The Fishing Raft Gear Checklist
There is no better feeling than pushing a loaded raft away from a boat launch for a day of fishing. The world is suddenly absent from the background noise of our everyday lives. No traffic, no reception, just the murmur of the river and the rhythmic creaking of oarlocks. The put-in disappears behind you as gravity and the current pull you around the first bend.
But that’s when the first nagging whisper sneaks into your thoughts. Did you forget anything? Where’s the net? We packed the air pump, right? Sometimes it’s not bad weather or fishing that can turn a fun day on the water into one of frustration. It’s the realization, two miles downriver, that a critical piece of gear didn’t make it onto the boat.
We’ve all been there.
Article Contents:
Be Prepared for Anything
Checklists are helpful in life. But they are critical for a day of fishing from a raft or drift boat. Forgotten gear might just mean you’re uncomfortable during a quick rainstorm without rain gear. Or it could be something far more serious.
To help ease your mind, we’ve compiled a checklist of gear you'll want to bring for a safe, fun and organized day on the water. And, hopefully, a day with bent rods and full nets.
Safety Gear for Your Fishing Raft
It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. These are the essential items you’ll want to bring to ensure everyone’s safety on the water.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
It doesn’t matter if you’re an Olympic swimmer, nobody should be floating a river without a PFD. We believe you should wear a well-fitting PFD anytime you’re fishing out of a raft. Things can happen fast, and it’s best to expect the unexpected.
NRS PFDs introduce the new Orbit Fit System™ which uses precision-cut, pre-curved foam to fit and conform to any body shape. The Ambient and Zander PFDs maximize not just angler safety but also comfort. Graded Sizing results in a secure life jacket that fits all body types. There’s plenty of storage and compartments for customizing your PFD for your specific needs, making sure everything stays secure.
Throw Bag
Throw bags are an essential piece of raft fishing gear. The NRS Standard Rescue Throw Bag comes loaded with a 3/8" polypropylene rope rated at 1,900 pounds of tensile strength. It’s bright yellow, which makes it highly visible, and it floats. Throw bags save lives, plain and simple. We don’t leave the boat ramp without them. Remember: We carry throw bags to help others on the water, not just ourselves.
Whistle
It’s usually too loud to yell over the sound of whitewater. When needing to get someone else’s attention in a river environment, whistles are an absolute must. The Fox 40 Safety Whistle has no moving parts and will never jam or deteriorate. The sound can carry up to a mile and grab attention at long distances. Attach it to your PFD and keep it close at all times.
Rescue Knife
Having quick access to a knife on your PFD allows you to quickly cut any rope or fishing line in the event you become suddenly trapped during an unexpected swim. The NRS Pilot Knife is a great addition for use in any whitewater rescue situation. Use the lash tab to secure it out of the way when casting.
First Aid Kit
The NRS Paddler Medical Kit is as versatile as they come. Not only does it carry first-aid essentials like bandages and wound care management, but it also contains survival items like fire starters, duct tape, safety pins, and an emergency blanket for the unexpected swim in brisk water or unplanned night out. This kit includes supplies rated for a six-person crew for up to a week. Other kits are available for both larger and smaller crews.
Survival Gear
A stash of extra survival gear stowed safely in a dry box or dry bag is always a good idea to have on your drift boat or fishing raft. A healthy supply of waterproof matches and extra lighters can be critical if someone takes an unexpected swim or gets caught in a storm and needs a fire to warm up or dry off. If you’re concerned about damp wood or weather, add firestarter to your kit to speed things up.
Emergency blankets provide an extra layer of protection from the elements in a survival situation. They are lightweight and pack down small for easy storage, so consider adding one to your emergency or survival kit.
Multi-tools and a pocketknife are a must—a first aid or survival kit is not complete without them. Other great additions include duct tape or zip ties for emergency gear repair.
It’s always a good idea to bring a headlamp and extra batteries, even if you aren’t expecting to be on the water past dark. Who knows? The fishing might be so good you may not notice that the sun set an hour ago. You don’t want to float past the take-out in the dark accidentally.
Navigation & Communication for Fishing Rafts
Maps, apps, and navigation devices are critical components to any river trip, whether you’re heading out for the day or planning an extensive multiday journey. Remember: it’s one thing to bring these tools, but the important thing is knowing how to use them. Get familiar with reading a map, using a compass and operating a GPS device from the safety and comfort of home.
River Maps
A river map helps keep you oriented on the river. Many maps are made to be waterproof. But if not, a waterproof case allows you to access your map anytime to keep you on your line and prepared for any upcoming hazards. The NRS HydroLock Mapcessory Map Case has a clear urethane window for seeing both sides of your map, front and back. It’s also a great waterproof storage space for essentials such as keys and a wallet.
onWater Fish App
For location data and marking fishy-looking water, we rely on apps that allow us to drop pins and take notes, all without needing cell service. The onWater Fish app allows for real-time scouting while on the river and taking notes for future reference. Maps can be saved and edited to check the progress of your float so that you never miss the take-out.
GPS & Satellite Communication
A handheld GPS device is an extremely valuable tool for getting messages out when mobile phones can’t. Not only does it allow you to keep in touch with the real world, but it’s also a piece of gear that has saved numerous lives. Being able to call SOS in the case of injury or any life-threatening situation is one of the benefits of living in the age of technology. We can’t recommend it enough!
Compass
A compass can be extremely helpful in case you need to get your bearings in a pinch. Batteries can get wet; technology can fail. Compasses are small and can easily fit in first-aid kits or even your PFD, so why not bring one? Of course, a compass only works if you know how to use it. We recommend practicing at home first.
Repair Kits & Fishing Raft Maintenance
Nothing says ‘bummer’ like losing an oar or finding a pinhole leak in your raft during the middle of a trip. Thankfully, keeping a few simple tools and repair items on hand ensures you’ll be prepared if something does go awry before you reach the take-out.
Extra Oar
Shooting an oar in whitewater is something we hope you never experience. But it does happen. Keeping a spare oar easily accessible and knowing how to reach it can mean staying dry in the boat in a bad situation. The NRS Spare Oar Keeper is designed for quick deployment of the backup oar. The stainless steel cam buckles will never slip during storage and can be accessed easily in any situation.
Patch Kit
A well-rounded patch kit can make all the difference if your raft springs a leak. A simple fix can get you to the take-out versus having to spend an unexpected night on the river. But only if you have the right tools and accessories.
Tear-Aid® patch kits can make light of most situations that come up. It’s a quick fix that may even salvage a day of fishing. Make sure you have the right version of Tear-Aid (Type A or Type B) with you to prevent any unpleasant surprises.
Pump
A pump is essential in keeping your raft properly inflated for the length of your trip. Changes in temperature, elevation and other factors can change the air pressure inside your raft’s tubes. You’ll want to keep a pump on hand to avoid underinflation and so you can ‘top-off’ once you get to the put-in or after performing a mid-trip leak repair.
Tool Kit
A frame wrench and ratchet wrench allow you to make quick on-water adjustments to your frame. Adjusting your frame properly can maximize control and comfort while rowing or fishing. Stash your tools in a dry bag or your dry box to prevent rust or damage and consider attaching a string to prevent dropping them and losing them in the water.
Spare Components
Spare parts for your frame can save the day if something unexpectedly breaks or fails. U-bolts, a spare oarlock or oarlock springs are always worth having on hand in case something fails or breaks.
Anchoring Your Fishing Raft
Anchoring is a great way to ‘park’ your boat so you can cast, crack a cold one or simply take a break without worrying about drifting further downstream. Make sure you’re familiar with how your anchor system works before heading to the water.
Anchor System
Those who drop anchor often know how important it is to have a good system in place. The NRS Frame Anchor System uses a 2:1 mechanical advantage which makes it easier to pull up heavy anchors. This means your back won’t be screaming at you after pulling your anchor for the fifteenth time. Just cinch the rope into the jam cleat above that pod of rising trout and enjoy the view!
There are many different anchors to choose from. We recommend NRS Tornado Anchors. These are built up with a series of plates that rotate freely to match the contours of the river bottom. They grab quickly and are extremely effective in any type of river bottom from rocks to mud to sand.
Anchor Safety
Always be aware of the type of water you are trying to anchor your raft in. In general, never anchor in water that is faster than you can row upstream in. If your anchor gets wedged in the rocks, you may be required to row back upstream to dislodge it.
Always make sure there aren’t knots in your anchor rope. If your anchor drops unexpectedly and grabs hold of the river bottom in a fast current, a knot in your rope could jam your anchor system and potentially cause a serious issue. It’s better to let your anchor rope slide safely through your frame. You can replace it when you get home.
Bow and Stern Line
A bow or stern line serves multiple purposes. It’s a spare throw bag but also a great way to secure your raft to the bank. The NRS Bow Line Bag comes in a highly durable Cordura® bag with quality mesh that drains water quickly. Bow and stern lines come in different lengths depending on how far up the bank your tie-off point is. Pack yours every time and take that long siesta at lunch without worrying about your raft floating away from you.
How To Maximize Space & Organization on Your Fishing Raft
Keeping your boat organized during a float creates a more relaxed time on the water. Making sure everything is in its proper place helps prevent running line from wrapping around unwanted items. This can result in lost fish or missed opportunities. Have a designated spot for the net free from obstruction to make landing fish stress-free and easy.
Having a highly accessible spot for pliers or hemostats ensures that fish are treated well while being unhooked and prevents unnecessary mishandling. Floatant and nippers should also be close at hand. When the hatch you’ve been waiting all day for finally starts, the last thing you want is to miss a shot at a nice fish because you weren't organized or prepared.
Rod Storage
Being rigged and ready for multiple presentations can make all the difference. When the raft is moving downstream, you often have little time to switch rods. Having multiple rods set up for different depths or tactics is a game-changer to maximize your chances of hooking a fish.
Rod storage allows you to quickly stow your dry fly rod away just in time to pull out the nymphs for a prime nymphing run while on the move. The NRS Fishing Rod Holder can fit two fully rigged 9' rods and makes switching rods quick and easy. No retying necessary!
The rod holder keeps rods secure when rowing through whitewater and also keeps rods clear of obstruction when not in use. Nothing ruins a great day of fishing from a raft more than a broken rod.
Cooler
Being able to bring a cooler to keep your drinks and snacks cold on your float can make or break your day. Easy access while on the water is key to keeping energy levels and morale high, but making sure your cooler is strapped down securely is a must. The NRS Frame Cooler Mount makes customizing your frame to fit your cooler easy while keeping it safely secured to your raft.
Dry Box
A dry box keeps your gear neatly tucked away and safe from getting wet. This is by far the best option for storing valuable items, extra clothing, and any gear that needs to stay dry—like a camera to document your best catch! A dry box is also the best tool to keep your raft organized and tidy, so all you have to worry about is making your cast and getting a drag-free drift.
The Padz Dry Box Seat Pad also makes your dry box a comfortable seat if your frame isn’t set up for fishing seats.
Dry Bags
Anything that won’t fit in your dry box can be stored in a dry bag and kept close by for easy access. These are great options for keeping valuables like phones, wallets, and keys safely stowed away (and dry!) during a day on the water.
Dry bags come in all shapes and sizes to fit any storage need. The NRS Expedition DriDuffel comes in large sizes and stashes bulky clothing or larger storage needs. Versatile shoulder straps make transporting gear in and out of the boat comfortable and easy.
NRS Tuff Sack dry bags have an infinite amount of uses. They range in size from 5 to 55 liters and are a great way to customize dry storage in a raft. Durable construction and the heavy-duty D-ring makes it easy to secure for any rafting situation.
The NRS Ether HydroLock Dry Bag is also an extremely durable and versatile addition to your everyday fishing raft gear. The smaller sizes are perfect for extra straps, patch kits or spare raft components, and can also fit larger items like rain jackets or even sleeping bags.
Proper Clothing for Fishing From Your Raft
It’s always best to be prepared for any weather situation while fishing from a raft. Weather conditions can change quickly. Once you start rowing downriver, there’s no going back to the car. Having proper protection from the elements means you can focus on the fishing, comfortably. Store spare layers in a dry bag or dry box until you need them.
Sun Protection
There’s no shade on the boat, so make sure you have the right clothing for spending all day in the bright sun. Brimmed hats and quality sunglasses are an absolute must. Sun hoodies like the NRS Silkweight Varial Hoodie offer light, breathable material designed for comfort while protecting you from harsh UV rays.
Sunscreen is always an option, but it can make your hands too greasy when handling slick fly line all day. The NRS Castaway Gloves offer UPF 50+ protection while also protecting your hands from blisters when rowing your raft all day.
Rain Protection
Fishing in the rain can result in some of the best fishing days you get all season. Don’t let bad weather keep you from enjoying your time on the water, just pack accordingly. Rain gear is a must-have in case the forecast doesn’t quite match up with those dark clouds looming in the distance.
Customizing Your Fishing Raft and Experience
Take the time before you launch to make sure that you have everything you need to be safe on the water. If a crucial piece of gear gets left at home, reconsider your plans and don’t take unnecessary risks. Remember that having essential boating gear is not only for your safety and the safety of those with you, but you might find yourself in a situation where you need to help a fellow boater.
Dialing in your gear can take some time, so don’t be afraid to experiment with how you set up and organize your boat. Once your gear, storage, and organization systems are perfected to fit your needs in your raft, you can properly enjoy your time on the water without fretting about wet or damaged equipment. That leaves more time to focus on the task at hand: getting a good drift and landing fish!