If you were offered a drift boat….
- This topic has 32 replies, 14 voices, and was last updated Dec 17, 2005 at 2:51 am by
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It’s not a “Drift Boat” but for functionality the Riverhawk floored B60 would be my dream machine for river fishing. I have seen many of them set up like Drift boats with oars, outboards and even a polling platform. They offer Canoe like feel with skiff stability. The fact that you can buy one for $2000 is nice too. Well equipped they are way more versatile then a drift boat but not as pretty or traditional.
I think if I were offered a drift boat I would take what I was being offered.
MikeA, I would not want a flat back boat on most tailwaters. When you anchor they tend to fill up with water and sink…if the current is moving. Nice looking boats and it’s something that would be great on the rivers and creeks where I live.
To answer your ? Zach I have been shopping for a new boat. I am going to try a Hog Island out and then decide between it, a Clacka, and a raft. The more I hear about Hog Island the more I am intrigued/impressed.
I never, ever, anchor a small boat during generation. It can be done from the front of the boat but it is just too risky IMO. I like to drift and cast the banks during this time.
These boats stability will blow you away. You can literally stand on the gunnels. TWRA uses a B60 with a 9.9 OB to run low water on the weekends and check fishermen on the Caney. Those guys swear by that boat.
Almost 16′ with a 5′ beam and only 200 pounds!
Down the road I’m thinking about picking up a drift boat and I’m interested in y’all’s opinions on them.
Check the weight of the Hog Island…..I have been told they are very close to the Clacka. Big misconception.
As far as not stopping on a river during generation….you are doing yourself a disservice by not devoting more time over the honey holes. Take an extra anchor and a good knife in case the worst happens and your anchor gets snagged. To each his own I guess.
Well depends on what Clacka model….but there looks like it is a difference of 150 lbs. Which is alot. However, I have been told they are very nimble. I would suggest you row a Clacka, Hyde, and H.I. and then decide.
I usually just motor back up the honey holes a few times if they feel fishy or the light is right. It would seem this would put the fish down but more then once we have caught good fish on the second or third pass. The last big Brown was a nice 6 pound that hit on the third pass. Interesting idea about anchoring however. Once I was anchored on the inside of one of my favorite bends eating a sandwich with about 40’ of fly line over the side swinging in a soft current. It had been there for a good twenty min when I decided it was time to go. When I picked up the rod and stood up a huge boil erupted below my fly. I wondered how long this fish had been looking at my fly, why didn’t he eat it, how big was he? Had I caught it my buddy would still be giving me all kinds of crap about my technique or lack of, hehe. From now on I’ll strip it back prior to standing up.
I like the Ro website but I didn’t see any prices.
I’m also not so sure about that high rear seat – seems like it would catch a lot of wind.
Zach
Here’s the link:
Ok, further information on polyethylene drift boats.
I talked to my man Jeff at The Creel in Knoxville, a good guy and a good guide.
I had a friend of mine float down the Watauga on one. He came away impressed. They said that the boat handled well when they hit rocks. He said it was very nimble. The welds are guaranteed. He knows and trusts the guy. FYI……
The one question that has not been answered yet is about size. I’m going to suggest a 16ft boat.
It is amazing how quickly a boat can fill up with gear, especially with more than two people in it.My son and I bought a used 16ft Don Hill boat this year, it’s all wood and has been a lot of fun.
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