Best watercraft for floating the Hooch/Toccoa

[Fishing]

Scanned the topics and didn't really see this topic answered specifically. I am looking for a watercraft of some sort, be it float tube, toon, yak, or canoe, to fish the Hooch or Toccoa. I really enjoy wading but some places I've been told floating it is the best way to fish it. I enjoy the thought of a float tube or toon for the ability to carry them around if I need, but at the same time I know how important it is to be able to get to the shore quick if the water rises, and I don't want to be stuck in the middle with something you can't get moving to the shore. Pros/cons of each? I'd rather keep this product at least moderately cheap, if someone could please give me some suggestions or tips that would be great!


Alex

[Gatorbyte]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but as you'll see, there is no single "best" watercraft. they all have pros and cons. A float tube is great for quick floats and can open up a lot of new water, but moving around in them can be tough. I love my Bucks Bags round tube and wouldn't trade it. I also like my pontoon and it is my vessel for longer floats. It works great on the Toccoa tailwater and the Hooch as well. Rowing upstream just isn't going to happen. hence, why I want NuCanoe.

Oh yeah, floating the toccoa tailwater in a float tube is NOT a good idea. It will take you forever and you will do A LOT of walking.

[Riverpirate]

Yes I am a little biased but I believe that a yak of some kind (that would include the NuCanoe)is the best of all worlds. It has lots of advantages over most other forms of floating and has very few drawbacks.

[SlckTrck]

Well, I am definateley biased as I just bought a drift boat.
It's excellent for what I want out of a craft. I also have a Scadden Sunrise pontoon. It is also very good at it's purpose.

My Scadden is a single person pontoon. I can row upstream, easier if you ferry the raft to one bank or the other. of course this needs to be in fairly slow water. I can stand and cast. It is very stable, very comfortable and has been a blast.
Great for ponds, small lakes, rivers. If you go this route, you get what you pay for. No offense to anyone that owns one but those Trout Unlimited pontoons do not compare to a Scadden. Fish Craft is also an excellent maker and are a bit cheaper. You can get pontoons set up for 1-3 people.

A drift boat on the other hand like my Clacka is a lot bigger craft. I wanted to be able to take others that did not have rafts fishing. I also wanted to do very long floats on bigger rivers and lakes. Plus take the dogs along or a bunch of camping gear.

These are the 2 types I have the most experience with.

You can check out: http://www.clackacraft.com

and

http://www.northforkoutdoors.com

[Fishing]

As much as I would love a drift boat it's well out of my price range. The NuCanoes did look nice though I would be saving up for a while for that as well. Looks like float tube is the first order of business.

[Hooch Hokie]

Gatorbyte - noticed you seemed to like the NuCanoe, what about the Native Watercraft boats? If I go w/a kayak-like vessel, my guess is I want something that has more than just paddle power - so the NuCanoe motor mount is attractive, but so is the propel series that Native makes. Any thoughts? I'd also like to have the option of standing up to do a little site fishing - either one that's better?

SlckTrck - I've looked at the Scadden toons and am thinking about getting one, do you have any feel for how mobile they are in still water vs. a kayak? I'm assuming they're slower. Also, do you find yourself using the standing platform a lot? Seems like most boats w/a standing platform are a good bit more expensive, so I'm wondering if it's just a feature that I'd wind up not using but paying a lot for.

[MariettaMike]

I own a Scadden Sunrise, WS Tarpon kayak, Caddis float tube and Fish Cat float seat. I wouldn't sell any of them because there are different situations, seasons and/or sections of the river that cater to each craft.

If I had to pick just one of these for floating the Toccoa and Hooch to fly fish for trout it would be the Scadden pontoon.

CONS
Floating a toon means having a fishing partner or Gunne to shuttle you from your take out to your put in spot.

Set-up/take-down time.

Tough to row upstream, BUT I have successfully gone from Settles to the shoal just below Hwy 20 bridge in 2 hours with a 30# trolling motor and getting out three times to pull over the shoals. I can paddle my kayak up the same water in less than an hour and only get out once.

Highest cost.

Inflatables will eventually leak.


PROS
Most comfortable to fly fish from. Only craft with standing option in deep water.

Shallow draft, inflatable and stable is most shoal friendly. If you did get caught in a water release I don't think you would have that much trouble running the high water.

Don't really need waders. I use neoprene socks in my wading boots.

Don't need vest. Use saddle bags.

Bring multiple rods in rod holders.

Highest load capacity.

Trolling motor option.

Breaks down to fit in the trunk/back seat of regular car. You can even pack it for travel.

I know there are other Pros/Cons I've missed, but if you've got the money. Get a Scadden.

If you don't get a stand-up toon like a Scadden then get a SOT kayak so you can paddle upstream and wade the shoals.

The float tube and float seat are pretty much walk up and float down devices. There are times when this is best.

For bigger rivers and budgets you can't beat a drift boat.

[spinboy]

I've tried them all and I will be fishing from my yak 99% of the time from now on. It is by far the simplest, not to mention it's just fun to paddle even if you're not catching anything. If you feel the need to stand up to fish just get out and wade. It's easy to move around, paddle up or down, and just jump out at any time because you can port a yak about anywhere. They are also the best thing to be in when the water rises IMO because you have that control. Toons and drift boats are much tougher to row in swift water.

[SlckTrck]

SlckTrck - I've looked at the Scadden toons and am thinking about getting one, do you have any feel for how mobile they are in still water vs. a kayak? I'm assuming they're slower. Also, do you find yourself using the standing platform a lot? Seems like most boats w/a standing platform are a good bit more expensive, so I'm wondering if it's just a feature that I'd wind up not using but paying a lot for.

I use the standing platform all the time. Well worth the extra money.
A Kyak or canoe is going to be much easier to row but MUCH less stable.
I have no issue going through Class III rapids in my toon. I would steer clear in a canoe and would only run them in certain types of yaks.
Now, my scadden can accept a trolling motor our a small 2-4 HP gas outboard. Rowing problem solved.

I will say this, My Scadden sunrise is some of the best money I have ever spent on fishing gear.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_c5DybLPrmk8/RfoEAgbpc2I/AAAAAAAAAB0/S1m2_TaLsKc/s320/sightfishing.JPG

[Riverpirate]

I have a couple of yaks I stand and fish from.

[MariettaMike]

http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=4298&stc=1&d=1246982890

Stand-Up kayak fishing practice.

[Riverpirate]

Here is a picture of me standing in one playing air guitar. I do this in seminars so people can see how stable they are.

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o243/Riverpirate01/fishing/006-4.jpg

[flyg]

I've used tubes and kayaks a lot, and paddled a toon a couple times. IMO, if you are looking for a cheaper drift-fishing outfit for fly fishing shoally flowing river,s a toon is a good choice. Just be sure that's all you want it for. I'm sure it would work OK for small ponds as well. A tube is good for portability--you can grab it and carry it up a ways and float back down, or get around in shoally areas where unassisted wading is tricky. As a fly fishing platform, my cheap one really sucks. At 6' 210 lbs, I'm sitting very low in the water and my elbows are hitting the storage bags on the side. Awful. A kayak is the most versatile, IMO. Available used and ready to fish for $500. It can be paddled upstream in moderate flows and can be used in big lakes or in the salt. I know folks stand in their kayaks, and some are pretty stable, but your height and weight will make a difference. Tall folks will have a harder time. I can stand in my boat, but not well enough to fly fish. But I have an off-brand boat that is not particularly stable. Also, getting up and down from a butt-sitting position can be awkward, regardless.

Conclusion: If you really ONLY want a drift-fishing outfit for fly fishing on rivers--a toon is your best bet. If you want the ability to do anything else, a kayak is your best bet. A tube sucks, but is cheap and very portable.

G

[Fishing]

Sadly at 6'6" and 200 lbs I'm don't have the lowest center of gravity :(

[zacmac2112]

They are also the best thing to be in when the water rises IMO because you have that control. Toons and drift boats are much tougher to row in swift water.

I disagree on the driftboat part if you know what you are doing somewhat they are the safest craft on the water in high fast moving water. A moderately skilled angler can control and navigate a pontoon or drift boat in much faster water than any rivers that you would fish in the south. look at rivers out west that flow much faster than the hooch at full generation and plenty of people fish them.

stuff can go wrong much faster in a canoe or kayak than in a boat with two oars in the center. you can always row backwards and away from danger in a drift boat or pontoon but in a canoe or kayak you are dodging things.

i know that a whitewater canoe or kayak can go through much more than a big boat, but i have never felt that i was in danger in my drift boat. i have flipped my canoe multiple times though, and lost a rod fishing from a kayak.

if i had only one choice though i do agree that a 14' canoe is pretty durn maneuverable in the hands of a skilled paddler, and you can go solo or take a friend. so that would be my vote

[Sampioen]

Someone told me that using an anchor with a toon is scary because the toon tips backwards. Do you have any comments on anhor use, and do you drift with one?

Kev.

[Jakal03]

Someone told me that using an anchor with a toon is scary because the toon tips backwards. Do you have any comments on anhor use, and do you drift with one?

Kev.

I use an anchor on my toon. People have told me not to, but I don't listen to people most the time :rolleyes:. A few things to remember if you do use an anchor:

- Never anchor in deep fast water. It will turn the boat straight up. (don't ask me how I know this :blush:)
- Always carry a knife in order to cut the anchor line in emergency.
- Be prepared to lose a few anchors because of the above statement.

I generally do not run into problems on slower to moderate flowing water. I did however float the Flint one day at a high flow and my anchor got caught between some rocks in a faster flowing run. With my motor and battery on the back the boat was already heavy in the back. I had to use my knife and lose my anchor that day before the boat went over on me.

[GeoMike]

This 'debate' has shown up several times, and as Gatorbyte says, there's really no "one size fits all".
I have a Nucanoe, which you can find a picture of in one of my posts along with the pros/cons I have with it. The biggest reason I chose it is the ability to put an electric motor on it, mostly for lake and slow water fishing.
I also have a float tube that fits some situations better.
Here's a site that will give you some insight to the Nucanoe: http://blog.nucanoe.com/

One of the problems I have is that I don't have friends to go with for the 2 car drop off/pickup required for floating. I use the tube to hike up the river and float back in those situations.

Good luck in your search for what works for best for you.

George

[zacmac2112]

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/boa/1251655434.html
i am not affiliated with this but it looks like a good deal

[SlckTrck]

I have a anchor on my toon and I can hold in some pretty good flows. Scadden makes them with integrated anchor systems.
Of course my toon is almost 11 feet long and are as big around as a white water raft.
You do need to be careful as really fast water is bad to anchor in in any craft.

If you are going to use an anchor, keep a knife handy and DO NOT tie a not in the end of your anchor line. You never know when you might have to do a quick release.

If you are worried about loosing your anchor.... pay closer attention to your anchor line. :cool: You should be doing this anyway.

For any craft you choose, dont cheap out. This is what will be carrying you down the river. Cheap can get you killed:yikes:

Also, if you go with a toon, do some research and pay close attention to what materials are used.

Steel frames are heavier and will bend easy.

Thin alluminum is lighter but can still bend.

Aircraft aluminium is still light but much stronger. Also more $$

Also the toons thmeselves. what material and how thick?

Cabela's website has a nifty little comparison feature.

[Rusty Fowler]

I see three mistakes in your query. The use of the words best, cheap, and watercraft. If you want something affordable that you can fish off of (standing) then a good pontoon is hard to beat. A couple of these guys have already mentioned Skadden but Skookum makes a good boat as well.

[Fishing]

Ah how easy it is to leave off "moderately" I do understand I'm making a purchase here. Question B goes as follows:

I own only hip waders and want to fish near JB on the Hooch. Am I better off taking the boat money and investing in chest waders and look into a watercraft later?

[MariettaMike]

There is a group fishing Jones Bridge tomorrow after 5pm.

Come on out and wet wade then you can make an educated decision on whether to buy waders or a boat AND trailer.

The "trailer" has benefits you may not be aware of at Jones Bridge, but that's not appropriate for this thread..

[Rusty Fowler]

I almost forgot. I've got a friend that has an ODC pontoon for sale. He's got a drifter and a G3 so the 'toon's just collecting dust. It's a steal at $125-$150. I can send you pictures if you'd like.

Here ya go.....

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-11/878937/ODC-pontoon.jpg

[Fishing]

There is a group fishing Jones Bridge tomorrow after 5pm.

Come on out and wet wade then you can make an educated decision on whether to buy waders or a boat AND trailer.

The "trailer" has benefits you may not be aware of at Jones Bridge, but that's not appropriate for this thread..

I won't be availible this week, Sunday or after :(. I'll post on the board when I go and hopefully meet some of you

[spinboy]

I disagree on the driftboat part if you know what you are doing somewhat they are the safest craft on the water in high fast moving water. A moderately skilled angler can control and navigate a pontoon or drift boat in much faster water than any rivers that you would fish in the south. look at rivers out west that flow much faster than the hooch at full generation and plenty of people fish them.

stuff can go wrong much faster in a canoe or kayak than in a boat with two oars in the center. you can always row backwards and away from danger in a drift boat or pontoon but in a canoe or kayak you are dodging things.

i know that a whitewater canoe or kayak can go through much more than a big boat, but i have never felt that i was in danger in my drift boat. i have flipped my canoe multiple times though, and lost a rod fishing from a kayak.

if i had only one choice though i do agree that a 14' canoe is pretty durn maneuverable in the hands of a skilled paddler, and you can go solo or take a friend. so that would be my vote

I'm sure there are reasons drifters and toons are safer but only if you're very comfortable in them. I am not. I personally feel safer in the yak. That toon deal is awesome. I'd go to Outdoor World if I were you and sit in a few yaks in their pool to see how it feels. You will no doubt be more stable in a toon or drifter. I just feel like I have more control in the yak and can get through tighter spots without pause.

[oyster]

Of course there's one more option out there - some might say the best option - hmmmm.....;)
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s313/oystersb/raftinaction.jpg

Bill O.


_______________
www.oysterbamboo.com

[dkearney]

I'm looking for a fly fishing platform for the Hooch that allows me to drift down and motor/paddle back. Key for me beyond the ability to go upstream are: 1. safety (stability) while casting and 2. portability. Any experience with the Mokai? Any other thoughts on suitable craft.

[Steve L]

I've had a Mokai for a couple of years now (in addition to a 'toon). It is ideal for the Hooch, going up stream a few miles then drifting back and fishing (from Medlock up, or Abbots up). It will do 5-7 mph upstream, handle some pretty skinny water, but not enough power to get through any significant rapids (above McGinnis or Hwy 20). I use a short paddle to maneuver while drifting and that works well. It’s reasonably comfortable as well.

Downsides – it is a little heavy and bulky. I use a modified utility trailer for transporting, and the optional wheels are also handy (I’ve gotten it down the ramp at Settles, but need a little help getting back up those steps at the water). The only other occasional problem is weeds – they will stop up the intake and then you have no option but to get out, and clean the grate.

All in all, a fun boat for alot of circumstances. But still love the ‘toon for downstream floats and just starting to play with a new Native Ultimate 12 for simple up and back paddles. As GB said early in this thread, no "one size fits all."

[CU Tiger Fisherman]

I have a NuCanoe and love it. I have been out of the game for 5 weeks with a leg injury and cannot wait to get back on the water.

[MariettaMike]

For SOLO fishing/SINGLE SEATer the best ALL AROUND option for fishing the Hooch is a 12' SOT kayak.

Paddle up, fish down. Fish down, paddle up. Drift/paddle down longer sections than pontoon. No assembly. No swamping. No tubes to leak. Low Cost. Green. Plenty used available.

Also can use pond fishing, lake fishing, marsh fishing, duck hunting, flash flood escape...seated use only.

The only boats you can stand up fly fish from are pontoon boats or drift boats. Don't fall for the BS about standing up in a NuCanoe or Native. Without a lean bar like a pontoon boat or a brace like a drift boat your *** is going in the water.

PS: Natives and NuCanoes are NOT kayaks. Don't even try to paddle upstream and bring a sponge to bail the water out if you get in/out to fish the shoals. They ARE more stable than kayaks.