to float or not to float

[Doug]

We are coming down to Gaston's for our second year on Jan 26th. We prefer to wade and fly fish.

Last year they were running so much water that we rented a boat and mostly used spinning gear.

We are trying to figure out the best approach for this year's low water conditions and are weighing 3 options.

1) rent a boat again to move aroung the river.

2) just wade, fish around the access areas and drive to get a changes in scenery.

3) bring down a couple of canoes, shuttle cars to float from Gaston's downriver.

I would appreciate any opinions or advice.

Thanks,

Doug

[Fox Statler]

All three will work. We have no water in the lakes. Generation has been very little, only one or two units at a time on either river. I would suggest driving from place to place and use the canoes to get the the areas that aren't fished as often. You can always rent a boat if needed for a day or two.

[ecce38]

Doug,

This info is to late to help you for this trip, but something you might try next time is to purchase a one-man pontoon boat (see pic below). I've been using one since '01 and it's great. I highly recommend it. However, there are some things to remember. First, don't be cheap. Be prepared to spend $800-$1200. You always get what you pay for (or so I believe), and the last thing you want is to be in a cheap rig when the water rises or if an unexpected situation occurs on the water. I've seen cheaper boats on the market, but my peace of mind and safety are worth more than $500 or less. Second, if you do buy one, practice fishing out of it in low water conditions first so as to get used to controling the craft and rowing it around the water. Fishing out of a pontoon boat takes some getting used to, so be paitent. Third, make sure your craft has a fly rod holder and anchor system, unless you don't mind dropping that $500 rod to the bottom of the river or getting blown around like a kite on a windy day. You'll thank me later for mentioning these. Also, State law requires a life jacket and a floating foam can holder for your "soda" so as to cut down on accidental littering. Finally, I've used my boat on the Beaver, Norfork, White, and Little Red rivers. The White, however, is a special case. Since it has 8 units, be very careful. I would be weary of floating with any more than 4 units running...the current becomes too swift. Check with the locals there to get a better idea of just how fast the current can get. This past summer a friend of mine and I floated/fished Norfork with 2 units. It was the fasted ride of my life! Just know your river conditions and your skills. My boat has put me in some great spots and I've caught lots of fish in it. You won't regret it. Check out (shameless plug coming up) www.blackbearpontoons.com In my opinion, these are the best on the market hands down.

Good luck.

[bobber]

rent the cabin's they comes with (free) boat bring your trolling motor ? really at gastons you only have to go 500 yards up stream ,or downfishing the fishing is always great!!!!!!