Just bought a cheep ($50) inflatable 3 person boat (challenger)

it looks cheesy, but it also seems like it is gonna do the trick.....

it can hold a trolling motor, but so far, i just got 1 set of oars

I got an anchor,

what im looking for is anyone that has any advice for using inflatable boats......I literally know nothing, and their wasnt even a salesmen to help me when I bought it....

any thing i need to know to fish off it, use the anchor,

anybody have any bad experiences with these things??

i almost feel like if i hooked a nice 4 lber that he would bring me out to sea....lol

any comments will help me,

THANKS

I'd say the downside to an inflatable would be the wind. Getting blown all over the place and making control hard is going to loose fishing time. Another thing is be careful with it, a simple hole or scratch could ruin the entire thing and you are boatless. I've never had any experiences with inflatables but I am sure those two things are to watch...

Wind and Tear  

Good luck  8-)

I have an inflatable (Sea Eagle.)  By far, your biggest problem will be the wind.  I suggest you get another anchor to help hold you in place.  I have two anchors and use them A LOT.

Interested in your experience with the inflatable.  Let us know how it is going. thanks

dont forget the pfd's

My first suggestion is as already mentioned. Wear a PFD. At the price that you paid, I would have to guess you bought a toy, not a boat. However, assuming clear waters it will probably work for a while.

GREAT BOAT FOR 50 BUCKS

perfect for a trip out with the girlfriend....

already caught a dozen or so off of it, and had a great time every outing....

downside is infation and deflating, takes about 20 minutes to do both.....

I RECOMMEND THIS TO ANYONE WITH A THIN WALLET

At the end of the day if you have enjoyed yourself that is the important thing. I've caught more fish off my cheap rig than my bass boat.

I fish off a 3,5 metre inflatable in South Africa. We have a couple of small boat builders here using hypalon to build tough-as-nails inflatables. The wind is a factor so I suggest you invest in a hefty trolling motor and two good deep cycle batteries ie. rather get two 50ah jobbies than one 100ah - its just more sensible to have a backup in case one dies. The extra anchor suggested is a good idea. PFD's are also a must, although they're of little use here as we have crocodiles and hippo's, if your boat sinks you're food.

Keep a patch kit handy on the boat. Pre-cut patches in various sizes so you don't have to fumble around when you have to do a quick patch job on the water. Never leave your hand pump on the bank.

The most important thing about inflatables - especially smaller ones is to keep them tidy at all times. It's often a bait knife or a hook lying around on the deck that causes a puncture and when the chips are down it will be the anchor rope that was all over the place that drags you under.

Invest in portable electronics. Marking a slightly submerged tree stump or rock on even an old second-hand gps with an alarm will keep you out of harms way. I have a small barometer that tells me when there is a sudden drop in air presure. It means its time to get off the water or at least move closer to safe access to the bank as windy conditions are only a few hours away.

good luck and enjoy the fishing