I live west of Seattle, Washington, of course I know what 'drift-boats' are, I have
even fished from them a couple of times. My first encounter, however, was during
a cocktail party in Denver, Colorado. The impression was a memorable one for it
was the intensity and fervor of those engaged in the conservation of the moment.
Now boats are not a stranger to me, been kicking around in them since I was a pup.
But this was a big fly-fishing show and my head was chock-full of fly-rods and such.
Certainly not 'drift-boats.' I feared I had fallen in with fanatics. I endured about all I
could enjoy and an hour later left the clannish gathering with the various names and
virtues of 'river-dancers' firmly implanted in my mind.
So it may be with you. "Boats is boats," you might say. For you perhaps, but not
for a heck of a lot of guys who fish, guide and otherwise operate (row) river-boats.
They have as many clubs, groups, chapters and organizations as there are rivers and
access points. And there have been books written about this stuff for as many years
too. This book, Driftboats, gives one the whole picture, the history right
up to now on about anything you might want to know.
Remembering I don't own one, I found it an interesting book for the history, well
covered by pictures, and the excellent chronology of events recounted. These river
guys have been at this a long time, way back to the days of logging in the Pacific northwest.
Todays little 'river-dancers' are the evolution of such times and crafts.
Oh sure, the book tells all about the different makes, kinds, sizes, materials, lengths, and
styles. There are also instructions for proper basics of rowing your driftboat, reading the
water, drifting a river, outfitting your driftboat and what to look for when purchasing your
first driftboat. It really is a complete guide. It also brings some magic, some re-living of
times gone by, a peek backwards into the past. Delightful.
If you own one now, may own one in the future, or don't think you would ever want one,
but would like to expand your knowledge a bit, this book is for you. ~ JC
Driftboats: A complete guide
95 pages
Soft Bound: $19.95 US
ISBN 1-57188-189-1
Published by
Frank Amato Publications Inc.
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