It’s finally here - my new fishing platform. I just received my Stealthcraft Hooligan 3-man fishing raft. This beauty brings the fishing possibilities of a drift-boat with the rapid running ability of a white water raft. I am so excited to get out and try this thing in some gnarly water.
You might be thinking to yourself, now… a raft? How will you fish out of a raft? This is a lot of people’s first thought and what you need to understand is that this is a raft with a customized frame that is purposefully built to be fished out of. Stealthcraft Boats is a company that specializes in making fishing platforms for guides and other like-minded clients.
This raft is going to allow me to not only tell people where to cast to get fish, but it will allow me to actually put people in position to catch fish. Kayak guiding is about communicating and allowing the client to be in charge of their positioning, but with the raft, I will be able to put people in the best position to bring home some beauties - muskies, smallies, pike, and walleyes will get crushed (And then released of course!).
This raft is rated for up to class III rapids - so that means I can take it through any river in Iron County. We have lots of class I, II, and a few class III rapids that would decimate a hard bottomed fiberglass boat. This raft on the otherhand will allow me to flow right through - it has minimal draft and bumping rocks is no problem. And furthermore, it is light enough that I can drag it around rapids (if I had to…).
If you are interested in gear fishing or fly fishing for smallies or muskies but you don’t like the idea of kayaking to reach them then this raft is the option for you. It accommodates two anglers plus the rower in the center. Each angler has a comfortable seat in addition to a standing lean brace. The floor is firm so standing is not a problem. It is a bit cozy, but that is what allows it to get into such skinny waterways.
Click the link below if you are interested in setting up a trip or want to know more about the Stealthcraft Hooligan and whether it is the right fit for your day on the water with me. I am already booking trips for 2019 - so let me know if you are interested.
As always.
Catch.
Release.
Wander.
C'est la vie.
Pura vida.
Carpe diem.