FS Digest

Looking to get either a Sit on Top kayak or a canoe for fishing in conservation areas, small lakes, etc (little or no exposure to waves or rough water). I've been kayak and canoeing before (years ago though) so while I'm not completely new, I'm no where near a pro either.

I'd like to bring my girlfriend with me (or dad), but would still like to use it alone at times. Here's whats going through my mind/ questions I have:

Which would be is more stable? Do I add inflatable stabilizers to a canoe for fishing?

Can I use a tandem kayak on my own?

A canoe seems like it would be more comfortable because instead of sitting in the same place I can move around and adjust?

I feel like it would be easier to cast/ reel in a fish in a canoe?

Can I get a canoe with oars (like a row boat) for when I'm alone, or is that a different boat all together?

If I flip the canoe how likely/ quickly does it fill with water and sink? lol

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by CrJackJack

beeswingrm Loc: Central Virginia

I am a fan of canoes - much easier to paddle a canoe solo (flip it around and steer from the bow) plus much more room for gear and you sit higher than either type of kayak. It is easier to get into and out of a canoe as well.

Canoes are pretty stable so stabilizers are only needed in cold water / weather when going under could be life threatening. Most canoes float even when full of water (tho they are very hard to control.) I bring a bailer on nearly every trip to get enough water out of a canoe so I can then tip it.

IMO biggest concern of either boat is weight - in order to float alone, you have to be able to handle getting the boat onto your vehicle. Although they no longer make ABS canoes, they are more durable and lighter. A used Old Town Camper 15-16' is a solid canoe, under 60 lbs.

tmhdgpth Loc: Farnham, VA on Rappahannock River

I have an Old Towne twin heron tandem kayak. The hull is specially designed to work for either 1 or 2 passengers, and it does as long as both passengers know how to paddle ssynchronized.
You might check Sierra Trading Post for deals too!!

Bass face

I am definitely a canoe guy! Way more storage space and easy to modify.

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

They both have their advantages, but consider that you have to be able to handle it alone at times.

TBRhino Loc: NC and FL

I have used both and because as others say the Canoe has more storage for me it was more versatile. I also experienced catching larger fish with both and found easier to go to knees and land fish in a canoe. I also personally find it easier to move around if get stiff in a canoe versus my kayak, younger folk probably don't have same issues. I also prefer paddling a canoe with two especially if the other is not experienced. All they need to do is move water I steer etc. I always kept gear in both in floatable bags or cases because you will eventually flip both. Oars can be adapted to a canoe, work well just more to carry in and out. Actual casting/fishing from both was similar except when alone again could put knees on seat in canoe and be a little more elevated. Good luck

Big dog Loc: Bayshore, Long Island, New York

Canoe for sure.! Room for a cooler, girl friend or dog, tackle box,etc.
I have outriggers for added stabilization which allows me to stand up.

TimHall Loc: Detroit, Mi; Mayville, NY

i love canoes. never had a kayak. if you get the standard aluminum canoe based on the old grumman design it is very stable, very difficult to flip. once you become skilled at paddling it is extremely easy to maneuver. (no need for synchronized paddling.) it is so stable you can stand up to cast. i rigged mine with a 36 lb thrust trolling motor, with the battery way in front for balance. I turned the head around. then i sat facing the stern on a cooler just in front of the rear thwart. this became a very controllable bass boat, fishing from either sitting position or standing. when standing my calves would be against the thwart. i used this for years on lake st. clair, the st. clair river and chautauqua lake. never came close to capsizing or falling out. it had float chambers at each end but i never tested it by submerging it. my grandfather trolled for muskies at chautauqua from the late 40s into the 60s, paddling from 6 am till noon every day. in the later years a friend welded outriggers on it with oarlocks so he would sit in the middle and row. made one of the greatest rowing boats you could imagine. canoes are great! transporting them can be a bit difficult, though, as the usually have to on top of a car and the lift is difficult because the center of gravity is low and the canoe "wants" to flip to upright as you want to put it on the car upside down. but i'm telling you, you will love a good canoe! one time, in october at chautauqua, the smallmouth were biting like crazy but the water was so cold that i would have to put a rug down on the bottom of the canoe as my feet, in good boots, would get too cold. i wore a snow suit to fish, then had to take it off the moment i arrived on land due to being too hot. catching 5 lb. smallmouths....

Grumpus

Having fished from both, I vote for the canoe. Easier (at my age) than a kayak getting in to and out of. More room, too. If fishing alone, 13ft. is a good size, one with outrigger oar supports. Using a hula popper retrieve is all you need to pull the canoe along. I like a 16ft best. I had a Grumman that was very stable, easy to handle and not too heavy, maybe about 60-70lbs. I would put a five gallon bucket full of water in the bow for balance. It disappeared while I was in sunny SE Asia. I would like to find another like it. Good luck on your quest.

Jeep1980 Loc: Bellingham, Wa.

Check out what is available from SeaEagle.com for inflatable stuff.. I have had my 3 person Explorer 420 for at least 10 years and it is still going strong.. light weight and easy to paddle or store... they also have Canoes.. just a thought... Paul

TimHall Loc: Detroit, Mi; Mayville, NY

i got mine from a company called osagien. but that was in the 90s.