Willie Blog
From Kenai to the Columbia: Decades on the Water with Willie Boats
When it comes to aluminum fishing boats, few names carry the reputation and track record of Willie Boats. Built for performance, designed with precision, and tested on some of the most demanding waters in the country, these boats have earned a loyal following. One of those longtime owners is Tim Konigsfeld, whose experience with Willie Boats stretches back to the 1990s.
“I’ve been fishing in Willie Boats since early 1990,” Tim explains. “I went to the Kenai River, where I met Willie and saw his product firsthand. From that point on, I knew I was going to be in a Willie Boat.”
The Kenai River was a fitting introduction to what makes Willie Boats stand out. The Kenai demands a boat that’s built for precision control and structural integrity. Willie Boats are designed for navigating narrow channels and maintaining position in strong currents. Watching these boats perform in that challenging environment and seeing Willie himself run them with confidence left a strong impression on Tim.
“Willie was always out there. Despite his handicap, he was a dedicated fisherman and consistently landed big fish. I learned a lot from him not just about fishing, but about how important a well-built boat can be.”
Over the years, Tim has owned several Willie Boats, each tailored to the different waters and fishing styles he enjoys. He started with the Predator, a dependable model that served him well for many seasons.
“I caught a lot of fish in that boat,” he says. “It did exactly what I needed it to do, year after year.”
As his needs evolved, Tim moved into a Raptor and eventually to his current model: the Nemesis. The Nemesis runs a prop efficiently, which is ideal for the type of fishing Tim does today on the Columbia River.
“The ride is superior,” Tim says. “It’s stable, handles well in a variety of conditions, and is built for the kind of fishing I do now.”
His current setup is optimized for both comfort and function. It’s the first boat he’s owned with a windshield, providing better protection from wind and bad weather, an essential upgrade for long days on the water. During the spring season, he can add a top to shield from rain while continuing to chase spring Chinook. In the summer and fall, the boat transforms again for coastal trips, thanks to the addition of a crab puller.
“It’s extremely versatile,” Tim explains. “Whether I’m fishing for salmon, crabbing, or just running the river, this boat can handle it.”
After decades on the water and multiple boats, Tim remains confident in the quality, consistency, and performance of Willie Boats. For him, it’s not just about brand loyalty, it’s about choosing equipment that delivers, season after season.
“Their product is in a class of its own,” he says. “The attention to detail, the ride quality, the versatility, everything works the way it should.”
Willie Boats has built its reputation over decades by listening to anglers, refining designs, and delivering boats that perform in the real world, from Alaska’s glacial rivers to the wide channels of the Columbia. Whether you’re just starting your journey or upgrading after years on the water, there’s a Willie Boat designed to meet your needs.
