I am buying my first drift boat tomorrow and would like all the tips, tricks and suggestions on how to operate, where to start, etc... Thanks in advance.

Stephen

Stephen,

Congrats on you new boat!!

My first piece of advice is to start out on a lake or pond to get a feel for how the boat handles. After a session or two on a non moving body of water I would get to a short piece of river that is not technical so you get something of a handle on hydraulics and how they affect your manuvering.
Once you've done these things, I'd float something a little longer and more technical with someone that has done it before and gradually work up to more technical water, don't rush yourself as that is a good way to get into trouble.

I can't recommend any specific rivers since its been almost 20 years since I lived in your area and didn't fish when I did. Hopefully other members of the bb can help you with that. Good luck and happy fishing.

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Try the Nooch from Black Creek boat launch to the Chehalis ramp. Just make sure you have a flood in the Chehalis as you have to row about a 1/4 mile upstream to the take out. The river is in prime shape, easy float, good water, and lots of nates!

The lake is a good place to start. In the river one of the most important thing is to point your boat at danger or the area you do not want to go to and row backward away from it. Pushing your boat forward will not help move you back and forth across the river. I also can not help you with any rivers in your area but if you ever come to SW Washington I would be glad to show you some of the rivers down here.

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dank
Keep The Rivers Clean!

I would suggest for a close river for you try the puyallup from the bridge to Antones..Its an easy drift and is forgiving.TM

Don't follow me down the River, right KB?


[This message has been edited by Fishguts (edited 01-26-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Fishguts (edited 01-26-2001).]

Your certainly in for a good time for years to come. If you come down my way I would be glad to go on a half day float and give you some tips. I owned and worked a drift boat since 1975. The best advise,be cautious, If you are at the oars give your self time to set up before you enter swift water. People
find themselves in trouble when they don't pay attention while floating a river. There are some very good articles in Salmon,Trout and Steelheader magazine. Have fun!!!!

I really appreciate everyone's input on this. After talking to many people I am going to start out on a lake tomorrow. It is definately safer (and the kids will love it when I row them around the lake). After feeling comfortable on a lake I will try a short drift on the 'Nooch. Any more suggestions, comments, etc. would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Stephen

I took many people's advice and took the boat out on the lake first. At first I was weaving all about, unable to keep anything going straight. Then I realised that the weight balance was off. After correcting the balance I was rowing fairly straight. Now, It's just many more days of sore hands and tired arms...

Thanks everyone, any more tips welcomed.


Fish ON!!!