Drift fish boat control

[cmcclu]

I have been trying to fish the Norfork and Little Red recently on high water and boat control just wears me down. I have been too afraid to kill the motor and am just kicking it in and out of gear to try and keep a somewhat aligned drift. Any tips that would make fishing any easier? I know I really need some one to go with me to take turns but aligning schedules is difficult.

[fishinwrench]

Drag chain helps, but yeah fishing alone from a drifting boat is like cooking pancakes while washing dishes.

[45acp]

12 minutes ago, fishinwrench said:

Drag chain helps

^^^THIS^^^

Foot-control electric on the bow is also nice.

[snagged in outlet 3]

32 minutes ago, fishinwrench said:

Drag chain helps, but yeah fishing alone from a drifting boat is like cooking pancakes while washing dishes.

Not allowed on the Norfork.  Not sure about The Little Red.

I've never understood why anyone would buy a drift boat to fish out of yourself.  Just isn't useful.  

[netboy]

Do you have a true drift boat or a river Jon boat?

If a river Jon then the best option would be a remote control trolling motor like an I-Pilot.

 

[snagged in outlet 3]

18 minutes ago, netboy said:

Do you have a true drift boat or a river Jon boat?

If a river Jon then the best option would be a remote control trolling motor like an I-Pilot.

 

I took it as a drift boat.  But yeah if it's a river john just get a remote troller.  Still tougher than most folks think with the remote and trying to fish at the same time.  Foot pedal works better.

[Terrierman]

When I fish the Norfork I just fire up the motor to miss obstacles or get more or less where we want to be drifting.  I do not sweat the boat getting sideways or even doing a spin so long as we're not getting ready to die or anything.  Never fished Little Red.  ALWAYS use a drag chain on the White.

[cmcclu]

20 foot fiberglass (not a drift boat). I appreciate the advice (trolling motor and drag chain) and look forward to on the water training. With all the water in the system looks like I will have plenty of opportunities for practice. 

[Gumboot]

My before trolling motors was a narrow 14' john boat, a seat cushion, and a scullin paddle.  And a 3 hp(I think) Eska that you needed a pocketful of shear pins for a days fishin in the sloughs and bayous where I grew up.

[marcusearlt]

One tip is to point the bow of the boat up river that way the water doesn't push on the transom and make you go faster than you want, you're probably already doing that. I use a bow mounted foot controlled trolling motor make lots of very small adjustments. Although I've floated/fished solo countless times in my boat I still bang into stuff every now and then.