Fishing out of a canoe

[DetroitIron]

I"m getting my newly acquired Coleman Scanoe (square back canoe) setup for fishing.

Anyone here fish much with a canoe? Do you have any picture setups? Experiences and feedback?

I have a thread setup in "boat rigging", if you could provide some feedback I"d be much appreciative.

Thanks

Mike

[Smada962]

i did it for two summers. I had a just a plain old 17' aluminum starcraft canoe. Had a lot of fun, plus you can get a good workout. The biggest thing that gave me fits was the wind. By myself in that canoe in the wind was just plain hell.

I bought a snap on seat with a backrest and it was a lifesaver for me. I also rigged up a fish finder by bolting the transducer to the end of a sawed off hockey stick and "c"-clamping it to the side of canoe so it was portable. Actually worked pretty well. It may have not been the fanciest set-up but I definitely caught fish out of it.

[basskiller46]

Ive been in one with a 5 horse on the back. They are quick but i dont really like fishing out of them because i cant stand to cast. You can go places that usually cant get to.

[DetroitIron]

Ive been in one with a 5 horse on the back. They are quick but i dont really like fishing out of them because i cant stand to cast. You can go places that usually cant get to.

That is one of the reasons I'm setting it up, to get to places a normal boat cant get in, or where a boat launch isn't available.


In regards to "not being able to stand" while casting, thats why I'm building some outriggers for it, similar to that shown below:

http://www.canoeoutriggers.com/

[basskiller46]

Thats sweet. I would build a small deck or platform too. That would be an awsome solo rig. Easy to load and unload.

[sirslurpee]

I bought an 8' jon boat for the same reasons. I can stand and cast in it and it's way more stable than my grandpa's 16' canoe that I've fished out of a couple times. Also it fits in the back of my truck or the top of a car for river floats ;)

[Wanderin'_Angler]

I love to fish out of small vessels like canoes, but I really REALLY prefer my kayak. Its a fishing kayak, rod holders, plenty of storage and tie downs and a super stable bottom, double curved instead of v shaped. You can get into some amazing places with these small craft. I wouldn't trade my kayak for anything. :)

G :fish:

[Team Spawn Bag]

Search the web and you tube. Take a good look at how other people have set-up their rigs. The outrigger/balancers are a great idea, you just have to find the balance between wide/stable and unportable/in the way.

Remember, the moment you put a motor (including trolling motor) on that thing you need MC numbers. And don't forget the PFDs, thats an expensive one as well.

Best of luck out there.

[Team Spawn Bag]

SHHHhhhh! Wanderin. Let them all think that canoes are the way to go. ;)

[WILDCATWICK]

That is one of the reasons I'm setting it up, to get to places a normal boat cant get in, or where a boat launch isn't available.


In regards to "not being able to stand" while casting, thats why I'm building some outriggers for it, similar to that shown below:

http://www.canoeoutriggers.com/

Should take pictures of your building project and post it when done. I know I'd like to see how it goes for you.

[DetroitIron]

Search the web and you tube. Take a good look at how other people have set-up their rigs. The outrigger/balancers are a great idea, you just have to find the balance between wide/stable and unportable/in the way.

Remember, the moment you put a motor (including trolling motor) on that thing you need MC numbers. And don't forget the PFDs, thats an expensive one as well.

Best of luck out there.

Thanks for the luck. You are correct about the MC numbers. Thankfully the previous owner allready had the MC numbers on the boat. I just got the registration changed at sec of state, paid my money to Jenny G., got my 2012 stickers, I'm a legal eagle!! I have a 3 hp light two stroke engine to power it, as well as my 55 lb thrust electric troller.

[DetroitIron]

Should take pictures of your building project and post it when done. I know I'd like to see how it goes for you.

I"ll do that. I'm going to also build a rod holder, small "cockpit" where I can have my fish finder and flasher mounted to, cupholders. I also saw some dude who mounted umbrellas to his for the very hot sunny days , I'll probably do this for the wifey, as she is very fair complected and melanoma runs in her family.

[john warren]

one thing i would do is place my battery at the other end of the canoe and run lines to the stern. this helps balance the canoe a little . i fished out of a canoe for years and dearly loved it. you can get places you can't imagine. the electric is all the motor you will need.
also remember less is more, if you don't need it don't take it.
in a few trips you will be so used to it you will wonder why people don't think its stable

[flyfish]

Those styrofoam stabilizers on the sides help alot. any weight up front if fishing alone is helpfull.

[DetroitIron]

thanks for the info guys. Keep any input coming...

[Team Spawn Bag]

Ding! Had another thought: If there is room under the benches, you could install some storage boxes. They make compartments that hold 3 or 4 plano boxes.

So.....when are you taking the consultants out?

[salmonslammer]

If ur taking the wife with u.....

get one of those cheap tri fold lounge lounge chairs and wrachet strap it to the front of the canoe for her... Nice comfy seat with an adjustable back.... Clamp an umbrella to it if need be.

You can bet that if shes happy u'll be able to fish longer!!

Have fun!!

[john warren]

oh...forget the outrigger idea . maybe for big water if they were clamp on. but your going to end up leaving them at home. im not sure how the flotation is on a coleman. you do want it floating if swamped. if you take some of those swim noodles slice them down the middle and then glue them along the side just below the gunnel,,,but id hate to do that to a new canoe. they do make nice bumpers though.
thanks for the info guys. Keep any input coming...

[fishenrg]

Good back support is important to enjoying a long day in a canoe. I have a really old radisson canoe and those were designed that you sit really low for stability. In other canoes though I use a "crazy creek" style camp chair for something to lean against.

I also have my paddles rigged up like oars and have oarlocks on the canoe. Its a lot easier to reposition the canoe with one hand in oar mode than it is to paddle with one hand.

Most of my fishing is from a canoe. I love it!

[swamptromper]

I started out with a 17 foot alumy. Loved the space, but will get something in the 12-13 foot next time. Lite tuff plastic/rubber, preferably something by rubbermade. :D

I noticed the difference in not being able to get back into some hidey holes, with my current boat. I miss that, hauled some nice bass out of some spots.

PS leave large dogs at home..... :lol: the beagle was ok.

[Flash]

PM replied to.

These are the ones I used before I sold my 17' Wenonah Sundowner. 4' fiberglass nitrogen filled pontoons with gas piston shocks.
http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/550/medium/canoe-with-outriggers-1.jpg

http://www.nielsensoutriggercompany.com/