canoes?

[gkoostra]

Does anybody have any thoughts on using a canoe instead of float tubes. Which do ya'll prefer? I am considering a canoe but I don't want to waist my money.

Gary

[Sal Fontinalis]

Canoes can be a lot tougher to cast out of, less stable, you're higher off the water, and you often have to turn an to an awkward angle to cast or land a fish. But you can travel farther distances and carry gear or a buddy for trips.

Float tubes are easier to turn and maneuver quickly and quietly, especially on slow water. Plus, you can move yourself while casting and its much easier to land a fish. But there's little room for camping equipment and not very versatile for paddling without fishing. They're a better choice for a day on the pond.

That being said, I still prefer a kayak to both.

[Obtuse Angler]

Some people swear by their float tubes. I have one and don't particularly like it. A canoe is a lot more expensive, but I love my canoe and never use my float tube. I have found it exceedingly difficult to cover any substantial amount of water at all in a tube.

While it is true that you hold yourself at some awkward angles to fish from a canoe, there are things you can to about that. One is to use the boat to reach the pool you want to fish, then beach it, get out and wade-fish the pool. Another thing, if the water is not too rough, is to add a stabilizer system to the canoe and then tipping is not an issue.

For me, the canoeing itself is a pleasurable part of a day of fishing. I can't say that for float tubing.

[Steve D]

Or think about a sit-on-top kayak.....I've fished all three. Each have their advantages and disadvantages. Something you might want to consider - go to a local canoe/kayak outfitter and rent a canoe for a day and go fish. Another day, rent a yak and go fish. Then decide which suits your needs best.

If you narrow it down to a canoe or a kayak, test paddle several different models and find out which suits you the best. There are many different models and all have performance trade-offs....

[Windknot]

Gary,

Use the Search feature to findout what's been said about canoes vs 'toons and tubes. I just used "canoe" on all open forums last night and found tons of info. There is an especially good thread that includes basic info, plus one post about fish's (aka cocoon & Mark) adaptations using stabilizer floats.

No one water craft is perfect for all activities. The ideal, of course, is one of each, but not everybody can do that. You need to think about where you fish most, where you want to fish, if you most often go solo or with a bud, if you plan overnighters, how comfortable you are hauling weight onto the vehicle roof, etc.

Canoes are one giant compromise of material, hull design and cost. All will float, but a flatwater canoe in a whitewater environment leads to white knuckles and wet clothes. A whitewater canoe on a breezy lake voyage will make you cry. Browse thru some canoe sites and check into their design specs. Old Towne had some really good, concise explanations on their website a few years back.

Just for fun, check out kayaks, too. If you're gonna study up so you can evaluate your options, might as well make it comprehensive.
Don

[chuckwagon]

Canoes are the way to go! I would recomend getting a canoe that will rate in faster waters. They will still handle fine in flat,but what if you want to float the HI. A flatwater canoe won't cut it. Get a hybrid. The Old Towne appalachian(sp?) or the mohawk 15xl. These two are to me the best for all circumstances. Rig up your canoe with an anchor pulley system. Riding solo I kneel in the middle of the canoe. Once you get used to the ways of the rock you become at home in it. In fact i have two tubes at home that have not been used in about 5 yrs. This is because the canoe is to much fun to fish out of. Put in and take out can be the most difficult to handle. this is simply due to the fact of 2 cars or a buddy. They don't all time together when you want to go. I love my old towne and wouldn't trade it for anything in the world!"except for maybe a G3!" good luck on your decision and remember to get a boat that will handle a litlle faster water!

trey niolon
chuckwagon

[GonetoSeed]

For additional information concerning pros and cons (compromises) of canoes and kayaks (but not tubes), including information covering types as well as specific models, read Georgia River Fishing's (GRF) Georgia Paddling forum: http://p077.ezboard.com/fgeorgiariverfishingfrm19

It also includes lots of rigging and safety information.

[Bob M]

ditto on a 16' Old Town 'Sport'. Add a 5 hp motor. Also add an anchor boom that you can work from the back of the boat. It accomodates oars of if want to use them in place of the outbard. It can be rowed with a paddle for short distances, positioning or down river. It is stable enough to stand up in. It bounces off rocks. It weighs 120 pounds so get a trailer unless you like carrying it up a boat ramp. Add a portable sonar unit and take on small lakes.

I still like a float tube because it is a lot less to futz with and keeps my hands free.

[James Buice]

Nothing beats floating in a canoe, but if you're wanting to have a fishing craft, I'd try an Outcast Powerdrifter as you can put power on it or use the oars. You can also stand and fish from a stable platform and take on some heavier water without the fear of tipping over as much as in a canoe.

-James

[GridWizard]

I have a single man pontoon boat that I like a lot. I have used it on the Hooch and on the Toccoa several times. With a battery powered pump, it is pretty easy to inflate.

[rugged2]

There is nothing like fishing from a canoe. You can put in just about anywhere.

I have a cheap, yet durable canoe that I bought from Sam's Club. It is a raging river built by Leisure Life. I paid $385 for it. Came with paddles, seats, built in dry storage compartment, cooler/live well, cup holders. Very tough. I go down the Chattooga in it all the time. Wide base is the key. I have used it hundreds of times over the last two years and have never tipped over.

Caught some nice fish out of it. I like what one fella posted- You can get to a nice pool and get out and wade. We even fished this winter out of it with our waders on.

Enjoy God's great creation. No better way to do it than fishing for trout.