Catacrafts-Steelheaders

[Deleted User]

Anyone out there use these crafts to fish the local oregon streams?? if so where and how do they perform?? Son is interested in one and maybe two, dad as well, if they work as advertised.....many small rivers around with limited access and driftboats seem alittle like overkill....Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Deleted User]

Welcome to Ifish Mitchell. Catafrats are great! They are fairly easy to row and will take big river wave hydraulics if you are an experienced rower, and will run the opposite conditions in low water narrow sections above the driftboat runs. They are easy to drag or carry over water too shallow to float it and they are easy to launch about anywhere. Be sure to get a quality one, always were a life jacket and neoprene chest waders, and become an accomplished river runner by learning in the lower river easier sections first before taking on tougher sections. The payoff is a lot of beautiful and productive water without much pressure there. I have a McKenzie Cat by Don Hill Boats and it is great. They come with the best PVC material available and have good frames with seats and anchor assemblies. Hopefully Osprey (Mike) and and Steelheader 69 (Jerry) will catch this thread and give you more info on good brands and other river running tips. Be careful and have a good one! - RT

[This message has been edited by RT (edited 12-16-2000).]

[Steelheader69]

Well, RT is right on. I have two cats, one is the Steelheader you mentioned (9ft) and a 16ft Aire cat. Both are excellent boats and handle big water (I've used both on class 4's). It's best to start on small runs and get used to running the boat before you hit big water. Both boats are excellent for small rivers and big rivers. I've used my 16ft on the Nooch on low summer levels and barely have to get out and push. You can easily get by with them. I've used both of them for years and never had a problem with a puncture, tear, or rip. I've had them in some pretty bad places and haven't had a problem yet (knock on wood). You can move up to a custom frame and go with the best out there (wing). If you have the money go that way. You can more then get by with Aire's and Steelheaders. I love my Steelheader and wouldn't trade it.

Well, just a quick rundown, if you have any more questions email me or Osprey or go back to some previous posts.

Jerry

------------------
You haven't lived til you've rowed a cataraft. Friends don't let friends run Outcasts.