shakertaker
Drift Gear Guy
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Now i have heard some horror storys of guys floating the sol duc before even in drift boats. I was curious what you guys think of taking a pontoon down it? Maybe putting in at LyneDecker (not sure if thats how you spell it) down to the three rivers. I have banked fished a little water on the Duc so I kinda know what to expect and I already know it has a good reputation for being a boat eater  . Any info would help. Me and dad (Bank Bum) will probably be heading up there in a few weeks Because my spring break starts and it would be nice to know what to expect if we do decide to float it. Thanks Guys Shakertaker
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Always Make Sure To Put In That Last Cast!
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chumdog
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« Reply #1: March 18, 2009, 10:05:39 AM » |
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I have an 8ft Bucks and would do it.
there are a couple bad spots 'tween the hatchery and Salmon Drive, but in a pontoon you can skirt the bad stuff.
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Beem me to the OP Scotty, there's no intelligent life here.
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dardevle
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« Reply #2: March 18, 2009, 10:32:48 AM » |
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I think chumdog makes a good point. Most the rivers that we fish are probably safer in a toon because you don't have to commit to the difficult water. The bigger the boat the more you have to hit the heart of the runs.
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~Mike~ There are a few kinds of steelhead fishing; fly, float, drift, spoon, spinner, plugs, boondoggin, bobberdoggin,.... and then there is float fishing in 18\" of water. Put that in your pipe and smoke it! 
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Strike Rite Tackle Co.
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« Reply #3: March 18, 2009, 12:10:40 PM » |
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If you put in at Leyendecker's you wouldn't be floating the 'duc you would be on the Quill. Even in a pontoon boat, floating the Sol Duc in these recent low flows isn't a great way or time to learn. I don't know if you've done it, so I don't want to sound rude or demeaning, nut exercising caution on a river that can and has taken lives is a must. Some drifts on the Sol Duc have one good line, and thats all. One wrong chute or one missed stroke could have you in the drink. As you may know the middle and upper rivers are even more technical, but if you are familiar with the river a lower drift may yield some nice fish.
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Bank Bum
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« Reply #4: March 18, 2009, 01:32:16 PM » |
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Iam not sure of all the names of the launchs on the duc,but I think jr aka shakertaker meant from the goodman mainline launch?,this is the 1st launch just N. of 101? down to the three rivers,also know as lynedeckers? is this a pretty safe float for a couple of rookies on toons? about how long does it take to do this run? bought us a couple of toons a few weeks back, used them on the nooch a few times, now hes out to kill me  I asked him,what part of Bank Bum he didnt understand. Thanks for all your help guys Bank Bum
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Someone,I tell you,will remember us.-Sappho,Greek Poet 600BC
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Strike Rite Tackle Co.
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« Reply #5: March 18, 2009, 04:19:57 PM » |
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The lowest launch before Leyendecker's is the Rayonier Mainline launch. I strongly advise consulting a guide or someone who has recently floated the lower river on the conditions and possible obstructions in the river. If you have done the lower duc before, in similar conditions, you should be alright. Just make sure to take things slower in a toon, as you are more vulnerable. The lower drift usually takes about 5 hrs. depending on your fishing style or pace. Take your time, there is a lot of good water.
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shakertaker
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« Reply #6: March 18, 2009, 05:20:46 PM » |
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thanks strike rite. yeah i wasnt sure if it was called that or not ive just heard thrown out there before. i will deff talk with someone before i decide to float it and kill myself  and i have also heard of a couple bad spots were you come to a corner and just around is a boat chute and if you dont know which corner it is you screwd because once you cone into the corner your commited
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Always Make Sure To Put In That Last Cast!
~Bob~
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Strike Rite Tackle Co.
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« Reply #7: March 18, 2009, 08:02:39 PM » |
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Yeah it gets ugly real quick if your not focused, that being said I love the Sol Duc. Oh and watch your rods and loose gear, there are lots of greedy trees and shrubs waiting to relieve you of your nice tackle. 
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Rossiman
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« Reply #8: March 18, 2009, 08:05:43 PM » |
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If you are just starting out with pontoons i wouldn't even consider doing a drift on the sol duc..... Especially with these low flows. If you do at least go behind someone who has rowed it at all flows, and is good on the paddles.... Ever thought about doing a drift on the queets/hoh?
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queets guy
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« Reply #9: March 18, 2009, 08:25:28 PM » |
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If you are just starting out with pontoons i wouldn't even consider doing a drift on the sol duc..... Especially with these low flows. If you do at least go behind someone who has rowed it at all flows, and is good on the paddles.... Ever thought about doing a drift on the queets/hoh?
I would agree, I wouldnt even attempt the Duc. The Bogy and Queets are pretty easy drifts (lower queets). If there are any spots one would even consider just walk it down. Last year there was a boat right in front of us that went down and it was not a pretty sight scanning the water for people.
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~Jake~
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shakertaker
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i was also considering doing the bogie. i have wanted to do the hoh but i also heard it was bad on some spots but still much easier then the duc. i have floated the humptulips in a drift boat and it seemed fairly easy. i havent had a chance to check into the queets yet but ill just ask you jake tomorrow at school 
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Always Make Sure To Put In That Last Cast!
~Bob~
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b water
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If you have not been down the duc with someone who knows the lines, think hard about trying it. The duck can drop a board at maxfield overnight making it sketchy one day and dangerous the next. I would error on the side of caution. I went down with someone else 4 times before I felt I could row my drift boat.
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Rossiman
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2 guys who are just starting out on the sticks, should be attempting easier floats. Some guys who have been rowing for 10 years and have went with guides multiple times wont even attempt to float the Duc..... There is a reason for that, its easily one of the more dangerous rivers to float in WA. TBH i think your nuts for even considering floating it..... Not to sound mean or anything i just don't wanna see you guys on the news. http://www.steelheaduniversity.com/Averting_Disaster.html
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Bank Bum
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after reading this  i had a long talk w shakertaker  sounds like we are still gonna do this but with lots of caution,my bud will be going with us,so we will let him go First  ,j/k will just take are time,eyes peeled,& if any doughts,we will walk around the places in dought ,extra rope will be a must,extra jug for dad to calm nerves  and proceed with caution.were not going up there til the end of next week,so i`ll keep checking this situation out,but if there are any more suggestions,i`d like to hear them. Thanks guys Bank Bum
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Someone,I tell you,will remember us.-Sappho,Greek Poet 600BC
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riverwader
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Dang I was thinking of buying a toon, but after reading all of this maybe I better stay on the bank.  Seriously, take care and have a good time. I'm looking forward to some pics. I think you are smart using the experience of the people that have floated whatever river you are going to do. I am looking at getting a toon. What kind do you have? I have been reading alot on the net. I know before I buy I will post and take a poll. Maybe I will just do that now. Hey bank bum did you ever hear from grumpy?
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