I'm a rookie drift boater, I've had my boat for just over a year now. I've stuck mainly to the Cowlitz and the Kalama, aside from a trip down the Hump and a trip down the Satsop. I have been cautious fishing new rivers because the Hump gave me quite the scare last year after the floods.

I have been reading the recent reports on all of the boats that went down this weekend, and they are all alarming.

I can say that the single best piece of information that I have gotten from this board was a post last year with pictures of the sweeper on the Satsop.

The second best being info on the boat chute on the Hump(it still scared the **** out of me), and the distance to Reynvanns

I understand the value of learning through experience when it comes to when and where to catch fish.... I can appreciate why some members don't like to post a lot of information, I tend to be a little tight lipped myself.

I will say that I commend anyone who takes the time to post information on the internet that could save someone's life. I read in a post the idea of making signs for rookies at the launches, and the value of the locals sharing information. Kudos.

I appreciate any of you seasoned veterans taking a step back in time an remembering what it was like when you first started and making us rookies aware of what could be a "potential" hazard. Quality directions regarding trouble spots, i.e. "2 miles above.... Stay left at... Carbody Hole...."

I also read quite often about the value of Following someone who knows the water.... Or taking a guided trip(a little spendy for me, I've got the boat payment you know...)

I would like to offer myself up as a rookie in need of guidance.... If you are truly a seasoned DB vet(no BS please) and are interested in a day in the front of someone else's boat, pm me. I'll take you fishing somewhere you've been and I haven't. If things get hairy, we'll put you on the oars. I fish nearly every weekend, and have some flexibility during the week.

Again, keep posting the details you might save my life. I'm going to float these river at one point, your experience makes me just that much more informed.

Thank You ahead of time.

Brian