I have always thought of running a river line more as an all day trapping thing thing to get maximum traps out but also not worry about it being a down market. I am getting ready to retire so I will have a lot of time.A section of river probably 40 miles from home has a lot of tributaries running into it and just seem to be screaming rats,mink,otter and coon. There seem to be a lot of 16 foot reasonable priced boats on craigslist that would be up to the task and with an olive drab paint job would be a great trapping boat. But was wondering on motors. Getting close to shore would seem like an outboard would be out since it would be hitting bottom as I paralled the shore. What do those motors run that have those long shafts that stick out the back and is there a website for them ? Thanks for anyone who has done this and wants to share any info.
I RETIRED JUST A FEW YEARS AGO WITH THE EXACT SAME THING IN MIND. I HAVE BEEN TRAPPING ON THE BIG RIVER HERE EVER SINCE. AT FIRST I USED MY 14' V-HULL FISHING BOAT, BUT AFTER MORE THAN ONE NEAR MISS IN HEAVY WEATHER, I DECIDED TO GET A BIGGER BOAT, WITH MUCH MORE CARGO SPACE. MY THOUGHT WAS A DUCK HUNTING BOAT WOULD WORK AS A TRAPPING BOAT. I SETTLED FOR A 17' TRACKER GRIZZLY. ALL WELDED CONSTRUCTION, HUGE CARGO BOX, LIGHT WEIGHT. AS THE MOTOR ON MY SMALL BOAT WAS NEW, I JUST USED IT. A LITTLE SMALL AT 20 HORSE POWER, BUT WITH THE LIGHT BOAT IT PUSHES IT FASTER THAN IT DID THE HEAVY FIBERGLASS ONE. AND WITH SHORT SHAFT YOU CAN JUST ABOUT GO ANYWHERE THAT YOU NEED TO. FOUR-STROKE ENGINE IS VERY TROUBLE FREE. I HAVE HAD A BLAST THE LAST FEW YEARS WITH THIS SET-UP AND IT WILL CARRY A LOT MORE GEAR WITH A LOT LESS HEAVY LIFTING. HOPE THIS GIVES YOU SOME IDEA'S, AND GOOD LUCK ON THAT RIVER LINE.