Canoe Ideas

[yellahunter]

Hi there, Im a keen freshwater fisherman and am looking into getting a canoe to fidh from. I have only bank fished since moving to QLD and am having difficulties in getting amongst the better fish!

I have never owned a canoe so am a little unsure of what to look for or where to find them? Another thing is I only have a small car. Mitsubishi lancer coupe, I have roof racks would that hold a canoe,.

Thinking of one which is capapble of accommodating 2 people etc.
Any ideas anyone!

Is my car too small

[Gigantor]

Hi Yellahunter,

I've been fishing out of canoe since 2001 and have found it enjoyable and good exercise. I purchased a new 15 foot Rosco fibreglass canoe for around $1300. I've since put a couple of rod holders on it and have also added a Humminbird P-max 10 portable sounder, and an anchor.

I originally used it in and around the creeks and estuaries on northern Brisbane (Shorncliffe/Nudgee), but have since become interested in freshwater fishing and have taken it to Wivenhoe Dam, Upper Brisbane River and North Pine Dam @ Petrie.

The canoe is good in low winds, but it's a bugger in anything over 20 knots. Particularly when using paddle power (I have resisted buying an electric motor).

I'm now thinking about looking around for a one-man kayak with rudder (steering), as the canoe is not overly easy to control by one person.

Back to canoes...

There are either fibreglass or Polyplastic (like wheelie bins)types. All come in around the same price. I've seen many Rosco's out on the water. I've also seen many Coleman's around as well. In terms of the good & bad aspects of each...Fibreglass are more rigid and harder, where as the Coleman's are flexible and softer. It really comes down to personal preference. Rosco's are made locally which is a plus for me. The Coleman's are imported from the USA.

In terms of your car...The 15 foot Rosco weighs 30kg and fits well onto my '95 Ford sedan, using roof racks. I think as long as the roof racks are weight rated properly (ie. the canoe is 30kg and my roof racks are rated up to 50kg), and you have good tie-down straps, you shouldn't have any problems. You should always consider using tie-down ropes on the nose & stern of the canoe on your car to stop any movement.

In terms of looking at canoes...Go to the Rosco web site (ww.rosco.com.au) and the Coleman web site (www.coleman.com.au). There are also a few other types around. Good time Surf Store @ Woolloongabba in brisbane have a large range of canoes also. Also check this web site in the For Sale section. There have been a few well-priced canoes up for sale there lately.

Feel free to ask more questions. Only too happy to pass on my experiences.

Cheers,

Gigantor

P.S. Pic on my canoe is attached.

[macca]

Check out these sites as well

www.goodtime.com.au
www.peppertown.com.au
www.natureline.com.au
www.kayanu.com.au
www.dagger.com
www.vikingkayak.com.au
www.kayakworld.com.au
www.ausseakayak.com.au
www.mirageseakayaks.com.au
www.roscocanoes.com.au
www.canoeqld.org.au
www.sunstatehobie.com.au

Although I have a boat I am looking at getting a small kayak myself for those hard to get at waters.

Hope this helps

Macca

[yellahunter]

thanks mate! have you seen any second hand ones about? didnt wanna spend much im still a student hehehe not much $$

so you would really reccomend one ey? do you llure fish from it have you had a lot more success from the canoe than from the bank in freshwater?

are they stable?

[Gigantor]

Canoe's aren't the most stable of craft - compared to tinnies. But as long as you understand the basics of canoeing/kayaking then you'll have fun. The main issue is not to make any quick movements and to compensate for the other person.

The Trading Post (www.tradingpost.com.au) has a few second-hand canoes listed.

I tend to troll while looking for some good cover and then cast lures. At times I also drop the anchor out to either bait fish or cast at a good snag (if the current is strong).

I've had much more success from the canoe than off the bank. The portable sounder/fishfinder has made a big difference. Got it new for $280. Fishing in deep water is hard to do from the bank. Hard to catch the attached (see pic) from the bank at times.

If I had to buy another canoe I'd go for another Rosco.

Cheers, Gigantor

[AussieMozzie]

The Trading Post is a good place to start if you are looking for a seconhand Canoe, but have a very good look at them before you buy. We recently bought a new one with a transom so that when we do get lazy when can just put on a small outboard on the back.
Yep have to be careful with the movements in the canoe nothing to quick otherwise it's a dunk in the creek. Fell in once don't plan on doing it again either.

[Chuong]

B line make some nice ones. You sit a bit lower in them than the other brands. I'll post a pic of mine when I get a chance.

[AussieMozzie]

Yep the lower you are sitting the more stable they tend to be. Tried a Coleman out one day and the seats where about an incher lower than the edge of the canoe and that was very unstable. Our is fiberglass and made by a fella on the coast.

[yellahunter]

oh ok sounds good. How has everyone gone from fishing in canoes? are they as good as tinnies?? any good for chasin yellas at leslie and bp dam?

also what sorta money are we talkin? lookat the trader seems they are around the $500

[Gigantor]

Fishing from the canoe for me has been a good experience. Comparing a canoe to a tinnie is not really an easy thing. They are 2 different beasts. Tinnies are obviously always powered by an outboard (fuel or electric) where as a canoe is generally paddle power, though a few are now going for an electric motor (Min Kota, Motorguide etc.).

Another issue if how much gear you like to take out on a trip with you? Canoes are limited to some degree. My 15-foot Rosco can handle 320kg max. load. Which is to say...myself (110kgs) plus another fishing buddy (say 90kgs) leaves around 120kgs in gear, though I wouldn't want to add the full 120kgs in gear. Though the more weight you have on the floor of the canoe, the more stable it is.

As previous replies have suggested - cost could be anything. Go and have a look before you buy. There are lots of canoes out there for sale - some good and some bad. $500 could get you a fairly reasonable unit. There was a Coleman (nearly new) going for $600 in the "For Sale" section of this web site.

Cheers, Gigantor

[Livie]

Here is a picture of the same canoe as mine, Only I have a 3hp Yamaha and it will do near 12 or more knots.
I use a tiller extention so I can go forward if need be. Ive got the optional outriggers and with them on, I can stand and cast/fly fish.
It has two inbuilt rod holders and lots of storage.
I made a plywood bait board that sits into the middle section.
Im fairly happy with it and its quite seaworthy.
Minuses are; 39kgs,Id prefer glass for stiffnes, But thats about it
Cheers

[Livie]

here tis

[Livie]

Heres another pic, They are Call Kingfishers and come from canoe sports
cost around $1500 plus $250 for out riggers , Its dear but perfect for SEQ dams and rivers

[Kilkenny]

Call Mal at Sunstate, he may have a second hand Hobie Mirage, these tubs are absolutly awsome, you dont have to paddle, just peddle. I can sit in mine for about 4 hours before getting any bum aches.....do yourself a favour and try one out.
Kilkenny

[codcatcha]

Gday Mate Ive upgraded to a nice little boat and my old canoe is for sale if your interested. Its not flash but it sure works. Its a 15footer open style with a tramson stern so a small motor can be added. I want $450 for it. If your interested I can send U a pic.