This type of small boat cannot be used on the Yakima in the summer and other times when the flow is high. You will be taken downriver very quickly and up to your neck. For the Yakama, this is a very dangerous outfit.
Great work Joe Your presentations and genuine enthusiasm place you among the best and toe to toe with other icons like George Daniel and Kelly Galloup. Thanks for being you Slainte!!
I agree with everything you've said 95%. I got mine when it was called the Tote-N-Float I bought it in 1992. After 28 years I can say it is probably the best fishing investment I've made. I said 95% agree the 5% is I think the oars are short longer oars would be better for naviagtion and propulsion on lakes. I have used flippers 99% of the time. When I was young I would paddle myself around lakes two or three times now it is once and done. I can see that inprovments have been made compared to mine. The biggest is the composite seat or plank. I had to replace the plywood on mine after about 15 years. And switched the foot pump out for a K-Pump. Other than that the new model will be something your grandchildren will fight for when your gone.
I hear great things about that Grizzly. I checked your site--it doesn't appear that you carry the Bruin. Is that correct? I love the 2-person versatility.
Great video. I currently have the Outcast Panther 9' and love it but I really want to get away from the frame. So I am starting to look at other options. What are your thoughts on the Outcast Stealth Pro? Seems like a lot of the features you like about the Watermaster could also be said for the Stealth. What about the Watermaster justifies the nearly 2x price tag? Thanks for any insight you could give me.
Outcast makes a fine boat, but it isn't as "tight" as a Watermaster. If you are going frameless you are relying on the boat itself to be rigid and firm. The Scouts are a bit "squishy" even when they are fully inflated.
I’ve had a Watermaster for more than 10 years. Awesome boat! Just make sure to let some air out if you’re gonna leave it in the sun for awhile. I learned that lesson the hard way.
@@redsflyshop I was just beginning working at a fly shop and we had Scadden's as display boats. Boss told me to pump it up for the day so I did. We had them out on the deck. I pumped it up in the morning, tight. By the midday sun it had popped and I learned my lesson the hard way too. If you pump it up tight in the am (and these need to be pretty tight for the oars to work well) be sure to drain some pressure as the day heats up.
Fascinating. What is the max PSI inflation? (I would guess 3?) And why do more makers not try the open center - seems like a brilliant design. Is there a patent preventing that perhaps? Anyways, thanks for a fascinating video.
They are these ones, great for cold water and they have a stirrup so they dont slide up. redsflyfishing.com/products/redington-i-o-fleece-pants-under-wader-layering-pants
Joe how do you manage deeper or faster runs? Is there a way to slow the boat? Or if there is a rising fish in deeper water you can’t wade to how would I manage that? Thanks
they make an anchor/motor mount for it, so you can do that. or if it was slow enough, using the fins over your wading boots can slow you down through a run while you fish it
Yes absolutely. We would need to charge you some extra shipping once we have your address. You can reach out to bogey@redsflyshop.com and he will get you squared away.
It says it is rated for Class IV whitewater?! As a kayaker and SAR volunteer, I sincerely hope they change that advertisement. It could certainly be taken down some class III, but saying it could handle anything higher is putting unwary users at pretty extreme risk. Class IV is no joke and requires a significant amount of experience and dedicated equipment, which this does not in any way resemble. Those oars could easily buckle or breaks in that kind of water and having the bottom open would very likely lead to users standing up in a panicked situation and ending up in a foot entrapment in swift water.
man you are late to the party, had one for a decade and before that ABEL made one (was really OEMed through a company in Australia) so i picked the ABEL one off the original mfg for a fraction of the price - it sits in Tasmania (where i grew up).
Guys, I get it. Folks that buy 'em love though. They outsell every other comparable product. Those are the facts, it's a lifetime boat not a WalMart special.
@@redsflyshop first off, intex makes similar boats that people use for YEARS with little maintenance for under 300. your charging ZODIAK prices for Walmart quality. unless you have a SOLID warranty that extends for a lifetime you cannot justify this price point. you have DOZENS of cheaper options out there that are much nicer and more versatile.
@@redsflyshop I would love to see a comparison to a more economical offering (Classic Accessories or Sea Eagle) in a quite similar product segment to the WaterMaster. Seems Big Sky is targeting a very specific customer here at that price point.
@@grantd.5438 That is a more affordable option, it's important to know that the WaterMaster is a 20 year boat if you take care of it. It's heavy duty. I am sure the Sea Eagle will work fine, but soft leaky boats that have stretchy air chambers aren't appealing to me. When it comes to inflatable crafts, most of the cheap stuff has a tendency to stretch and never get totally firm. Not saying the Sea Eagle is like this. Just a general observation.
Not worth the money. Nowhere on the site does it list the type of material used. Its looks like a typical PVC vinyl type material with heated weld. No warranty information listed on the website either. Not to mention this uploader gets really upset it appears when you point out you can buy a full zodiac setup for what they want for this boat.
@@redsflyshop Why cant you just list basic information about your product? Interesting you would rather I "just go away" then you simply supply the information. I am a AVID fishermen and use inflatables mostly atm for space saving. If your response wasn't so arrogant and actually answered my concerns I would have moved on long ago. Instead you insist on displaying a defensive attitude which is sketchy.
@@braapbraaap5281 zodiac was the most recognizable example I could think of. I have no brand preference. I have used intex, bris, and zodiac, and honestly perfer either bris or intex depending on the water. You can buy a float tube for 150 bucks and achieve the same result all I was saying.
@@braapbraaap5281 if it has a lifetime warranty, depending on how it's written then I would say I'd pay 800 for it. Because that warranty is only good as long as the company is good. I learned that the hard way one too many times buying "new concept" toys.
Link to the Kodiak: redsflyfishing.com/products/watermaster-fishing-rafts-kodiak?_pos=1&_sid=a6ba7dd7c&_ss=r
This type of small boat cannot be used on the Yakima in the summer and other times when the flow is high. You will be taken downriver very quickly and up to your neck. For the Yakama, this is a very dangerous outfit.
@@warmox1215 What are you even talking about? You are grossly ill informed here.
Great work Joe
Your presentations and genuine enthusiasm place you among the best and toe to toe with other icons like
George Daniel and Kelly Galloup.
Thanks for being you
Slainte!!
Thanks! Kind words are always appreciated!
Have to get my hands on one of those. Excited for future episodes of Joe and the Kodiak.
I think I'm heading out today!
I agree with everything you've said 95%. I got mine when it was called the Tote-N-Float I bought it in 1992. After 28 years I can say it is probably the best fishing investment I've made. I said 95% agree the 5% is I think the oars are short longer oars would be better for naviagtion and propulsion on lakes. I have used flippers 99% of the time. When I was young I would paddle myself around lakes two or three times now it is once and done. I can see that inprovments have been made compared to mine. The biggest is the composite seat or plank. I had to replace the plywood on mine after about 15 years. And switched the foot pump out for a K-Pump. Other than that the new model will be something your grandchildren will fight for when your gone.
Great testimonial. Good products have staying power!
Are you still using it? Seeing how it is now 31 years old - which is almost amazing!
@@hntrains2 still using it, still good as new. 31 years and counting. Best investment ever made.
@@jimmisiura9417, enjoy it as best you can!
Nice Joe looks fun! 🎣😁👍
Thanks, these boats are so easy and effective!
Cool little float boat 👍🏼
These boats are killers. You can use fins, oars, and get into tons of little spots on rivers that other anglers will never see.
Great little boats. I bought mine from Red's a few years ago.
Nice! Do you use your fins very often?
@@redsflyshop I have never used my fins but I have only used the raft in rivers.
I gotta get me one or two of them. Sweet ride.
I can help with that! Pick'em up at Red's and fish 'em in minutes.
I love my Watermaster!
Great demo. I love my Kodiak which I use in still water. btw: What model of Smith glasses are you wearing?
Guide's Choice. They fit tight to get my face, love my Smith Optics!
I hear great things about that Grizzly. I checked your site--it doesn't appear that you carry the Bruin. Is that correct? I love the 2-person versatility.
great sales video
Thanks, these have sold really well for us locally over the years but we've never really put them out there on our media channels.
Great video. I currently have the Outcast Panther 9' and love it but I really want to get away from the frame. So I am starting to look at other options. What are your thoughts on the Outcast Stealth Pro? Seems like a lot of the features you like about the Watermaster could also be said for the Stealth. What about the Watermaster justifies the nearly 2x price tag? Thanks for any insight you could give me.
Outcast makes a fine boat, but it isn't as "tight" as a Watermaster. If you are going frameless you are relying on the boat itself to be rigid and firm. The Scouts are a bit "squishy" even when they are fully inflated.
I’ve had a Watermaster for more than 10 years. Awesome boat! Just make sure to let some air out if you’re gonna leave it in the sun for awhile. I learned that lesson the hard way.
Good tip, you stretch the seams on yours?
@@redsflyshop I was just beginning working at a fly shop and we had Scadden's as display boats. Boss told me to pump it up for the day so I did. We had them out on the deck. I pumped it up in the morning, tight. By the midday sun it had popped and I learned my lesson the hard way too. If you pump it up tight in the am (and these need to be pretty tight for the oars to work well) be sure to drain some pressure as the day heats up.
@@braapbraaap5281 Oh that sucks. It can happen. It happened to me in big raft once WHILE ON THE WATER!
@@redsflyshop Ugh that would suck. I have a watermaster, and love it but I'm usually in the Willie.
Fascinating. What is the max PSI inflation? (I would guess 3?) And why do more makers not try the open center - seems like a brilliant design. Is there a patent preventing that perhaps? Anyways, thanks for a fascinating video.
They're out there. Outcast, Scadden, Water strider, and others I'm sure make small boats with open floors.
Joe, what pants are you wearing. They look good and comfy for under your waders.
They are these ones, great for cold water and they have a stirrup so they dont slide up. redsflyfishing.com/products/redington-i-o-fleece-pants-under-wader-layering-pants
Have you tried using the optional floor attachment (primarily for lake rowing I think). Have wondered how well it works for that??
I have not. Better have pretty good balance. :)
Joe how do you manage deeper or faster runs? Is there a way to slow the boat? Or if there is a rising fish in deeper water you can’t wade to how would I manage that? Thanks
they make an anchor/motor mount for it, so you can do that. or if it was slow enough, using the fins over your wading boots can slow you down through a run while you fish it
@@michoutdoors4961 I would not recommend anchoring off in deeper faster runs
It’s been pretty warm lately, is the fishing very good on the Yakima right now?
Yes, but it's getting pretty muddy as we speak.
Red's Fly Shop oh ok, thanks for the reply
Is this the standard or expedition version?
This is the expedition, it has the buff oars. The boats are the same regardless of whether you go standard or expedition.
You may see me fishing there this spring... I'll be the guy with the hog on.
If you need a bigger net I'll pull over and help ya!
Sounds good, I caught two cutthroat tonight hanging in some soft water escaping the heavy flow they're seeing right now.
Can you get this in Kamloops BC ? Or Kelowna BC ? Or Revelstoke BC ? Thanks
Yes absolutely. We would need to charge you some extra shipping once we have your address. You can reach out to bogey@redsflyshop.com and he will get you squared away.
I want one!!!
Oh they are so handy, gets used all the time!
Just one more.....
Just two more.
Remember to switch feet when pumping, otherwise you’ll get one swole leg and the other one will be skinny. Then you’ll walk in circles.
This is how junior college kickers train for the big field goal try.
@@redsflyshop ahaha
I like it, but wish I could try one first (I’m in Ohio) before spending $1,700 on one.
I have one you can try. I'm in WV.
It says it is rated for Class IV whitewater?! As a kayaker and SAR volunteer, I sincerely hope they change that advertisement. It could certainly be taken down some class III, but saying it could handle anything higher is putting unwary users at pretty extreme risk. Class IV is no joke and requires a significant amount of experience and dedicated equipment, which this does not in any way resemble. Those oars could easily buckle or breaks in that kind of water and having the bottom open would very likely lead to users standing up in a panicked situation and ending up in a foot entrapment in swift water.
Last I seen they were not advertised as white water rafting craft. Maybe I missed something on this.
man you are late to the party, had one for a decade and before that ABEL made one (was really OEMed through a company in Australia) so i picked the ABEL one off the original mfg for a fraction of the price - it sits in Tasmania (where i grew up).
The Abel product was a private labeled Water Strider. Not a Water master.
$1700 for a raft with a hole in it....but really I do see the versatility of this product, but the price point baffles me.
agreed. fuck paying that much for probably 100 bucks in materiel. buy a mariner 4 and a nice engine for a fraction of that.
Guys, I get it. Folks that buy 'em love though. They outsell every other comparable product. Those are the facts, it's a lifetime boat not a WalMart special.
@@redsflyshop first off, intex makes similar boats that people use for YEARS with little maintenance for under 300. your charging ZODIAK prices for Walmart quality. unless you have a SOLID warranty that extends for a lifetime you cannot justify this price point. you have DOZENS of cheaper options out there that are much nicer and more versatile.
@@redsflyshop I would love to see a comparison to a more economical offering (Classic Accessories or Sea Eagle) in a quite similar product segment to the WaterMaster. Seems Big Sky is targeting a very specific customer here at that price point.
@@grantd.5438 That is a more affordable option, it's important to know that the WaterMaster is a 20 year boat if you take care of it. It's heavy duty. I am sure the Sea Eagle will work fine, but soft leaky boats that have stretchy air chambers aren't appealing to me. When it comes to inflatable crafts, most of the cheap stuff has a tendency to stretch and never get totally firm. Not saying the Sea Eagle is like this. Just a general observation.
I should have bought this instead of the Scadden boat. Dude is a joke.
Not worth the money. Nowhere on the site does it list the type of material used. Its looks like a typical PVC vinyl type material with heated weld. No warranty information listed on the website either. Not to mention this uploader gets really upset it appears when you point out you can buy a full zodiac setup for what they want for this boat.
Why do you keep coming back here? Can't you find another channel.
@@redsflyshop Why cant you just list basic information about your product? Interesting you would rather I "just go away" then you simply supply the information. I am a AVID fishermen and use inflatables mostly atm for space saving. If your response wasn't so arrogant and actually answered my concerns I would have moved on long ago. Instead you insist on displaying a defensive attitude which is sketchy.
Zodiac doesn't do what this does, they're a totally different class of boat. If you want a zodaic, go buy a zodiac - They suck for fishing tho.
@@braapbraaap5281 zodiac was the most recognizable example I could think of. I have no brand preference. I have used intex, bris, and zodiac, and honestly perfer either bris or intex depending on the water. You can buy a float tube for 150 bucks and achieve the same result all I was saying.
@@braapbraaap5281 if it has a lifetime warranty, depending on how it's written then I would say I'd pay 800 for it. Because that warranty is only good as long as the company is good. I learned that the hard way one too many times buying "new concept" toys.
No PFD? Dangerous and against the law in most of the country.