The airdrop, or as it is often called in a professional environment, jet-boatIt's a unique vehicle that can move not only on water, but also on ice, marshland and reed thickets. It's this versatility that gives anglers access to protected areas of water that you can't get to on a conventional PVC boat or hard hull, and the quietness of the engine when the engine is off and the lack of vibrations make this a perfect vehicle for hunting shy fish.
But fishing from a boat like this is very different from the classic boat fishing, and it has its own laws of aerodynamics, noise reduction and gear throwing tactics, and understanding the physics of the process and the behavior of the fish under the screw is the key to successful catch. transmutationThis allows you to sneak up to the prey almost silently, using only inertia.
Many beginners mistakenly believe that it is enough to buy a machine and start the engine, so that the trophies themselves jump into the cage. Reality dictates different conditions: you need specific equipment, knowledge of wind drift and the ability to work with gear in a constant flow of air. A critical difference between the aeroboat is the ability to go to the "dry" shore or ice to catch the trophy without the risk of damaging the skin. Let’s take a look at all the nuances of this extreme, but incredibly effective type of recreation.
Advantages and Features of Fishing from Aircraft
The trump card. boats Where the motors with the water intakes are stalled by silt or algae, the screw propulsion continues to push the vessel forward confidently. This allows anglers to explore shallow watering, where a pike, perch or perch often stands for food. The absence of protruding parts under the bottom reduces to zero the risk of hooking the driftwood in shallow water.
Another major advantage is the speed of movement between fishing points, where ice-covered waters or overgrown reeds are no longer an obstacle, and you can quickly change location if the peck stops in one place without spending time pushing the boat apart with oars or cruising around obstacles for a long time. depreciation The design allows you to feel comfortable even on a small wavelength.
But there's a downside to the coin that you should know about beforehand: a running engine creates a powerful flow of air that can carry light baits and interfere with accurate throwing. In addition, the rotor noise, although different in tone from the outboard motor, is still present. So the technique of fishing requires a special approach: throwing is often done by coasting or immediately after a short stop of the engine.
Choice of equipment and equipment for the aeroboat
Selection of equipment for fishing on an airboat requires consideration of specific operating conditions, primarily protection from wind and splashes. Even on a warm summer day, the constant flow of air from a rotating or rotating propeller can lead to hypothermia. diaphragm It is mandatory, not just desirable.
The gears also need to be adapted. Fast-line rods are preferred because they allow for more lashing, breaking through the airstream. The coils must have a reliable reverse-running mechanism so that parasitic air thrust does not cause the fishing line to run out spontaneously. Particular attention should be paid to the attachment of equipment on board: all boxes and boxes must be fixed, otherwise the gust of the wind from the screw can carry them overboard in seconds.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave loose light objects (caps, cards, empty packages) on deck with the engine running.
To store the catch, it is better to use sealed containers or cans with reliable lids. Conventional cages can quickly get wet and freeze in winter or simply blow up with the wind, preventing movement along the cockpit. echoer It must also be set to take into account the vibrations characteristic of the internal combustion engine at high revs, so that the data is displayed correctly.
Use bright colors for gearboxes. With water or ice, a lost black box is almost impossible to find, and a bright orange or yellow container will be visible from afar.
Tactics of fish search: the use of shallow water
The strategy of finding fish in an aeroboat is based on the principle of “from inaccessible to available.” While other anglers in ordinary boats are queuing at the entrance to a narrow strait or afraid to enter the reeds, you can already catch the most promising areas. Shallow watering A depth of 30 to 100 centimeters is often a predator’s dining room, especially during periods of migration or spawning.
The most effective way to fan-fly through the waters is to zigzag or parallel gals, and you can quickly detect active fish by splashes or surfaces, and because of the high speed, you can cover a huge area in a short time, which is especially true when looking for a schooling perch or perch.
Winter fishing by aeroboat gives you access to places where the ice hasn't risen or is already melting, and to areas with thin ice that you can't drive, and this is where the tactic changes: fishermen often work in a stop-catch-go mode, and mobility allows you to stay away from one place if the ice is weak, but constantly look for active points.
The secret to success in shallow water
When fishing at depths less than 50 cm, try not to make sudden movements inside the boat. The angler's silhouette is clearly visible to the fish from below, so when working in very small places, it is better to sit down or work sitting, minimizing the profile.
Safety and control of the vessel during fishing
Management jetboat It requires skill and constant concentration. Unlike a boat with a jet drive or a propeller in the water, there is no water braking. It stops only by the resistance of air and water against the hull, which takes a certain time and distance. When approaching shore, ice or other anglers, you need to release the gas in advance, calculating inertia.
The propeller is particularly dangerous, because it's covered by a safety net, but this protection is not an absolute guarantee of safety for the limbs of other objects. Before starting the engine, all participants must take their seats and remove their arms and legs from the sides, and you can only leave the boat after the propeller has completely stopped and this fact is confirmed by the operator.
- 🛡️ Always use safety glasses when in open boat areas to protect your eyes from insects, dust and small stones raised by the propeller.
- ⚓ Have a cat anchor or a special ice/soil anchor with you, as standard anchors may not hold on a slippery surface.
- 🔇 Observe noise standards in protected areas, as the sound of a high-speed engine spreads far through the water.
When maneuvering in narrowness or among ice floes, it is important to consider the lateral wind. The sailing speed of the aeroboat is high, and a gust of wind can quickly blow the boat into an obstacle. The steering is carried out by changing the propeller thrust vector or using rudders installed in the air flow, which requires addiction, especially at low speeds.
☑️ Checking before getting on the water
Comparison of specifications of different types of craft
To understand the position of the aeroboat in the fishing arsenal, it is useful to compare it with other popular modes of transport. Each type of vessel has its own niche, and the choice depends on the specific conditions of the reservoir and the tasks of fishing. Below is a table that helps to structure knowledge about the advantages and disadvantages.
| Characterization | Aerolodge | PVC boat with engine | jet drive boat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cane-tightness | Great. | Low (puncture risk) | Medium |
| Ice/dry movement | Maybe. | Impossible. | Impossible. |
| Noise level | High (engine running) | Medium. | Low. |
| Safety of the screw | Protected (but dangerous) | In the water (hidden threat) | Protected by the hull |
The table shows that boat It's a win where amphibiousness and cross-country are important, but for quiet, contemplative deep-water fishing, it can be redundant and too noisy, and the choice must be based on a balance between getting to the point and the comfort of the catch itself.
Service and preparation for the season
The technical condition of the boat directly affects the safety and effectiveness of fishing. An engine operating at the limit in dusty or humid conditions requires regular maintenance. Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the propeller blades: any chips or cracks lead to imbalance, vibrations and reduced traction.
After every fishing trip, especially in salt water or in swampy vegetation, the body and engine must be thoroughly washed with fresh water. Corrosion can quickly disable metal elements of the structure. Lubrication of moving steering parts and checking the tension of the belts (if any) should be a ritual before each exit.
⚠️ Warning: Do not keep a boat full of gasoline in an enclosed space without ventilation. Fuel vapors can accumulate at low points in the hull and present explosive concentrations in prolonged downtime.
Preparation for winter season or long-term storage includes engine preservation, treatment with anticorrosion compounds of exposed metal parts and proper storage of inflatable tubes (if any) or fiberglass housing in a place protected from ultraviolet light.
Regularly checking the mounting bolts of the engine frame and the propeller protective cell is a guarantee of your safety, and vibration during the operation of the engine can gradually weaken even well-tightened connections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a special GIMS permit for an aeroboat?
Yes, an aeroboat with an engine of more than 8 kW (about 10.8 hp) or a weight of more than 200 kg is subject to mandatory registration with the GIMS. It also requires the right to operate a small vessel of the appropriate category. The rules may change, so the current information should be clarified at the local office.
Can I fly in a boat in windy weather?
It is possible to catch, but it requires high skill, because of the high sailing, the vessel can be very demolished, which makes it difficult to hold a position above the fishing point. In storm winds, the aeroboat is strongly discouraged due to the risk of overturning or loss of control.
How to protect fish from blowing out of the cage by the wind?
Use special cables with mesh covers or sealed containers for short-term storage. If you use a classic cage, try to keep it in water rather than overboard, or use windscreens if the design of the boat allows them to be installed.
What is the fuel consumption of an aircraft compared to a boat?
Generally, high-powered car or aircraft engines consume more fuel per kilometer than lightweight tohatsu or yamaha boats, but their efficiency on difficult parts of the way is incomparably higher.