Raft fishing offers a lot of freedom, but it also comes with a few key techniques you’ll want to know before you push off from the shore. Whether you’re fishing solo or heading out with a buddy, knowing how to get in and out of the water safely is essential. In this post, guide Yos Gladstone walks through the basics of launching, rowing, and beaching your raft so you can focus on what really matters – catching fish! Let’s get right into it.
Getting Into Your Raft
When you’re using a bottomless boat like the one in this video, getting in is pretty straightforward. Here’s a simple step-by-step way to get started safely:
- Step into the boat carefully: Make sure the oars are lifted and out of the way so you don’t trip or get tangled up.
- Back out slowly: Use your legs to walk the raft backward until you’re about knee-deep in the water. This gives you enough depth without losing footing.
- Sit down and get set: Once you’re in position, sit in the rower’s seat and place your oars into the oarlocks.
- Push off with control: Use your feet to give a gentle push off the riverbed. Float into the current while keeping your oars in hand and ready.
- Stay prepared: Never drift without being ready to row. Having your oars set before launch makes it much easier to control the raft right away.
Rowing In Current
Once you’re on the water, it’s all about control. Knowing how to row in different conditions helps you stay safe, fish effectively, and enjoy the ride. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Use backstrokes to slow down: Back rowing (pulling the oars toward you) lets you slow your drift, steer with control, and check what’s coming up downstream.
- Use forward strokes to build speed: In slower water, forward strokes help you maintain momentum and get through flat sections more easily.
- Avoid turning the boat around: Don’t row backward downstream, because it limits your visibility and makes it harder to avoid hazards.
- Pay attention to water depth: In deeper water, your oars grab more water (“purchase”), giving you better control. In shallow or choppy areas, that control drops, so adjust your strokes accordingly.
- Learn how your raft responds: The more you row, the more you’ll get a feel for how your boat moves and how much power to put into each stroke.
Beaching And Securing Your Raft
Landing safely is just as important as launching. Take a few key steps to protect yourself and your gear:
- Approach the shore slowly: Scan the water ahead for rocks, holes, or submerged debris before standing up.
- Lift your oars: Get them up and out of the way so you don’t trip as you step out of the raft.
- Guide the boat onto the beach: Walk it in rather than letting it drift, this gives you more control.
- Keep it in sight if staying close: If you’re only fishing nearby, just make sure the raft is up far enough to stay put.
- Secure it if you’re going far: Pull the raft up high and tie it off to a rock or stump, especially on tailwaters where dam releases can raise water levels quickly.
- Watch out for wind: Afternoon gusts can move a light raft. A well-placed rock on the platform helps hold it down if you’re stepping away for a short time.
Managing Your Gear
It’s easy to forget about your rod when you’re focused on rowing, but one small oversight can lead to a broken tip or a lost setup.
- Secure your rod before moving: If you’re heading through calm water, tucking it behind your seat might be enough. For rougher stretches, use clips or rig up a holder to keep it in place.
- Break it down if needed: When you’re not actively fishing, breaking the rod into sections is a safer bet.
- Watch your landing: Always check where your rod is before beaching. If it’s sticking out the back and you hit a rock or tree, it could easily snap.
- Avoid interference: Make sure your rod isn’t blocking your oar movement—especially when you need to make quick adjustments.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, raft fishing gives you the freedom to access water others can’t, but it comes with responsibility. Knowing how to get in and out of your raft, manage your gear, and control your boat in changing conditions makes all the difference. With a bit of practice, these skills become second nature, helping you stay safe and fish more effectively.
Want to learn more? Yos Gladstone and Josh Ziegler break it all down in their two-part rafting course, filmed in British Columbia and Montana. Learn how to prepare for your trip, row safely, avoid hazards, and more.
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