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Home > Boat Specifications > Rafts > Strike Rafts SOTAR Strike Rafts
- John Herzer, Blackfoot River Outfitters, Owner and Outfitter I have utilized SOTAR inflatables as a whitewater and fishing craft since 1984. The first day I captained one during one of our pioneering whitewater runs down The Numbers section of the Arkansas River, I knew immediately it would revolutionize river running forever - and it did just that. A quarter of a century later and Sotar continues to pave the way by merging durability, rigidity, handling and weight into an esthetically pleasing raft. Only recently though, have inflatable rafts been taken seriously as exceptional float fishing crafts. I brought the first SOTAR ever used as a fishing boat, perhaps the first ever period, with me to Montana in 1989. Today, there are only two kinds of guides here - those who run SOTARs and those who want to. For years I worked with the folks at SOTAR discussing the generalities of what makes a great float fishing raft. Eventually this discussion turned into boat development. We started tweaking an already great boat, the SS. We expanded the usable space, got the over all and water line length just right, and adjusted tube diameters to maximize weight distribution, all the while kept weight to a minimum. The result is the new SOTAR Strike. The best designed float fishing craft on the water. What makes the Strike standout? At 13.5 feet, the Strike provides ample space between anglers and oarsperson, making tangles between anglers and "pistol-whipping" of the guide are a thing of the past. The diminishing bow and stern maximize useable storage space. With less than seven feet of tube on the water and a 19" maximum tube diameter, Strikes handle like a catboat yet provide a stable ride even in heavy water. The most notable advantage is evident in the asymmetrical design. While maintaining the desirable aerodynamics and 360 degree visibility of a "flat" profile afford, we increased stern diameter. No longer do we lose maneuverability when a 300lb angler or all your gear for a 5 day is piled in the back. Want to run Class V or just a bit drier in Class III? Just turn your frame around! The Strike represents 25 years of fly fishing guide experience. It drafts as shallow as any drift boat, spins quick as a kayak, affords the profile of a skiff, rides as stable as a car, and does it all as quiet as trout fins through water! Want to catch more fish? Better step up to the SOTAR Strike. Strikes come standard with two air chambers in the main outside tube, a welded I beam floor, standard 10 outside d-rings and 6 carry handles, patch kit and boat bag. Top chafe, thwarts, extra D-rings and other options are available on request. The Blackfoot strike comes in an 11'6", 13'6" and 14'6" Length. Available colors: Teal, Light Blue, Dark Blue, Yellow, Orange, Red, Grey, White and Black. Additionally, you can do a combination at no extra charge. There are fishing frames designed specifically for this boat from Blackfoot River Outfitters and Custom Street Stuff. Contact Blackfoot River Outfitters:
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