Red Sky Guide Service
Specializing in Steelhead and Salmon
Drift Boat trips on the Pere Marquette River
located in western Michigan

Introduction to
Drift Boats


So you finally got that drift boat you've been wanting for a long time.  You're cranked and ready to try it out.  You've never really handled a drift boat before but excited to try.  Is this a dangerous situation?  YOU BET!  Drift boats are a highly maneuverable boat that can change direction quickly, as well as get out of control quickly.  Mix in a little fast water and you have the makings of disaster. 

Have you ever been on the river when another boat comes by, slows down/stops upstream, and asks where YOU would like him to pass?  Then passes by your hole or run without a sound. Ever been on the river when a boat comes by, unannounced, the oarsman flailing at the oars, then yells to you to get out of HIS way, then can't seem to not hit you as he goes by? 

Along with the handling of a boat, comes river etiquette.  Ever thought maybe it would be nice to go out with someone willing to teach and share with you drift boat rigging, equipment, handling, and etiquette? 

This is where Red Sky Guide Service can help.  As a service to new drift boat owners, we offer a one day course in all aspects of running a drift boat. 

We will start off on shore with

  • The proper rigging of a drift boat
  • How to equip your drift boat
  • Launching and retrieving your drift boat
Then we will hit the river where we will work on:
  • Oar handling
  • Side-slipping
  • Rowing strategies
  • Approaches to hazards (logs, rocks, people)
  • Boat positioning for fishing 
For the session, we will use your boat, unless you have not received it yet.  The session will last about six hours and will often involve some fishing along the way.  Sometime along mid-day, we will stop for a hot shore lunch.

Your instructor has many years of boat handling from the relatively docile Michigan rivers to the spring melt-off western rivers.  He has completed the "Hyde Outfitters Guide School" and is a current member of the Hyde, GLoomis, Rio, and Simms Pro Staff. 

Overnight lodging is available in Baldwin or nearby Ludington.  Ask for recommendations. 

To discuss options and availability, Call Red Sky Guide Service at 586.463.8079

 

 
 



 
 
 
 
 

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Red Sky Guide Service - copyright 2007