Canoe - suitable for the 'hooch?

[DennisM]

I have a desire to move up from a float tube to a canoe and ran across this on eBay. I'm interested in learning how the members of NGTO, that have used canoes on the 'hooch, would rate this canoe. My primary area of use would be from Settles bridge down to the new facility at Holcomb bridge.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7121800894&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT

I am not associated with the seller of this item (I really dislike the fact that I feel some responsibility to even post this disclaimer!)

Regards,
Dennis (metro)

[Windknot]

Dennis,

While I haven't floated the route you describe, you should be fine in a canoe on the Hooch. The model is described as flat-bottomed, so initial stability should be comforting. The keel will help maintain a straight line when paddling.

The only downsides I see are that initial stability is a trade-off for final stability (in English, if it ever starts to roll, it's gone), and the keel means you will have to work a bit to navigate some areas, as the boat won't pivot quickly to change direction. These are no particularly big deal, as long as you pay attention to your surroundings and plan your course accordingly.

The aluminum hull (despite the fiberglass reinforced keel) poses a specific issue. The Hooch has lots of shoals filled with sharp little rock edges. The big ol' beam on that canoe may contact a sharp little point and may not let go! Again, not a show stopper if you plan ahead, but be aware that you may get stuck in such a position that the sticking point becomes a pivot point, and you may wind up sideways in a current run where being sideways is not a good thing. Plactics will scrape and gouge, but they don't hang up on sharp little rock points.

If you use it in cool or cold weather on your maiden voyage, be sure to have a complete change of clothing in a "dry bag." Actually, that's not a bad idea anytime. And wear a PFD. A good PFD.

The hull will get COLD on the Hooch, and it is noisy. You may want to think about I/O carpet to keep your feet from freezing or scaring fish.

Hope this helps.

Don

[kmox]

Metro,

I would steer clear of any fiberglass canoe for running a river with rocks. You also don't want one with a keel. Stick with a canoe made with Royalex or some other poly that will take on the rocks without putting a hole in it. I live in Macon and run the Flint and Ocmulgee a good bit. Both have their fair share of shoals. I have a Wenonah Spirit II 17' canoe in royalex and it does a great job. I purchased it used from a guy in Atlanta. Fiberglass and Kevlar are lightweight and great for areas without rocks. Ckeck out these manufactures: Wenonah, Mad River, Mohawk and Old Town. Also give the guys at "Go With the Flow" in Roswell a call or stop by and they will steer you in the right direction for the type canoe you need.

kmox

[DennisM]

Windknot and Kmox,

Thanks for the information. I've decided to pass on this particular canoe and hold out for one more suitable.

Information such as you've provided is one of the biggest reasons I'm a member of NGTO and happy to provide a donation each year.

Thanks again.

Dennis (metro)

[ASago]

If I can get Fish (Mark Ellis) to chime in here... he has the ultimate canoe for the river.. if he reads this I am sure he would be more than happy to describe what he has done.... fish?

[decfly]

For those of you that canoe and fish the hooch, do you primarily use it to get from shoal to shoal to get out and wade, or do you drift and cast from the boat? Is it doable to drift/cast while solo?

[jeffg]

Fish can fill you in more as Aaron stated, but his rig's main thing is the stabilizers on the canoe which allow 2 anglers to stand up and fish in the canoe. I trully dont think you can tip it wiht those stabilizers. and I plan on adding them to my 12 ft john boat to add stability when pushing across the carp flats. But even anchored and hopping in and out of the boat in waist deep water the boat is stable getting in and out.
great way to fish the hootch imho. better than sitting in a float tube for 4+ hrs in Dec/Jan!
And you can float shoal to shoal, and just drift and fish. Its somewhat similiar to a Mac boat as far as standing "on the water" allowing better casts, drfts, site fishing etc.. and small enough to throw on the roof of a van or jeep to do shuttles with.

[TheEndlessEnigma]

on wood or steel canoes ..... .see deliverance
hhhhehehehehe

[vonchim]

There are several outfitters that sell used canoes. Flint River Outdoor Center probably always has some for sale. There are others around, but thats the only one I can think of that would be selling them this late in the year.