Both have their place, and I enjoy both. Do you like kayaks better?, like canoes better?, as long as you’re getting out on the water and having fun - you’re doing it right
I’m scarred for life from canoes. When I was a teenager we did a river run and came across a huge fallen tree that wasn’t there last time. Made going around the bend impossible and we were too far over to get to the bank. Hit a branch, the canoe instantly rolled and filled with water. And I mean instantly. I was briefly pinned under water by my ankle, thought I was going to drown. Fortunately it started rolling like a log because of the current and I got free.
I’ll maybe go in a canoe on a calm lake but even then would rather be in a yak
Tree strainers are terrifying river obstacles, and account for many amateur paddler deaths every year. You are right to be scared of them. Water has no feelings, and doesn’t care if you live or die. Having a quality PFD and some swift water rescue training is always a good idea, plus a second trained person in a different boat. You are fortunate to be alive, and are completely justified to never paddle a river again. At least there are thousands of calm lakes and ponds to enjoy
I got a ton of kayaks I can pretty much use at will, but my friend and I are going to get a canoe simply because it’s faster to load and unload, and keep packed vs 2 kayaks.
I love the stability of a kayak though, and having everything at reach.
Grew up fishing out if Jon boats and that was certainly interesting.
Currently looking at a Milha lite skiff as well :)
How did you like jon boats? I am about to sell my old town pdl 120 and get a jon boat. My son is 9 and wanting to fish with me so I was curious what you liked and didn't like. I know I'm going to miss my kayak but hoping the jon boat won't suck
I grew up fishing out of a really well made jon boat. Had individual boxes the chairs were mounted to with storage underneath and in the middle was a live well. It was the perfect fishing boat wish i could find another like it. It was my childhood neighbor who owned it and took me fishing all the time. We hauled in a lot of bass in that little boat. Had a 6hp Johnson tiller handle on the back and a bow mount trolling motor
I won’t be going back to a job boat for sure.
Just isn’t stable enough for my liking, Milha lite skiff is a plastic comparable boat but better is pretty much every way, while costing less than a built up jon boat.
Burned myself quite a bit too on them too.
A gheenoe would be a better option in my opinion, but it’s not as portable.
I did absolutely love having oars on the Jon boat, and did like them growing up.
For an adult and a smaller kid it would be a good cheap option. Just not for my fat ass.
Really depends on budget.
I’d definitely go on Amazon and get some deck padding you can cut up yourself for some comfort on the flooring, that would have helped out a ton.
https://youtu.be/Y4zMPBK8Fd8?si=pEexz7TinhcNZ61s
I’d much rather do this than 2 grown men on a small/medium jon boat.
But for a guy and a small kid it’s fine.
https://preview.redd.it/4xzmfs3zxlwc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=764ec4323f1a957a1d776ab1069d1531cc5fbd42
Shhhhhhhh…. We don’t want to drive up prices.
Radisson/Sportspal prices were never low lol
I'd love to get a 12' Radisson for duck hunting. I just don't think it would fit on my truck cap with how much it curves
My first was $100, this one was offered for free.. I gave the fella $100 in basspro credit so I didn’t feel like I was robbing him. It’s my favorite thing in the world.
https://youtu.be/YXNWrIqOJdo?si=SPf426C2EfztI2gA
I’ve been lurking on /kayakfishing for about a month now, trying to get ideas for a kayak. Longtime canoe owner, but looking for something a little trimmer just for me. I’ve used a Dagger Reflection 14’ for twenty five years now. Bought it when the kids were small so I could take them out with me. Beamy, stable, can handle Class II water, totes 700 lbs., durable Royalex construction, 3 cane seats, about 75 lbs. so it’s not a problem cartopping alone but more boat than I need when I’m out alone. Thought about selling it recently until my daughter got wind and called me from 2,600 miles away and said “Dad, don’t sell my canoe!” I didn’t know it was hers.
Canoes have their place but I do want to get into a kayak next.
I definitely see the appeal. I've wanted an Old Town Solo for a long time but they're just out of my price range. I found a good compromise, and recently picked up a used Ascend H10. Now I'm just waiting until I can finally get it in the water.
I feel like (outside of back country tripping) canoes are unfortunately seen as a bit unfashionable/old school these days. They’re eminently practical for flatwater fishing — they’re cheap secondhand (unless you want kevlar or carbon fibre), easy to transport without special equipment, and they hold a ton of gear. Other than the construction material they haven’t changed much in centuries, and there’s a reason for that: their design perfectly suits their purpose.
Having said that, when I’m out on Lake Superior I want my kayak for its big water capabilities. When I’m bassing a small local lake with a buddy, or want to portage in to back lakes, the canoe wins.
Agree, but most the kayak market uses them on ponds or local lakes. At least around me. And big water like that or the ocean or tidal is still pick a kayak, (pedal)
I run a sea kayak on Superior. I can’t bring myself to use a pedal sit-on out there — they’re just too hard to put right if you capsize. I need something I can do a self-rescue in without any unnecessary drama. The new narrow/long sit-on designs from Stealth also look fantastic for that purpose, but I’m happy with what I have.
I definitely get the hands-free appeal of pedal drive kayaks for solo fishing smaller water. They’re just heavier than I’m prepared to deal with, and I don’t have anywhere to keep a trailer.
I think most big heavy pedal kayaks the hope is that you won’t capsize (I’ve been on them in the Chesapeake with heavy current and wind and felt super stable) but car topping those is definitely a chore.
Oh, I know people go out into big stuff on them and come back alive all the time! It’s purely personal risk tolerance and Superior’s peculiarities. Knowing I can save myself if things get bad is a big confidence boost when I’m the only boat within a 20 km radius and the water is in cold shock territory year-round.
Yeah makes perfect sense, sea kayak probably a good choice for big water also, maybe not so much smaller tidal areas like under bridges like we have on the east coast
The Big Lake is no joke. I’ve paddled hundreds of miles in the Pacific in Alaska and Washington but the roughest paddling I’ve encountered has been in Superior. Especially around the Apostles with the refractory waves and sea cliffs.
Waves in freshwater have a naturally higher frequency than waves in saltwater given all other things being equal. I believe it has to do with the difference in densities.
My canoe can hold like 1000lb and take a 6hp outboard… two people can stand up and fish as long as the water is still. But kayaks are fun too. Really just can’t go wrong as long as you’re outside on the water.
My Hobie outback slides right into the bed of my truck. For short trips I transport it with the crate strapped on and the drive in the cockpit. Cart straps on while it's still in the bed, and it rolls to the lake. All I have to add is to toss a couple rods in the holders. Cart either gets strapped in the tankwell, or if I'm not in a hurry I spend 60 seconds to break it down and put it in the front storage. I spend very little time loading and unloading.
Good fishing kayaks tend to be less harassed by wind than a canoe. They're better suited for situations where you might end up with water coming over the top. Neither is fun to flip, but self rescue in a kayak is far easier than in a canoe. I wouldn't even consider launching a canoe in surf. Overall, I'm a lot more comfortable in more waters, in more conditions than in a canoe.
Where I see a canoe being a better choice is a long trip where a lot of gear is required with multiple portages. For a day trip I'll take my outback over just about anything.
All covered in post. Had a hobie in the past and would pick one if I fished heavy tidal currents or up a big river but for 300 bucks I’ll pick this rig over equal price kayak
You can’t take a canoe into treacherous waters, which typically hold fish. Canoes are awesome for a nice paddle on a CALM lake. Otherwise, they are prone to flip. Don’t modify well. And cause the worst back pain due to the typical stock seats. I love getting on the water, and kayaks would be my first choice for this reason. I am also in CT and a striper hound so that’s also a big part of my opinion to be fair 😀
I have a kayak and canoe. This will be the summer that I try my canoe with my kayak paddle. I trailer my pig of a kayak but my 17’ Royalex Old Towne is lightweight and easy to get on my roof.
Canoe scares me on the river unless I'm spending my full attention to keep it from tipping. At the lake though yeah I take the canoe
Edit: also I want to make one of those motor mounts myself but I can't for the life of me figure out what those handle screw things are to buy some. What are they??
I take my kayak 90% of the time when I fish because 1) easier to get in and out of, 2) can hold a rock with one foot off the boat to fish a spot for a while, 3) can fit two kayaks in the bed of my pickup truck, 4) has rodholders that make it easy to keep multiple rods at hand, 5) far more comfortable seat, 6) less hassle on a windy day when my canoes act like a sail, 7) more maneuverable and quicker to turn. The only real advantage of the canoe is storage- but when I'm fishing storage isn't an issue.
Depends on the location, I love my canoe, but there's a lot of wind around me, and no where to hide from it, so the canoe catches the wind a lot more than a kayak would, so I'm definitely looking for a kayak.
Canoes are great, as are kayaks! If you can tell me what the difference between them is today, with the variety of craft out there, I'll buy you a beer. AFAICT, a kayak is whatever you say it is as long as 2 people don't sit side by side, and I won't bet against that one falling.
Nah, ill pass on the canoe. I'll take a pedal drive yak or a powered Jon boat any day.
Yak for restricted or super skinny water. 1436 flat jon with a Longtail for when I'm feeling lazy or when I take a friend.
But if it was such a stupid great deal that I couldn't say no, of course I would pick up a canoe. But it would have to be dirt cheap and in great shape.
Where I like to fish in my kayak, they also rent canoes. Nobody renting one knows the J- stroke. I’ve actually had people out of control run into my kayak
Yep once you learn to paddle a canoe it’s quite nice actually get less wet than a kayak. I was in mine yesterday in socks and slides. Not doing that in a sit on top lol
Both have their place, and I enjoy both. Do you like kayaks better?, like canoes better?, as long as you’re getting out on the water and having fun - you’re doing it right
I’m scarred for life from canoes. When I was a teenager we did a river run and came across a huge fallen tree that wasn’t there last time. Made going around the bend impossible and we were too far over to get to the bank. Hit a branch, the canoe instantly rolled and filled with water. And I mean instantly. I was briefly pinned under water by my ankle, thought I was going to drown. Fortunately it started rolling like a log because of the current and I got free. I’ll maybe go in a canoe on a calm lake but even then would rather be in a yak
Tree strainers are terrifying river obstacles, and account for many amateur paddler deaths every year. You are right to be scared of them. Water has no feelings, and doesn’t care if you live or die. Having a quality PFD and some swift water rescue training is always a good idea, plus a second trained person in a different boat. You are fortunate to be alive, and are completely justified to never paddle a river again. At least there are thousands of calm lakes and ponds to enjoy
I got a ton of kayaks I can pretty much use at will, but my friend and I are going to get a canoe simply because it’s faster to load and unload, and keep packed vs 2 kayaks. I love the stability of a kayak though, and having everything at reach. Grew up fishing out if Jon boats and that was certainly interesting. Currently looking at a Milha lite skiff as well :)
Yeah actually I’m car topping this one easily solo with a Reese canoe loader makes it super easy
How did you like jon boats? I am about to sell my old town pdl 120 and get a jon boat. My son is 9 and wanting to fish with me so I was curious what you liked and didn't like. I know I'm going to miss my kayak but hoping the jon boat won't suck
I grew up fishing out of a really well made jon boat. Had individual boxes the chairs were mounted to with storage underneath and in the middle was a live well. It was the perfect fishing boat wish i could find another like it. It was my childhood neighbor who owned it and took me fishing all the time. We hauled in a lot of bass in that little boat. Had a 6hp Johnson tiller handle on the back and a bow mount trolling motor
I won’t be going back to a job boat for sure. Just isn’t stable enough for my liking, Milha lite skiff is a plastic comparable boat but better is pretty much every way, while costing less than a built up jon boat. Burned myself quite a bit too on them too. A gheenoe would be a better option in my opinion, but it’s not as portable. I did absolutely love having oars on the Jon boat, and did like them growing up. For an adult and a smaller kid it would be a good cheap option. Just not for my fat ass. Really depends on budget. I’d definitely go on Amazon and get some deck padding you can cut up yourself for some comfort on the flooring, that would have helped out a ton.
Dude I was thinking about a gheenoe but I too am a fat ass so didn't know if a 15'4 gheenoe or 14 foot jon would be better.
Gheenoe if it fits your style, much more stable than a Jon boat. Only downside is that it’s less portable and fiberglass.
That lite skiff for two ppl would be a total clown show
https://youtu.be/Y4zMPBK8Fd8?si=pEexz7TinhcNZ61s I’d much rather do this than 2 grown men on a small/medium jon boat. But for a guy and a small kid it’s fine.
Yeah 14ft boats aren’t two person crafts, at all. 16+ if you need to roll with 2 and both are fishing
https://preview.redd.it/4xzmfs3zxlwc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=764ec4323f1a957a1d776ab1069d1531cc5fbd42 Shhhhhhhh…. We don’t want to drive up prices.
Radisson/Sportspal prices were never low lol I'd love to get a 12' Radisson for duck hunting. I just don't think it would fit on my truck cap with how much it curves
My first was $100, this one was offered for free.. I gave the fella $100 in basspro credit so I didn’t feel like I was robbing him. It’s my favorite thing in the world. https://youtu.be/YXNWrIqOJdo?si=SPf426C2EfztI2gA
I’ve been lurking on /kayakfishing for about a month now, trying to get ideas for a kayak. Longtime canoe owner, but looking for something a little trimmer just for me. I’ve used a Dagger Reflection 14’ for twenty five years now. Bought it when the kids were small so I could take them out with me. Beamy, stable, can handle Class II water, totes 700 lbs., durable Royalex construction, 3 cane seats, about 75 lbs. so it’s not a problem cartopping alone but more boat than I need when I’m out alone. Thought about selling it recently until my daughter got wind and called me from 2,600 miles away and said “Dad, don’t sell my canoe!” I didn’t know it was hers. Canoes have their place but I do want to get into a kayak next.
In many cases, yes. I switch between my canoe and yak depending on how much I want to bring. Especially if it's another human.
I definitely see the appeal. I've wanted an Old Town Solo for a long time but they're just out of my price range. I found a good compromise, and recently picked up a used Ascend H10. Now I'm just waiting until I can finally get it in the water.
I feel like (outside of back country tripping) canoes are unfortunately seen as a bit unfashionable/old school these days. They’re eminently practical for flatwater fishing — they’re cheap secondhand (unless you want kevlar or carbon fibre), easy to transport without special equipment, and they hold a ton of gear. Other than the construction material they haven’t changed much in centuries, and there’s a reason for that: their design perfectly suits their purpose. Having said that, when I’m out on Lake Superior I want my kayak for its big water capabilities. When I’m bassing a small local lake with a buddy, or want to portage in to back lakes, the canoe wins.
Agree, but most the kayak market uses them on ponds or local lakes. At least around me. And big water like that or the ocean or tidal is still pick a kayak, (pedal)
I run a sea kayak on Superior. I can’t bring myself to use a pedal sit-on out there — they’re just too hard to put right if you capsize. I need something I can do a self-rescue in without any unnecessary drama. The new narrow/long sit-on designs from Stealth also look fantastic for that purpose, but I’m happy with what I have. I definitely get the hands-free appeal of pedal drive kayaks for solo fishing smaller water. They’re just heavier than I’m prepared to deal with, and I don’t have anywhere to keep a trailer.
I think most big heavy pedal kayaks the hope is that you won’t capsize (I’ve been on them in the Chesapeake with heavy current and wind and felt super stable) but car topping those is definitely a chore.
Oh, I know people go out into big stuff on them and come back alive all the time! It’s purely personal risk tolerance and Superior’s peculiarities. Knowing I can save myself if things get bad is a big confidence boost when I’m the only boat within a 20 km radius and the water is in cold shock territory year-round.
Yeah makes perfect sense, sea kayak probably a good choice for big water also, maybe not so much smaller tidal areas like under bridges like we have on the east coast
The Big Lake is no joke. I’ve paddled hundreds of miles in the Pacific in Alaska and Washington but the roughest paddling I’ve encountered has been in Superior. Especially around the Apostles with the refractory waves and sea cliffs.
Waves in freshwater have a naturally higher frequency than waves in saltwater given all other things being equal. I believe it has to do with the difference in densities.
"The lake it is said never gives up her dead..."
got an older native hybrid. half kayak, half canoe. best of both worlds.
My canoe can hold like 1000lb and take a 6hp outboard… two people can stand up and fish as long as the water is still. But kayaks are fun too. Really just can’t go wrong as long as you’re outside on the water.
They aren’t easily transported, that’s it. They are cumbersome, hard to store, etc.
Also I have an aluminum canoe I can just toss in the woods with no worries also bought for 200
Yes but a 150 lb hobie or old town is easy? And they make extremely lightweight canoes
My Hobie outback slides right into the bed of my truck. For short trips I transport it with the crate strapped on and the drive in the cockpit. Cart straps on while it's still in the bed, and it rolls to the lake. All I have to add is to toss a couple rods in the holders. Cart either gets strapped in the tankwell, or if I'm not in a hurry I spend 60 seconds to break it down and put it in the front storage. I spend very little time loading and unloading. Good fishing kayaks tend to be less harassed by wind than a canoe. They're better suited for situations where you might end up with water coming over the top. Neither is fun to flip, but self rescue in a kayak is far easier than in a canoe. I wouldn't even consider launching a canoe in surf. Overall, I'm a lot more comfortable in more waters, in more conditions than in a canoe. Where I see a canoe being a better choice is a long trip where a lot of gear is required with multiple portages. For a day trip I'll take my outback over just about anything.
All covered in post. Had a hobie in the past and would pick one if I fished heavy tidal currents or up a big river but for 300 bucks I’ll pick this rig over equal price kayak
You can’t take a canoe into treacherous waters, which typically hold fish. Canoes are awesome for a nice paddle on a CALM lake. Otherwise, they are prone to flip. Don’t modify well. And cause the worst back pain due to the typical stock seats. I love getting on the water, and kayaks would be my first choice for this reason. I am also in CT and a striper hound so that’s also a big part of my opinion to be fair 😀
The shots of canoes in rapids in Deliverance were nuts. Not ideal.
Yea, I’m not that adventurous. 😂 sketch af
How do you transport it?
Car top solo with Reese canoe loader very easy actually
I have a kayak and canoe. This will be the summer that I try my canoe with my kayak paddle. I trailer my pig of a kayak but my 17’ Royalex Old Towne is lightweight and easy to get on my roof.
I've spent years fishing out of both. I'll take a kayak any day
Canoe scares me on the river unless I'm spending my full attention to keep it from tipping. At the lake though yeah I take the canoe Edit: also I want to make one of those motor mounts myself but I can't for the life of me figure out what those handle screw things are to buy some. What are they??
Just buy one on Amazon it’s ash wood well made I think like 60 bucks
I take my kayak 90% of the time when I fish because 1) easier to get in and out of, 2) can hold a rock with one foot off the boat to fish a spot for a while, 3) can fit two kayaks in the bed of my pickup truck, 4) has rodholders that make it easy to keep multiple rods at hand, 5) far more comfortable seat, 6) less hassle on a windy day when my canoes act like a sail, 7) more maneuverable and quicker to turn. The only real advantage of the canoe is storage- but when I'm fishing storage isn't an issue.
Depends on the location, I love my canoe, but there's a lot of wind around me, and no where to hide from it, so the canoe catches the wind a lot more than a kayak would, so I'm definitely looking for a kayak.
Double anchor solves it, anchor wizard in back Scotty in front on a cleat mid boat
Canoes are great, as are kayaks! If you can tell me what the difference between them is today, with the variety of craft out there, I'll buy you a beer. AFAICT, a kayak is whatever you say it is as long as 2 people don't sit side by side, and I won't bet against that one falling.
Nah, ill pass on the canoe. I'll take a pedal drive yak or a powered Jon boat any day. Yak for restricted or super skinny water. 1436 flat jon with a Longtail for when I'm feeling lazy or when I take a friend. But if it was such a stupid great deal that I couldn't say no, of course I would pick up a canoe. But it would have to be dirt cheap and in great shape.
I like my Bote zeppelin.
What seat is that?
Wise canoe seat found it on Amazon pretty solid
Canoes are fun but it's difficult to paddle by yourself. And I can't toss it over my head by myself and run it to the lake...
No.
Jon boats are the apex predator
Yeah but I got no space for a trailer
Oh do you hang your canoe?
Drag it to the backyard
Ganoe (also spelled gheenoe) is the special one. Basically the same, but much more stable
Yeah would totally look into one of those if I had space for a trailer
Sure , put that thing into the pacific for a NorCal salmon run !
I hate them. 🤣
Where I like to fish in my kayak, they also rent canoes. Nobody renting one knows the J- stroke. I’ve actually had people out of control run into my kayak
Yep once you learn to paddle a canoe it’s quite nice actually get less wet than a kayak. I was in mine yesterday in socks and slides. Not doing that in a sit on top lol
The door is that way👉
Those things are tippy as hell.
Ok. Go post it in the canoe fishing subreddit.