GoBoat Fish, world’s most compact fishing watercraft, launched

The GoBoat Fish fits into a backpack, so the fishing platform can go anywhere you can carry it. It also has multiple attachment points for accessories including rod and cup holders, multifiunction fish plotters, a spare paddle, seats and more.

In a dramatic twist of irony, the new compact fishing watercraft comes days after the launch of the world’s largest sportsfisher and Kawasaki's first-ever dedicated fishing jet ski.

“GoBoat is thrilled to introduce the Fish, a state-of-the-art personal watercraft designed to deliver unparalleled performance, versatility, and excitement on the water,” the company said in a media release announcing the new model.

“Whether you're looking to access new territory for fishing and hunting, or simply seeking a new level of aquatic recreation, the Fish will help you get there.”

One of the big advantages of the Fish, GoBoat says, is its ability to access shallow water, giving access to “more fruitful fishing holes”.

In a slightly more controversial application, GoBoat claims the Fish will let duck hunters hit the water without needing a dog to retrieve downed ducks, while hunters will be able to cross lakes rather than go around them, and even haul back their harvest on the water.

GoBoat says the other big advantages of the Fish include the design’s stand-up stability, the convenience of inflating it from the boot of a car or the bed of a trade ute, and the ability to launch from anywhere there is access to the water. Oh yes, it’s also much more affordable than a boat, meaning that while you might own the SS Minnow, you can use the savings to spend up big on advanced fish-spotting electronics.

The 25kg inflatable rings are made from a fabric called Armorlite – a hard-wearing, multilayered PVC-based skin covered on the top in PVA decking – and with the five-speed electric motor installed weighs around 36kg, making it a decent pack to walk into a remote shoreline.

No prices have yet been announced for the GoBoat Fish, but the current range tops out at less than $US2500 ($A3840) for the inflatable ring, a 35lb tolling motor, inflatable seat, repair kit, removable fin and a dual-chamber air pump. Importantly, the package includes a 30Ah deep-cycle lithium-ion battery and charger.

According to GoBoat, it will deliver to Australia. Shipping, though, is more than half the cost of the GoBoat again.

Oh well, if you want something cheaper, here are all the boats on boatsales that cost less than $5000 – if space is an issue you’ll just have to store it at a mate’s place.