drift info and first post story

TheTexan · 10-26-2002, 05:09 PM

I have been lurking so I know better than to try to sneak in so here is my story:

Grew up in Texas bass fishing so no experience with Salmon. After being up here for almost a year a friend took me fishing at the jaws on the Nehalem. We fished the jaws all morning without a hit and were getting ready to follow the other boats in, when all of a sudden the rod jumped out of my hand. Luckily the line looped around one of the rod holders and kept the rod in the boat. I grabbed the rod and started fighting my first Chinook Salmon. When all was said and done I had my first 30lb Salmon ever. After my heart calmed down and I could breathe again, I was ready to stay all day. I am hooked and am always ready for the next trip.

Now for the question:

Does anyone know safe river levels to float in a drift boat? Alsea, North & South Santiam, Wilson? I have a 17' Wille and have been practicing on the Willamette every week for about a month and a half, I am getting ancy to try another river. Thanks and I look forward to learning from all of you! How do I get a sticker for my boat?

Miss B Haven · 10-26-2002, 05:31 PM

Welcome aboard ex-tex! You can buy your stickers right here, just go to the front page. Lucky you on the first trip for salmon, lots of us spent a few trips trying. I won't even tell how long it took me to catch my first steelie! [img]graemlins/stupid.gif[/img]
I'll let the other members advise on the rover heights. It's been a while for me and I dont' want to mislead. Do be aware that the coastal rivers offer lots of challanges drifting that you have not encountered on the Willamette (assuming you are putzing around Cornvalley which is where I grew up). [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]
I advise you to look back on the mian board here a few days. One of the other new members ask about drifting for the first time. You'll find some warnings and advise. :grin:
Good luck, keep the flat side down! :shocked: :grin:

TheTexan · 10-26-2002, 05:48 PM

If it makes you feel any better, I went half a dozen more times that year and never saw a bite. I think the fish gods were just teasing me or trying to set the hook on me! It worked!

Also I was looking for a net and was wondering where the Hogmaster got his? :shocked: