Article about the history and development of belly boats and the advantages and disadvantages of each type.
Belly boat is now a standard tool in still water fly fishing. I won't go into the reason why some fly fishermen get into these devilish vessels - it's obvious to everyone. I personally saw my first fly fishermen on a belly boat in 2002 on the Tatrovice lake. Then when I watched Paul Young's fishing series on Discovery in an episode fishing from an inflatable chair, I had a clear idea - I had to have this thing and I was going to be a fin fisherman.
Yes, the belly boat is self-propelled, using the fins on its feet. I purchased my first belly boatin late 2003, so this is my second season fishing from it, and I can responsibly say that it is in action more and more often. In the next part of this article, I'll discuss the history of the creation and development of the belly boat, and I'll also write a bit about the advantages and disadvantages of each type.
The origin of the belly boat is linked to the simple use of an automotive inner tube in conjunction with child-ring style cross straps. This simple system was perfected in the first generation of the belly boats, when the automotive inner tube was covered with fabric with several pockets on the upper perimeter. As a reminder of the origin, the metal valve remains, which is a problem due to both slow inflation and deflation. This very simple and inexpensive belly boat one has a lot of disadvantages though.
The biggest disadvantage is the butt permanently in the water, worse maneuverability and the fact that you have no free space under your hands. Another problem is safety, only one inner tube in a puncture means big trouble. Another problem is getting in and out, it's no fun just climbing out, let alone with fins on your feet. The advantage of this type is the price and good availability of a replacement inner tube.
The second generation of the belly boats is in the one designed into U shape. Many reputable companies under their brand sell practically identical products. On our waters this type is probably the most widespread. The two-chambered belly boats is characterized by better passive safety, good handling, solid storage and, after a little modification, good comfort. Unfortunately, the disadvantage of this type of belly boat is that the fisherman also sits in the water. However, the solution to this problem is very simple - many put inflatable cushions, child swimming rings or polystyrene pads in the seat. The undeniable advantage of this type is a comfortable sitting position with good protection from the wind, plenty of large storage pockets, solid handling. Nowadays, replacement inner tubes are also well available at a quite reasonable price. Count on the lifetime of one inner tube being about three seasons. For many, a second smaller inner tube is not enough to guarantee safety, but it really is enough to swim to shore - as I can confirm from my own experience.
The third generation of belly boats are called pontoons, but I call them catamarans. The problem of the wet butt is solved, it sits well above the water. The boat looks very nice on the water, is easy to handle and comfortable. A little disadvantage is that the fisherman is more on the wind and the belly is not as stackable due to the larger width. But for more comfort you also have to pay more.
The manufacturers of belly boats recommend a life jacket as equipment and fishing with at least two people. They do not recommend fishing in flowing waters. I've already read about a few guys fishing on the Elbe river. Personally, I recommend you definitely try belly boat and experience the freedom of fishing with the possibility of getting to fish from the shore unattainable. It's good to use fly rods with a length of about 10 feet on belly boat. Don't underestimate your clothing, it must be of sufficient quality both when fishing in the summer when you can be bathed in your own sweat in no time, and especially at the beginning and end of the season. Use clothing warm enough at that time - health problems are certainly not the mainstay of this style of fishing.
