When choosing a fishing canoe, consider comfort, performance, and where you’ll be fishing. A wider canoe is more stable but harder to propel, and keels add stability in rough water. Decide if you want an outboard motor and ensure your rig is secure. Upgrades include padded seats and weight-saving materials.
Comfort and performance are the two main concerns when choosing a canoe for fishing. Most canoes require paddlers to kneel while paddling the canoe, so it’s helpful to choose a canoe that can account for this awkward position; Padding can be included or added after purchase to make knees more comfortable. A wider canoe will be more stable than a narrower one, although a wider canoe will be more difficult to propel. Consider where you will be primarily fishing to choose the best shape and size of canoe for fishing.
Some canoes have keels, while others do not. A keel is a thin strip that clings vertically to the water on the hull of the boat, adding stability and ease of navigation when paddling rough water. The keels are useful on lakes and ponds, while a keelless canoe for fishing is better suited for use on a river. The width of the boat will also be determined by the types of waters it is likely to navigate; a wider boat is ideal for rivers and rough water, while a narrower boat is ideal for calm water where speed is important.
Think about whether you want an outboard motor mounted on your canoe for fishing. Many anglers prefer to use an outboard motor to make propelling the boat much easier, while others prefer the quieter method of rowing. Rowing will use more energy, and requires some skill, but a boat without a motor will also be much less expensive than a boat with a motor. If you choose a boat with an outboard motor, choose a light and quiet motor whenever possible, and be sure to choose one that is easy to use from the stern position.
The tackle may or may not be included in the fishing canoe; If the rig isn’t included, you’ll want to buy or make your own. This rig will be needed to secure your fishing gear on the boat to prevent the gear from floating away in the event the canoe capsizes for any reason. If the canoe is rigless, be sure to look at pre-built rig options and make sure the boat has plenty of options for securing the rig inside the boat. Other upgrades may include padded seats, seats with backs for comfort while fishing, and weight-saving materials used for the construction of the boat.
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