Drift Boat Help

[Heatmiser]

I bought a used Willie drift boat about 3 weeks ago. Due to my schedule, I have not gotten the boat wet yet. Now that things are slowing down, I'm wanting to take the boat on her maiden voyage.

Another ifisher (BroCam) and I would like to drift either the North Fork Lewis or the Cowlitz on Wednesday, August 10th. We're looking for someone who knows either of these rivers WELL and who has experience on the sticks to show us "the ropes." Would like to get some summer steelhead fishing in, too.

All the advice that I've recieved from this board is to have someone who is expreinced help me in getting started. The boat is registered. I have all required life jackets. Bought a hand bilge pump. Boat is ready to fish. So, I'm asking for your help with showing a rookie how to do things correctly. Thanks in advance!

Heatmiser

[Steel Neurosis]

Have you had it out in a LAKE yet? Don't know your rowing experience, but if you are new to rowing DB's, take it out in a lake for a few hours and get used to turning, stopping, etc. Especially the 180 and 360 moves...as those are what you use to get un-stuck off of boulders, etc. (best bet is not hit them to start with,,,but it is inevitable that sooner or later we all hit one.)

Can't help you on the southern rivers...but if your up by the Skagit I can show you the way down one of the drifts up here..

Mike

[Fisherfield]

Battle Ground lake is a great place to take that boat for it's maiden voyage. I wouldn't be floating a river until I've put in a few minutes behind the sticks of that particular boat.

There are some hogs in there too....big ole trout that will fight like....well a steelhead...or is a steelhead fighting like a trout....either way, be safe and get to know your boat before heading down any river.

I've almost completed a refurb on my drifter and will be taking it to one of our little lakes just to get to know it again.

Have Fun!!

Jeff

[grsteelies]

I agree 100 percent. Take it to a lake and put some oartime in. Since it is your first time, it will fun. You can practice doing thighs like spins, stops, etc. It also will give you an idea of the use of the trailer. I take it yours has a rear roller that works great for easy loading and unloading. This will come into play trying to load your boat on a fast moving river and the wind is blowing. But by all means, GO CATCH SOME FISH. Go brake that boat in good. Driftboats were made for only one thing, CATCHING FISH! Good call on the life jackets, you never really know when your going to need them, so always have them.

[CARTMAN]

I will be getting mine in a few weeks ( north river). I hope to see you on the water. I was told to do the same things. Can't wait to get out on the water. Good luck and hope you learn quick so you can teach me.

Cartman

[Heatmiser]

Guess I should have clarified this in my initial post. The boat has been out in a lake already. I didn't really consider this to be a "maiden voyage."

Also, I just sold a cataraft a few months ago. I used it mainly on the East Fork Lewis. But I do have some experience with the basics of rowing. I just want to be extra safe and learn the ins-and-outs of the NFL or Cowlitz from someone who knows either of those rivers well.

[FastAction]

WRO is your man~

[Heatmiser]

FastAction,

Who is WRO? I'm still looking for some help here.

Heatmiser

[FastAction]

Willametteriveroutlaw He knows the lewis.. Id help ya if I didnt have to work..The lewis is a ver easy drift from Merwin to the golf course.. Lots of frog water though!