Drift Boats

[Jdecoudres]

Looking at purchasing a drift boat. Never rowed one but fished out of one a couple times. I will ocanssionly have 3 people total but alot of times I will be solo so was wondering if you drift boat people could give me some reviews ideas ect to help me research on the right boat. Most of my fishing is on tanney and the white river. been looking at the head water skiff anyone know anything about it. Well if you could give me your ideas on drift boats it would be greatly appricited. Thanks

[Iliketoflyfish]

I have a 2001 Hyde 16' High Side Pro Series that I bought a couple of years ago. I've done a lot of mods to it to get it (almost) where I want it. Love the boat because it tracks true, and it's a great boat for 3 people. The only thing I would have done differently is researched how much wind these boats grab before making my purchase. If you can find one for the right price look at a low-side/low-profile boat. My other suggestion is to look for a boat with a walk-thru/around layout. The walk-thru layout makes it much easier to switch out fisher to rower. Other things to consider are upgrading to 10' (and counterbalanced) oars, make sure you have room for a good cooler (I replaced my bow pedestal seat with a Yeti cooler with cushion), check out anchor systems (side or floor) to see which you're more comfortable with, and row as many different brands and models as you can to see which feels best for you. I found out that most people think their boat is the best one made, but found out that there are pros and cons to all of them.

Good luck with your search. I love having the drift boat and the fishing opportunities it gives me. I just wish I had more time to use it.

Paul

[Wayne SW/MO]

The Clackacrafts are popular. The one I had was well built and solid. To run shallow water sometimes found here I wouldn't want anything less than a 54" bottom. The Clacka Headhunter looks good to me. You really don't need a sharp or high stern here because you won't find large standing waves and the square stern gives you more room.

[Justin Spencer]

Not sure how going solo in a drift boat would work, most of the good water in a drift boat requires someone on the oars to keep you in the right position for the drift.

[Wayne SW/MO]

Anchor

[Jdecoudres]

Thanks.for the tips! Yea in my researched talk.to a.bunch.of.people that say they go solo.in there drift boats

[grizwilson]

Not sure how going solo in a drift boat would work, most of the good water in a drift boat requires someone on the oars to keep you in the right position for the drift.

I know who gets stuck on oars, that is why I do not own one.... but they are swell to fish out of if you can find some sucker to row.

[Adley]

Willie drift boat is really a great boat for a fantastic rowing experience.

[Jason R.]

I've rowed a Clacka Headhunter several times and it was really nice for the White River in Ar.

[sean c]

You could anchor and fish solo out of a driftboat but honestly I've owned my driftboat for four years and never fished solo out of it I would rather be in a kayak/canoe if I was going solo. If you have good fishing buds they will learn how to row and carry their weight on the oars and its a great way to spend a day on the water with friends and a great way to fish.