Boondogging. Once you get it down it is the only way to fish and without a doubt the most effective under most conditions. I spent 4 or 5 years fishing with a guy who learned the art (and it is an art) on the Skagit. In recent years when you go to the Cowlitz or Skagit you will see alot of guys motor dogging which is a great way to go but the real doggers (usually the Skagit boys where the technique originated)often use just the oars and working the current to get the good drift. If your on the Skagit take the time to watch these guys work the water and postion their boats to take advantage of the current they really know how to read water. I also believe these are some of the best fisherman I have ever been around and this is because they really get into reading current more so than when you anchor or use power to position yourself. I also think in summer low conditions and winter low clear conditions these guys have an advantage as they are quiet and tend to work the holes from more angles. Many people who motor dog just rely on the power and drift right out in the current the same path each time throw right then left and forget about the stealth factor.

Ther are other factors like everyone needs to have the same size lead and mainline so your lines don't overlap and get tangled. Positioning your boat to take advantage of the current instead of fighting it all day. It takes time to learn.

If you ever get a chance to get in the bow and whatch one of these guys dog for a day you will learn alot. You can also get out your oars (if you have em) and try it yourself, its fun.

The other thing I learned from him was instead of dragging an anchor, take half an old truck inner tube and fill it with sand and drag that. It is quiet, doesn't get stuck on the bottom, doesn't slow you down so much, keeps the boat straight and can be pulled easier to speed the drift. Called "draggin the bag". Also works good if your doing a quick drift with your drift boat.

------------------
there he is!!

[This message has been edited by David Finet (edited 03-07-2000).]

[This message has been edited by David Finet (edited 03-07-2000).]