In Depth Water Master Kodiak Review (over 2 years)

If you are doing research on the best single person fishing raft out there, watch this video to learn about Big Sky's Water Master Kodiak. I've been rowing these boats for over 15 years and have a lot experience using them. I've done plenty of day trips and taken them on 5 day camping trips as well. They are great boats, though there are a few downsides that I talk about.

[@CrazyAboutFlyFishing]

That's a fantastic and thorough review. Definitely something I'm keen on one day.

[@Jake-zc3fk]

Excellent review, thanks!

[@TheFlyFishingFilmmaker]

You bet hope it was helpful!

[@daveellis608]

Hey man, what is the brand / setup of the rod holders you have?

[@ChrisTuller]

I love my Kodiak. Best boat option that I have found over other inflatables, kayaks, and boats. Bonus points that they are made in Montana.

[@TheFlyFishingFilmmaker]

I love mine too! Speaking of which, need to get out in mine!

[@NFGeezer18]

Awesome review man! There's not enough in depth reviews on the kodiak so I truly appreciate you taking the time to make a quality review, especially one after owning it for a while. How is the kodiak on flat water/lakes? I'm sure it's slow and requires a lot of paddling, but does it seem bogged down to the point where you're breaking a sweat just to move at all? I've been on the fence between the kodiak and the clearwater (which you actually mentioned a few times, which was awesome). Have you had any experience with the clearwater, or have any thoughts between the two? I'd love to hear your thoughts and would appreciate any feedback! Thanks again for a great video/review on the kodiak man!

[@TheFlyFishingFilmmaker]

The kodiak and grizzly are actually pretty good on still water, I find that using fins is pretty easy, and you move pretty well with it. One thing I have found is that there is a sweet spot between power and speed, and if you start to over power the boat it actually doesn't go as fast. I haven't actually used my buddies clearwater on stillwater, so I can't comment. But I would guess with the longer line and rocker, it'll be a faster boat on still water. The downside IMO is if you are running boulder gardens in a river, the longer line can make it harder in some situations to weave through rocks ... but again I think these are just little downsides to each, and both actually perform great in both applications. Maybe one day we'll do a swap and I can do a comparison video.

[@NFGeezer18]

@TheFlyFishingFilmmaker awesome man, thanks for the response. I'll keep my eyes open and look forward to the day you post the comparison video

[@RossK_YT]

Awesome review! What seat did you swap in? Was that difficult?

[@TheFlyFishingFilmmaker]

The seat that is non standard is an old seat watermaster used to sell, not available anymore, also those images were of the grizzly

[@esjovold6572]

Do you use fins to steer while floating rivers? I have a Scadden Renegade, thats how I float my local river. Great video, good info.

[@TheFlyFishingFilmmaker]

I don’t, most of the rivers i float have a wide variety of rock bottoms and i worry about foot entrapment

[@esjovold6572]

@@TheFlyFishingFilmmaker That makes sense, my river is mostly a sandy bottom so it’s not as big of an issue. It works good for me I can easily steer myself while i fish.

[@randy3577]

Had 1 air boat and after a rock rubbing it going down a Class 1 swift. It sank from a hole in it. Never had one since

[@TheFlyFishingFilmmaker]

Wow, what kind of boat was it?

[@randy3577]

Was supposed to be a total style fishing boat, but was vinyl not ripstop. Can't remember the name

[@TheFlyFishingFilmmaker]

@@randy3577 Ahh gotchta, yeah these boats are so tough. Nothing like what you experienced.