Just bought my first drift boat(sorry)and need some information. I am not a new rod on the river. Just a rod riding in a boat as opposed to fishing from the bank. Can anyone tell me if there are publications available that describe peninsula river conditions / classifications in some detail (rocks, holes, jams, flow levels etc.) to avoid gettting wet. In addition, I am going to buy a couple of plugging rods/reels and would be interested in any input you could offer. Is there a rod that could serve double duty for steelhead and salmon? Excusably Ignorant, but I do practice C&R. Roundball.

Congrats, Not knowing where you live, the peninsula rivers are not a starting point. Test your boat on rivers like Lower Sky/Sno/Skagit/Cowlitz.

the first thing that you need to do is catch some fish in that new boat and the place to do it is on the peninsula. rivers like the Hoh and queets are easy rivers to row and are also quality fisheries. if you have never captained a drift boat spend some time where you launch the boat and get used to rowing in current always keep the boat headed straight downriver and never sideways to the current. Most of the time that I pull plugs is when I have inexperienced fishermen with me and I don't want them using my expensive rods. I use a Berkely Buzz Ramsey in the medium action and have always enjoyed the way they fish.

On the table of contents screen for this bulletin board you can click on 'Show topics for last xx days' and determine how many subjects get listed on screen. Go with 'Show topics for the last year' and scroll down. You'll find a couple of threads with detailed descriptions of dual purpose plug and drift rods, or steelhead and salmon plug rods.

If you check the on-line G Loomis catalog, they have a whole section on steelhead plug rods. Even if you decide to go with something less expensive, you'll get an indication on lengths, rod actions and line ratings. www.gloomis.com.

Roundball
First you need to remember that the peninsula rivers change after every storm that blows through the area. New trees will block paths and slides change the channels down the rivers. Don't jump into floats that you are not familiar with. I have a couple links set up on my site that will help you. Check these pages for books that will help you. If you are not sure about a float you can hire a guide to take you down a float or follow a friend who knows the way.

Drift Boat books http://www.steelheader.net/boats/drift_boats.htm
River levels and localized books http://www.steelheader.net/riverlevels/riverlevels.htm


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Marty
www.steelheader.net
marty@steelheader.net

On any river - Point at what you don't want to hit and back away. First time rowers get in a lot of trouble when they try some of the forward stroke moves that they see guides or their freinds use. I would pick a wide river to start on without a whole lot of drop. This gives you a chance to figure out how to run your plugs without having to think about everything else. Its also good to get used to telling your buddys to sit right in the boat so it will trim.. Nothing worse than a dude who has to lean his back on the side of the boat. Make that an issue with them right off so they don't get tired of you bitching at them. Oh yea, most of all. Get used to watching other people catch fish. You won't get to reel in many running the sticks.