How to Build a Fishing Raft

If you're hooked on the idea of floating across a lake or down a river while casting your line in hopes of catching that Small Mouth Bass or Rainbow Trout, don't let the simple fact of not having a boat get in the way. With a little time and effort you can be the skipper of your own personal fishing raft. Follow these suggestions to build a water-worthy vessel.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• 6 logs, each 12 feet in length and12 inches in diameter
• 2 logs, each 7 feet in length and 6 inches in diameter
• Hatchet
• Waterproof rope or heavy twine
• Palm leaves
• 4 large, empty water jugs with lids secured

1. Lay the larger logs on the ground side-by-side. Use the hatchet to cut grooves in the ends of the logs. These groves should be shaped like a U. Carve the grooves approximately 2 inches from the end of each log.
2. Trim the two shorter, smaller logs to fit into the U shapes that were grooved out of the larger logs. Lay the smaller logs in the grooves. Your hard work should now start to resemble a fishing raft.
3. Alternate wrapping the rope or heavy twine around the small and large logs in a crisscross pattern. This will secure the logs together so your fishing raft stays afloat in the water.
4. Flip the raft over, once secured with rope or twine. The side of the fishing raft with the two smaller logs should now be on the bottom.
5. Secure the plastic water jugs to the underside of the raft using the rope or heavy twine. It is best to place a jug under each of the four corners of the raft to ensure stability.
6. Place palm leaves on top of your raft. Layer them on top of each other so the weight of the palms keep them in place. This will allow you to relax in comfort while casting your line.
7. Set sail, skipper, and enjoy the outdoors on your very own fishing raft.

Tips & Warnings

• Spruce is a very buoyant wood and does not sink.
• Make sure there are no leaves or other growth on the logs, such as moss, as this could make for a very slippery raft.
• Build the raft using dry logs as they will be easier to lift and maneuver.