Inflatable for fishing

[foxfai]

I have been lurking here for a lot of information and I love the community here. Been fishing for my life and always shore bound. Recently with my friends chipped in a used inflatable (Orion 10') for fishing very close to shore and some inaccessible areas up in the northeast.

After doing so for about a year now looking to upgrade to a more solid inflatable that potentially be better for fishing.

Few things to consider, we can not tow at all. So a trailer to bring the boat is out of the question. However we bring everything, pump the boat, launch at a ramp or beach area. With an inflatable is doable pretty much anywhere.

Two, inflatable is hard to flip or sink.... unless it leaks.... and we can bring 3 adults and gears on board with lots of weight to spare still.

We have a cheapy China made motor and a trolling motor which both are good getting us to and back of where we go. Never a mile out at all ( don't need to ). Looking to upgrade that too.

Unfortunately, with an inflatable, there are no rod holders or no anchor points/mounts. There are add-on we can glue to the boat, but making folding and storing the boat seems tricky I think.

Is there are any pointers or option on what we do to make our experience better on the water?

Thank you.

[Sparx]

Sounds like fun.

Get a milk crate to hold the fishing gear. Mount pvc pipe tubes in the corners for rod holders. Put a crate in the front (bow) and another in the stern.

Get good sun protection clothing, including hats and face coverings

[zemurray]

Take a look at Porta Bote. Also note endorsement from my favorite sailing couple

https://youtu.be/WHHrLTMZSYg

[Lepke]

A long time ago I had a 6 man war surplus inflatable. Using the oar locks and existing tie downs I made a rack out of schedule 80 (thick wall) plastic pipe to hold an outboard. Rod holders can attach to the rack. A sheet of marine plywood that fits the floor makes moving around easier and protects the bottom. Round edges on the plywood and seal it.

[foxfai]

Originally Posted by Lepke

A long time ago I had a 6 man war surplus inflatable. Using the oar locks and existing tie downs I made a rack out of schedule 80 (thick wall) plastic pipe to hold an outboard. Rod holders can attach to the rack. A sheet of marine plywood that fits the floor makes moving around easier and protects the bottom. Round edges on the plywood and seal it.

Would you happen to have a picture of what's like?

[Cheechako]

I've fished a ton out of an inflatable RIB. That's a great way to go, but if you cant carry a RIB then I guess a hard floor or rollup is ok if it has a solid type transom.
Have some good wood oars in case your engine fails. More than a few have been blown away from shore never to be seen again. Inflatables are very hard to make progress in rowing.
I just lean the rod on the boat with my toe on the heel of the rod. But with a rigid transom you can clamp on a regular rod holder. A bucket or basket is nice for misc stuff.
For 3 people I'd want a 10 ft or longer inflatable.
Good brands used can be a bargain. I like the Achilles. But other Hypalon types are usually pretty good too. Cheap brands can have lots of leaking issues.