INFLATABLE ANGLING
How a ‘crisp packet’ could improve your catches
Do you recall your very first boat-fishing trip? I have always enjoyed sport from small vessels because there is something about being able to fish in deeper water and move from one mark to another so easily.
I remember seeing several anglers fishing from small inflatables, but dismissed the idea as completely unsuitable. All those hooks, knives, spikey bass and rubber tubes filled with air hardly seemed to be a good mix.
I thought little more of it until I came across two fellow BASS members parked on the shore of an estuary with two inflatable boats strapped to the roof of their estate car. After a chat with them my interest in this method of angling was rekindled.
I wanted something that I could carry in or on my car that entailed no trailer to park, and be able to launch it single-handed. I did some research and bought an Avon Rover 340 and a Yamaha 8hp two-stroke outboard engine. The boat weighed 40kg and the Yamaha 27kg. I fitted a pair of Trem fold-up 10in wheels to the transom. The boat came with a foot pump, but a 12-volt electric air pump proved much quicker. Although the inflatable air deck seemed a bit vulnerable, I protected it from bass spikes with a piece of hard-backed carpet.
The waters of the south and west of Ireland and its bass fishing have attracted me for more than 40 years. I knew West Cork would be an ideal area in which to use an inflatable due to the presence of many sheltered estuaries and bays. I made a list of equipment that I would need to take – lifejacket, a small anchor and line, and a puncture repair kit (supplied with the Avon).
SKATE ACROSS THE WATER
Within BASS, inflatables are referred to as ‘crisp packets’ because even in a gentle breeze they skate across the water. I already had a drogue that I used on trout reservoirs, and taking that proved to be a very good decision. A Garmin Sat-Nav and fish-finder, which had Admiralty charts covering the UK and Ireland pre-installed, was bought from an auction site. The transducer is clamped to the transom, rather than being permanently fixed.
I studied Irish Ordnance Survey maps and some rather old paper Admiralty charts to find likely marks and launching places. I spent a few winter evenings jotting down coordinates and then inputting them to the Garmin. The Irish are much more relaxed about launching from beaches and slipways, while parking the car is rarely an issue and invariably free.
My first bass fishing trip to West Cork with the Avon went like a dream. My 4x4 that I use to tow my caravan had no problem with the sandy beaches, while local boatmen and anglers were more than helpful. My research paid off as I netted some very good bass and bonus double-figure pollack. The Yamaha 8hp pushes the Avon along at a very respectable 18-20mph in good conditions, and even with two up will do 12-15mph.
Last time I was in Ireland, during 2015, I was joined by two other BASS members, who now own similar-sized inflatable dinghies. None of us has a trailer and, at around 40kg, it is fairly easy to slide the inflated boat on the roof rack using a simple homemade roller.
Some parts of the south and west Ireland are still quite remote, so it necessary to take a few basic engine spares and tools, the correct engine oil, and that puncture repair kit.
Personal safety is always important and I take a handheld marine radio backed up by my mobile phone. Caution and common sense are the rules – if it looks too choppy, it is too choppy.