Why do guides use open boats?

Rimshot · 03-13-2003, 01:09 AM

I was just pondering this today so I thought I'd ask and see if any guides could answer. I realize the obvious reason is more room to put more people in the boat which all equals more money for the guide. But...I have been out on some nasty days fishing next to guide boats watching their clients bundled up with their heads down, bucking the wind and rain, looking like they are freezing to death, while I'm under my top with the heat on toasty warm and I'm thinking "those poor people are paying $150 to be that miserable". I have seen this scenario several times with several different guides. I have to admit I have no experience at being a "client" but I can tell you if I spent the day in the wind and rain while other boats around me were toasty warm I would be upset. I guess my thinking is if I'm going to spend $150 for a day of fishing I want the whole package. I want a great overall experience. Experienced guide, good gear, and comfortable boat. Hopefully a fish or two also :smile: . Anyway, I'm in no way trying to stir anything up here with the guides. I'm just thinking there has to be another reason why they choose this type of boat and I can't figure it out. I have seen the heaters on the floor in some of the boats but that does nothing for the rain pounding in your face all day. Maybe there are ways they address the comfort situation in an open boat that I have not seen? You can never learn anything unless you ask

. Take care y'all.

Slugranch · 03-13-2003, 02:57 AM

There are a couple of guides fishing out on the lower CR that have covered boats. I think the biggest reason that they fish open boats is to utilize all of their space.

WildHawg · 03-13-2003, 05:22 AM

Lot's of reasons.
1)Freedom of movement--when fishing 5-7 rods the ability to move, cross over lines, get around the anchor, and net from any point of the boat with no obstructions is critical.

2)Freedom of travel--an open sled with a slight vee upfront and a 200 Merc can navigate and fish most northwest rivers, even the smaller ones where larger inboards are not real practical.

3)Tracking--nothing tracks better on the water (ie pulling plugs, backbouncing, running divers, etc.) I have owned everything from a 22' Northwest Boat down to a 14' john boat with a 35 horse pump.

4)Overall "fishability"--Much easier to fish from an open boat--no top, windshield, or motor well to get in the way.

5)Response--though they may not track on step as well as an inboard, the immediate response of a tiller is hard to beat. No steering cables means one less thing to worry about.

6)Anchorability--they are much easier to anchor, especially when using a puller, and track and hold anchor much nicer on those marginal wind days than those sailboats with tops on.

If one only ran the Lower Willamette, Columbia, and the ocean, there are some advantages to owning a boat with a steering wheel and a windshield. For overall versatility in the Pacific Northwest, it's hard to beat an open sled.
It's nice to be inside all warm and cozy on those blustery days listening to the radio and smoking cigars--but I'd rather be out in it experiencing the real world! I am an Oregonian, and I thrive on moisture.

Jennie@ifish · 03-13-2003, 05:32 AM

Some people don't mind a bit...
It's all in what you want in a day fishing.

However, both Chris Sessions and Captain J have covered boats, if that is what you want. I have to admit, it makes things rather pleasant! :smile:

Jen

Uglygreen · 03-13-2003, 06:02 AM

I have owned 2 boats with hard tops and currently own three open boats. and I have to agree with everything wildhawg has to say on the topic. If all I was going to do was anchor on the big rivers having a top is the way to go. But With my curent little fleet I can go everywhere from Tuna 30 miles offshore to summertime low water on the Clackamas and everything in between. Its all about versitality and fishability. Some of the more productive methods such as trying to sidedrift or backtroll or hover or bobber fish just aren't practicle with the foreward helm covered boats.

UG

Joe Schwab · 03-13-2003, 06:52 AM

Everything said here is true and I can only add to it. I fish a covered boat only by choice. I had two, an open Predator and my present Duckworth. The Predator trolled much easier and handled more diverse waters. But the choice came down to comfort and the type of fishing I do. The Duck trolls well at Buoy 10 and in the open river and Bays. A top and heater has convinced a few clients that covered is good. I do cast an envious eye at the new 24 foot open boats though. Try it, you may like it!

Tilla · 03-13-2003, 07:19 AM

I would say that sidedrifting is an excellent reason for not having the windshield. If you try it, you will understand. There is also quite a bit of 360 degree fish fighting on smaller moving rivers.
You can get a canvas top and/or you can also get a bolt on windshield assembly like guide Bob Worley (What ever happened to him?)
In general, it provides more opportunity and diversity. (Some people don't consider sitting under a top and drinking coffee and eating Tuna sandwiches fishing.)

Silver Hilton · 03-13-2003, 07:30 AM

Me, too. I had an open boat which was a far superior pure fishing boat. Less sail area in the wind, easier to anchor, easier to fish from the bow, easier to fight fish, and all that. But my current windshield boat is MUCH more comfortable for the family.

For the guides, especially the six pack boats out at Buoy 10, getting six rods out is where the money is. A top is going to make that harder.

If I were rich and had lots of parking space, I'd have an 18 foot open boat for pure fishing action, and a 22 footer with a hardtop and winshield for family use. But I'm not, so the 19 ft windshield boat will have to do.

BrionLutz · 03-13-2003, 09:16 AM

Rimshot,

My favorite question...which I ask every time I go out with a guide in the rain and cold <grin>.

Out all day in the sun can getcha also.

Jerry Beard of Columbia River Adventures has a nice comfy heated covered boat and it works fine.

I think the best explanation I heard from a guide who shall remain nameless was:

"If I have to sit in the rain, running the boat, doing baits...so does the customer"

It's easy to see that sitting in that sweet spot in the back of the boat is perfect for guiding, working the engines, baits, nets, rods etc. so a sled setup is the ticket. And I'm sure there's been more than one GOD AWFUL MESS involving hooks, bait and canvas for anyone who put up a top.

But Jiminy Christmas guys! Some canvas for the poor (OK..OK..not so poor) customer is doable!

But...there's THE IMAGE so out we go in six layers of thermal, waterproof camo. I try and embarrass them by wearing bright yellow waterproof sailing gear...but they're immune to that angle as long as I have cash or the checks don't bounce.

Sigh...totally losing battle, I know, but I love making the pitch plus it gave me an excuse to get my Frog Toggs.

Brion

Thumper · 03-13-2003, 10:09 AM

Wuss!

David Johnson · 03-13-2003, 12:55 PM

UG said it all-

Quote:

Its all about versitality and fishability

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">And WildHog is right on the money.

Tilla-Worley is still out fishing, he pretty much just anchor fishes the Columbia now so he sold his sled and now has an inboard with a top.

Chris Sessions · 03-13-2003, 01:58 PM

Yeah, I agree with the versatility and fishability of an open boat. My 22ft converts from open boat (tiller, no windshield) to full top covering from bow to just behind the last guest seat. My seat is still wet. The top was designed to fold down in a few seconds and slides forward completely out of the way. But it's available, if needed for fishing on the hook in the big river in a storm. We probably wont be getting any stormy weather this season anyway.
Chris