Tell Me About Drift Boats

[neveronsunday]

[red][size 3]Tell me about drift boats. I was taking the "back roads" up to Jackson Hole and drove by a place in Idaho that must manufacture them. I had never really considered them before or have ridden in one. I was mostly curious about their shape -the high pointed ends and crescent gunwales - and how that is preferred for drifting river fishing. What's been your experience? [/size][/red]
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[TubeDude]

[cool][blue][size 1]Those high ended drift boats were originally developed for use on the rough and tumble rivers of the Pacific Northwest. In fact, they used to be called Mackenzie River drift boats...now just drift boats.[/size][/blue]

[#0000ff][size 1]With their high sides, wide midsection and upraised pointed bow...which faces upstream while being rowed to keep anglers in position, they are very water worthy. I have fished some pretty awesome steelhead and salmon waters from them and have never gotten wet.[/size][/#0000ff]

[#0000ff][size 1]Their unique design allows for maximum efficiency and maneuvering by the guy pulling the oars. They ride on the center of the boat, with both the bow and stern typically riding above the water. That means that a good pull on the oars moves the boat with better efficiency than if the boat was "plowing" the water. A good man on the oars can keep a large boat with two passengers positioned for casting in some fairly strong current, without getting a hernia.[/size][/#0000ff]

[#0000ff][size 1]Most of those boats are made with heavy duty aircraft aluminum, so they can take some serious banging on rocks without damage. They can be heavy though, and it takes skill and practice to be able to launch and trailer them. Every set of hands is welcome at those times. It is tough to do as a one person operation.[/size][/#0000ff]

[#0000ff][size 1]Similarly, unless you are just drifting and casting along a bank, in a slow current, you need one person on the oars while another fishes. Most fishing buddies trade off, with one pulling while the other fishes...so many casts or fish until they trade places.[/size][/#0000ff]

[#0000ff][size 1]For the individual, one of the new inflated pontoon craft may be a better bet. They are safe, ride high and can be easily beached to allow more efficient fishing of productive runs. Most are rated safe for running water...unlike float tubes and kick boats.[/size][/#0000ff]
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[Jigz]

TubeDue explained it pretty well. There are a couple places in Idaho Falls that manufacture them. I fished from one a couple of weeks ago on a steelhead trip. They are very stable and comfortable to fish from plus they run in very little water, so they are very nice for rivers, but no so much on lakes as they are limited in range. They are gaining populaity for salmon and steelhead waters on some rivers where motorized boats are not allowed. Nice setup and very manuevable once you get the hang of it.
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