Best Fishing Canoes

Buying a Fishing Canoe

Best Fishing Canoes

Fishing from a canoe can be a very rewarding experience. Canoes are quiet and can allow fishermen to access places they may not be able to with a boat. However, not all canoes are set up for fishing. This article will provide you with some tips on what to look for when purchasing a fishing canoe. This article will also include a list of the top five fishing canoes available.

What To Look for When Buying a Fishing Canoe

Size

You want to make sure your canoe is big enough to hold all of your gear, including your tackle box, cooler, etc. There is no one-size-fits-all, so when you decide to buy your fishing canoe, make sure you check the amount of available space. The last thing you want is a cluttered canoe, especially when you land a big catfish or bass.

Stability

Your canoe needs to be stable enough for you to cast, move around a bit, and land your fish. In general, the flatter the canoe’s bottom, the more stable it is.

Tracking

Tracking simply refers to the canoe’s ability to move in a straight line when being paddled. You want to be able to cover as much water as possible when you are out fishing, so tracking is an important factor to consider when buying a fishing canoe. The best thing to do is to test the canoe out, but in general, the longer and narrower the canoe is, the better it will track.

Accessories

Accessories like seats and rod holders are not a must, but they do help. However, you can always add these on later.

The Best Fishing Canoes

Please note that there really is no “best” fishing canoe, and these are not in any particular order. The "best" canoe depends on your preferences and situation. However, these are some of the best fishing canoes on the market, as they incorporate all of the elements mentioned above.

1. Mad River Passage 14 Canoe

Mad River is one of the most respected canoe brands out there, and the Passage 14 is great for fishing. It provides plenty of space for all of your gear, and tracks incredibly well. It is constructed of polyethylene, so it is also incredibly durable. The Passage 14 also includes seats and rod and cup holders.

2. Old Town Discovery 158 Canoe

The Old Town Discovery 158 is one of the better fishing canoes out there, and it is a great boat for camping trips as well. It has a ton of space for all of your gear, and it has padded seats for comfort. Its lightweight and lengthy body makes it ideal for stability and tracking.

3. Pelican Boats Bayou 160 Square-Back Assembled Canoe

The best thing about the Bayou 160 is the amount of space it offers. It is designed specifically for being able to carry a large amount of fishing gear. This canoe also has a motor mount in case you ever want to add a small trolling motor to the back.

4. Mad River Angler

The Mad River Angler, like the other canoes mentioned above, offers plenty of space for gear, but the best thing about this canoe is its weight. It is incredibly light weight, making it the perfect canoe if you plan on fishing tight or difficult spots.

5. Old Town Guide-16 Foot

The Guide is another great fishing canoe made by Old Town. At 16 feet, this canoe offers a great amount of stability, making it perfect for reeling in and landing fish. Its body also provides great tracking, and like the others mentioned above, it has plenty of storage for all of your fishing gear.

These are some of the best fishing canoes on the market right now, but there are plenty others out there. Every person is in a different situation, so now that you know some of the things to look for in a fishing canoe, you can make an informed decision before you spend the money.