Okay - so since I'm still pretty much a rookie and mostly a fisherman (not racer) - I'm intrigued by this, but I don't believe I have it in me to try an kayaking endurance race like this. (plus neither of my rigs are the right kind for speed) - but it's pretty cool. I followed the race results last year and am impressed that 2/3 of the boaters finished it in the time required. Amazing. Missouri American Water MR340 « RiverMiles (if you didn't know - it's a 340 mile race from KC, MO to St Charles MO in 88 hours. Usually sometime in July.

However, with three 'big rivers' all close by, (The MO, the Miss, and the IL rivers) I would like to do more big river kayaking/fishing, but am still pretty intimidated by the power boats, barges, the speed and power of the current - plus the flying carp!!

Anybody on here around STL Or one of these big rivers have any advice or experience? You know, like "stay off the big rivers!" There's some backwater areas I'd like to hit, but pretty sure I'd have to access either upstream or downstream from the main rivers. Not sure I could handle a lot of 'upstream' with a 2-3 mph current to overcome.

Thoughts?
All my kayak/canoe experience is lakes in Illinois or the streams in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways (mostly shallow, slightly challenging and gorgeous scenery)