Rafts are capable of handling large quantities of gear by piling them and configuring them in any way you need, and they provide much more freedom in where you can pack things. Drift boats have fixed interior structures that allow much less room for equipment and people. Rafts are deflatable, allowing them to be carried in small spaces and then inflated at the river in any area with bank space. Drift boats require a trailer to carry them and must have a ramp to put in and take out of the water. Drift boats are stored ready to go so you can drive to the river, put in and get going.
Rafts often require inflation and intensive rigging time and knowledge.
Rafts are designed with whitewater pursuits in mind and are capable of handling large rapids. Drift boats equipped for fishing typically don't even have floatation, so technical whitewater can be far more dangerous. Basic Navigation Floating a river can be a way of fishing or simply a method of accessing fishing areas. In order to fish while moving down a river in either a drift boat or a raft, you must have a properly outfitted craft. Most modern drift boats are set up with all of these things and require no modification.