What I have is a 19 foot grumman whitewater canoe .I used to duck hunt out of it and it worked fine except it not being a lake canoe it would not go very straight .I have never been in a kayak before in my life . What kind of problems will I have trying to fish out of this thing compared to a yak . I know the wind will blow me around a lot but would it be worth buying a yak if I only come to the big pond 3 or 4 times a year being that I live in the upstate . What should I expect to happen / thanks in advance .
I’ve fished in both. A canoe isn’t bad if you pick your days. You can also improve your canoe’s tracking A LOT by adding a keel or a keel and a couple of rub strips parallel to the keel.
You can attach permanently with sikaflex and screws or semi-permanently with goop adhesive.
If you’re going solo, then sit kneel just aft of the forward seat. The forward position will give you better control and cut down on being blown about by the wind. Kneeling lowers your center of gravity to prevent turning turtle.
Strap you gear down and put in float bags just in case.
Best bet for maintianing control is to practice your j, sweep and draw strokes.
So much water, So little time
Thanks Too Busy ,
I’ll have to check out your suggestions . Would you happen to know where to get a keel and the rub strips .
I see some kayaks for sell on here , it might be a good time to check some prices and ask what kinds are the best ones for fishing . This has me wondering what size of a yak to get if I did go that way .
make your keel and rub strips yourself.
Buy a 12 foot 2x4 and rip it on a table saw into strips 3/4 to 1 inch thick. Use a good hardwood if you can get it. Pine is my next choice, spruce and cedar are my least favorite.
The strip will be 3/4 X 1 3/4 when they come off the saw.
Snap a chalk line down the bottom of the canoe and Glue & screw them to the bottom for your keel
measure 8 inches or so from each side of the keel and snap chalk lines. glue & screw your rub strips in place
Round off the edges with a block plane or sander
paint the wood bits to prevent rot.
You now have a cone that tracks really well and you can drag it over most anything without damage.
So much water, So little time
i have used and fished both a good bit along the coast. my canoe was “liberated” after Hugo by someone so it has been a while. the biggest advantage is being able to stand up in the canoe. the wind is the disadvantage. you can sit in back and turn around and pull into the wind. the back will stick up and act like the tail of a kite. not your most stable but neither is losing control and sliding paralell into a wave.
i dont like sit on top yaks for fishing. ive done it but not comfortable. with a sit in you are right down at water level so sight fishing is restricted but the stability is unmatched. i cant sit there all day so i stop and get out some. you also cant turn around(easily) to access gear and tinker with ropes, anchors and such so it all needs to be layed out right. do a few shakedown cruises and you will be fine. catch a nice red and you are the bobber. thats a blast.
we dont need no reservations we dont need no cruise control
Thanks Too Busy , since I have a cabinet shop this will be a piece of cake . I thought they might have some made of rubber or something that people purchased ,sounds like you have the plan tho . Saving money too ! 
PAWLEYSI , I know what you mean about being unstable and being low in the boat . I will probably alter the canoe with a seat and backrest for now . It will be a good project to work on while it’s cold if I am not in my runabout on the lake fishing .The winter fishing up here is great for me .
Thanks to the both of you !
Don’t waste your time trying to modify a 19’ canoe…you will only fight and fight against the fact that a 16’ sit-on top kayak is the answer you are looking for…they are self bailing(thus less dangerous in big water)…if you get one with a rudder…you can still stear with the waves coming in from behind you(thus eliminating most chances for turtling(fliping upsidedown)GET A SIT ON TOP…once you are used to it you can fish side-saddle(also access all your gear)…I feel safer(especially when taking on an incoming wake) in my yak… If you are in a lake with other boats and any kind of wind…a sot 'yak is way better…canoes work good in farm ponds !
The more you fish,the better you lie.
14.5 'yak 175 lb motor
murrayfisherman , when I come down can I use yours to see for myself …hint hint …
no problem …I have 2 you could test drive…I mostly fish lake murray for stripers
You can also look into the Native Watercraft Ultimate series. Kind of a cross between a yak and canoe. Very stable for fishing. I have the 14.5 which can go solo or tandem. DolphinD from Time Out can give you details on the boats.
TimBuck2
Native Watercraft Ultimate 14.5
Jimmy Buffett can have Margaritaville, I’m going to Redfishville!