How to Outfit a Canoe for Fishing

Add-ons can bring a new dimension to your canoe use -- that of a platform for fishing.

Transform your canoe into a fishing vessel by making a few modifications. Canoe fishing has many advantages, such as providing the ability to meander through hard-to-reach fishing areas. Canoes also are easy to store and transport. Canoes also move quietly without the hum of motors that often can spook game fish. Just add some necessary fishing equipment and you are well on your way to enjoying a canoe fishing trip.

Things You'll Need

• Rod holders
• Canoe seats
• Kneel pads
• Organizing items (straps, rope, carabiners, bungee cords)
• Anchors

Instructions

1. Install rod holders to keep your gear organized and within easy reach. Rod holders come in a variety of styles and with various options, including clamp-on, angled mounting and cushioned cradle. Rod holders enable you to paddle and focus on other activities such as monitoring fish finders and looking for fishing spots.

2. Add seats and kneeling pads to increase comfort. Angling for fish can take many hours and adding a comfortable seat can make trips more enjoyable. Consider placing adhesive, cushioned pads on the floor on which to kneel. Choose padded seats or chairs with back rests for more comfort and cushion. Separate back rests provide support and can be fastened to your boat's original seats.

3. Load your canoe with items to secure fishing gear, such as straps, rope, bungee cords and carabiners. Bungees and rope help your tackle box to stay in the canoe in case it capsizes. Keep your fishing tools and gear secure and within easy reach by clipping with carabiners or tying onto straps. This also prevents them from moving around the canoe floor and making noises that can distract you and scare the fish away.

4. Place anchors in the stern and bow of the canoe. Hold your canoe in position by deploying the anchors off the bow and stern: one for holding the canoe in place and the other to minimize swinging, or rotating around a spot. Use one anchor if you prefer some movement. Anchors between the size of 8 and 15 pounds secured with nylon rope are ideal for most canoes, according to Bass Pro Shops Outdoorsite Library.

References

• Bass Pro Shops: Outfitting Your Fishing Canoe