View Full Version : Need advice on new fishing canoe/kayak
crwtuna
12-14-2009, 09:09 PM
I need some advice on selecting my new solo canoe/kayak for fishing. It will be used on small lakes/ponds and small to medium creeks/rivers. My primary use will be fishing and will be adding a trolling motor to be able to cover more water. This may not sit well with tradionalists, but fishing is the name of the game. I would value stability, light weight and load carrying capacity as very important. I am a big guy at 6' 2" and 260 lbs.<br /><br />I have been looking at the Native Ultimate and Wenonah Fusion very hard. One other possibility is the Old Town Pack and Disco 119. Price is a consideration, but not as important as getting the best craft for the job.<br /><br />I am eager to hear you thoughts and recommendations.<br />
BasserDrew
12-14-2009, 10:31 PM
You may want to look into the Pack, Disco or the Kaynoe. I think with a motor as well as your gear and initial body weight it might be too much for the U12. <br /><br />I fished a U12 for a while and liked it but eventually got tired of how hard it was to turn since with the tunnel hull your literally having to push water against the side of the boat (which rides low in the water already) and the side of the tunnel hull. The stability is good, but your feet when standing are in the tunnels which makes them stay straight when your body (and feet) need to turn when fighting a fish, getting unhung etc. My knees eventually couldn\'t take it anymore. I didn\'t realize that is what was hurting my knees until I fished out of it for a year or so. With the canoe options you mention you will be able to turn your feet if you stand since the bottom is basically flat. <br /> <br /><br />
smfisher
12-14-2009, 10:37 PM
I saw the Kaynoe today in Dicks for $399 . I own one and love it, with a few modifications it makes an excellent ride for not much money. Plus there are several here that have done extensive mods to theirs, so you would have something to look at to decide what to do to yours. JMO
blake
12-14-2009, 11:49 PM
<p>I would suggest you look at a square stern canoe, such as the Esquif Mallard. Only weighs 45 lb but nice and stable and can handle a small motor. Also keep in mind that an air cooled outboard will be about 30 lbs of added weight, while a trolling motor battery is around 60 lbs (plus the weight of the trolling motor itself), especially if your only using the motor to get away from the launch and drifting back. Air-cooled is loud though.</p>
HiCountry
12-15-2009, 08:11 AM
I have a Guide 119 and I think the only other boat I would really be interested in would be the Wenonah Fusion. That boat has got to be a fine ride.
HookUp
12-15-2009, 08:51 AM
<p>I would suggest getting one of each. :cool:</p>
JustFishin
12-15-2009, 09:58 AM
For a number of years my "go-to" solo has been an Old Towne Discovery 119. While I don\'t believe this model is manufactured anymore the Kaynoe at Dicks is virtually the same canoe. Can\'t say enough good things about this canoe - very rugged, stable, light weight, and easy to maneuver. Plus it\'s very easy to customize to fit your own needs (there are lots of ideas previously posted on this forum for doing this). Not sure that I would be considering a motor (electric or gas) for a canoe this small. I have several larger canoes that I occasionly use a motor on but have never used one on the solo. Since there are a number of issues regarding the need to counter balance the weight of the motor when used on any canoe I would probably go with a square stern if I wanted to use a motor frequently.
JustFishin
12-15-2009, 12:43 PM
Ran across this site awhile back. Might give you a few ideas.
<a href="http://www.laflyfish.com/cgi-bin/teemz/teemz.cgi?board=_master&action=opentopic&topic=28& forum=Puddlers_Forum" target="_blank">http://www.laflyfish.com/cgi-b.....lers_Forum</a>
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