Are inflatable fishing boats really worth purchasing for fishing on a lake?
Posted on Mar 06, 2011 under Fishing Boats | 4 CommentsYou know, the ones that come in the box that can seat between 4-6 people and need to be inflated with an air pump.
Also, with a trolling electric motor.
March 6th, 2011 at 3:16 pm
if it is something sturdy like a Zodiac, something that wont tip easily and has thick material, the yes! i haveused one many times for fishing and it is so handy to be able to pack it up to take to the lake. it is a bit time consuming and a bit of a nuicance to set up and inflate, but i still think they are worth buying.
March 6th, 2011 at 3:56 pm
I’m sure inflatables have came a long way since I used them, but I never did like them at all. For me, they were just a big hassle, and I’ve heard of several to get punctures from minor accidents. In my opinion, a regular plastic boat will serve you much better. They are a bit pricey, but well worth the money. I have a Pelican Bass Raider in their 10 foot size. I am very pleased with it. I have a 40 pound thrust Minn Kota equipped on it, which is more than enough honestly. It obviously won’t hold 4-6 people, but not many smaller inflatables or plastic boats will. With that many people, you’ll need a pretty hefty trolling motor and battery if you plan for fishing throughout a day. Just something to have a look at and consider.
March 6th, 2011 at 4:11 pm
not the cheap, plastic pool toy type of inflatable like a $39.00 sevylor from k-mart.
but if you want to spend a thou or two on a good quality from avon, zodiac or one of their sisters then go for it. l used a small avon for years fishing off the socal coast foe everything as well as the colorado river and a few lakes. most will handle a gas engine which may be even a bit easier on the pocket and to use.
no matter what you see or hear… there is absolutely no way 4 to 6 people can fish from one of those boats. except for an extremely large one, no more than two anglers.
March 6th, 2011 at 5:10 pm
I think so. They are pretty handy, but I would be careful about hooking it. I’ve never used an inflateable boat, but I have fished for crappie on a pool floaty you can lay on ( the ones with a head rest) and it worked just fine. ( plus it was fun haveing the big crapie pull me around!)