Drift boats

Bob · 03-23-2011, 10:01 PM

Have you ever used a drift boat to fish on a river? They are pretty popular in the West. Are they tricky to row?

Pathfinder1 · 10-25-2011, 02:55 PM

I usually don't trek very far,
when all around me drift boats are.

Hi...

I've never rowed one, but I've been in many of them...the most common brand name I've seen is the Willy Boat. Others have them special made. The rowers (guides) seem to propel them effortlessy...but you better believe these guys are rather sturdy types. I've tried rowing a non-drift boat against the current, and it ain't easy...!!

ppine · 11-15-2011, 12:30 PM

Hey Bob,

Drift boats are great craft and very underrated in my opinion. I had a wood 16 ft Tatman boat made from a kit, which would be a great project to build. They row like a sports car compared to a raft. They have lots of rocker (upsweep) and a flat bottom. They are suprisingly useful for fishing on lakes with an outboard.

They are not great on tight, technical or small rivers because they require some room to maneuver. I punched a hole in my wooden boat on the Carson River and used duct tape and lots of bailing to get home. An aluminum boat is very durable but tends to stick a little more on rocks.

Get some instruction and learn to back ferry, or at least read some good books on rowing to avoid wrapping your boat on a rock.

Tule · 11-19-2011, 12:52 PM

My nephew is going to take me drift boating for steelhead in the smith river in North Calif. this hear - hopefully!

Pathfinder1 · 11-19-2011, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tule

My nephew is going to take me drift boating for steelhead in the smith river in North Calif. this hear - hopefully!

Hi...

I've been fishing via drift boat on the Smith River. Had a few friends with me, and all had a good time.

Also got some good photos, including of my nice steelhead.

Was also granddaughter's birthday, and she got a kick out of my calling her in NY from thhe riverside...!!

Lefty · 11-19-2011, 05:46 PM

In some fishing situations there's really no other kind of boat that will do. It does take some practice to get proficient in handling one though.

hippieP · 11-20-2011, 03:52 PM

I have never been on one before but it does sound fun. A friend of mine in CA told me about his trip on one before and he said he wants to buy his own now.