Raft for Fly Fishing TX

[Bort]

My son and I did a float trip down the San Marcos two months ago with a guide that had a raft rigged out for fly fishing. We had such a blast we’re considering purchasing a Fly Craft raft.

https://www.flycraftusa.com/?gad=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3IL76JHr_gIVTG5vBB0YsQbfEAAYASAAEgLnnPD_BwE

Does anybody have any experience floating or fishing Texas rivers in a raft like this? Or just any general experience with owning and maintaining a raft?

I’d love to hear y’all’s thoughts. I know people use them on the Guadalupe for winter trout fishing and fishing bass on the Lower Colorado. I like the idea of a raft over a kayak since I can take two kids along with me.

[Raider Power]

No help on the raft but what guide did y’all use for the trip?

[tgil]

Make a call to Living Waters Flyfishing in Round Rock. See if Chris is available, or Melanie can probably answer some questions as well.
512-828-3474

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

[rvd]

Following. I don’t own one but have fished off of several and am considering buying one as well. Guide I’ve used on guad recommended smith fly and fly craft.

[diamond10x]

They're perfect for fishing calm, quiet waters. Great for Texas streams as you aren't going to ever get into anything over class 1 stuff unless you want to ride a flooding river. If your intent is to fish the guad with it, I'd just buy any used raft you can find for a good price or just fish on foot, access is no issue and rafts just clog up the river.

[wytex]

Looks interesting.
Most use drift boats up here on big water and low water too I believe.

[Dirty Kev]

I know you said you're not interested in a kayak because you want to have the kids with you, but the idea of throwing sharp hooks around an inflatable boat gives me the heebie jeebies. Check out the Nucanoe frontier 12, its a kayak that can fit comfortably and safely fit 2 adults or 1 adult and 2 small kids.

[Hawkpuppy 1]

Hear a lot of good things about the Fly Craft rigs. See a lot more of them up in Colorado now too. Looks like guys doing DIY floats up there with two vehicles at put in/take out. Everything I hear about them is good and seem stable.

[Draco]

Remember, you need a special trailer to take it to the river. I've built several for different guides. If you buy one and need pictures so you can have one made, just let me know and I can send you some.

[Brazos Hunter]

Flycraft make some of the most versatile and customizable boats in the industry with the best warranty. We do own a couple POS float boats that we have rigged to mimic Flycrafts. One year I’ll bite the bullet and order one.

One thing I can tell you 100%, if you think you want a 10’ get at least a 12’. Whatever size you are thinking about, go bigger! After you get gear and a couple folks onboard vacant space is scarce. Our smallest is 8’ (was told it was 10’ when we purchased it here ) and it’s really too small for a solo trip and the 12’ gets cramped with two.

Whatever you decide I know y’all will have a blast!



Michael

[Bort]

No help on the raft but what guide did y’all use for the trip?

https://allwaterguides.com/

[Bort]

Thanks for the input y’all! I’m pretty set on getting a raft vs a kayak. Also, I’m hoping the Fly Craft can fit in the back of a pick up. If not, I’ll be looking for small trailer ideas.