Such boats are in common usage in the pursuit of steelhead on the rivers of the Pacific Northwest. Within the last twenty years they have gained much popularity in the Midwest because of their effectiveness. Our driftboats are 16 feet long and exceptionally wide and deep. They are extremely stable crafts.
Passengers sit in two comfortable seats facing down-river.
They are just an arm's-length away from their rods which are positioned in rod holders. The guide's seat is set slightly higher and behind them. With the aid of two long oars and a tremendous amount of manpower, we allow the boat to drift down- stream at a much slower rate than the flow of current. This permits the lures downstream of the boat to dig-in and work in the current. This technique allows the lures to be seen by the fish long before the boat comes into their view.