01-28-2006, 01:10 AM
[cool][#0000ff]Yup. Look before you leap (float) is good advice. Even though I have been accused of being a few lures shy of a full tackle box, I have never headed downstream on any flow that I had not reconnoitered first.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If your intended float will carry you through stretches of water a long ways from road access, about your only looksee option is to first float it in a riverworthy craft, and make notes. Most of the floats I have made were on waters that had bike paths, roads or trails along the banks. I either drive and walk, ride a bike or hike the length of the intended float. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]In the process of checking float potential on the American River, in Sacramento, I made a hand-drawn map. It included deeper runs, shallows, drops, narrows, bends and all that stuff. I later cleaned it up, had an artist do a better job on it and printed it for sale. Sold some advertising on it and made some money too. I got good use out of it as did many other rafters, canoers, kayakers and other float fans.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]In checking out several different float sections of the larger Sacramento River, I was surprised at all of the potential hazards along the shoreline, even though the river was deep and wide. It showed me that if I wanted to fish along the sometimes more productive shore areas that I would have to pay attention to details and not allow myself to get snarled in overhanging trees or brush. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Pre travelling your float trip is also good for spotting potential take out spots, for wading, lunch stops or "nature calls". These things will be part of a full day afloat.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Also, until you are entirely sure how much distance you will cover in a day, you should choose a takeout spot within easy reach, allowing for some stops on the best fishing holes. If you have arranged for someone to pick you up downstream, they tend to panic if you are more than several hours late.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]It's all good.[/#0000ff]
[signature]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]If your intended float will carry you through stretches of water a long ways from road access, about your only looksee option is to first float it in a riverworthy craft, and make notes. Most of the floats I have made were on waters that had bike paths, roads or trails along the banks. I either drive and walk, ride a bike or hike the length of the intended float. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]In the process of checking float potential on the American River, in Sacramento, I made a hand-drawn map. It included deeper runs, shallows, drops, narrows, bends and all that stuff. I later cleaned it up, had an artist do a better job on it and printed it for sale. Sold some advertising on it and made some money too. I got good use out of it as did many other rafters, canoers, kayakers and other float fans.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]In checking out several different float sections of the larger Sacramento River, I was surprised at all of the potential hazards along the shoreline, even though the river was deep and wide. It showed me that if I wanted to fish along the sometimes more productive shore areas that I would have to pay attention to details and not allow myself to get snarled in overhanging trees or brush. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Pre travelling your float trip is also good for spotting potential take out spots, for wading, lunch stops or "nature calls". These things will be part of a full day afloat.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Also, until you are entirely sure how much distance you will cover in a day, you should choose a takeout spot within easy reach, allowing for some stops on the best fishing holes. If you have arranged for someone to pick you up downstream, they tend to panic if you are more than several hours late.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]It's all good.[/#0000ff]
[signature]