Flyfishing boat design

[jskiff]

Hey guys,

How about a checklist of favorite features for a (chesapeake) bay boat tricked out for flyfishing and can be handled solo?

I'll start:

-18-22 foot center console, trim tabs, shallow draft
-90 HP motor
-specialized fly rod holders (Scotty or IFly) - where do you mount them?
-T-Top? (I've got one but it does hamper casting a little bit)
-Open bow (I built a casting platform on top of the bow gunnels with a cage I can stand in safely when water is rough)
-Retractable cleats
-Bucket line tamer? (or one that wraps around your waist?)
-Trolling motor? (I can't figure out how to make it work, no room on the bow on my boat, not sure if transom mount will work)
-Push pole and mount (helps when I head up some rivers)

What else??

[Salmo trutta]

Go bigger. Not really important but it's always nice to have more room. Saying that I cast just as well in my 14' jon boat as I do in my 22' CC. And I think the 22'cc is easier to back up on the trailer than the 14' boat.

Line Tamer= leaf bag or circular trash can with some cement on the bottom.

I have a trolling motor on the front but when it's up and stored, I often catch it. People put those ones on the back that attach to the trim tabs.

I don't see why a T top would hurt the cast that much. My back cast hardly ever goes directly behind me. Always to one side or another.

Sounds like you've done very well.

[Wild Bill]

It depends on where you intend to use it. I find myself fishing the ocean much more than the bay. A 22'-23' boat is a lot better than an 18' for that. Also would go bigger on the motor in the 200 to 250 HP range. Sometimes to get great fishing you have to run long distances. When calm it is nice to be able to run 35 MPH or faster without having to run WOT.

A small T-top is fine on a 22'-23' boat but large ones are a real pita for fly or spin fishing.

I have made a number of vertical line management devices (VLMD) but the one made by Stan Pleskunas is far superior to anything I have made or to the original Fly Line Tamer. First of all it is 15" in dia, which is a perfect size. Second, it has spikes in the bottom that really keep the line from tangling. Third, you can specify the height that you prefer, and Stan will customize it for you. It also has very nice handles and rubber around the top in case you slam your hand into it. You can also put an inch of water in the bottom to keep your line cool and slick. Overall, Stan's barrels are a better mousetrap. They are not cheap but a great tool for fly fishing from a boat. I hate to go without out it. I now have two of them.

[Mattaponi]

Console mounted led lights for tying on flies at night. In dash GPS/FF. Livewell for culling if you decide to keep any. Horizontal rod storage under t-top or along gunnels depending on the boat. Wrap around spray curtains for t-top. I-fly boga buddy mounted to side of console for boga grip. Tackle box mounted into side of console. $ anchors of varying size and design. Custom made piece of Sunbrella fabric which velcros down to rear casting deck and covers steering arm. Keeps line from hitting greasy arm and wrapping around it. Speed knob on wheel for single handing. Not easy to fish current unanchored and alone. I got rid of my Riptide co-pilot. Got in the way more than it was useful. Auxillary kicker motor stored on board out of the way for emergency power. Multiple caddies with suction cups mounted on top of the console to hold flies, headlamp, pliers, water, etc. Binoculars to scope out what everyone else is doing adhesive backed deck ruler (tape style). And held rechargeable spot light.

I personally like a smaller motor for efficiency. Rarely can I run 30+ mph where I fish. 4 stroke is a must !!!! The quieter the motor the better. I rarely cut mine off when fishing and rarely due I spook them with a Suzuki - super quiet.
I'm sure I have forgotten something.

[CaptMikeStarrett]

Trolling motor Minn Kota can be covered with a pillow cover to keep line from tangling or in some cases I just use a jacket.

A push pole is a good thing to have but not cheap. Cabelas now has an 18 foot under 200 bucks..

When I looked for a fly boat the one thing I wish I had added to mine was a rear poleling platform. A raised front platform would be good for calm water but useless on the bay with out a rail around it.

I fished a fly boat that used 12 foot PVC to store fly rods in. Little velcro strap at end to secure reel in place. That would be nice to keep low and ready for action.

Capt Mike

[Capt Harry]

If it floats and runs, that's all anyone needs. The rest is just comfort widgets.
Harry, Out

[jskiff]

Thanks guys, great ideas! Wild Bill, where can I find Stan's line tamer product?

[Wild Bill]

You can call Stan and talk to him about his products. He is a great guy. Tell him you talked to me. Or you can email him.

Pleskunas Design
Fumunda Marine Products division
1061 Elkhorn Rd
Watsonville CA 95076

Phone 831-763-1921
FAX 831-763-1928
email Stanpleskunas@sbcglobal.net

[jskiff]

Thanks. Will look up Stan. The picture of his line tamer on Wild Bill's post helps and it looks like a great product. I may have a problem though with that type of system. I built a triangular platform out of plywood, ran three 2x4's underneath along the edges and then bolted it to the bow. Then I bought some plumbing pipe and elbows, fashioned a three-sided "cage" (about waist-high), wrapped the top rails with foam pipe insulation, and bolted it to the platform. The thing has been solid as a rock for 2 years and has kept me in the boat in some fairly nasty chesapeake conditions. Problem is, I don't think I have room for the bucket line tamer. I tried one of those collapsible mesh baskets that you strap around your waist. That thing cost me 40 bucks and I think it is worthless. Doesn't prevent tangles and doesn't always keep the line inside. I'm wondering if Stan's foam "hip shooter" basket might do the trick. Decisions, decisions.

[Wild Bill]

A friend of mine took a mesh stripping basket to Saskatchewan and wondered why he was not catching nearly as many fish as others. It was simple, half of his casts were blown because of tangles in the mesh basket. When he borrowed my Hip Shooter from Stan, he had very few tangles and caught more fish. The product takes an hour or two to get used to it and get it positioned just right on your hip, but it weighs only ounces and packs in a duffle easily. I will take it on all my trips where I fly and do not want to take the Stan's VLMD.

Here is a pic of my bud using my Hip Shooter in Saskatchewan.