Driftboat is correct. You can toss yourself over the gunnel if you're not sitting down. Always turn out of the current when changing directions or you can find your boat against the riprap in a heartbeat. I started using an extra long shaft (25 inches)on my old Hill boat last year. Took a beautiful twenty-eight pound hen at the mouth of the Nacelle last fall. I do everything from troll tidewater to pull plugs in the Cowlitz. Don't forget to take your oars for the tight spots and leave the outboard home for the smaller rivers.