Drift Boats

[sean c]

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

It's the boat I own and honestly for the ozark streams I think the skiff style boats are by far the best but like Paul said everyone thinks their boats are best type there are definitely pros and cons to all makes and models of driftboats. I also agree with Paul about the walk around layout and the counter balanced oars I don't have either and wish I had both.

[Nothin but Fish]

I have an older Alumaweld. I fish solo all the time. I live outside of Portland and have the Columbia River, the Willamette, Wilson, Sandy, Clackamas and others on the coast. I usually either find a nice drift, something I can pull plugs with, put my rod in the holder and back oar my boat a the right speed. If I want to bobber fish, bottom drift with cockies I go to shore by a good hole, or water I like. On the Willamette I either troll, I have a 9 hp Merc, or I anchor when I mark fish. 

 It's not that hard, just learn to row and go have some fun, I mean what is the worst that can happen? You get hung up and loose some gear.

 Here's a tip, when you have a fish on, give it a bit of slack, put your rod in the holder and head for the beach, do this first, don't worry about the fish. Now I'm talking about salmon and steehead.

Trout steam fishing if I can find a put in and a take out, I take a friend, (gotta get back the the truck and trailer) and usually do it the same as Samon and Steelhead. Lake fishing I troll. No big deal. I didn't even know how to handle the boat when I first got it. The guide I bought if from said he'd take me on the river he always guides and give me some pointers and teach me the dynamics of rowing the boat, unfortunately he's always guiding, year round. My boat is 16' x 5'.