An extra oar and oar locks are all but a must.

A hand operated bilge pump is nice on rainy days.

A front anchor setup is a must fishing swirly water for chinook. On that note, anchor nests are also huge for efficiency and secure stow options while in transit and on the river.

A leader roller/tool/scent holder is super handy and efficient.

Rod storage/organization method that works with your boat layout.

Minimum 75’ of heavier rope for portage/launching on slides.

I’m sure there’s more, but these are things I’ve gleaned over the past 4 years of drift boat ownership. Good luck, have fun and stay safe!

 

First, spare breakdown oar, a spare oarlock that matches your other 2, extra PFD's for your passengers cause your buddy will forget his often. Extra rope (100 feet or so) in case you have to lower it down a bank or wooden slide like we have on some of our north Oregon coast rivers or to manuever the boat from shore to get around a dangerous obstacle you can't row safely around. A spare time for your trailer if one is not already on it. First aid kit to help remove those embedded treble hooks cause your buddy tried to remove a Kwikfish from a thrashing chum not in the boat but hanging over the side of the boat.

 

ALWAYS have the following items for every float. Expect the worst, and prepare. You will not be sorry.

~Spare oars easily accessible, and ready to go.
~Extra oar locks. 2
~Extra oar stops.
~Have a knife at both anchors, so you can cut the anchor ropes if need be. I had a buddys boat that his anchor gave way in some rapids due to a cleat defect and jam in some rocks, making his boats stern dip into the water and damn near sink. He was thoughtful enough to slice the rope in time.
~I would recommend having 2 anchors, front and back. If you lose one, you can still have a back up anchor.
~Extra set of plugs. I have 6 in various boxes.
~Have a 200' lenght of rope for slides, or various purposes.
~I like to have a hand bilge pump. A day of rain can fill a drifter up pretty good.
~Get some break down navigation lights, for evening boating. I use them even when I'm only rowing. If you never plan on putting a motor on it, have some kind of light for navigation.
~Have a spare set of wheel bearings for your trailer. Also have extra trailer light bulbs.
~Have an extra tie down strap for the trailer.

I'm sure I'm missing some other items, but others will chime in as well. Have fun, and enjoy the best form of boating there is, IMO. :flowered:

 

Everything mentioned is solid advice. Besides the legal stuff like life jackets and whistle I carry a hand saw. The kind that folds back onto itself when stored, like you’d cut a Christmas tree down with. It’s 12-18” serrated and sharp. Saved my bacon once in 10 years. I keep one of those portable cell phone chargers, dry bags, hand warmers and matches. Bluetooth speaker is nice on the right occasion as well. Knives and pliers accessible at all times. Have fun be safe.

 

Thank you all for the information! I have one spare oar lock but I will get another. I will build up my essential items to always have in the boat. I like the idea of having a saw. I didn’t really think about that but may come in handy and better to be safe than sorry.

I’ve been looking into how to build the leader caddy’s that have the roll on them mounted in the boat so I can just pull a leader off. Anyone have any advice on what to use for the mooing when making your own? I can use pvc and pipe insulation or a pole noodle for he roll but just thinking about what to use for the actual bracket/mount part.