01-09-2003, 12:36 PM
[cool][font "Times New Roman"][size 3] I second the vote for the Outcast models. The Fat Cat for "average size" folks, and the Super Fat Cat for we of the large persuasion. They are about double the price of other craft, but have quality components and construction that offsets the investment.[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]I am jockeying my Kennebec I've had for about a year, but will be getting the Super Fat Cat before serious spring fishing sets in. The Kennebec has treated me well, for an investment of about $130. It rides me higher than round tubes, but has some design aspects I would change if I could. Many fishermen would probably have different opiniions, but it's a matter of personal preference.[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]I have probably worn out a half dozen Caddis models over the years. They are probably the most bang for the buck. The inexpensive Sierra model tickets at about $70, and floats my big self okay. It is a good solid craft, suitable for anyone who doesn't want to spend a lot of money in trying out this whacky pursuit. My only recommendation is to get rid of the thin walled tube that comes with it, after a few uses, and buy a heavy duty truck tire tube (20"). It adds weight, but it also increases your margin of safety...especially in the salt, or when fishing for spiny-rayed fishes in fresh water.[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]There are several well known manufacturers that have been around a long time and make good quality craft. Bucks Bags, Creek, Browning, and a long list of others. And, there are always new ones coming on the market that are worth a look. Part of what I would like to do on this forum is to compile a ratings report on as many makes and models as possible, for future posts along this line.[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]Regardless of what type or price range you get, you need to consider several factors. [/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3](1). What kind of fishing will you be doing most? High mountain backpacking requires light and portable. Freshwater bassin can range from donuts to kickboats to pontoons. [/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3](2). What kind of transportation do you have? Pontoon craft are great, but you need a pickup or trailer to trudge them to the water in a ready mode. The can be knocked down to fit in smaller spaces, but then the setup time is greater before you can go fishing. Most SUVs can handle a couple of fully inflated tubes or kickboats, and the anglers who will be using them. Cars with a decent sized trunk can sometimes handle a single inflated tube in the trunk, or back seat (if you don't care about rear vision).[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3](3.) What is your budget? You can buy a serviceable round boat for under a hundred, although you often get what you pay for. Kick boats and mini pontoons may be had for under a hundred, but most are about $125 and up...to the Outcast Super Fat Cat, at $339. True pontoons start at about two hundred and escalate to about $1500. Somewhere in the middle range you can find a lot of very serviceable craft, with good quality components.[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3](4) How big are you? Again, if you are over 250#, you may be able to float in a smaller craft, but you will not have good floatation and you will be less comfortable. If you develop a leak in your air chamber, you will have less time to get to shore before you have to start walking. Look for a rating of 300# or more if you are large, and/or (like J.R.) you have to adorn your craft with all the bells and whistles.[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]After that, you need to decide whether you will settle for thin plastic air bladders, or that you need more puncture resistant butyl (black) rubber, like inner tubes. I vote for the latter. You have a lot of color choices, and always look at the quality of the zippers and the number of good quality D rings. Anyone who hangs a lot of goodies off their craft needs lots of D rings...4 minimum. Anything else is better. I have four inside and four outside on my Kennebec, and use them all for lashing down rod racks, sonar, nets, live baskets, etc.[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]At a big show, I would suspect there will be some new stuff to look at, as well as the old favorites. If you can verify the "suggested retail price", and the "show price" is substantial, it might be worth a try...as long as all of the elements are there to suit your particular needs.[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]I have always believed in the adage "try before you buy". Unfortunately this is not always possible with "super buys" in fishing gear. So, whatever you purchase, try to get some kind of good warranty and don't overlook anything that might not work out for you.[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]Next...the questions on waders, fins, rods, reels, lines, lures, hooks, etc. Pardon me, while I go fishing.[/size][/font]
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[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]I am jockeying my Kennebec I've had for about a year, but will be getting the Super Fat Cat before serious spring fishing sets in. The Kennebec has treated me well, for an investment of about $130. It rides me higher than round tubes, but has some design aspects I would change if I could. Many fishermen would probably have different opiniions, but it's a matter of personal preference.[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]I have probably worn out a half dozen Caddis models over the years. They are probably the most bang for the buck. The inexpensive Sierra model tickets at about $70, and floats my big self okay. It is a good solid craft, suitable for anyone who doesn't want to spend a lot of money in trying out this whacky pursuit. My only recommendation is to get rid of the thin walled tube that comes with it, after a few uses, and buy a heavy duty truck tire tube (20"). It adds weight, but it also increases your margin of safety...especially in the salt, or when fishing for spiny-rayed fishes in fresh water.[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]There are several well known manufacturers that have been around a long time and make good quality craft. Bucks Bags, Creek, Browning, and a long list of others. And, there are always new ones coming on the market that are worth a look. Part of what I would like to do on this forum is to compile a ratings report on as many makes and models as possible, for future posts along this line.[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]Regardless of what type or price range you get, you need to consider several factors. [/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3](1). What kind of fishing will you be doing most? High mountain backpacking requires light and portable. Freshwater bassin can range from donuts to kickboats to pontoons. [/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3](2). What kind of transportation do you have? Pontoon craft are great, but you need a pickup or trailer to trudge them to the water in a ready mode. The can be knocked down to fit in smaller spaces, but then the setup time is greater before you can go fishing. Most SUVs can handle a couple of fully inflated tubes or kickboats, and the anglers who will be using them. Cars with a decent sized trunk can sometimes handle a single inflated tube in the trunk, or back seat (if you don't care about rear vision).[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3](3.) What is your budget? You can buy a serviceable round boat for under a hundred, although you often get what you pay for. Kick boats and mini pontoons may be had for under a hundred, but most are about $125 and up...to the Outcast Super Fat Cat, at $339. True pontoons start at about two hundred and escalate to about $1500. Somewhere in the middle range you can find a lot of very serviceable craft, with good quality components.[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3](4) How big are you? Again, if you are over 250#, you may be able to float in a smaller craft, but you will not have good floatation and you will be less comfortable. If you develop a leak in your air chamber, you will have less time to get to shore before you have to start walking. Look for a rating of 300# or more if you are large, and/or (like J.R.) you have to adorn your craft with all the bells and whistles.[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]After that, you need to decide whether you will settle for thin plastic air bladders, or that you need more puncture resistant butyl (black) rubber, like inner tubes. I vote for the latter. You have a lot of color choices, and always look at the quality of the zippers and the number of good quality D rings. Anyone who hangs a lot of goodies off their craft needs lots of D rings...4 minimum. Anything else is better. I have four inside and four outside on my Kennebec, and use them all for lashing down rod racks, sonar, nets, live baskets, etc.[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]At a big show, I would suspect there will be some new stuff to look at, as well as the old favorites. If you can verify the "suggested retail price", and the "show price" is substantial, it might be worth a try...as long as all of the elements are there to suit your particular needs.[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]I have always believed in the adage "try before you buy". Unfortunately this is not always possible with "super buys" in fishing gear. So, whatever you purchase, try to get some kind of good warranty and don't overlook anything that might not work out for you.[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]Next...the questions on waders, fins, rods, reels, lines, lures, hooks, etc. Pardon me, while I go fishing.[/size][/font]
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