Ok, My old man bought a 96 Alumaweld driftboat the other day. It is a really nice boat , heating piped in , fishon holders already mounted, and a padded dry box seat up front. He wants me to set up up for him, mainly steelheading with a litttle flyfishing in the summer.

My question(s) is what else needs to be done to set it up right?

I was thinking of a rod storage holder (for plug rods while plunking, and vice versa). Before I do anything though, I want to know what you have done with your boat and was has worked well, and what hasn't worked.

Also, Pics are certainly appreciated. This is your chance to do a little bragging and show off your ride, so post up!

I think this was originally posted by Timber but this is something I want to really build for my boat.

Make sure you have a spare oar / Long 75' to 100' extra rope on board.A couple extra drain plugs.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

A extra rope that can easily be attached to the bow for walking around dangerous spots is a must.

Two Plastic water proof ammo can style containers. 1 small plastic cooler for bait storage. 1 portable BBQ under passenger seats ( a Chorizio on the river is a beautyfull thing ) 1 tarp 10 x 10 and some thin rope ( saved my butt when I had to get out in a down pour. Rig as a shelter between two trees on the bank. ) 100 qt cooler behind rowing seat. And most importaint of all... another guy who knows how to row besides you so that once in a great while you will be sitting in front when a fish nails that plug..

And don't forget to have a really sharp knife handy so you can cut the anchor rope in an instant if need be.

75' of rope
Spare Oar
Spare Oar Lock
Spare Plugs
Misc Tools
Something to Pump or bail out rainwater
3 rod holders up front
6 rod holder next to oarsman for storage
Dry Toilet paper
Something to Pee in (most drowned fishermen are found with their fly open)

awesome. Keep these coming, I'm taking good notes.

The holder in the photograph shows stuff from http://www.promotionfishingproducts.com/ . they have some great looking stuff for storing tools and gear. I haven't actually used any of ti, but it looks great.

I check out that webpage, neat stuff. I like those leader dispensors but $40 per and $20 for backups, wow. Any other web sites showing driftboat accessories that I could find beneficial?

Already have:

Extra Oar
Heaters
Rod Holders - 5 mounts!
Several Lines
PFD's
PFD cushons
drainplugs
manual pump
Thin rope for emergency shelter
Tarp

I know I need:

C&R net
two pluggin rods
plugs
Leader holders
5/6 rod holder

What else?

Where is the best place to find?

Reviews of different brands?

Thanks for the advice!

I would like to see life jackets that would fit all people fishing (worn too, preferrably)

spoken as a member of the Lewis River Swim Team (January 2004)

After you get all this in the boat,then you'll have to remember to pack light as this stuff add's up in weight.No need for the 100Qt cooler.Unless you are on a week long drift.
Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

P.S. You may want to buy a 2x3 grey carpet floor mat to put up on the box to help keep things quiet.Pliers / lead etc.

I don't have a picture of this item but you can bolt on to your inner rail a leader holder that holds probably 25 wrapped leaders and you can spool them off. Pretty nice to hold bait diver leaders and also drift fishing leaders and you can also use it to attach plugs or spinners onto that you are using through out the day. Extra propane tanks are handy, and the fanny pack style life preservers are highly recommended. They don't get in the way and by the end of the day you don't even notice their on. $70 SPORTCO IN fIFE. Good place to buy a lot of this stuff too. I sure was impressed by the pic of the storage of plyers and scents etc. Goos stuff. Have fun and be safe and catch some chrome. JFK

If you are going to be using it for fly fishing then I would recommend putting a pedastal seat behind the rower's seat. It works great for three people fly fishing or it is a good place for the guy rowing to fly fish from when anchored. I put it in my 16' Alumaweld DB and it is removable too.

Floating fool, thanks for that web site now I have another place to spend money.

Mike I thought about the pedestal seat. Where did you get yours?

I believe my buddy got it from Cabelas. There are three of us that own the boat . PM me and leave me an email address and I will find out for sure.

I sent you an email about the seat.

Dont forget the wd40!! comes in handy for everything..

to reiterate b-run
a sharp knife with velcro or such to hold it
behind the oarsman seat with instant access
to cut the anchor rope in a emergency
and they happen
a 300 lbs digital scale that is used as weight limit for a passenger and all of their gear combined
and a floating type first aid kit with side and end cutting pliers included to remove temporary body piercing's before the trip home
oh ya and some vacuum packed TP
but most important?
a good attitude to ward off the evil goomba spirits:)
and a "MR heater"

Under stand 1 thing.. The guy rowing will not be fishing... I know that you Washingston state guys are really proud of your baby class 2 rapids .... at best... I guess thats why we see all those out of state plates every spring...

Quick Thanks to everyone for their replies to this post. Particularly the saftey stuff and the important stuff- like TP.

Overall I have a pretty good list built and am well on my way. I will post some photos when done.

One last question, I am in the market for a pedestal seat. Anybidy have one brand they really like over another? Features? etc?

Again thanks to all for the posts.

lotsa gas money!