Coleman inflatable boat for bass fishing

[bassnomad]

Hi guys,

Newbie here. I came across this site and got hooked immediately. Enjoying every bit of the information seen here.

Link: walmart.com/catalog/allReviews.do?product_id=1170680

Saw this online and thinking about buying one (probably the only one that I could afford :-[). I'll be fishing in lakes.

Would love to hear your opinions.

[Popeye]

Welcome to the BEST bass fishing forum on the Net! Years ago I bought a small 2 man inflatable raft like that to float on the San Diego river and catch bass. IF that's all you can afford, then go for it but be careful of punctures and ALWAYS wear a PFD when in it. You will also need a CANOE paddle to get around and some kind of makeshift anchoring system to keep from being blown all over the place by the wind. You can just get a small nylon mesh bag and put some rocks in it and tie your anchor line to that if you can't afford one of the 1.5 pound mini-anchors that are available at most kayak stores or on Ebay. Just be careful when you use it and you should be OK. I never had any problems with the one I used but they aren't all that comfortable for long hours of fishing. IMO:o)

PS: do NOT overload that raft if you get one and ALWAYS remember that those kinds of inexpensive rubber or vinyl boats DO NOT mix well with sharp objects like hooks and lures and the rest of the stuff commonly used by fishermen!!!

[Grey Wolf]

WELCOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well since you asked . I once owned a sea eagle inflatable raft , to make a long story short I sold it not long after I got it.

Oh by the way  , it cost over 1000.00 so it wasn't cheap by any means.

[kickbasskid]

Look at these: you can buy a motor mount to put on them. http://www.amazon.com/Sevylor-Fish-Hunter-Inflatable-Boat/dp/B000K8PKI4/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1205519011&sr=1-10

[bassnomad]

Thanks for all the replies.

For a newbie like me, all I am planning is to be able to get off the bank a little bit and maybe fish in the summer. I do not plan to roam around a big lake or anything like that. Right now I am focusing on a channel (like a cove) off a small lake. I guess after I could manuver it easily I would get out of the cove and explore the lake a bit. I am thinking simple fishing too. Probably with 2 rods and a small tackle box.

Also since my fishing trips would be very much limited by the wife (wow, did I articulate that? :-/), I do not plan to go fishing on windy days. A good warm sunny day would be typical choice. I may take the wife and my 3-year old with me some time in the future, too. But my guess is we would just be enjoying the ride since the kid is on board.

Welcome to the BEST bass fishing forum on the Net! Years ago I bought a small 2 man inflatable raft like that to float on the San Diego river and catch bass. IF that's all you can afford, then go for it but be careful of punctures and ALWAYS wear a PFD when in it. You will also need a CANOE paddle to get around and some kind of makeshift anchoring system to keep from being blown all over the place by the wind. You can just get a small nylon mesh bag and put some rocks in it and tie your anchor line to that if you can't afford one of the 1.5 pound mini-anchors that are available at most kayak stores or on Ebay. Just be careful when you use it and you should be OK. I never had any problems with the one I used but they aren't all that comfortable for long hours of fishing. IMO:o)

PS: do NOT overload that raft if you get one and ALWAYS remember that those kinds of inexpensive rubber or vinyl boats DO NOT mix well with sharp objects like hooks and lures and the rest of the stuff commonly used by fishermen!!!

[Mr. Krinkle]

I own a ($120) Sevylor fishhunter 280 (9'2), absolutely love it. 4 separate hulls, 700lb capacity, made a trolling motor mount for half the price of the brand name. Put a hardwood floor in and it's very stable, you can stand etc...  you can also buy a "boot" to fit over it for added protection. I primarily use it for Rivers  and small ponds, I feel pretty vulnerable whenever I take it to the lake, your call...but be sure to bring a flag or horn for safety.

You certainly don't want to be careless with sharp objects obviously, but once properly inflated it takes on a certain rigidness and most accidental hook bumps will bounce right off. And even if you do puncture a hull, you still have a few left to keep you stable and get you back to shore.

So if you can save alittle more, I'd definitely recommend a Sevylor model over the coleman.

[broncoboxer]

I own a Sea Eagle 9 inflatable motor mount raft. I power it with a 45 lb thrust electric Minn Kota trolling motor.

Let me tell you what I like about it:

1. It's highly portable. Deflated, it fits easily into the trunk of your vehicle. No trailers necessary.

2. It has floor boards so I can stand and cast.

3. It's inexpensive. No gas. Just the one time expense of the raft, battery (to be replaced when necessary, trolling motor and the registration).

4. It's rugged. I don't think I could puncture this thing with a fishing hook if I tried.

Here's what I don't like about it:

1. It's a pain in the butt to inflate and to set-up. Even with the high-powered foot pump that comes with it (and the even higher-powered hand pump I later purchased) it takes 20 to 30 minutes to get it ready for the water. The motor mount can be a struggle, too.

2. I'd be remiss not to mention how embarrassing it can be when the locals at your boat ramp are driving in with their bass rigs and pointing and laughing at the guy who's sweating his rear off working a foot pump.

I just purchased a 120 volt electric pump that I'll plug into the SUV. My hope is that it will do the job effectively and keep me from (1) burning 2000 calories on the pump and (2) looking like an imbecile. The thought of sitting back with a cup of coffee in hand while the electric pump does its thing warms my heart.

3. It's really not suitable for more than 1 person. While it may have a 1200 lb weight capacity, there's no way two guys can be on that thing and fish comfortably.

4. It's a raft, so you're not going to take it onto big waters very often. Not safely, at least. And you're not likely to take it far from the dock because there's always that chance the trolling motor might give you problems. Let me tell you, this thing is no kayak. It's one heck of a work out to paddle this thing any real distance.

So, anyway. Those are my thoughts. Some day I'll actually get a bass boat. Until then, I'll make do.

[Danonboat]

I had a nice fairly expensive sevylor raft.  I took it out a couple times and even got pulled around by a catfish.  But I soon learned that I really liked being on the water and I wanted to share those good times with a friend.  So i got a canoe and sold the raft at a garage sale.  Then I learned I liked peeing while fishing and got a cheap 13ft fiberglass boat and trailer for 175 bucks and a free 3hp motor that just needed a little work. What I am saying is if you can wait look on craigslist and get a cheap boat and even an electric trolling motor.  You'll be farther ahead in the end.  I still use the canoe in creeks where I can get out to pee.