Robert Burton
Fly Fishing Zombie
Eventually all things merge into one, and a river runs through it.
Posts: 4,744
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Post by Robert Burton on Apr 5, 2018 14:20:36 GMT -6
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Apr 5, 2018 19:13:15 GMT -6
Mate that up with a small Torqueedo
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Post by mike on Apr 7, 2018 11:16:07 GMT -6
Just bought one without the motor. Super easy to row and nearly creates a wake with my 55 lb. thrust Minn Kota.
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Robert Burton
Fly Fishing Zombie
Eventually all things merge into one, and a river runs through it.
Posts: 4,744
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Post by Robert Burton on Apr 8, 2018 22:03:44 GMT -6
who did you get it through?
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Post by mike on Apr 9, 2018 16:14:58 GMT -6
I just ordered it directly from Flycraft, but I live in the US, so not sure whether they ship internationally, or not. For the record, they were very prompt on customer service. Shipped via ground and had it in less than a week.
I don't expect it to do everything-no boat will-but I got it becsuse I wanted something portable and easy to handle and store. I've got no place for another boat and trailer, and with recurrent shoulder issues, didn't want a big, heavy, raft to man-handle on the water. There are several manufacturers who have similar products, but nothing exactly like the Flycraft. Based on very limited use so far, I would say quality is at or above expectations. I will be able to tell you more after Thursday when it makes it's first voyage on moving water.
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Post by brian on Apr 10, 2018 7:44:58 GMT -6
Lotsa surface area for the wind to catch them.Hope you have good 20 lb + anchors
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Post by mike on Apr 11, 2018 16:09:01 GMT -6
27.5 lbs., steel encased lead. I'm lucky to have a fishing partner who likes to weld and has quite a supply of lead ingots.
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Post by mike on Apr 12, 2018 21:26:39 GMT -6
Well, I can report that the maiden river voyage of the new Flycraft was a success. No capsizing, drowning, falling in or other mishaps to report. The day was hot and sunny for mid-April and the mid-week scheduling pretty much gave us the river to ourselves. My fishing partner and I boated 27 fish: 12 rainbows, 14 browns and 1 smallmouth. Virtually all took a conehead Autumn Splendor in a pretty Ozark river that flowed full with just enough color for good streamer fishing. The boat is very easy to row, maneuver and position. It drafts very little water, yet despite a very windy day, rowing through the still pools was no big deal. I wouldn't want to row across a big lake in whitecaps, but that's why they make motors ;-). My partner who has never rowed before, was positioning the boat like a pro within a half hour or so, so I can definitely recommend this setup to anyone who's unsure of their rowing skill, strength, etc. Compared to drift boats or larger self-bailing rafts, this boat is exceptionally nimble, responsive and forgiving. Several times I was able to row back upstream against a strong current and help my partner free flies from logs and boulders. Other features were also satisfyingly on the mark: lightweight composite oars, easy-to-use through the frame anchor system, comfortable seats, tough tube material, etc. Slides in the back of my Tacoma with the tailgate down and off I go without a trailer. Downsides: It is only a 12 foot boat, so two anglers with a reasonable amount of gear is fine, but if you need a 3 person boat, this is definitely not your choice. I started with the cooler behind the rowing seat and it was putting just enough pressure on the seat to cause it to release and slide forward. Strapping the cooler to the rear deck solved the issue, but be aware of this potential or you might find yourself unseated! Again, this is not a self-bailer, so if you are running alot of class III or greater, you will probably want to consider a different rig. Couldn't resist including a picture of the best brown of the day.
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Robert Burton
Fly Fishing Zombie
Eventually all things merge into one, and a river runs through it.
Posts: 4,744
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Post by Robert Burton on Apr 13, 2018 9:52:28 GMT -6
Beauty fish and review!
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