It’s Boat Week

On the Fence About a Boat?

If you’re hemming and hawing, wondering if you should take the leap and buy a boat, I say do it. Do it now. Stop waiting. You have the whole summer ahead of you.

I’ll be that guy who talks you into it. You can blame me when your spouse/significant other rolls their eyes and tells you you’re nuts. I have no skin in the game, other than to say buying a boat was the single greatest thing I did to enhance my fly-fishing experience, and if I didn’t have a boat, I’m not sure I’d be into angling as much as I still am. It literally changed my world.

Sure, they say that the happiest days for a boat owner are the day they buy it, and the day they sell it. I say that’s hogwash, and here’s why… – Kirk Deeter

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The River Doesn’t Care

Spending time on the river can be one of life’s most rewarding experiences. Especially if it gives you access to fishing water not otherwise accessible. Clean and cold flowing water, deep canyons, winding cutbanks, oxbows and wild white-knuckle adventures shared with friends often lead to unforgettable memories. But while fishing rivers offers freedom, fun and opportunity, it also presents real risks. The good news? With the right mindset–grounded in knowledge, preparation and a healthy dose of education and common sense–those risks can be minimized, allowing you to enjoy the experience safely and confidently.

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Interview: Shaun Cagley

Shaun Cagley is the Director of Operations for Boulder Boat Works, a custom drift boat builder from Carbondale, CO, making light, responsive and maintenance-free drift boat hulls from advanced polyethylenes (polymer). All of the Boulder Boat Works hull designs integrate old-world craftsmanship with new-world materials.

“One fishing guide I followed up with was able to extend his guide season an additional three weeks to a month last year. When everyone else was off the river because of the water, or the lack of, he was still out there bumping and grinding–working, making money and catching fish. So, we’re trying to lean into that a little bit more from a marketing perspective, but it’s always a challenge to ‘explain’ the performance characteristics of our boats. You really have to row the boat to get a good feel. Last week, we were rowing a stretch of river that’s notoriously skinny, especially this time of year, and I am always blown away with some of the shelves and rock gardens we are able to get through. I’m not sure you could get a raft through some of that stuff without getting hung up…”

Read the entire interview.

Summer Float Trip Gear List

So, you’re gearing up for your first summer float trip–while you will likely have most of the core boating gear, bringing some extra essentials can significantly enhance your comfort, safety and chances of having a great day.

YETI Rambler Half-Gallon Water Jug: “While expensive, the YETI Rambler Half Gallon Jug makes a case for being the best in a category: well-designed, easy to clean, extremely durable and most importantly, the ability to keep ‘cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot’ for astounding lengths of time.”

Ombraz Armless Sunglasses: “We love the Ombraz minimalistic product concept and think these will quickly become fan favorites on the river or flats this summer–think activity enthusiasts more than drinking by the pool.”

Rocky Talkie 5 Watt Radio: “At the end of the day, these radios struck us as professional grade–far better than the toys you might have used as a kid talking from one tree fort to another.”

Victorinox Swiss Tool: A battle-tested river accessory. “For anglers who appreciate simple, durable and well constructed gear, this multitool is a great addition to any day trip or river float.”

Montana Fly Company Boat Box: “Most serious anglers could find value in this oversized fly box. It’s great for boaters, though far too large to carry stream-side. It also could be a great ‘truck box’ to work out of (with the addition of a smaller box).”

Read the entire packing list.

Recent Press

“How can fly fishing save itself from the male and female models posing as fly fishers? What happened to industry ads with real dirtbags?” – GuideBrigade

The first step would be to throw your phone in the river. Until that point, it’s all lip service.

“I recently became a member of Flylab. Love the content. I’m always interested to learn about new gear and what’s going on in the industry. Keep up the great work!” – Pete, Flylab Member

“Recently, the amazing, informative guys at FLYLAB, after reading Trout Love and falling in love with it, pressured the recluse and introvert within and got a rare interview and also published one of the chapters in the book in full, called CANDY. Visit FLYLAB. Read the interview, and also read CANDY and get a feel for that Trout Love!” – Stu, Stu’s Superior Flies

We’re always looking for Flylab feedback–send any comments, thoughts, suggestions, and we’d love to hear from you.

Interview: Tim Patterson

Tim and Heather Patterson own and operate RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service in Ridgway, CO. For over twenty-five years, they have been a respected outfitter in southwest Colorado, offering guided fly-fishing trips on the Uncompahgre, San Miguel, High Country Cimarron, Black Canyon/Curecanti National Recreation Area and the lower Gunnison River/Gunnison Gorge Wilderness National Conservation Area.

“We all have a strong appreciation for the power of the river, because when things go wrong, it’s already too late, right? So, how can we control that on the front end with training and experience. That’s not a requirement imposed upon us by the state, but it’s an internal policy. We want our people to know their stuff. So, when things go wrong, they’re of use. The ‘deer in the headlights’ syndrome is real, especially in whitewater where you’re overwhelmed by the situation. So, trying to avoid it, it’s the best policy…”

Read the entire interview.

River Etiquette

From boating expert Tim Romano: “Boat ramps are for launching and taking out, period. If you’re not ready to put that boat in the water and push off or move downstream almost immediately, do not get on the boat ramp. I’d say the most you should ever spend on a boat ramp is five minutes, at most. Even that’s a bit generous. Any more than that and you’re definitely doing it wrong. Conversely, when you take off do not break down your boat on the ramp. Get your goat rodeo from the day together quickly…”

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The Dory Women of Grand Canyon. Filmmaker Dana Romanoff chronicles the journey of trailblazing boatwomen who, guided by legacy and determination, challenge a male-dominated world, protect sacred rivers and pass the oars to the next generation.