New Canoe.......Please help with set up.

Hey Yall, I have long admired those that didn’t have to spend two hours after fishing cleaning a boat so when I got the chance to get a canoe I jumped on it. Here is my problem, It’s a 13 ft tandem canoe, but I’ll probably be fishing alone most the time. From what I understand a solo paddler needs to sit closer to the center. So I could use the canoe backwards, because the front seat is closer to the center, but still not perfect, or sit on the cooler which is right in the center, but a little high.

So what say you? Any other ideas or tips would be much appreciated.

view from the back>

view from the front>

Don’t sit on the cooler as you want your center of gravity as low as possible. Yes, when you fish on a tandem canoe you want to turn it around and sit on the front seat which is closer to the center. If the front comes out of the water too much it can be hard to steer. If that happens, you might need to add some weight to the front (your cooler in the pic should do the trick).

Also, you should get some strap on seat backs. Makes it much more comfortable having something to lean back against.

When I am in my canoe or kayak, I always wear my life jacket with a whistle in the pocket.

You should have a spare paddle or a strap on your paddle in cast you drop it in the water and it floats way before you can grab it.


Ocean Kayak Prowler Big Game

buy a trolling motor :slight_smile:

What local guy said & get a milk crate rigged up for your stuff. Do a search - good ones on there with rod holders and all. I’ve got a 14.5’ guide canoe. With cooler in front and gear in mid, I can still sit in the back seat. My seats are molded. You can swap pretty easy they way yours are flat. Also get you a cajun anchor. Picture this routine - go to promising spot - stick you cajun - drop a crab net or two over the sides - start casting. Pull nets and crabs each time you swap spots.

J Ford

If you’re so ■■■■ smart - why ain’t ya rich?

Whoooo - Fish ON!

im thinking what they said plus… i believe that dog in picture #2 would be perfect balast!

Check out this website… http://www.americanriverfishing.com/southcarolina/SCindex1.htm
Lots of good information there about setting up canoes for fishing, and about South Carolina Rivers…

Thanks for the advice guys. I got her wet a couple of times last week and I am pretty pleased with the set up. Catch ya’ later.

Getting her wet is only have the battle :slight_smile:

R.D.S. IV

quote:
Originally posted by Ivy

Getting her wet is only have the battle :slight_smile:

R.D.S. IV


Truer words have never been spoken!:smiley:

stiffy canoe pole, use cooler as platform. get a Action Packer and a few drybags for storage, Scotty rod holders- have DolphinD @ Timeout set u up…he’ll have more ideas. we have a canoe in Alaska that gets pounded pretty good and we installed RamX?? or something from REI as a keel guard, which would protect it from oysters/dragging over low water…and fuzzy dice of the bow

I just moved to an area that has plenty of spots for Kayak fishing. I want a yak that is fairly cheap. A sit inside yak if possible. Any suggestions?

Try Dicks Sporting goods in West Ashely. They have them starting at around 200 bucks. They are just the basic ones and you will have to outfit them for fishing.

Ledge,

F.Y.I. All last week the Kayak rental on Shem Creek (Opposite to Reds Icehouse)had a dozen or so Kayaks in the parking lot along Coleman Blvd with a big sign the said Kayaks and gear for sale. (All used, so probably cheap $$$)