A Guide to Choosing Your Fishing Raft
Whether you’re floating a quiet trout stream, navigating technical rivers, or planning multi-day fishing expeditions, the right raft can make every trip safer, more comfortable, and more productive. A well-designed fishing raft gives you access to water that larger boats simply can’t reach, while providing a stable platform to cast, land fish, and carry your gear.
At Hyside, we’ve spent decades building high-performance Hypalon rafts trusted by outfitters, guides, and private boaters around the world. This guide walks through the key considerations when choosing a fishing raft so you can find the best fit for your adventures.
Why Choose an Inflatable Fishing Raft?
Inflatable rafts have become a favorite among anglers because they combine portability with impressive performance. Unlike aluminum drift boats or fiberglass hulls, a quality inflatable raft can be transported on a trailer, in the back of a truck or car trunk, launched from remote access points, and stored more easily when not in use.
Benefits include:
- Exceptional stability while casting or fighting fish
- Ability to navigate shallow water
- Easy transportation and storage
- Comfortable ride through rapids and rough water
- Large cargo capacity for coolers, gear, and fishing equipment
- Excellent durability with Hyside’s Hypalon premium materials
For anglers who fish rivers, inflatable rafts often provide access to stretches of water that are difficult or impossible to reach with traditional boats.
Choosing the Right Size Fishing Raft
The best raft size depends on your crew, gear, and the type of water you plan to fish.
10’–12’ Rafts
Ideal for:
- Solo anglers
- Two-person trips
- Small rivers
- Day fishing
- Lightweight gear
These rafts are easy to maneuver and transport, making them a popular option for anglers who frequently fish smaller rivers. Check out:
Mini Max – for the angler who wants a small vessel, perfect for 2.
Outfitter 12– the perfect small fishing raft featuring larger tubes, increased interior space, easily maneuverable, and tracks like a dream.
13’–14’ Rafts
Ideal for:
- Two to three anglers
- Fly fishing
- Day trips
- Overnight trips
This size offers an excellent balance between maneuverability and cargo capacity, making it one of the most versatile choices.
Outfitter 13.0– the perfect medium sized option for the angler looking for something on the smaller side of this category.
Pro 13.0 – same design as the Outfitter 13.0 but made with our Pro Fabric. Learn more about the difference here.
Outfitter 14XT-The versatile option offering extra interior space, larger tubes, great for 3 people.
15–16’ Rafts
Ideal for:
- Three to four anglers
- Extended river trips
- Additional gear and fishing equipment
- Multi-day camping
Pro 15– This is a narrower option with an extra foot of length compared to our 14’, allowing you to row through tight, technical sections while still having plenty of room for passengers to fish and pack gear.
Pro 16XT – This is an excellent choice for carrying more people and more gear, offering a spacious ride while still maintaining quick, responsive handling and excellent tracking.
These larger rafts provide additional room for frames, coolers, dry boxes, and camping supplies while maintaining stability in larger rivers.
Hypalon vs. PVC: Which Material Is Better?
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is choosing the raft material.
Hypalon
Hypalon has earned its reputation as one of the most durable materials available for inflatable rafts.
Advantages include:
- Outstanding UV resistance
- Superior abrasion resistance
- Hyside’s Nylon Base Cloth is 3X stronger than Polyester
- Excellent flexibility in hot and cold temperatures
- Long service life
- Easier field repairs
- Reliable performance for commercial outfitter use
For anglers who spend significant time on the water, Hypalon’s durability often translates into years of dependable use. Learn more about Hyside’s Hypalon fabric here.
PVC
PVC rafts are generally less expensive making them attractive for occasional recreational use. However, they are more susceptible to UV damage, abrasion, and long-term wear, particularly in demanding environments.
For serious anglers, guides, and outfitters, investing in a premium Hypalon raft often provides greater long-term value.
Self-Bailing or Bucket Boat?
Many anglers wonder whether they need a self-bailing raft.
Self-Bailing Rafts
Best for:
- Rivers with whitewater
- Technical rapids
- Frequent river running
- Multi-day expeditions
Self-bailing floors automatically drain water, reducing the need to stop and remove accumulated water. Most of our rafts are built with self-bailing floor construction.
Bucket Boats
Best for:
- Calm rivers
- Lakes
- Flatwater fishing
- Budget-conscious buyers
While bucket boats can perform well in certain environments, most dedicated river anglers prefer the convenience, versatility and safety of self-bailing designs. Typically, we do not stock these rafts except for special orders and our livery outfitters.
What Features Should You Look For?
A quality fishing raft should include thoughtful design elements that improve both comfort and functionality.
Look for:
- Durable seams
- Secure D-rings
- Strong attachment points for frames
- Ample interior space
- Large diameter tubes for stability
- Reliable inflation valves
- High-quality floor construction
These details contribute to a safer, more enjoyable experience on the water. Learn more about the construction of Hyside rafts here.
Do You Need a Fishing Frame?
Many anglers add an aluminum fishing frame to create a customized setup.
Frames can support:
- Rowing seats
- Casting platforms
- Cooler mounts
- Dry boxes
- Rod holders
- Storage compartments
A modular frame allows you to tailor your raft for everything from day trips to week-long expeditions. Learn more about frames here.
Think About Where You’ll Fish
Different rivers call for different raft characteristics.
Small Technical Rivers
Choose a shorter raft that offers quick maneuverability through narrow channels and obstacles.
Large Western Rivers
A longer raft provides better tracking, increased cargo space, and a smoother ride in bigger water.
Multi-Day Expeditions
Look for larger models with generous gear capacity and tie-down points for camping equipment.
Don’t Forget Essential Accessories
Your raft is only one part of your fishing setup. Here are other must haves:
- Personal flotation devices (PFDs)
- Oars with a spare
- Dry bags
- High-volume pump
- Repair kit
- Cooler
- Dry box
- Throw bag
- First aid kit
Having the right equipment improves both safety and convenience on the water.
Why Hyside Rafts Stand Out
For decades, Hyside has built rafts trusted by professional outfitters, river guides, rescue teams, and recreational boaters across North America.
Our rafts are built with premium Hypalon fabric, reinforced construction techniques, and carefully engineered designs that perform in demanding environments. Whether you’re floating a quiet trout stream or embarking on a multi-day wilderness expedition, Hyside rafts are designed to provide the durability, stability, and reliability serious anglers expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size fishing raft is best?
For most anglers, a 13- to 14-foot raft offers the best combination of stability, maneuverability, and cargo space.
Is Hypalon worth the extra cost?
Yes. If you fish regularly or plan to keep your raft for many years, Hypalon’s durability, UV resistance, and longevity often make it a worthwhile investment.
Can inflatable rafts handle whitewater?
Yes. Properly designed self-bailing inflatable rafts are commonly used on Class I through Class IV rivers, depending on conditions and the operator’s experience.
How long does a quality raft last?
With proper care and maintenance, a premium Hypalon raft can provide decades of reliable service.
Find the Right Fishing Raft for Your Adventures
Choosing the right fishing raft comes down to understanding how and where you’ll use it. Consider your typical river conditions, the number of anglers in your group, the amount of gear you carry, and the durability you expect from your investment.
Whether you’re chasing trout on a local river or planning a week-long backcountry float, investing in a high-quality inflatable raft helps you spend less time worrying about your equipment and more time enjoying the water. Hyside’s are foldable, packable and easy to transport.
Ready to find your next raft? Explore Hyside’s lineup of premium Hypalon inflatable rafts and discover why guides, outfitters, and experienced anglers have trusted Hyside for generations.
