or a drawback, but the stripping apron is detachable, which makes it easy to lose. Everything else on the tube folds up nicely except the apron. We almost lost ours due to heavy winds, so keep that in mind when removing it and placing it somewhere else. We also find the stripping apron design to be a little weak, it’s held together with Velcro patches, we would much rather see something like bungee straps instead of the Velcro.

Bladders are very thin and prone to punctures, be careful!

Now let us talk about the biggest drawback the Cumberland float tube has, it’s the bladders. They’re very thin, they’re actually comparable to the thickness of pool toys. When I was fishing one of my catches managed to poke a small hole in the hull with its dorsal fin (managed to paddle back to shore and fix it up). We’ve read that plenty of other people have had the same problems with small holes appearing here and there, they’re annoying but luckily they can be fixed with patches or air sealers. We’d love to see them come out with a version that has extended the durable PVC, but it’s just wishful thinking from our side.

Pros
- Portable and lightweight, can be carried on your back
- The high back seat and adjustable straps make it comfortable, even for longer periods of time
- Plenty of onboard storage for tackles and fishing gear
Cons
- The top part of the tube gets punctured easily
- It’s common to receive the Cumberland with leaky valves
Conclusion:

If you want to experience fishing in a whole different way than you’re used to, you should definitely try a float tube. The Cumberland float tube offers everything a float tube could potentially offer, at a low price point too. While it might not be as versatile, fast, and maneuverable as other inflatable boats, it still has plenty of offers when it comes to fishing. There’s a reason why float tubes grow more popular each year.
January 20, 2016
Advanced Elements Straitedge Angler Kayak
Kayak Overview

Advanced Elements has done it yet again, another rugged and durable kayak is here. The Straitedge Angler kayak is designed with serious anglers in mind. Just like the majority of Advanced Elements kayaks, this one also sports the patented aluminum rib frame. Tracks almost as straight as a hard shell, has plenty of options for additional fishing accessories and is also very stable. If you’re looking for an inflatable kayak that you can use for fishing, you’ve found it. The durable design has made the Straitedge Angler a popular choice for people looking to go down class 3 rapids as well.

The kayak is 9 feet long and has a carrying capacity of up to 300 pounds, total weight of the boat is 41 pounds. It’s made out of multi-layered materials, which makes this bad boy durable as few. The hull is actually so tough that it’s possible to take it down class 3 rapids, and no, scraping against rocks and other rough surfaces will not puncture it easily. It has abrasion pads on top, if any hooks, tackle or fish were to fall, you will have that added protection. To add to the security, it has multiple air chambers, if one were to fail, you still have the other ones intact, allowing you to safely paddle back to shore. Some handy features on the Straitedge include; stainless steel d-rings, and bungee deck lacing for gear.

The Straitedge is an open kayak and can be compared to a regular canoe. Unlike a regular canoe however, it’s super stable. The low center of gravity, wide body and the wide frame makes it a challenge to tip it over. Unless you actually try to tip it over, nothing’s going to happen. This is because they knew that bringing home the big catches is not always a walk in the park, since when did you casually sit down and reel in a big one? Never.

You’ll be sitting on a high-back seat with an inflatable lumbar support. A lumbar support will help people with lower back problems and reduce the amount of pressure put on it. On the backside of the seat you’ll find two simple rod holders.

At the front of the Straitedge, you’ll find the patented aluminum accessory frame. This is a truly unique feature which no other inflatable kayak has. With it, you’ll be able to mount all kinds of fishing accessories, fish finders, rod holders and loads more. It can even be used to mount smaller action cameras like the GoPro.

If anything were to fail on this kayak, like a leaky seam or a mysterious puncture, you got your back covered by the one year warranty. Advanced Elements are quick to respond and if anything is broken you will most likely get a replacement.

Features
- Has built-in aluminum frame in the bow and stern which makes for superior tracking and steering
- Plenty of space for accessories and rods
- A high-back seat with an inflatable lower back support
- Covered by a one-year warranty if anything were to fail
- Heavy duty and rugged hull that can withstand all kinds of abuse
Specifications
- Dimensions: 116 inches (9.5 ft) in length, 34 inches (2.9 ft) in width
- Weight: 41 pounds
- Carrying Capacity: 300 pounds
- Material: Multi-layer heavy duty PVC
Our Review

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Every inflatable kayak we’ve tested from Advanced Elements have impressed us in some way, and this one is no different. The Straitedge is an open kayak, meaning the deck is not enclosed. It’s more or less the same design as a canoe, but it behaves more like a kayak.

Built-in frame provides excellent tracking and maneuverability

Like all Advanced Elements kayaks with the built in aluminum frame, this one tracks very well and it’s also very stable. Thanks to the wide beam going down the middle there was no problem moving around, the kayak was stable and never were we worried we would tip over. We even gave it a test run with our dag in the back, he moved around a lot trying to find a comfortable position, same experience here, as stable as ever. When my wife gave it a test spin, she managed to catch a pike and right then we saw the true stability of the yak. If it hadn’t been so stable, my wife would have probably been in the water.

The inflatable lumbar supports makes longer days much more enjoyable

We have healthy backs so we never bother to use lumbar supports, but we figured we could give it a try since so many people have said good things about it. We cannot justifiably compare to other lumbar supports but from our tests it felt really comfortable. We decided to keep it on the whole day and had no problems what so ever, it wasn’t too hard or too uncomfortable, it was just perfect.

Drying the Straitedge is a pain, takes a lot of time

But as with all inflatables, there are drawbacks. The biggest drawback with the Straitedge is the amount of time it takes to dry. And boy, does it take a while. There are loads of small creases and folds the water can get into, the main floor chamber is one of those places. Even when we checked days later we still managed to find some water that hidden underneath the floor chamber. To dry it completely we suggest putting out on a big flat surface in the sun, shaking and turning it around every 10 minutes or so.

The accessory bar is neat, allows you to mount several different fishing accessories

The accessory bar is another feature we like a lot, even though it could been tweaked a little more. First of all, it feels like they’ve put it too far in the front. This made it hard for us to reach any accessories we had. We tried fixing this by putting on the accessory bar backwards, but no success there either., it’s shaped to be installed in one direction only. Other than that, the bar is really useful, we do not have any fancy fishing equipment, so we mounted 2 rod holders and a GoPro on it. It felt really sturdy even with heavier accessories installed.

Can take a beating without getting punctured or deflated

This thing is durable. We were told it’s possible to use the Straitedge for white water kayaking. We spent a day out on a class 3 river, we had a blast, even though we’re no pros. The kayak got slammed and scraped against multiple rocks, by the end of the day it had a lot of scratch marks but nothing had been punctured. Oh, the scratch marks disappeared with some soap water and rubbing.

Can hold up to two people without problems (it may get a little cramped)

This is a one person kayak only, but we like to push the limits and see how far we can take our testing. Turns out it will hold my wife and I just fine, I’m not gonna lie, it was a little cramped but it handled well and there was no sign of instability. While two full grown adults might not be the best idea, bringing your kid or dog along will work just fine.

Super portable, folds up into a very thin luggage styled bag

We almost forgot to mention, but another very impressive feature about the Angler is just how small it can get when folded. It’s comparable to a normal luggage bag in terms of size but the width is the best part, it’s only 10 inches wide when folded into the carrying bag. You could store it in a Smart cars trunk if you wanted to. Remember that it’s 9.5 feet when inflated, that makes the foldable size just so much more impressive.

Pros
- Tracks straight and is easy maneuver
- Durable, scraping and smashing against rocks will scratch the hull but not puncture it
- Plenty of space for fishing accessories thanks to the mounting bar
- Very stable
- Highly portable, folds into one of the smallest bags we’ve seen
Cons
- Mounting bar is hard to reach when sitting down
- Drying takes a long time
Conclusion:

If you’re a fisherman and want to purchase an inflatable kayak that is portable, versatile and suitable for fishing, the Straitedge Angler is just what you want. While it’s designed specifically for fishing, it can be enjoyed as a recreational kayak, you could even take into it class 3 rapids if you so wanted. It’s perfect for the type of fisherman that doesn’t like to fish in one spot all year long but rather like to challenge himself by trying new environments and such. You’re getting a lot of value for your money.
January 19, 2016

What are the best inflatable fishing boats? [Buying Guide 2021]

The answer to the age-old question

Short Answer: There is no such thing as the best inflatable fishing boat that excels in just about everything, different boats for different conditions.

If you want to see a summarized version of the best fishing boats, scroll down or click here. For the best inflatable fishing kayaks, click here.

Long answer: One of the major reasons people buy an inflatable boat is to use it for fishing, and for a very good reason. They are versatile, portable, take up almost no space and more often than not, will do everything just as good as their non-inflatable counterparts.

One of the most popular questions we get asked all the time is “What are the best inflatable boats for fishing?” People ask us that question so often that we finally decided to create a complete buying guide for people interested in fishing on inflatable boats.

Let’s just start by saying this; there’s no best inflatable boat for fishing. We’re sorry to burst your bubble, but that’s the way it is, there are just too many things to take into consideration. What might be the best fishing boat for an experienced fisherman might be a total waste of money for someone just getting into the sport? There are a lot of factors to take into consideration, location, what type of fishing you’re going to do, experience level, and your budget. These are all things you have to think about when choosing your boat.

Instead of taking a gamble and hoping to choose the right boat from the bat, let us help you. We have been there, even though it was 10 years ago, we still remember how frustrating it can be not knowing what to choose. Don’t sweat it though, we’ll cover just about EVERYTHING needed to know before you decide what to purchase.

Note: Please keep in mind that you do not have to by any means follow our guide to the core, nothing we have written here are “rules”. If you want to fish with a dinghy in a river, go to the ocean with a small raft, you’re more than welcome to do it. This guide reflects our opinions and experiences on what we think are the best inflatable boats for fishing.

Fishing From an inflatable boat, why?

If you accidentally stumbled upon this guide, you might be wondering why in the world someone would want to fish from an inflatable boat. Maybe you’re just curious to know what the pros and cons are. Either way, we’ll explain why someone would rather want to do some inflatable boat fishing than sit in a wooden/metal/plastic boat.

The first and most common reason is portability. If you want to own a kayak but live in a small apartment in New York, where are you going to store a 9 feet long hard shell kayak? Nowhere, it’s not possible unless you rent extra storage. Or what if you live far away from the water? Are you supposed to buy yourself a trailer just to get the boat to shore? This is where inflatables shine the most, an inflatable kayak can be 9 feet long but still fit under your bed or in your car’s trunk. The gray bag on the picture here has an inflatable kayak which is 12 feet long when inflated when packed it doesn’t take much more space than a camping backpack.

The second reason is the cost. Inflatable fishing boats are generally much cheaper than a regular wooden/metal/plastic boat, if you’re on a budget but still want to go fishing, buying an inflatable is the best choice you can do.

There are a couple of drawbacks, however… The most significant being durability. Inflatables will never be as durable as boats made from hard and solid materials. You can run a wooden boat into a sharp rock without making too much damage, do the same with an inflatable and you’ll be swimming back to shore. Punctures are pretty much inevitable when it comes to rubber boats, and you might have to fix your boat once every month.

But if you can overlook the drawbacks of an inflatable fishing boat, they are well worth the money and will do almost as good as a real boat out in the water.

Kayak, dinghy/raft, or pontoon for fishing?

You’re probably already thinking about which inflatable watercraft you want to buy, we understand that you’re eager to start fishing, but don’t buy anything just yet. Each vessel has its ups and downs when it comes to fishing, they all act differently when in the water. That’s why it’s crucial to know the pros and cons of each inflatable before you make your decision. Luckily for you, we’ve covered everything you need to know, kayaks, dinghies, rafts, pontoon boats, even inflatable fishing boats with motors, it’s all here.

Note: We recommended that you read everything we have written so you can make an educated decision and find the perfect fishing boat for yourself.

The best inflatable fishing boats in a nutshell

Model	Price Range	Carrying Capacity	Weight	Buy
Sea Eagle 285	$$$	450 lbs	43 lbs	Buy on Sea Eagle website
Classic Accessories Colorado XT Boat	$$	400 lbs	77 lbs	Buy on Amazon
Classic Accessories Cumberland	$	350 lbs	17 lbs	Buy on Amazon
Intex Mariner 3	$	880 lbs	78 lbs	Buy on Amazon
Advanced Elements Straitedge Angler	$$	300 lbs	41 lbs	Buy on Amazon
Newport Vessels Catalina	$$$	1,600 lbs	160 lbs	Buy on Amazon

Inflatable Fishing Kayak

Almost all inflatable kayaks consist of just air and fabric, they are very comfortable and will not strain your butt or lower back when you fish for longer periods. Inflatable kayaks are easy to store, transport and will hold most of your gear. With no option for motor mounts (even though in some rare cases you will find inflatable kayaks capable of taking smaller motors), you’ll be required to paddle to get to your destination.

We like to say that the majority of fishermen that use kayaks for fishing are 99% fisherman and 1% kayaker. What we mean by this is that it’s very common for a fisherman to buy an inflatable kayak just because they have read that’s the best option. If you’re going to be fishing in large open areas, that’s fine, but if you plan on paddling in a more technical environment you’ll be amazed how much proper paddling techniques can help you. You’ll learn how to paddle more efficiently and faster, meaning you’ll cover larger distances without exhausting yourself. Take your time and learn some proper paddling techniques.

Sit-on-top or sit-inside?

When choosing an inflatable kayak for fishing you have two options, a “sit-inside” or a “sit-on-top” (pictured to the right).

Overall, sit-on-tops are more popular for inflatable kayak fishing. This is because they let your fish from a wide variety of different positions, be it from the front, the side, or the back. They are also not going to swamp (when a kayak is accidentally filled with water) on you if you were to flip, just flip it back up and hop in. The downside with them is that they cannot take as much gear as sit-insides. Generally speaking, most inflatable fishing kayaks have a pretty open design, much like a canoe. So getting swamped while fishing is not very likely.

The other option is a sit-inside kayak. These have a place in the inflatable fishing world too, their main advantage is that you’ll be a lot dryer than a sit-on-top. They’re great to use if you’re going to be fishing in the colder water, bring a lot of gear, or just want to keep yourself dry. The drawbacks are that you are limited to one fishing position and it will get swamped when flipped.

Speed or stability?

The next thing to consider is the length and width of your kayak. Generally speaking, the narrower and longer the inflatable is, the faster it’ll be. Shorter and wider boats will obviously be the exact opposite, they’ll move slower but will be a lot more stable.

If you need to paddle long distances when fishing we definitely recommend getting a kayak that’s 10 feet or longer. When going for a longer inflatable kayak, it’s very important to go for one with a good tracking fin/skeg, this will help you go in a straight line rather than a zigzag pattern. Inflatables tend to drift and track much more poorly than regular hard shells. With poor tracking performance, you’ll be less efficient and spend more time trying to go straight rather than fishing.

If speed is not that important to you, going for something less than 10 feet is a good choice. These kayaks are wider and more stable. If you plan on sitting and fishing, almost any kayak will do, but if you want to stand upright and fish, you will need something wide and stable. We prefer to sit down while we fish, it feels safer and is a lot more comfortable in our opinion.

Pros

Lightweight and highly portable
Easy to maneuver
Can get to places no other inflatable can

Cons

Limited storage space compared to bigger inflatables
Can only be paddled
Limited storage for gear

Where can I fish with a kayak?

Kayaks are pretty versatile, they can be paddled in most water conditions without too much trouble. They’re perfect for fishing in lakes, ponds, rivers, and ocean bays. Because they’re easy to maneuver and control, you can paddle into unknown territory without fear of losing control. They do poorly in oceans, trying to battle wind and waves will suck all the enjoyment from fishing.

Lakes ✓
Ponds ✓
Rivers ✓
Bay areas ✓
Oceans ✘

The Best Inflatable Kayaks For Fishing

The kayak we recommend is the one we think excels in most areas, it’s versatile and made with fishing in mind. There are additional features that make fishing easier, such as a stable platform, extra gear storage, and so on. We also made sure it can be used in as many different water conditions as possible. To sum it up, the recommended kayak is a “do-it-all” kayak.

If you want to see what other kayaks we have reviewed, head over to our inflatable kayak reviews to find something that fits you.

Best Value For Money: Advanced Elements Straitedge Angler Kayak

If you’re looking to get the most out of your purchase, the Straitedge from Advanced Elements is well worth the money. It’s specifically designed for fishing, with serious anglers in mind. Multi-layered materials, aluminum frame, abrasion pads, a wide hull, and the option to add your own fishing accessories to the accessory frame. The Straitedge is a rather unique inflatable kayak, it’s the first one to feature a removable accessory frame in the front. With this frame, you’ll be able to mount additional fishing rods, fish finders, and lots more, all making the fishing experience much more pleasurable.

People buy inflatable kayaks because they take up a lot less space than your average hard shell and the Straitedge is no exception. We were impressed by just how portable this kayak is. When fully inflated, it’s 9 feet long, but when deflated and packed into its carrying bag, it’s no longer than 30 inches. It’s so compact you could put this into a Smart car’s trunk and still have plenty of space left.

Verdict: If you want to get the most out of a fishing kayak for your money, this is what you should get yourself. The Straitedge is an exceptional kayak, it’s wide and stable, has great abrasion resistance, it’s comfortable, holds all of your gear, has a frame where you can mount the very best fishing accessories AND it will fit into the smallest car trunks. What’s there not to like?

read our Review

The Cheapest: Intex Challenger K1

The Challenger from Intex is about as cheap as you can get, costing most of the time well under $100, this kayak is very affordable and surprisingly very good for fishing. It is made from vinyl, it’s not as strong as PVC or Hypalon, but that’s expected with such a low price tag. That’s why you need to be extra careful with hooks and not scraping against hard surfaces.

There’s a large net in the front to hold your gear, a regular-sized backpack will fit, but that’s about it. There’s room for smaller pieces of gear behind the seat as well.

Verdict: The Challenger K1 is perfect for people that are on a tight budget or just want to give inflatable fishing a try. It’s not the best kayak for fishing, but for the price, you cannot really go wrong. You won’t find an inflatable kayak cheaper than this.

Buy on Amazon or read our Review

Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Boats

Inflatable pontoon boats are made purely for one thing, fishing. And while you can take them down class 3 rapids, they perform the best out on open lakes. There are three types of pontoon boats you can buy; float tubes, frameless, and those with a frame. What you choose depends on your level of experience and preference. One thing is sure, inflatable pontoon fishing boats will give you plenty of looks.

Float tubes

Technically not really a pontoon boat, but we decided to include them in the buyer’s guide because of their similarities. Inflatable float tubes are for the fishermen that want to get up close and stalk their fish. Instead of standing at the bank hoping the fish will come to you, you come to fish instead. It’s basically an inflatable seat with a couple of pockets and to power the boat you paddle with your feet.

Floating tubes are small, compact, and portable, they’re actually the most portable fishing boat. They require little to no maintenance, meant to be used in calm waters these are a perfect fit for lakes and ponds. They are not maneuverable and neither will they take you any larger distances, but if you know exactly where you want to fish, they’re a good option.

Pros:

Highly portable and lightweight
Gets you near the fish without scaring them away

Cons

Can only be used in calm waters
Doesn’t hold a lot of gear
Not maneuverable at all

Where can I fish with a fishing float tube?

Fishing with a float tube will limit you to the calmest of waters. A tube is not meant to take you any long distances, but rather make you leave the shore and get in with the fish. Works great in lakes, ponds, and smaller bay areas.

Lakes ✓
Ponds ✓
Rivers ✘
Bay areas ✓
Oceans ✘

The Best Inflatable Float Tubes For Fishing

When we looked at the best float tube we compared it to cheaper variants, we took a good look to see if the bigger price tag was really worth it. Things like the amount of storage space, comfort, and durability all played a part in our decision. We did not compare handling and control since there is little to no difference between float tubes when it comes to steering.

If you want to see what other float tubes we have reviewed, head over to our inflatable float tube reviews to find something that fits you.

PS. We recommend that you buy a set of fins with your float tube to make moving in the water easier.

Best Value For Money: Classic Accessories Cumberland

If you want everything a float tube has to offer, the Cumberland will deliver even more. It’s the most expensive tube of all three, but if you’re into float tube fishing it’s well worth it. The Cumberland is packed with loads of features, two-rod holders, two cup holders, a thick and padded seat, an apron with a fish ruler, and plenty of pockets. What we like the most about it though, is the fact that it’s “backpackable”, meaning there’s an adjustable shoulder strap for easy carrying.

The padded seat is large and will give you bring you higher the water level, making both you and the float tube easier to see.

Just like the Teton and The Togiak, the Cumberland features a stripping apron with Velcro patches. The patches make the ruler easy to remove but also limits you to how much weight you can place on the apron.

Verdict: It’s packed with lots of handy features, such as two cup holders and two fishing rods, the Cumberland is made for the fisherman who loves float tubing.

Buy on Amazon or read our Review

The Cheapest: Classic Accessories The Teton

If you like the idea of a float tube but have never actually tried one, getting a cheaper one to try it out is smart. The Teton is an affordable float tube but the build quality is good for what you’re paying and it’s actually pretty durable. It has an inflatable backrest and a stripping apron with a ruler, we would however rather see bungee straps instead of the velcro patches for the apron.

It doesn’t have all the features of more expensive float tubes, but more than enough to give you a sense of what’s like to be floating and fishing.

Verdict: If you’re curious about the float tube fishing experience, but feel like shelling out too much just to try something is not worth it, go for this. The Teton is an affordable way into float tube fishing.

Buy on Amazon or read our Review

Frameless Pontoons

Inflatable pontoons without any frame look a lot like dinghies, they behave pretty much the same way. The only real difference is the motor mount and the few added accessories that most frameless pontoons come with, swivel seats and rod holders are one of the most common accessories. These are easier and faster to set up compared to pontoons with frames, they also take up less space. They are versatile as you can both row them or use a motor.

If you want to get the most out of your lake fishing, a frameless inflatable pontoon is highly recommended, you’ll be able to go further, fish in more water conditions, store more gear and if you want to, you can stand up and fish.

Pros

Can get into shallow areas thanks to the pontoons
Capable of carrying large gas motors
Can be used with oars and motors

Cons

Takes a lot of time to inflate
Poor tracking and drifts easy

Where can I fish with a frameless pontoon?

A frameless pontoon boat can handle more water conditions than a float tube and a framed pontoon. It handles lakes, ponds, and bay areas with ease. It will handle rivers up to class 2 without any problems, anything beyond that will really push the limits of the boat, you shouldn’t be fishing in an inflatable in class 3 rapids either way. As for oceans, it’s possible but not recommended. It’s important to remember that just because something is possible, it doesn’t mean you should do it.

Lakes ✓
Ponds ✓
Rivers ✓
Bay areas ✓
Oceans ✘

The Best Frameless Pontoon Boats

There are not a lot of frameless pontoons available in today’s market, therefore there is very little difference between the two pontoons listed below. The recommended one has the same features as the cheap one, but they’re either made from higher quality materials or have been upgraded to something more high end.

If you want to see what other float tubes we have reviewed, head over to our inflatable pontoon boat reviews to find something that fits you.

Best Value For Money: Sea Eagle 285

Next up we have the 285 boats, this is an upgraded version of the 285fpb. It has all the same features, plus a little more. It’s possible to set up this boat in two ways, for those who want a lightweight craft, and for those who want to maximize their fishing. If you choose to go, lightweight, you’ll have no floorboards or swivel seats, but the boat will only weigh 32 pounds. If you choose to maximize your fishing experience, it becomes a little heavier, totally decked out it lands at the 59-pound mark.

There’s about a $200 difference between the two, so what’s the real difference? To put it simply, the 285 is just an upgraded variant of the 285fpb. Some of the upgraded features include Scotty rod holders. For some, the upgrades might be worth the extra $200. If you have trouble deciding between the two, we recommend that you read our reviews.

Verdict: This is more or less the same boat as the 285fpb, with slightly upgraded features. There’s a $200 price difference and for some, the upgrades and green color change might not be worth the extra money.

Buy on Sea Eagle website or read our Review

The Cheapest: Sea Eagle 285fpb

Sadly there’s no cheap way of getting a frameless pontoon boat. The Sea Eagle costs quite a bit of money, expect $800+, and that’s about as cheap as it gets.

So what does this give you? The 285fpb is a 1 person inflatable fishing pontoon boat, it comes with a swivel seat, sturdy motor mount, floorboard, two-rod holders, pump, oars, carry bag with shoulder straps, stripping apron, side bag, and a stow pouch. It’s 9 feet long, weighs only 42 pounds, and will fit in the back of your car’s trunk.

As you can see, it has all the fishing accessories a fisherman would want. It will accept both electric and gas motors. As if that wasn’t enough, you’ll get a three-year warranty on the boat if anything were to happen.

Verdict: One of the most affordable inflatable frameless pontoon boats. It has everything a fisherman would ever want from an inflatable, rod holders, swivel seat, stripping apron, and the ability to mount gas motors.

Buy on Sea Eagle website

(We do not have a review of this pontoon since it’s an older version, the review of the new 285 reflects the opinions on the old version)

Pontoons With Frames

Pontoons with frames are another hit among fishermen. Instead of a hardwood floor, they have pockets and bags to store all your fishing gear. They get you closer to the water than a frameless pontoon, not as much as a float tube but just enough so you can reach down and grab a fish from the water. Just like the floating tubes, framed pontoons give a more ‘personal’ feeling to your fishing. It’s hard to explain but it’s almost as you’re one with the lake, it’s definitely a different side to fishing. If a float tube had an upgrade, it would be this.

These types of vessels are great for rowing, the ergonomic position and the long oars make it easy to cover longer distances with less effort. Sadly they lack skegs or any tracking fins, which makes going straight a challenge. The large inflatable pontoons are at fault for this, it makes sense, they’re just big inflated tubes after all. They do have their advantages though, the pontoons put you on top of the water, not in it, which lets enter areas with shallow water.

You can find these kinds of pontoons in all shapes and sizes, you have the ones that can be carried on your back and you have the ones that are as big as cars. Obviously, you won’t be using the large ones for fishing, as they’re meant for going down rapids. The inflatable pontoons used for fishing are somewhere around 8-10 feet long (measuring the pontoons). They’re also slow, even if they’re equipped with motors. It’s not necessarily a bad thing either, with no tracking capabilities at all, drifting is really easy. If you were to speed up in one one of these, disaster would be waiting around the corner.

As for onboard storage, there’s not a lot of space, if any at all. There’s no floor, just a seat so most of your gear will be found in pockets on either side of the pontoons, most of the time this will be more than enough for the casual fisherman. One of the drawbacks with a design like this is just how unbalanced it can become if you load with too much gear, especially in the back. If you use a trolling motor it’s very common for the rear end of the pontoon boat to sag and lifts the front up.

Pros

Plenty of pockets
Possible to mount trolling motors (not all pontoons have this option)
Easy to steer and maneuver

Cons

Poor tracking, hard to go in a straight line
Extra weight in the back (like a motor) makes them unbalanced

Where can I fish with a framed pontoon?

You can take this to lakes, ponds, rivers (but nothing over class 1), and ocean bay areas. They’re mostly used in lakes and ponds but will do just fine on calmer rivers where you don’t need to dodge rocks and trees. Going to the ocean with a pontoon like this is a really bad idea as they can’t handle rough water at all, capsizing will be inevitable.

Lakes ✓
Ponds ✓
Rivers ✓
Bay areas ✓
Oceans ✘

The best pontoon boats with frames

When figuring out which pontoon had the best value for the money, we took a hard look at the features that came with each one. When it comes to steering, they’re all more or less the same, there’s very little difference in control and handling. Features like the amount of storage space, seat quality, motor mounting, and oar positions all played a role in helping us decide.

Best Value For Money: Classic Accessories Colorado XT Boat

Continuing the trend of accessories and features, here come the 9 feet Colorado XT boat. The bigger and better brother of the ordinary Colorado boat. So, what are the upgrades? The most useful one in our opinion, is the integrated transport wheel, making transportation of your pontoon 10 times easier. When not used, the transportation wheel can be stowed under the seat. The gear bags still have 20 pockets, but they are now removable, meaning you can move them around as you like. The motor mount has gotten an upgrade, it can now be mounted in two different positions. There are two detachable fly patches instead of one.

The Colorado XT is packed with as many features as humanly possible, it’d be hard to find another pontoon boat that has more features.

Verdict: If you’re looking for the most versatile and feature-packed inflatable pontoon boat with a frame, you cannot go wrong with the XT. It offers everything the Roanoke and ordinary Colorado offers, and a lot more.

Buy on Amazon or read our Review

The Cheapest: Classic Accessories Roanoke

This is as basic as an inflatable pontoon gets. The Roanoke is lightweight and nimble thanks to its basic design, there are no extra baskets or accessories, just the seat, oars, and frame. It’s 8 feet long, heavy-duty pontoons with temperature resistant (they will not shrink or expand in different temperatures) bladders inside. There’s a stripping apron underneath the seat, armrest pockets with zippers, a rear fabric storage platform, a molded plastic seat, and adjustable footrests. It’s not possible to mount a motor mount on the Roanoke, so rowing will be the only option for moving around.

This is by no means a high-end pontoon boat, and if you’re more serious about fishing you might find the lack of extra storage and rod holders a bit disappointing. But if you’re out for something cheap and minimalistic, this might be just it.

Verdict: This minimally styled pontoon boat is perfect for the minimalist fisherman, the type of fisherman who only brings a fishing rod and a couple of tackles. If you need more storage and accessories, the two following pontoons might be a better choice.

Buy on Amazon or read our Review

Inflatable Dinghy/Raft

We like to be comfortable when we fish, going to the ocean in a kayak or pontoon boat might work, but how comfortable is that? You will constantly have to fight against the waves and rowing is significantly harder than a lake. Inflatable dinghies and inflatable rafts are the largest and the widest, which makes them ideal for oceans and rivers. You’ll have more space for gear and be able to mount larger motors, taking you longer distances.

Dinghy or raft?

Wait, what? Are they not the same thing? There’s a confusion going on where people mistake dinghies for rafts and vice versa. The main difference between the two is the shape. Rafts have their inflatable tubes “wrapped” around the floor, while dinghies have the inflatables tubes go in a U-shape, just like frameless pontoon boats. Dinghies come with a solid plate motor mount in the back, while rafts need a specialized motor mount in order to mount a motor.

Inflatable Dinghy

Dinghies will be able to go further and faster than rafts due to their strong motor mount, you’ll be able to mount heavier and more powerful motors, you also don’t have to buy an additional motor mount. If you’re the type of fisherman that needs to move a lot and cover long distances, a dinghy is the right choice for you.

Dinghies also make for a great addition to a larger boat, like a yacht or sailboat. Even 9 feet long dinghies can be rolled up into something that’s not much larger than a sleeping bag, which is why they’re so popular among large boat owners.

Choosing the right kind of floor

What makes dinghies stand out from the rest is their floor, there are three types of floors a dinghy can come with; slats, air deck, and a solid deck. They all have their special feel to them, what floor you get depends on much money you’re willing to spend.

Slats

This type of deck consists of wood or plastic panels that you slot into the base of the dinghy. They’re usually a couple of inches wide and leave gaps in between them. They are found on the cheaper dinghies. Their main advantage over the other floors is the fact that they can be rolled up, it’s easier to set up and easier to store.

Air Deck

These kinds of decks do not have any slats or inserts. They’re inflated like the rest of the boat, which makes set up time longer compared to those with slats or inserts, they do however feel more solid than slats. Air decks add more mass to a dinghy, making them heavier and less portable (still more portable than a solid deck dinghy though).

Solid Deck

A solid deck will be the most solid out of all three, it makes the dinghy feel like a real boat. A solid deck is made out of either wood or aluminum panels that you connect together. Because it’s a hard and solid deck, the keel will be pushed down, this makes for better steering and handling of the craft. It’s what we recommend when you buy a dinghy, there’s a drawback, however… These kinds of floors are a real challenge to put together, especially if you’ve never assembled a floor like this. We highly recommended that you get a friend or two to help you out. Trying to assemble a floor like this by yourself for the first time will drive you crazy. Luckily it gets easier with each time you assemble it, so give it a couple of weeks and you’ll have it done in no time.

Pros

Large carrying capacity (more people, more gear)
Possible to mount large gas motors
Feels like a real boat

Cons

Not very comfortable for an inflatable
Gaps in the floor make things go missing
Heavier and bulkier than pontoons and kayaks

Where can I fish with an inflatable dinghy?

Since an inflatable dinghy looks and acts almost the same way as a real boat, it can go into most water conditions, even oceans. It’s really the only inflatable that can go into an ocean without making it awkward for you.

Lakes ✓
Ponds ✓
Rivers ✓
Bay areas ✓
Oceans ✓

The Best Inflatable Dinghies For Fishing

Deciding which dinghy had the most bang for the buck was decided based on their portability and carrying capacity. We chose the ones we think to be the most portable but also the ones that can carry a lot of weight for additional gears or motors. Handling and material quality did not play a part in our decision making because there’s not too much difference.

Not satisfied with our recommendations? Head over to our inflatable dinghy reviews to find something that fits you better.

PS. Most dinghies do not come with rod holders, luckily you can purchase glue on rod holders for as low as $25-30.

Best Value For Money: Newport Vessels Catalina

Slightly bigger than the Solstice Sportster, the Newport Vessels Catalina is 10.5 feet long, and it packs a punch. It has a carrying capacity of a whopping 1,600 pounds, it can carry up to 6 people and loads of gear, but most importantly, heavier and stronger motors. The Catalina dinghy can take up to 20 HP, so if you want to cover long distances while fishing, this is definitely a boat you want to have your eyes on. The hull is made out of 1,100 deniers coated PVC, twice as tough as the Sportster. It has a solid deck floor made from aluminum and plywood. It comes with two seats, two oars, a carrying bag, a foot pump, and a repair kit.

Huge carrying capacity, loads of space for gear, and is capable of 20 HP motors. If you want to get out there, like a way out there in the ocean, the Catalina will take you there and back.

Verdict: This is a beast of a dinghy, with huge carrying capacity, plenty of space, and most of all-powerful. This is as close as you can get to a real boat, the line between an inflatable and a real boat is thin when you look at the Catalina. Few people need an inflatable dinghy like this, especially if they’re looking for something that’s portable and lightweight. But if you know why’d you need something like this, by all means, go for it.

read our Review

The Cheapest: Solstice Sportster

This is a small and affordable inflatable dinghy. While it says it will take up to three persons, it’s actually two adults and one kid. It has an aluminum slat floor, not the most rigid but for portability and storage, having a slatted floor is great. The hull is made out of PVC coated 500 Denier marine grade fabric, and there are 3 plies of fabric, making the hull abrasion and puncture resistant.

There are no rod holders on this dinghy, which to be honest is too bothering since there’s plenty of space on the floor. It comes with a carry bag, seat (it’s just really an aluminum plank), and foot pump. It can take a 4 HP electric or gas motor.

We recommend using the Sportster alone if you’re the type of person that likes to bring loads of gear with you, if you’re the minimalist type, bringing a friend along will be fine.

Verdict: The Sportster is a small but highly portable boat that takes a 4 HP gas or electric motor. While it’s main intent is not fishing, it’s price tag makes it a good choice for people on a budget. It doesn’t have any rod holders but these can be purchased separately and be glued on.

read our Review

Inflatable Raft

If you prefer to have a lot of space and comfort, rather than speed, an inflatable raft will be your dream fishing boat. Rafts have no solid parts except for plastic seats and slat floors. Due to the soft body of a raft, there are no solid anchor points for a heavy motor. The best motor you’re going to get is an electric trolling motor, they’re not the strongest but will do just fine getting you from point A to point B.

Inflatable rafts are best enjoyed by the casual fisherman, they’re not very maneuverable, have poor tracking and most of them are made from cheaper materials like vinyl. If you’re the type of guy who goes fishing once or twice every summer, an inflatable raft will do just fine. The main advantage over all the other inflatables is their weight and size, making it ideal for people with little no storage but who still want an inflatable larger than a float tube.

How can I tell the difference between toy rafts and fishing rafts?

The serious rafts, those who are intended for fishing come with fishing rod holders. The other ones (usually found in Walmart and other superstores) are not intended for fishing, they’re made from cheap quality vinyl and will get punctures as soon as you scrape against something hard. Even hooks and fish will puncture these kinds of rafts.

They can look very similar in terms of design, they’re usually colorful and will have more or less the same shape. If you’re unsure if it’s a toy boat or not, just look for rod holders, if you can’t find any it’s safe to assume you’re looking for a toy raft.

Where can I fish with an inflatable raft?

These types of inflatables do best in calm to moderate waters, like lakes, ponds, and calmer rivers. And like with the majority of inflatables, rafts are not suitable for oceans, they’re just too soft.

Lakes ✓
Ponds ✓
Rivers ✓ (Class 1 only)
Bay areas ✓
Oceans ✘

The Best Inflatable Rafts For Fishing

Deciding which inflatable rafts gave the most value for the money was decided based on their comfort, how easy they are to upgrade (installing the motor, adding new floors, etc), and durability. Handling and maneuverability were not included because there’s little to no difference between rafts.

Best Value For Money: Intex Mariner 3

The Mariner is a large inflatable raft. Made for the type of fisherman that likes to go fishing with a few friends. The mariner will take up to 3 people and plenty of fishing gear, the total amount of weight is 880 pounds. This is like a hybrid mix between a dinghy and a raft, the stability, and durability of a dinghy but the comfort of a raft. It has a plastic slat floor, an inflatable keel for improved handling and control, but most importantly, a strong and super durable hull. The hull is made with 3 different layers of separate materials, these 3 layers make for an extra-strong and durable hull. There are pouches for gear and a battery to power a trolling motor.

With the additional motor mount from Intex, you can mount an electric trolling motor. It won’t give you any amazing speeds but will do just fine for getting around the lake, pond, river, or bay areas. It’s certified by the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association (NMMA) and U.S. Coast Guard I.D.

Verdict: A heavy-duty raft, made with extra strong and durable materials to ensure that no rocks, fish, or hooks end your fishing day unexpectedly. Thanks to the inflatable keel, the Mariner handles a lot better than most rafts. Having that extra control makes the Mariner ideal for rivers and other areas where maneuverability is crucial.

Buy on Amazon or read our Review

The Cheapest: Intex Excursion 5

You might not have the money for a Mariner 3, or just don’t know if raft fishing is for you. What do you go for then? We’d suggest you go for the Excursion 5, it’s about half the price of the Mariner but will still deliver a nice fishing experience.

The most notable difference between the two is the material they’re made of. Unlike the Mariner, the Excursion is made out of one layer of vinyl, a material that isn’t very durable nor abrasion-resistant. If a hook gets caught in the hull or if a fish bites it, a puncture is more than likely. But the vinyl construction doesn’t make this raft bad, it’s just less durable but will still deliver an experience that is more or less the same as the Mariner.

It has 4 fishing rod holders, will carry up to 4 people (it will theoretically hold up to 5, but you will have to sit on top of each other), and can also be used with an electric trolling motor.

A reason why this inflatable is so popular is that it’s easy to modify, owners have installed their own hardwood floors along with extra storage and swivel seats. So if you’re the type of guy that likes to upgrade your boats, the Excursion 5 is a cheap and good alternative.

Verdict: The raft might not be as tough as the Mariner 3, but will still give you an awesome time. With 4 fishing rod holders and the option to add an electric trolling motor, the two are almost identical in terms of specifications. For fishermen looking for something that’s cheap, portable, and usable for fishing, the Excursion is just the right choice.

Buy on Amazon or read our Review

January 18, 2016

Colorado XT Pontoon Boat Review
Pontoon Overview

One of the best-rated inflatables pontoon boats on Amazon, it’s the Classic Accessories Colorado XT pontoon boat. This is what most fishing enthusiasts would call a “top of the line” pontoon, it’s packed with loads of nifty features, all to make your fishing experience as enjoyable as possible.

The Colorado XT Pontoon boat is 9 feet long and has a carrying capacity of 400 pounds. It comes with a removable transport wheel for an easier launch, it can be easily removed and placed into one of the storage compartments. Some of the many features on the Colorado XT include a weatherproof motor mount, two removable gear bags with 20 pockets in total, two insulated cup holders, a wire basket for rear storage or a battery, two detachable foam fly patches, multi-position rod holders, and much more.

The bottom of the inflatable pontoon boats is coated with heavy-duty PVC for excellent abrasion resistance, getting punctures, and air leaks because you accidentally brushed against rocky surfaces is no longer a problem. The top of the pontoons is made from tough nylon. The bladders are made from cold and heat resistant vinyl, in other words, they’re not going to shrink or expand depending on the weather. The pontoons take about 2 minutes to fill with air if you’re using a small electrical pump.

To summarize, the Colorado XT Pontoon is everything an avid fisherman would want. With all the storage capabilities the XT has to offer, there’s no need to worry about not being able to bring all the gear with you. Even with all the gear packed, you will most likely have storage space left. The smart anchor system allows you to stay in your favorite spot without drifting away, something which we really enjoyed while we were out fishing.

Features
- Two removable side pockets, including 20 pockets and two insulated cup holders
- Loads of storage space for all your fishing gear
- Transport wheel makes it easy to transport from your car into the lake, river or ocean
- Smart and easy to use an anchor system
- Weatherproof motor mount with two positions for trolling
- Two detachable foam fly patches
Specifications
- Dimensions: 108 inches in length, 56 inches in width, and 26 inches in height
- Pontoons: 9 foot long pontoons
- Capacity: 400 pounds
- Weight: 77 pounds (Fully assembled)
- Material: Heavy-duty PVC, Nylon and Steel
Our Review

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We were psyched when we got to try this Colorado pontoon boat this summer. We’ve all been fishing for most of our lives, but we never got the chance to fish from an inflatable pontoon boat, up until last summer that is. We were pleasantly surprised, the experience was quite different from what we’re used to, but we quickly got used to it and had a blast all day long. If you’re looking for an inflatable fishing boat, this is it.

Assembly takes a little bit of time, but is easy and straight forward

To fully assemble the Colorado XT (assemble the steel frame, install the seat and inflate the pontoons) takes about an hour or so, depending on how fast you’re going. At first, we were worried that assembling it would be a little like assembling IKEA furniture, luckily we were wrong. It proved to be an easy and straightforward assembly, if you struggle a quick YouTube search will help you out.

Seat made our butts numb

The frame is made out of rigid steel tubes, which have been powder coated multiple times to ensure that the paint sticks, even with heavy usage. It looks good and it works. One thing we didn’t like however was the seat. It could be because we’re used to soft seats from inflatable kayaks, but we just found that our butts became numb after a couple of hours, even with the padding. We put a small pillow on top of the padding and managed to squeeze out another few hours or so.

Awkward motor mount

So while the above mentioned “problem” is mostly personal preference, here’s one thing that could be a potential deal-breaker for some of you. The motor mounting bracket and basket to carry the battery are all in the back, right behind your seat. If you’re using a heavy battery or motor, the boat becomes very unbalanced. With all the weight in the back, the front will rise up and the back part will start to sag, which makes for a really awkward experience. As if that wasn’t enough, because the motor mount is directly behind your seat there’s really no comfortable way of steering the motor with one hand. It might work if you’re a very flexible elite gymnast, but for the rest of us, it’s very unpleasant.

Luckily there’s a fix to this problem, a Youtube user called Nate D invented a way to mount the motor in the front. This helps to shift all the way from the back to front, but it also makes steering the boat a whole lot easier. It does require some DIY (Do-It-Yourself) knowledge but it shouldn’t be too hard to do, even for people with handyman skills.

Abrasion and puncture resistant pontoons

Next, we have the pontoons. The bladders are made from a vinyl material that is both cold and heat resistant, this will prevent the bladders from either shrinking or expanding in different weather conditions. The bottom side of the pontoons is coated with heavy-duty PVC which makes them incredibly abrasion-resistant. We cannot stress how important abrasion resistance is, even if you launch your boat in a silky smooth area, the possibility of scraping against rocks or other hard surfaces is huge! During our testing we “accidentally” hit a couple of rocks to see how it would hold up, no punctures or leaks were found and we could continue fishing. The top part of the pontoons are covered with tough nylon, not as strong as the bottom part, but it doesn’t need to be either since it will be above water level all the time.

Fits in a medium-sized car without problems

When completely deflated and disassembled, the Colorado XT will easily fit into your car’s trunk. We packed the boat into a Honda Accord, a relatively normal-sized car. Trying to fit your boat in a smaller car might prove to be a little more difficult and you will probably have to use the back seats to store some of the parts. This is not a boat you can easily transport, by the way, so keep that in mind. If you need something highly portable, opt for a kayak instead.

Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Heavy duty and tough pontoons make for great abrasion resistance
- Option to choose between rowing or using a motor
- Loads of storage space
- Transportation wheel for easier launch
Cons
- The seat can be quite uncomfortable if you’re not used to it (easily fixed with a cushion)
- Motor mount is placed at an awkward position, making it hard to steer with one hand (can be fixed with DIY)
- Using a heavy battery or motor without any DIY will cause the back end to sag
Conclusion

If you want a long-lasting, tough, and versatile inflatable fishing boat, this will be one of your best choices. You can take it to the ocean, the lake or a class 1 river. If you’re an avid fisherman wanting to try something new, the Classic Accessories Colorado XT inflatable pontoon boat is definitely a great choice. It’s easy to assemble, has loads of storage room for all your fishing gear, and allows you to choose between rowing or using a motor. Rowing can however be a little difficult, without any skegs going in a straight line is not the easiest of tasks so we recommend getting a motor. If you’re going to be using a heavy motor or battery, be prepared to do some DIY to make it function properly. Luckily there are plenty of video tutorials on Youtube where Colorado XT owners share their tips and tricks.
January 3, 2016

Tag: fishing

10 Best Fishing Floating Tubes in 2021

Classic Accessories Bighorn Inflatable Fishing Float Tube

Caddis Sports Nevada Inflatable Fishing Float Tube

Classic Accessories Teton Inflatable Fishing Float Tube

Classic Accessories Cumberland Inflatable Fishing Float Tube

Classic Accessories Marshland Fishing Float Tube

Caddis Sports Premier Plus Inflatable Fishing Float Tube

Caddis Sports Pro 2000 Inflatable Fishing Float Tube

Orvis Outcast Fish Cat 4 Inflatable Fishing Float Tube

Outcast Prowler Inflatable Fishing Float Tube

Outcast Super Fat Cat LCS Inflatable Fishing Float Tube

Which is the best inflatable fishing float tube?

Price

Technologies and Features

Ease of Use

Construction

Dimensions and Weight

Passenger Capacity

Storage

Accessories

Conclusion

Pontoon Boat Overview

Features

Specifications

Our Review

Conclusion:

Pontoon Boat Overview

Features

Specifications

Our Review

No pressure gauge, but that’s no problem with the included foot pump

Large air chambers let you fish in shallow areas but makes for poor tracking

Rod holders could be position further forward

Really compact and lightweight, if you only use the hull and oars

The floorboard is stable and lets you stand up and fish

Suitable for fishing in a wide variety of areas, as long as the water is calm

Has plenty of space for gear

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

Float Tube Overview

Features

Specifications

Our Review

Seats puts you in the eater, makes it easier to propel yourself

First-timers might have troubles installing the bladders, here’s a video to help you out

It feels solid and rugged, we just wish they would have reinforced the bottom

Backpack straps are awesome, makes for easy transportation

Plenty of storage for all your gear freaks out there

No cup/rod holders but it’s easily fixed

Conclusion:

Float Tube Overview

Features

Specifications

Our Review

Shorter people will have a hard time propelling themselves

Get a couple of fins to make propulsion as efficient as possible

Seat is super comfortable and puts you high above the water

Plenty of storage for its size

There are no real rod holders, luckily you can buy them separately

Cup holders will only work if the pockets are full

Stripping apron design could use a better design

Bladders are very thin and prone to punctures, be careful!

Conclusion:

Kayak Overview

Features

Specifications

Our Review

Built-in frame provides excellent tracking and maneuverability

The inflatable lumbar supports makes longer days much more enjoyable

Drying the Straitedge is a pain, takes a lot of time

The accessory bar is neat, allows you to mount several different fishing accessories

Can take a beating without getting punctured or deflated

Can hold up to two people without problems (it may get a little cramped)

Super portable, folds up into a very thin luggage styled bag

Conclusion:

The answer to the age-old question

Fishing From an inflatable boat, why?

Kayak, dinghy/raft, or pontoon for fishing?