Peddle/Paddle Boats

[Panamoka_Bassin]

SO, my landlords recently bought a peddle boat (or paddle boat depending on how you look at it) and said I may use it in the lake whenever I want.  I've used it fishing a few times, and I like it alot.  Moving around is relatively easy, easier than a canoe, I can stand without fear of tipping, and there's enough room for two people to be very comfortable fishing as well.  The thing is, I think it may make too much topwater noise to be conducive to fishing.  I try to be quiet as a mouse when moving around, but that damned paddle-wheel still makes a big ole "flop-flop-flop" noise, which I think in turn spooks the fish.  I can't say my productivity has been better, if anything, its been worse, but I also wonder if I'm on a bad streak since I'm not really catching much when I bank fish either.

Anyone have any opinions or thoughts on these things?  Ever use one for fishing?  Have you noticed any differences between peddle boats and say a trolling motor?  Just wondering...

(BTW, the reason for the peddle boat is that the lake owner's association will not allow motors of any type on the lake... I learned that one the hard way when the DEC showed up after an "annonymous" tip...)

[Chris]

Noise from the peddles smacking the boat will spook fish or atleast alert them that something is near. I have caught tons of fish in a paddle boat just make long casts and give the area some time to cool down. If you need to move a little in an area peddle real slow or bring a paddle. I have even flipped out of one with success. I was kinda in the same situation I was fishing a lake that was private and the owner let me use the boat. The first day I ever used it I caught a 9lb bass on a fluke and brought it back to show the guy. After that he let me use the boat anytime I wanted. Most of the time I would paddle the boat to an area and let the wind drift the boat while I fished. Other areas like floating weeds I would ram the boat in the weeds and then flip or fish the edge.

[justfishin]

Sounds good to me. I am 50 so peddling is out of the question,lol. If it works use it. Sure beats dumping $3.00 a gallon in that gas hog outboard jet of mine. I think if it is a small lake the fish will get used to the noise, so don't sweat it. Just back off a little and maybe take a paddle to sneak up on them. Good luck.

[floridabassboy]

how deep is the lake? you could get a push pole and push yourself around like the saltwater angloers do in the flats.