What is a drift boat?
Drift boats derived from dory style drift boats that have been used by first European settlers for the American west rivers. Today’s drift boats come in a variety of styles, materials used for constructing and are designed for fishing smaller or mid sized rivers. Due to their rockered shape they are very maneuverable, which is essential for avoiding hazards on the rivers i.e. boulders, sweepers, tight channels etc.
We cover this topic in great detail in our Fly Fishing Masterclass app including the application of different rowing techniques, styles of drift boats and their advantages and disadvantages, float strategies, anchoring safe/unsafe zones etc.
What is a drift boat used for?
Drift boats are predominantly used for fly fishing.
Drift boats for fly fishing
Yes, they are a tremendous tool for fly fishing. Most drift boats come equipped with a casting brace which allows the angler to stand up and comfortably cast out to the rising fish. The rowers’ job is to slow down the drift boat in productive sections allowing the angler to have as many casts as needed to land the fish. This is easily achieved with a couple of back strokes and the drift boat will elegantly stop or slow down in moving water.
The amount of river kilometers covered comfortably in a drift boat makes fly fishing from a drift boat an amazing angling experience.
Popular drift boat fly fishing trips
Half Day Drift Boat Fly Fishing Trip
Full Day Drift Boat Fly Fishing Trip
Are drift boats good on lakes?
Drift boats are being used for lake fishing, however there is a caveat that needs to be mentioned when fishing lakes. Bigger lakes that are known to get strong winds and big waves, should be avoided.
Can you fish a drift boat alone?
Yes you can fish and row the boat however it is not as efficient because you are required to anchor your boat before you can fish. Otherwise you are jeopardizing your own safety if rowing and angling in swift water is conducted.
Train your fishing friends how to row and take turns, or you can get a sticker that says “If you wanna go, you gotta row!”
What do I need for my drift boat?
Here are some things you may need for your drift boat:
- Life jackets
- Oars
- Anchor
- Paddle
- Rod holders
- Repair kit
- First aid kit
- Maps and navigation equipment
- Communication equipment
Please refer to our app Fly-Fishing-Masterclass regarding this information.
Must have drift boat accessories
There are several other accessories that can be useful to have on a drift boat. Here are a few examples:
- A landing net
- Cooler bag
- Fly box
- Waders
- Rain gear
- Sun protection
- Camera
- Fishing gear
Please refer to our app Fly-Fishing-Masterclass regarding this information.
Drift boat anchor pulley system
A drift boat anchor pulley system is a device used to deploy and retrieve an anchor from the front or back of the boat. It consists of a pulley attached to the boat, a line or rope connected to the anchor, and a handle or crank used to raise and lower the anchor.
Please refer to our app Fly-Fishing-Masterclass regarding this information.
How to launch a drift boat
Please refer to our app Fly-Fishing-Masterclass regarding this information.
How to keep your boat from drifting
Please refer to our app Fly-Fishing-Masterclass regarding this information.
How to slow down boat drift
Please refer to our app Fly-Fishing-Masterclass regarding this information.
Drift boat manufacturers
Please refer to our app Fly-Fishing-Masterclass regarding this information.
How to fish from a drift boat
Please refer to our app Fly-Fishing-Masterclass regarding this information.