From pontoon boats to float tubes, solo rafts to kayaks and even stand-up paddleboards, anglers have a variety of ways to get out on the water that don’t require a trailer or extra hands to help launch it. But how do you choose from among the many types of single-person watercraft to fit your specific style of fishing?
Here are some thoughts on the different options, and what they each offer from an angler’s perspective.
Pontoon Boats
Pontoon boats are a great choice for a single-person watercraft for anglers who spend long days on the water and embark on overnight trips. Pontoon boats have the capacity to carry plenty of gear onboard, making them an ideal solution for those solo float trips.
What’s more, pontoon boats have an advantage on moving water. They can handle steeper gradient rivers and rougher water than many other one-person boats. Additionally, the seat on a pontoon boat sits up out of the water. This makes it easier to fish while you’re moving downstream. But don’t count them out for fishing lakes and reservoirs either. Pontoon boats have the ability to run a small electric trolling motor, a big advantage for stillwater fishing.
When shopping pontoon boats in the Anglers All Boathouse, you may notice the big price jump from the Outcast Fish Cat models, to the Outcast PAC boats. The primary difference comes down to materials.
The PAC boats use a urethane bladder material, which is both lightweight and very durable. These PAC models have a 10-year warranty. Meanwhile the Fish Cat line uses a vinyl bladder material, which helps keep the cost down and is supported by a 5-year warranty.
Float Tubes
Float tubes offer the most portable solution for angling watercraft, giving anglers easy access to stillwater fishing. Whether you’re fishing to smallmouth on your local reservoir after work, or packing in to a high alpine lake, the portability of a float tube can’t be beat.
The Outcast Prowler and Cruzer Max float tubes are designed to carry the most weight, whether that's a bigger human or more gear. On the other end of the spectrum, the Outcast Summit is the lightest and most packable float tube we carry, designed for trekking to high mountain lakes or anywhere off the beaten path. The Outcast Cruzer models are built with oars and an above-water seat, giving anglers the ability to get from point A to point B in a hurry, or fight that afternoon wind back to the truck.
Outcast float tubes can be equipped with backpack straps, which allow them to be easily carried while inflated. They can even be equipped with packable anchor systems. And like all float tubes, they benefit from the use of fins, which help the angler steer and maintain position while fishing.
From pontoon boats to float tubes, solo rafts to kayaks and even stand-up paddleboards, anglers have a variety of ways to get out on the water that don’t require a trailer or extra hands to help launch it. But how do you choose from among the many types of single-person watercraft to fit your specific style of fishing?
Here are some thoughts on the different options, and what they each offer from an angler’s perspective.
Inflatable Kayaks
Kayaks offer solo anglers the best sit-on-top style of watercraft for fishing while keeping the angler completely out of the water. From our favorite Front Range reservoirs to the Everglades, this is an extremely versatile solution that can be rolled up, packed and taken anywhere. These platforms have a wide variety of rigging options and accessory mounts to fit any type of water or fishing style.
Inflatable kayaks like the NRS Pike have an extremely stable platform, and ample room for gear that can handle long days on the water and even overnight trips. Meanwhile, the NRS Kuda is even lighter and gives anglers the ability to stand up on the deck and fish. Almost like a Kayak-SUP hybrid.
Solo Rafts
One-person rafts are another great option. Frameless designs allow quick setup and takedown. Think of these boats as a step-up from a float tube in terms of stability and the ability to handle moving water. And what they give up in portability compared to a float tube, they gain in load capacity and comfort.
The Outcast Scout and Stealth Pro models are similar in design and function to a float tube – but with rockered ends and greater stability to handle moving water. Both of these boats allow anglers to run both fins and oars. If you’re an angler that wants more versatility than a float tube but you still like the idea of the portability and easy setup of a frameless watercraft, these might be a great fit.
Meanwhile, the Outcast Commander and Clearwater rafts are completely enclosed. This adds even more stability on the water. The frameless designs are still relatively easy to transport, set up and take down. But the long base and enclosed design allows anglers to tackle even rougher water. It’s also ideal for situations when you want to float a river and then be able to stop, stand up and fish.
Stand-Up Paddleboards
Speaking of stand-up paddleboards, this is another great out-of-the-water solution for stand-up fishing. And models like the NRS Heron are designed specifically with anglers in mind. This boat is packable and easy to take anywhere. The dual side chambers act like outriggers, creating a very stable platform for stand-up fishing. And like the NRS kayaks, a variety of rigging options and accessory mounts allow the paddleboard to be suited to any angler or type of water.
And Now For Something Completely Different
Is it a raft, a pontoon, or a stand-up watercraft? Yes. For something completely unique, check out the NRS Gigbob 2.0. You can stand on it, it has oars, and you can attach a motor to it. You can even remove the pontoons and turn it into a low-profile kickboat. It might look strange and the name certainly fits. But we can’t deny, the Gigbob is an extremely versatile watercraft that can do just about anything.
PFDs, Repair Kits, Rigging and Other Accessories
Don’t forget that no matter what type of boat you decide is right for you, it can be rigged up and equipped for your style of fishing and with all the necessary repair and safety equipment. At the Anglers All Boathouse, we stock life jackets, pumps, coolers, repair kits, mounts, anchors, carry bags and a full range of accessories. Come set up your boat at the Boathouse or check out our selection on the website.
Contact Us With Questions and Visit The Boathouse
Do you have questions or need help picking out the right boat for your style of fishing? We are here to help! Stop by and see us at the Anglers All Boathouse in Littleton, where we have a variety of single-person watercraft built, assembled and ready to see. You can also give us a call with your questions at 303-794-1104.