… in a rented row boat the other day. First time rowing in a long time.
Enjoyed the exercise and the scenery at Swift Current Lake at Glacier National Park.
The following five pix form a “panorama” from the shore of the lake.
If you ever get the chance to go to Glacier, don’t pass it up. In fact, do yourself a favor and make it happen. And don’t forget your hiking boots.
John
John, Those glaciers really look spectacular! Oh yea, there aren’t many showing. I have heard that down the road there won’t be many glaciers in Glacier National Park, so your idea of going there to check out the park may not be a bad idea. So, how was the fishing? Larry —sagefisher—
… I don’t think in terms of fishing when I go to Glacier, Larry. It has been mostly about hiking, but the experience the other day gets me thinking about a small, portable watercraft to do some exploring on the water up there.
Besides Swift Current, MacDonald, and St. Mary Lakes, there are a number of readily accessible lakes to explore. Some provide decent stillwater fishing, from what I have read, and all provide the opportunity to see some spectacular scenery from a different perspective. For example …
… Two Medicine …
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](http://s273.photobucket.com/user/jfs_photo/media/Glacier National Park/P8220015_edited.jpg.html)
… and Kintla …
There is cutthroat and lake trout fishing at Kintla Lake, and cutthroat fishing on Kintla Creek. And Bowman Lake ( can’t locate my pic of that one ) is in the neighborhood. Many, many miles of access to the North Fork of the Flathead on the way to Kintla for cutthroat and perhaps a bull trout, but I didn’t find the fishing all that great the couple times I’ve fished that crick.
John
the experience the other day gets me thinking about a small, portable watercraft to do some exploring on the water up there.
Ahem…Float Tube 
Thinking about something that I can use to explore some decent sized lakes. Also, although I haven’t done much rowing on the water for a long time, for the past six plus years I have been using an indoor rower regularly and really enjoy rowing as an activity.
One of the options is a 12’ Vermont Pack Boat. But it is kind of pricey.
http://www.adirondack-guide-boat.com/product/adirondack-packboat-12-ft
Another possibility is an Outlaw Assault inflatable from North Fork Outdoors. Kind of small. Not sure I would be entirely comfortable with this one, but it is also good on moving water.
http://www.northforkoutdoors.com/2013summersale/2013summersale.html
I really like the idea of the Nucanoes. But they are a bit heavy for me and what I have in mind.
John
P.S. I wouldn’t buy a water craft for fishing. I’m pretty much a dedicated wade angler so water craft would be for exploring bigger water and / or moving from one wading area to another.
John,
My 10 ft. Nucanoe Frontier is only 55 lbs., it’s more awkward than heavy. With a little redneck engineering I have manufactured two carts, both of which fit nicely in the back of it. I can travel a mile on foot, if necessary towing the boat with equipment in it. I have been carrying it in my extended cab Ford Ranger, about 2 ft. extends beyond the tailgate.
Jesse -
Thanks for the reply.
I try to avoid “awkward” especially when it is 55# 10’ long and 4’ wide. At my height and age, that is a recipe for disaster. If I had a truck, maybe - but no way that kind of water craft is going in or on top of my vehicle.
The NFO Outlaw Assault is the one that I’ve seen that best fits what I have in mind, that presents the fewest compromises.
John
Love mine, but there is also the new Predator. Weighs 14 lbs. It is a slick ride.
Assault:
Predator
… a float tube would be adequate here …
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](http://s273.photobucket.com/user/jfs_photo/media/2013 General Angling/P9190012_edited_zpsf2e45236.jpg.html)
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](http://s273.photobucket.com/user/jfs_photo/media/2013 General Angling/P9190011_edited_zpsdbed3193.jpg.html)
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](http://s273.photobucket.com/user/jfs_photo/media/2013 General Angling/P9190010_edited_zps2777f659.jpg.html)
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](http://s273.photobucket.com/user/jfs_photo/media/2013 General Angling/P9190009_edited_zps3686d2ad.jpg.html)
… and it would be somewhat easier to carry up the four mile 1600’ elevation gain trail to this high mountain lake in search of golden trout.
Still, at only around 25#, the Outlaw Assault wouldn’t be all that bad to transport to this 8500’ elevation 20-25 acre lake, and would enhance the fishing experience. Sitting completely out of the water would make it worth carrying the extra weight up the hill.
That Predator looks interesting, Joni, but I really don’t lean toward that kind of rig.
John
That kind of rig? 
Okay. however, it is made from Heart Valve material so supper light. Maybe this one is more to your liking
15 lbs
Joni -
I like the design of the Assault better than the Predator. As far as the SuperLite Assault, that would definitely be an option, but I haven’t seen a price on that one and price could be a deal breaker.
John
Can’t help you there, I got no idea. I like the Assault a lot, but I also like not having to step out of it and it takes getting use to not fishing with the rod tip in the water.
Great for moving water.
I really believe Scadden is the Mercedes of the inflatable tube / pontoon manufacturers and by comparison they have Mercedes prices, it’s pretty hard to get into a new boat for under a grand. Outcast get the runner up prize in my opinion with good boats for under $500 with their Trinity weighing in at 7 lbs. The Fish Cast Deluxe is under 14 lbs. for just the tube. I have a LCS 4 which is around 20 lbs. You are going to need fins and a inflation pump also.
Now look at the Outcast prices for equivalent boats. You are comparing Apples to Oranges. Most Outcast are Asian made and many with vinyl bladders. NFO is USA and no bladders. The reason the Trinity is so light, it is bladderless. The Escape being the smallest offered by NFO is a 6’ float tube with oars for under $700.
Now, look at Outcast PACK series as they are closer to the same ball park as NFO…and their prices reflect that.
This is like comparing a moped to a Harley. They will both put the wind in your hair and bugs in your teeth.
First, there is no price differential between the regular Outlaw Assault and the UltraLite version.
Second, the total package weights are about 26# for the regular version and 18# for the UltraLite.
Dave recommends the UltraLite for those who will be backpacking or bikepacking with the boat. It is a bit more sensitive to sharp objects like thorns and barbed wire. For “normal” use, he definitely recommends the regular version.
Shipping typically runs $35-40.
Finally, there is a package available on a very short term for either model including an upgraed EVA seat, double action pump, 6061 T6 aircraft aluminum oars, twin side pockets that serve as coolers and rod holders, and a breakaway footrest. I believe that the package includes the carrying bag, but have to confirm that with Dave.
The package was offered at $999 for an extended Labor Day sale. When that special is over, it will still be included in Dave’s Fall Sale at about $1300.
Haven’t made a final decision yet, but it won’t be long.
John
He does bend over backwards some times. He quit including the rolling duffle, but he does have them as an accessory at a fee. Ask him about an apron though, they are very nice.
A large Hockey rolling gear bag should work.
I use one for my Fish Cat.
Has pockets for gear as well.
DuFf
Probably the same thing. We go to Yellowstone every year and buy BIG duffles there. It has to be 36" long however. This is thicker material and with the plastic glue ons such as oar locks foot bar holder plus the D rings and handles, it does not fold up that small. You got to remember this boat is 8 feet long, And it is specially hard if it is cold. I suck all the air out of mine, to make it as flat as possible with my LVM pump. Something else to think about.
Now if someone could come out with a Rolling Duffle with larger wheels for ground clearance and no plastic bottom so it could fold up small…I would be all over that.
This is complete Assault with foot bar, seat, sidebags and apron.
AND, the XX will also fit into this same bag minus the bags.
Here’s one of my rides. My Sevylor Rio. Life is good…:
Here’s my son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter in my Advanced Elements Convertable. ([i]Life vests were removed just for the picture, and replaced immediately afterwards).
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How are they for fishing in the wind?
