there was a pretty good discussion about this about a year ago, on refugeforums.com. and i'm also pretty sure that the original poster was from ohio. you should check out the archives.

btw, i don't think that any part of you or your equipment can touch the bed of the river. that would be considered trespassing (but i might be wrong), you have to stay completely within your boat, and your boat/paddle can't touch the riverbed. but i could be wrong.