Showing posts with label K-Pumps. Show all posts
Showing posts with label K-Pumps. Show all posts

Feb 18, 2025

BUYERS GUIDE to OUTCAST BOATS & PONTOONS:

My Outcast PAC 1000! Big enough to carry what I need on day or light overnight camp trips! Rivers or lakes, no problem. (photo: John Garrett)

Ever been fishing on a river or lake bank and just couldn't reach where you really wanted to fish?  Maybe you've driven along a river and see water that you just can't get to or have never fished and thought, man if I just had a boat I could fish that water.  Or you're at a beautiful lake and all the fisherman in their boats, pontoons or float tubes are crushing it.  I sure have.

Today, we have so many options to solve this problem, options to get you where you want to fish.  Outcast has you covered for just about anything. Let's go over those options...
 

"Outcast Stealth Pro - A Gorge Fly Shop Favorite for over a decade" - 2025!

2025 Outcast Stealth Pro
The highly anticipated 2025 Outcast Stealth Pro has arrived, now available in a sleek new color! Designed for serious anglers who demand durability, performance, and portability, this frameless fishing craft is built to tackle both still and moving waters with ease. Trusted Outcast quality, the Stealth Pro is a top choice for those who want to access hard-to-reach fishing spots without sacrificing stability or storage while still being nimble ready to stand and cast without your boat drifting off. Check it out now

Travis's OSG Clearwater loaded up and ready for a multi day trip on the Deschutes.
(photo: Travis Duddles)

NOTE:  When it comes to the boats listed here, one thing to consider are the bladders.  A boat with Urethane Bladders will cost more than a boat with Vinyl Bladders.  This is mainly because of their durability and life of the product.  This is not to say that Vinyl is not durable, it does provide adequate durability but over time it's just not as durable as Urethane.

The Clearwater was introduce in 2021 and it has been a customer favorite every since. This is the perfect boat for big water like the Deschutes River for instance.  I wouldn't be afraid to use this on smaller rivers either.  Because the Clearwater can handle longer/stronger oars (not that it needs them), this makes a great personal boat for river fishing.  I really like how the seat allows you to see while rowing, to me this is very important.  I like to see where I am going and avoid any hazards that come my way.

The Clearwater comes with Urethane bladders and has a generous load capacity of 450 pounds and weighing only about 35 pounds, making it easily transported.  Carry it deflated in your SUV or partially inflated in your truck bed, heck you can even strap it to the top of your car if you feel the need.  At 9'4", there's ample room (as seen in photo above) to store gear in the front and rear "trampoline" style cargo spaces. An added bonus is that it comes with a 5 year limited warranty.  It comes standard with 2 piece 7' oars, but stated earlier, it can accommodate longer/stronger oars if you choose.
The Clearwater, as you can see, there is a fair amount of room to carry what you need.
(photo: Outcast)

It has many features that make it even more functional and customizable.  You can put an anchor system in the rear if you'd like, you can add additional cargo pockets if you'd like, some folks have even put electric trolling motors for using in lakes where permitted to do so.  If you are taller, like me, you can adjust the foot rest.  It is just a practical, functional boat that adds enjoyment to your fishing day.
Review: "Outcast Clearwater" - After having the boat for several weeks on the lake and on whitewater class 2/3 it is a new favorite. At 35 pounds I can easily carry it from the van to the shore. The frameless system works well. There are also plenty of "D" rings if you wanted to add a frame. I was not sure how it would do in bigger whitewater but it is a blast. I am not fishing with it but it is easy to set up for fishing. - Margaret Arthur.

Recommended Accessories for the Clearwater:

Recommended Pumps for the Clearwater:

Quick Link to the OSG Clearwater: 


Cool thing about the OSG Commander is that you don't have to get out of it to fish.
Simply stand up and SEND IT! (photo: Outcast)

The Commander is a Kayak style boat that leads to easy transportation and packing.  The open area allows for fin kicking and oars for rowing.  This feature makes the Commander a versatile machine.  If I'm rowing a moderate sized river, I'll use the oars.  If I am fishing a local lake, I'll use both the oars and fins.  The Commander is more suited for day adventures, unless you are a true minimalist camper.
Top view of the Commander. A versatile kayak style boat sure to please!
(photo: Outcast)

At 10' long and 32 pounds, the Commander fits perfect in the back or your truck or easily deflated in the back seat of your car or SUV.  Standard oars are 5' 2-piece and store easily out of the way while casting to your prey.  The Commander comes with Urethane Bladders and a 5 year limited warranty also is an added attractive feature.
Review: "Should have bought this years ago." - I'm having so much fun in this craft now I can't imagine fishing life without it. I've wanted one for years but kept putting it off thinking it would just be a waste of money like half the fly rods I now store in my closet. My Commander is going to be to busy floating rivers to ever be in the closet but the fun part is if you need to store it, it will fit in a closet! - River Wright

Recommended Accessories for the Commander:

Recommended Pumps for the Commander:

Aerial view of the OSG Striker. (photo: Outcast)

If you like to fish with a buddy or family member, the Striker is the boat for you.  It doesn't need a trailer for transporting because it can fit in the back of your truck.  It takes minimal set us time and two people can carry it.  It only weighs about 102 pounds, and has a self bailing floor.  You have the option of adding a motor if fishing lakes or reservoirs.  It has 8 "D" rings for tying down anything you need to carry. Has a load capacity of 800 pounds and a 5 year limited warranty.
Outcast Frameless Motor Mount for the Stealth Pro and Striker boats. (photo: Outcast)

Something that's nice about an inflatable boat/raft is that when river conditions are low and clear and when a drift boat just isn't the best choice, the raft, pontoon type boats are a better choice. I have fished out of rafts in the upper Klickitat River where it was real boney (rocky) and low water conditions and the raft worked great.  I have a number of guide buddies that will use rafts in situations like this.  The Striker comes with Urethane Bladders.

Recommended Accessories for the OSG Striker:
Recommended Pumps for the OSG Striker:
Side view of the Drifter. (photo: Outcast)

A.K.A. the "Weekend Warrior" by the staff at Outcast.  Right off the bat, there are a couple things to know about this boat.
  1. It comes with an anchor system included, but DOES NOT include the anchor and rope.
  2. Oars are NOT included. Recommend 9' Oars.
  3. It ships DIRECT from Outcast to you.
  4. It comes with Urethane AIREcell bladders
What I like about this boat, is that it comes with a NRS 3 person fishing frame.  Rather than have the kids fighting over who gets to go, I just take them both!  Problem solved.  The self bail floor is always a great feature. You'll need some sort of trailer, I prefer a flat bed,  for transporting unless you start from scratch and set the boat up at the river. The load capacity for the Drifter 13 is about 1350 pounds! Load it us and be gone for the weekend exploring.

Your go to raft for fishing with friends or clients is the PAC 1300. (photo: Outcast)

The PAC 1300 has a slightly shorter and narrower build than the PAC 1400 making it perfect for navigating smaller, technical rivers.  The PAC 1300 comes with a 10 year limited warranty, which is amazing in my opinion!
  1. It comes with an anchor system included, but DOES NOT include the anchor and rope.
  2. Oars are NOT included. Recommend 9' Oars.
  3. It ships DIRECT from Outcast to you.
  4. It comes with AIREcell Urethane Bladders
Recommended Accessories for the PAC 1300:
Recommended pumps for the PAC 1300:
PAC 1400 a guides favorite. (photo: Outcast)

If you make your living floating clients down a river, this may be the one for you and it's a guide favorite. The PAC 1400 is very spacious and comfortable, allowing you to accommodate two anglers with overnight gear and supplies. The PAC 1400 is a raft ready for big water!
  1. It comes with an anchor system included, but DOES NOT include the anchor and rope.
  2. Oars are NOT included. Recommend 9' Oars.
  3. It ships DIRECT from Outcast to you.
  4. It comes with AIREcell Urethane Bladders
Recommended Accessories for the PAC 1400:
Recommended pumps for the PAC 1400

PONTOONS:

The OSG PAC 800 in action. (photo: Outcast)

This 8' pontoon, is nice and compact, easily fitting in the back of your truck and easy for one person to handle.  Weighing in at just 55 pounds, it's the perfect size for smaller more intimate rivers and will carry anything you need for a day trip or ultralight overnight camp trip.  Even being only 8' long it boast a load capacity of 300 pounds, this would be an ideal pontoon for young anglers or small to mid sized adults and their gear. Comes with AIREcell Urethane Bladders for years of durability.

Top view of the PAC 800, as you can see there is a platform in the rear for some gear.
(photo: Outcast)

If you're a bigger youth or an adult, this may not be the pontoon for you.  I am 6'5" 225 pounds and have fished on a barrowed PAC 900 (9' version) before, but that's the smallest I would want to go personally.  When I bought my own pontoon, because of my size, I ended up going with the PAC 1000 (10' version) because of my size and the needed load capacity, it was a perfect match.
Review: "Amazing little boat" - "I have had this boat for almost 10 years now and it has yet to let me down. Very versatile and will handle some pretty decent whitewater. Perfect for small and medium sized rivers in the PNW and Midwest. I have used mine in lakes as well where it performed really well." - Ryan on 12/2/2015
Recommended Accessories for the OSG PAC 800:
Recommended Pumps for the OSG PAC 800:
The go just about anywhere OSG PAC 900 

Slightly larger than it's little brother the PAC 800, the PAC 900 comes in at 9', giving you a bit more stability but not really extra room onboard.  This is an excellent all around boat for any angler up to 300 pounds.  The load capacity for this gem is 400 pounds, which is pretty generous in my book. Even if the boat was tapped out at 400 pounds, it still is quite agile. I may sound like a broken record, but these pontoons are just the ticket for personal fishing.

The versatile and agile PAC 900 all you need for a personal float fishing experience!
(photo: Outcast)

What I like about the PAC 900 and PAC 1000 is that you can easily attach an electric trolling motor to the built in transom.  This makes fishing Stillwater a breeze.  If your fishing a lake and the wind kicks up, you know how difficult it can be to get back to your truck, an electric trolling motor is a welcome addition in this scenario. It comes with AIREcell Urethane Bladders and Outcast really stands behind this product with a 10 year NO FAULT warranty, that's impressive!
Review: "Outcast PAC 900 = Perfect" - "I've used the PAC 900 for a couple of years and it has performed wonderfully. I have floated several rivers, locally and on the Oregon Coast, and I've fished a few of our local lakes and I've always felt safe and comfortable in it. I have even done a few overnight (light) camp trips as well. Plenty of room for all the gear I need. If you are looking for a personal, versatile outfit this is a great one. Highly Recommend!" - John G

If you plan on using the PAC 800, 900 or 1000 on Stillwater lakes, I highly recommend that you get a second anchor system.  I use the Scotty Anchor Lock system, but with a rail mount, and I mount it on the tube of the left foot rest.  This helps stabilize you and keep you in place if anchored while fishing Chironomids if the wind picks up.  Honestly I don't wait for the wind to pick up, if I am fishing Chironomids, I am double anchored in most cases.  A double anchoring system is a must in my book!  I simply add mine to the frame near my left foot bracket. It is the perfect place to easily raise and lower the second anchor when needed. 

Recommended Accessories for the OSG PAC 900:

Recommended Pumps for the OSG PAC 900:

The OSG PAC 1000 has plenty of space and a sweet load capacity of  500 pounds!
(photo: Outcast)

The PAC 1000 is Outcasts largest weight capacity for a single person pontoon boat.  If you want larger capacity you will need to jump up to the PAC 1200 or larger.  The 1000 is what I ended up with, when considering my size and how and where I like to fish.  I have thoroughly enjoyed it so far and have had zero issues with it.

Custom Rod Storage on my PAC 1000 (we do not carry this rod holder at Gorge Fly Shop)
(photo: John Garrett)

I even did a little custom rod holder on my oar tower, see photo below! This is a nice addition to the boat and I can carry a couple extra rods and keep the tips out of the way when not in use. The only problem with customizing your boat or pontoon, is that the more stuff you put on it, the more stuff for your fly line to get caught up on.  For me, it happens, but it happens rarely and I have learn to deal with it.  I like having extra rods for fishing situations and to me it is worth having a tangled up mess every once in awhile.  I am confident with the AIREcell Urethane Bladders that I will fish plenty of rivers and lakes for years to come.
Review: "Outcast Boats" - "5 years ago Travis (GFS Owner) recommended the Pac 1000 as the boat of choice for whitewater rivers due to the versatility and durability. 5 years later and my Pac 1000 still looks and performs like new and has never given me a problem...It's given me some great adventures and sure to see many more...My #1 pic..."  Greg Darling - GFS Team
Recommended Pumps for the OSG PAC 1000:

PAC 1200 - Perfect for two anglers with lots of room for all your gear. (photo: Outcast)

This is a very stable two person pontoon that is still light enough to make it easily transported. Coming in at 13' long and weighing in at about 144 pounds, two people can easily transport it to the water if necessary.  If you put it on a flatbed trailer even easier yet. It features enough space and load capacity for multi-day trips as well.  One thing I like about this boat is that the front frame module can be removed if fishing solo, or removing the seat for more equipment if needed.

Things to Note about the PAC 1200:
  • This item ships DIRECTLY from the manufacturer and due to the shipping cost, this boat does not qualify for any promotional discounts!
  • This item comes with AIREcell Urethane Bladders.
  • ALSO, this boat DOES NOT come with oar
Top View of the Outcast PAC 1200. (photo: Outcast)

This is a sweet boat that gives you a lot of versatility.  If you are a guide that takes single anglers out this would be a great boat for you.  Maybe you like to fish with a good buddy who also knows how to row, this is awesome, cause you can switch back and forth in sharing rowing responsibilities.

Recommended Accessories for the OSG PAC 1200:
Recommended Pumps for the OSG PAC 1200:
Front View of the Fish Cat Panther (photo: Outcast)

Right off the bat, the Fish Cat Panther has the highest carrying load capacity of any other Fish Cat pontoon boat at 400! The Panther features low profile 9' quad pontoons, which allow for the carrying capacity and it keeps you low to the water which is very helpful in breezy and windier conditions. 
Side View of the Fish Cat Panther - as you can see it is very low profile and low to the water.
(photo: Outcast)

 At 9' long and around 63 pounds the Panther is extremely transportable and equally at home on your local rivers or lakes. The Fish Cat Panther comes with Vinyl AIREcell bladder material and a 5 year warranty.  If you love to fish Stillwater and want something more that a float tube, this is the boat for you!

Recommended Accessories for the Fish Cat Panther:
Recommended Pumps for the Fish Cat Panther:
Top View of the Fish Cat Streamer XL-IR, just add water. (photo: Outcast)

At 8' X 54" the Fish Cat Streamer XL-IR is a compact pontoon, the smallest in the Fish Cat family, yet it can carry a load for an overnight adventure.  Equally comfortable on both rivers and lakes.  It comes with AIREcell Vinyl bladders and a steel, quality tested frame, for holding up to the demands of a lot of fishing.  This compact gem has a 300 pound load capacity and comes with a 5 year limited warranty!

Things to Note about the Fish Cat Streamer XL-IR:
  • Ships DIRECTLY from the manufacturer
  • Due to shipping cost this item does not qualify for promotional discounts
  • It comes with 6' 2 piece oars.
Side View - Compact, yet sturdy with enough room for an overnighter!
(photo: Outcast)

Recommended Accessories for the Fish Cat Panther:
Recommended Pumps for the Fish Cat Panther:

Parting Shot:
Spring's right around the corner and if you've wanted to invest in a floating devise whether it's a raft, pontoon or even a float tube, give Outcast products a good hard look.  You can visit our website at: www.gorgeflyshop.com.  They make what will fit your style and need for fishing.
My PAC 1000 fits perfectly in the back of my truck, making it easy for me to access almost any water source river or lake. (photo John Garrett)

Thanks for reading, I know that this is a long article, and that's because there are so many choices.  If you have any questions about any of the Outcast products, please don't hesitate to give us a call here at the Gorge Fly Shop at 541-386-6977 or you can shoot us an email at: info@gorgeflyshop.com and we'll do our best to give you answers.

FINAL NOTE:  Of all the accessories that you could ever put on any boat, you absolutely NEED to have a life jacket, and some sort of First Aid Kit onboard.  I think too many folks take both of these items for granted.  I can't tell you that I've needed a First Aid Kit every time I've gone out, but I can tell you that I've had to use it enough times that I am glad I always have one onboard.  Even if it's just for a headache.  Knock on wood, I have never personally been in a situation that a life jacket has saved my life, BUT, there is peace in knowing that I have one on if ever needed!  Don't play around with these two items.  In the case of the life jacket, your life is worth more than the risk of not having it and actually wearing it.

While having fun, be safe out there...

John G.
Gorge Fly Shop Team

https://www.gorgeflyshop.com/store/pc/Sale-Closeouts-c38.htm

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

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Jul 9, 2024

My OSG Stealth Pro Experience - Ten Years and Counting


Over ten years ago I sold my frame style pontoon boat and sold my fishing kayak, took the money and invested in a OSG Stealth Pro and never looked back. Today I could overwhelm anyone with the countless stories of the great, fun times I've had and shared with this frameless, inflatable boat. I have friends from west coast to east coast who have also shared in this venture and our topic of conversations always involve where have you floated recently and what are our future plans. So what has made this experience so great?

That Guy in the background with a frame boat now owns a Fish Cat Scout, a great economical option!

My first thought that comes to mind is freedom!

Find a piece of river or stream five to ten miles long and suddenly it becomes all yours for the day. Explore the water in ways that are next to impossible on foot, learn the currents and how fish use them, set the schedule that works for you and quit looking at the time. Soon you realize nature has its own time and it rarely syncs to your watch. I found no better way to leave behind daily frustrations. Just float away from them!

Freezing winters or hot summers, Stealth Pro doesn't mind the weather

Find your own Water

How many times have you arrived at your favorite run and find another angler already beat you to it. When you float streams this no longer becomes a concern. Yeah, you would have liked to fish that run but just float on. Soon you will find the run that no one wants to hike to. It'll pay off, trust me.

Body Anchoring

What is that you ask! Very little talk out there about the benefits of the open cockpit design. Let's say you come up on a shallow gravel bar with a great bucket in front of you. Just put your feet down and hold there. Maybe stand up if you see fit. You'll have the boat around your body and the foot bar will keep you within your boat. No anchor needed. Walk around and your Stealth Pro stays with you. Let's see you do that with a kayak!

It really is different

I see guys out there in the older style frame pontoons and they think it's mostly the same thing and their frame boats more secure and stable. I had one of those too. Stealth Pro is low to the water and the center of gravity is considerably better. 

A word about Safety

No matter what style pontoon boat you choose rivers can be dangerous, period. These are not toys! They are watercraft. Rowing boats and reading water takes experience! Know your water and KNOW your experience level. Always assess your dangers and when in doubt portage. If you have no experience I recommend a starting point to be stillwater. And always wear a PFD. 

Adventure

On a three day trip with a friend on the Devil's River, Texas we had to lower our Stealth Pro's by rope straight off a 25 foot cliff to avoid an impassible waterfall. We tied to the back d-ring and lowered our boats with gear still strapped in and I'm happy to say both boats entered the water below completely upright. I'm glad I had help in doing this but after said and done I learned I could have done it by myself if I was alone. A great feature of the Stealth Pro is how light they are and easy to portage. 
The Stealth Pro in this picture is my first and original orange Stealth Pro that has since been updated to green. Other than color no other changes were made to the current green model. This Orange Stealth Pro is now over ten years old and still in use today without any problems.

Portaging

Here is another good reason to go Stealth Pro. Some river obstacles should just be portaged no matter what boat you have. Making a portage with a Stealth Pro is just plain easy. They are so lightweight. On each side of the seating area are grab handles carefully placed to balance the boat. Just remove your gear and pick up and carry where you need to go. Re-stow your gear and continue on. If you're with a buddy you can leave the gear in the boat and do your portage one boat at a time.

Ten Year Old Stealth Pro Still Going Strong

Can you really do a multi-day float with a Stealth Pro?

I've done more than I can count. With that said you really do need to be minimalistic. There is a generous load limit of 450 lbs but I would tell you stay away from that limit as much as possible. Not just because of safety but also because the more you load it the slower it rows. But if you have done any multi-day hiking trips all the same rules apply. I use a lightweight backpack style tent, jet boil for my meal needs, etc. Just don't bring your cook stove and kitchen sink and you'll be just fine. 

Four day trip on the Buffalo River in the Arkansas Ozarks

Portability

I've always had a truck and never thought much about space for my Stealth Pro. Strap it down in the bed and go wherever. A couple of my float buddies have smaller crossover type vehicles and they always deflate and fold up there Stealth's for transport. Recently we performed our own shuttle with three Stealth Pros. We deflated and rolled up all three of them to fit into a crossover hatchback. Amazing, we still had plenty of room for all of our gear too. 
Buy Here
With the Outcast Frameless Boat Bag you could travel with your stealth on airlines with just the cost of an extra bag. I haven't done this, YET! But there has been talk about it. 

TIP:


K-Pump Mini

To inflate when launching I use an electric pump like the Outcast Hurricane 12 Volt Pump, but when doing multi-day trips you will want a hand pump option to top up on those cool mornings. The K-Pump Mini will just fit in the Stealth Pro Frameless Cargo Pocket.

Multi-Purpose

Personally I use my Stealth Pro for mostly river and stream floats. I have used it on stillwater a couple of times and it functions really well, much like a float tube. I have used kick fins and it gets around like that quite well too. 

The Experience

While I live to fish, doing your own river floating brings your fishing experience to a whole new level. No matter what the quality of the fishing is I always get great joy in drifting a river, taking in the scenery and just letting go of time and leaving the busy world behind me. 
Greg Darling


https://www.gorgeflyshop.com/store/pc/Sale-Closeouts-c38.htm

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977


"Fly Fish the World with Us"

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Jun 28, 2023

Unboxing the Outcast OSG Stealth Pro


Taking my time it really took about 13 minutes to unbox the Stealth Pro and have completely ready for water. I did shave a few minutes off by using my powered sup pump vs manual K-Pump inflation. 

FYI Note: K-Pump, K-Mini will just squeeze into the Stealth Pro Frameless Gear Pocket. It's a bit small to inflate your boat completely but it's perfect for a top off pump to have with you on your float. 


Pile on your gear and add water!


https://www.gorgeflyshop.com/store/pc/Sale-Closeouts-c38.htm

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977


"Fly Fish the World with Us"

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Mar 2, 2016

Outcast Stealth Pro Frame-less Pontoon Boat Review

Stealth Pro = Versatile 

In Past articles I have written much about how fond I am of this lightweight frame-less pontoon boat call the OSG Stealth Pro from Outcast. I'll provide links to those articles at the bottom.

Today I want to share what our recent customer, Denny from Washington had to say about the Outcast Stealth Pro

Outcast Power Kick Fins
Greg: Howdy from up here in Wa. I got the Stealth wet yesterday at a lake near home. The pontoon performed like a champ. The motor worked flawlessly, rowed like a dream and the Outcast Power kick fins were perfect. The two rod holding set up worked great! Also the seat was super comfortable. I set up an anchor drop on the motor mount with a pulley there for the rope to go thru if I ever want to anchor up and still fish chironomids. That way it will stay straight for me in the wind. It was a beautiful day up there, but the fishing was still slow. Ended up with seven cut-bows and a few other bites. I am looking forward to many hours of enjoyment using it in the future. Thank you for all the tips and recomendations. Oh, it fits perfectly in the back of my 2014 chev.shortbed fullsized pickup with the toneau cover closed and locked. I am totally sold on it. Thanks again. Denny
Fits Stealth Pro and New OSG Striker


Denny does a lot of lake fishing and set his Stealth Pro up to work great for this. He went with the Outcast Frameless Motor mount and installed an electric motor to help cover large lakes.  It really shows how versatile the Stealth Pro can be. One day go from a motor and kick fins on a lake to the next day rowing a river with enough room and weight capacity to easy carry overnight gear. 

The Stealth Pro is so light (35lb) it just makes everything easier. Easy to row, easy to maneuver, easy to launch and easy to load. 
Frameless Boat Bag




While I have never done this yet...also easy to air travel with. New from Outcast is a Frameless Boat Bag complete with backpack straps and room enough to carry boat, oars and K-Pump. For the super adventures angler one could even pack this into one of those secret hidden lakes that never sees another angler. 
Back truck into garage and load!

Storage is not an issue either. Deflate it if you wish for long term or do like I did and get the Boat Hoist System and keep it ready to go all the time. I can load it in my truck in seconds and be on my way to the river. 

Aside from all the ease of use about the Stealth Pro I also want to emphasize what floating a river or lake does for you. Freedom to go where you want to go and floating away from the crowds lets you enjoy your fishing passion in peace. I get a kick out of knowing I am fishing a spot that other guys across the river can't wade to. Be nice and wave to them, lol! Also just floating and rowing a river is just a pure enjoyment. I get a feeling of being a part of the water and its currents. I look around at canyon walls and watch the birds and the ducks. I get to know the river in a different way than wading alone can offer.

Securing your rods
The above picture shows a simple modification I made to secure my rods. Oh yeah rods as in plural..another great feature of floating is you get to carry more than one rod. Using tarp bungee straps I rigged this simple system to secure my rods. It might not work too well for rods with no fight butts or lower handles.

There are other brands to consider and while I have not tried them all I did get a chance to experience a Scadden Renegade. It was a good boat too but the general consensus was the Stealth Pro was a better choice for several reasons such as a the Outcast reliable internal urethane air bladder, the more secure foot rest and a oar lock system that felt much smoother rowing. Also if ever needed it Outcast service is nothing short of excellent and that opinion comes from Gorge Fly Shop's many years of experience as an Outcast Boat dealer. 

Get More Info:


BassProGreg



Gorge Fly Shop Internet Sales Manager | Product Specialist

"Fly Fish the World with Us"


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Apr 17, 2012

K-Pumps - Best for Float Tubes, Pontoons and Rafts

They give me one of those, “Why didn’t I think of that?” moments every time I hold one… K-Pumps. We love them.  Why? Well, they are very, very slick hand pumps for inflating vessels of all sizes.

The nature of these pumps is very similar to how portable bike pumps evolved – one tube, no gangly hose. And, similar to how bike pumps stow easily on bikes, the same is true for K-pumps and boats. Their lightweight, streamlined design makes these pumps extremely portable and a breeze to stow.


The first time I used one, I was amazed at how well they worked given their simplistic nature. Essentially, these pumps have a tube that houses a sliding plunger. By sliding the plunger up and down, air is pushed out the business end. What I like is that you can use these standing upright. You simply point the end of the pump into the valve and start pumping (without having to bend over). They feel good in hand, and they actually move a lot of air with little effort. They also allow folks to apply direct pressure on the valves without worrying about hoses popping free while pumping!

Originally, these were built out of PVC piping, like that of which plumbers and excavators use. They worked, but this material was somewhat brittle and easily damaged. Eventually, K Pump started pouring their own molds and now, all components are built from sturdy, ABS material. Basically, they added durability without compromising their standards for staying lightweight and functional.
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