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I am a long time salt and tidewater fisherman, formerly a power boat angler, but no longer into the power boat scene. Last 10 years, I have been fishing from the surf, bridges and from shore.
Now at age 69, I had it on my bucket list to try canoe and kayak fishing. I took some on-water canoe handling classes and spend time paddling quiet waters in rental canoes. I also took kayak lessons and rented kayaks , both sit inside and sit on top designs. But due to having Total Knee Replacement Surgeries on both knees 1 ½ years ago, the canoe is more comfortable and offers more space for me to comfortably position my knees and legs to change positions when needed. Kneeling is also a problem post Knee Replacement Surgeries.
The canoe was easier to enter and exit, and provided a dryer ride. But they are tippy and you need to stay focused, balanced and well ballast. The canoe is heavier and harder to transport single handed than the kayak would have been. I did purchase a fold-up wheeled canoe portage cart to move the canoe from my truck to the launch site.
Recently I purchased a Mad River Adventurer 14’ Tandem Canoe, 37" Beam, 75 pounds, three seater, asymmetrical polyethylene hull, shallow arch, slightly rockered. I purchased this canoe after reading 40-50 owner reviews and seeing it in person. The built in adjustable fold down back rest seats are very comfortable and the 37" width provides a lot of leg room. Its not the greatest of canoes but it was in my price range and appears well constructed. The only concern is the polyethelyne hull. I would have preferred Royalex, Kevlar or Aluminum but I could not afford them. I checked out the used canoe market but the good ones were gone before I could buy them. Plus the prices of used canoes were not much less than new. There are some cheap beatup top brand canoes but I would spend more in repairs then their actual worth, just to get them in the water.
Neither me or my canoe would be capable of fishing strong currents, rapids, wide open expanses of salt water, or ocean water. I would probable be best suited for flatwater fishing in quiet rivers, bay estuaries and tidal creeks. I enjoy fishing for pan fish, perch, bass, strippers, flounder, sea trout, and catfish. I use light spinning tackle but I also enjoy flyrodding.
I would like to join a group of canoe or kayak fisherman in my area but I don’t know anyone or any group that does this. I am physically capable of transporting and launching my own canoe single handed. But I am still inexperienced in paddling and maneuvering skills and would not be able to keep up with the faster kayakers. I don’t want to be a burden to any one or group, nor would I expect any special treatment. I think I can still hold my own, but I like the safety factor and companionship of being with others fisherman when fishing on the water, helping other fisherman whenever needed, or just getting together to talk about fishing over breakfast, lunch or dinner.
I know from past experience that fishermen are reluctant to take on new (unknown) members in their circles because they don't want an A/H upsetting the friendship and fellowship of the group. Plus many guys like to blab & brag to their neighbors and bar buddies about the fishing hot spots of others. That's exactly why I have been kind of a loner most of my life but now that I am older a "few good men" fishing buddies makes a lot of sense and greatly improves the safety factor. I am a Proud American Patriot, honest, a straight shooter, my word is my bond and I know when to keep my mouth shut. I enjoy being in the company of most fisherman and hunters.
If anyone knows of a group of canoe/Kayak fisherman who would welcome an old timer, young hearted, inexperienced canoeist who loves fishing please let me know. I live in the upper Chesapeake Bay Western Shore not far from Dundee Creek & Gunpowder River, Hammerman Area of Baltimore County.
Joe P
Now at age 69, I had it on my bucket list to try canoe and kayak fishing. I took some on-water canoe handling classes and spend time paddling quiet waters in rental canoes. I also took kayak lessons and rented kayaks , both sit inside and sit on top designs. But due to having Total Knee Replacement Surgeries on both knees 1 ½ years ago, the canoe is more comfortable and offers more space for me to comfortably position my knees and legs to change positions when needed. Kneeling is also a problem post Knee Replacement Surgeries.
The canoe was easier to enter and exit, and provided a dryer ride. But they are tippy and you need to stay focused, balanced and well ballast. The canoe is heavier and harder to transport single handed than the kayak would have been. I did purchase a fold-up wheeled canoe portage cart to move the canoe from my truck to the launch site.
Recently I purchased a Mad River Adventurer 14’ Tandem Canoe, 37" Beam, 75 pounds, three seater, asymmetrical polyethylene hull, shallow arch, slightly rockered. I purchased this canoe after reading 40-50 owner reviews and seeing it in person. The built in adjustable fold down back rest seats are very comfortable and the 37" width provides a lot of leg room. Its not the greatest of canoes but it was in my price range and appears well constructed. The only concern is the polyethelyne hull. I would have preferred Royalex, Kevlar or Aluminum but I could not afford them. I checked out the used canoe market but the good ones were gone before I could buy them. Plus the prices of used canoes were not much less than new. There are some cheap beatup top brand canoes but I would spend more in repairs then their actual worth, just to get them in the water.
Neither me or my canoe would be capable of fishing strong currents, rapids, wide open expanses of salt water, or ocean water. I would probable be best suited for flatwater fishing in quiet rivers, bay estuaries and tidal creeks. I enjoy fishing for pan fish, perch, bass, strippers, flounder, sea trout, and catfish. I use light spinning tackle but I also enjoy flyrodding.
I would like to join a group of canoe or kayak fisherman in my area but I don’t know anyone or any group that does this. I am physically capable of transporting and launching my own canoe single handed. But I am still inexperienced in paddling and maneuvering skills and would not be able to keep up with the faster kayakers. I don’t want to be a burden to any one or group, nor would I expect any special treatment. I think I can still hold my own, but I like the safety factor and companionship of being with others fisherman when fishing on the water, helping other fisherman whenever needed, or just getting together to talk about fishing over breakfast, lunch or dinner.
I know from past experience that fishermen are reluctant to take on new (unknown) members in their circles because they don't want an A/H upsetting the friendship and fellowship of the group. Plus many guys like to blab & brag to their neighbors and bar buddies about the fishing hot spots of others. That's exactly why I have been kind of a loner most of my life but now that I am older a "few good men" fishing buddies makes a lot of sense and greatly improves the safety factor. I am a Proud American Patriot, honest, a straight shooter, my word is my bond and I know when to keep my mouth shut. I enjoy being in the company of most fisherman and hunters.
If anyone knows of a group of canoe/Kayak fisherman who would welcome an old timer, young hearted, inexperienced canoeist who loves fishing please let me know. I live in the upper Chesapeake Bay Western Shore not far from Dundee Creek & Gunpowder River, Hammerman Area of Baltimore County.
Joe P
we thrive on upsetting the freindship and fellowship dont hold back
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