At the beginning of 2003 my dad and I decided we wanted to build a drift boat. We looked around at some different wood boat sites and finally found what we needed. Our plans came from Montana Boatbuilders, it’s an East African Mahagany 15′ skiff. We finally finished building her in 2004. This is one project I can literally say has our blood, sweat, and tears in it. The whole time building it we were just hoping it would turn out nice. Did it ever! We named it the, “Krayfish” my nickname and had a special decals made for it. It is linexed on the bottom, 4″ up the side and inside. It was really the neatest project I have ever been part of and I did it with my dad. We couldnt wait to show her off on the river, but first we had to make sure it floated. So our first float Grayreef to Lusby. What a test it was. We had white caps, wind, hail, and rain. By the time we got to the boat ramp we had 2″ of rain in the bottom. I was hoping it was rain. Not much fishing but what a test. It was perfect. Looks good and rows good. So the next day while I was working. The shop the talk was about the green wood drift boat. Thats ours. Every one was talking about it and wanting to see it. It was great. We were so proud. So we have taken it out every chance we have had. I recently caught this nice brown on my favorite section of the North Platte. I cought him on a hot head leach. And it was one of the longest fights I have had with a Brown Trout, but it was the first Brown we caught in the boat. And a nice one at that. We are planning on making another boat A guide model low sided version. I want to be the only guide with a wood drift boat.
kray – boy you really live in “trout bum” paradise don’t you. catching big browns and rainbows like its just no big deal and custom making your own drift boat. i guess that’s what you do when you live in wyoming and within a stones throw of one the best trout rivers ever. it’s obvious that fly fishing is more than just a hobby for you – it’s a way of life! now i know why you have the nickname “Krayfish” – perfect!
PS – how did you like how i took the picture of you with the fish and your drift boat and blended them together. pretty sweet – or what.
PPS – when i come out to Wyoming to fly fish Grey Reef – I hope we can take a drift on the “Krayfish”
Jeremy I can not wait to go fishing with you guys. I thought we would float a day ( we can get another boat if we need it), then the other day I could show you guys the hot spots wading. Looking foward to it. Your friend Kray. “Krayfish”
Thats a nice looking boat kray you and your dad must love showing it off. Thats a nice brown as well did you catch him out of the boat? I have fished a few times out of drift boats and its always fun having a fish on while you cruise down the river.
Kray,
thats is a great story. Hang on to that boat and give it to your kids… Nice fish too man. sounds like you are living the life. Enjoy… -20 degree’s on my home river today… buururrrrr…
Got too see this boat up close and personal while fishing the described area. What a beauty! Great job,great atitude,bright future.See you on the water, somewhere between the cables!