drift boat
Deal of the New Decade.
Jan 8th
Brand New 2010 X-Series Skiff for $4,995
Premier Fly Fishing and Premier Skiffs are kicking off the new decade with a bang!!! The are selling their new X-series skiffs for $4,995 to the first 10 buyers of 2010.
These skiffs are off the hook. I have not seen a better boat that fits the mold for the serious fly fisherman. Here are some of the specs:
Standard Features
- Front and rear seats, rower’s bench
- 9 foot rod lockers
- Oar locks
- Anchor system
- Side storage (12 cubic feet)
- Rowers bench water-tight storage
- 2 tone color
- Traction enhanced floor
“Premier Fly Fishing recognized a need in the drift boat industry for a lighter, stronger, more fishing friendly skiff. The Premier X Series Skiff exceeds all these needs and more, and has introduced a new standard of comfort, safety and design.
The X Series Skiff is available in 2 models, the X-9 and the X-13. Both models are constructed with the industries most cutting edge materials ensuring maximum durability while maintaining a flexible bottom.”
I heard recently that 5 Skiffs have already been purchased (one of them by my), so if you are interested, you better act now! Contact Premier Boats and Skiffs or email Royce Klingler at reklingler@fairpoint.net or phone number is 208-652-7349.
Good Luck and Tight Lines this year!
To Drift or to Skiff? That is the Question?
Jan 6th
Fly Fishing Boats
Every year I have different lists that I create for the New Year. I have my goals list, to do list, and my wants list. As I compiled my wants list, something stood out more than the other; a Fly Fishing Boat. I say fly fishing boat because i am debating between a Drift Boat and a Skiff. Actually, I am pretty sure I have my mind made up on whether I want a Drift Boat or a Skiff. I am heavily leaning toward a skiff. However, I became really curious to see what other fly fisherman’s opinions would be on the matter.
To be honest, I really couldn’t speak intelligently enough about why a Skiff is better than a Drift Boat, but I have rowed and fished both boats and the skiff to me just seemed to ‘feel’ better. And for me, fly fishing is a lot about how I feel about my gear/equipment.
A Skiff seems to sit higher in the water, go over rocks more smoothly and it seems easier to navigate. Drift boats seem heavier and not as functional, but that could be due to the time I’ve spent rowing the Big Easy’s (fellow frenzier Dave) boat. 
I am particular to the Skiffs that Premier Fly Fishing kicks out. The X-13 and X-9 are pretty dope and I know the owner of those, Royce Klingler, and that guy is all about making the boats functional for the fly fisherman.
Here is a sweet little video about the Skiff:
2009 Drift Boat Makeover
Apr 28th
Because the “Dr” is a huge part of the Fly Fishing Frenzy, writing for us and allowing us use his posts from his blog Xstream Outdoors we wanted to let our readers know that we appreciate all that the “Dr” has done to help our site be successful. We can’t thank him enough.
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by Travis “Dr” Gillespie | Taken from the Xstream Outdoors Blog
Being a drift boat owner is something that a small percentage of fishermen ever get to experience during there life as a fly fishermen. Owning a wooden drift boat is an even smaller percentage. There is something special about taking care of a classic wood boat. Its almost as if one takes care of it as there on child. For example: They take special care to keep it safe away from any harm, they spoil it and spend countless dollars to keep it looking good, they spend hours with it to make it better and most of all they love their wood boat and would never give it up no matter what. To me owning a wooden boat is a “whole notha level” of fly fishing. I am still learning to be a better craftsman, but time is something I have to share with my little baby.
I am always thinking of new ideas to help improve and customize my boat to fit most of my wants on the water. This year I have finally made a list of “Must Does”, so here are a couple of my latest “Must Does” that have finally made it off the list.
My Boat is a 16 ft Greg Tatman Kit
1. LineX the bottom-This was a pretty easy project. All I had to do was remove the plastic bottom that was attached. (about 100 screws) and take it to LineX of Sandy. Ask for Kelly, he is the shop owner and will take great care of anyone he works with. (Great Guy!!!) They are a top notch LineX Dealer and I would recommend them to anyone that is thinking about putting LineX on their boat, truck, Jeep or anything else you want to protect. They did all the prep work needed and sprayed on the LineX. I love this stuff. It is tough (lifetime guarantee) and it looks great. Don’t have to worry about a leaky bottom any more. Also you can tell them how you want them to spray it. For me I had them spray 4 inches up the sides and up the back in an oval shape for the anchor and up the front to give it a balanced design and rock protection.
For more information about LineX of Sandy check out the link below: http://www.linex.com/ or call Kelly direct at: (801)255-5591
Before Pics
After Pics
2. Build Tubed Rod Holders- I saw these on a Hyde and I knew I needed them. I had open rod holders before and I broke a rod last year as I jumped out of the boat. They are simple, got to any store that has PVC and buy 2 inch size with some of the metal brackets that hold them in place. I refinished them with the same textured spray paint as the inside of my boat.
3. Refinish Inside- I use a textured spray paint called Stone something. ($10 per can at Home Depot) The color is pebble. It looks like granite. After I spay and dry, I cover it with clear gloss finish and it protects it great. Plus it looks very sharp!
4. Put in Swivel Seats- I got mine at Cabelas for $40 great soft seats that fold down.
5. Build in Lanyards for front and back fishermen- Nothing is worst than having to fool around looking for stuff when you can be fishing. I have made a couple lanyards so that each fisherman has all their tippets, weights, floatant and forecepts ready and accessible all the time.
6. Fix Boat Cover- Patched holes and strenghtened my old cover that has seen to may days in the sun. It sure bet spending $500 bones on a new one.
7. Customize Wood Side Panels- With putting the LineX 4 inches up my sides, I had to remove my side panels. I didn’t want to get rid of them because I love the look they give a traditional wood boat. So I figured I could make them smaller and am give them a new look to fit my personality. (The design comes from my art background)
Before Pics
After 
The Payoff to a lot of hard work.
Things to come:
1. Dry Storage Boxes in Front, Middle and back seats
2. Built in Cooler under rowers seat.
3. Refinish Trailer
4. Durabak or Raptor inside floor
5. Cup holders
6. Lay out seat-So when my wife floats with me she can lay out in her bikini and read a book
