Pros and cons of my canoe and my next maybe boat

[Koz]

Have you considered building a boat shed on your property?

[DaubsNU1]

@ol'crickety had one of these in my old boat...and put one in the new boat as well.

 

 

My Samsung Galaxy has a feature...turn on the camera...say "cheese" and it will count down three, two one...and snap a picture. 

 

Like this...(angle was a bit low, but you the gist)

 

 

GoPro's are very cool! But you need a good computer and some software to download images, pull them to computer, process and output.

 

 

 

[A-Jay]

2 hours ago, DaubsNU1 said:

GoPro's are very cool! But you need a good computer and some software to download images, pull them to computer, process and output.

Agreed. 

However when considering what we invest in time, effort & $$$$ into finally catching a few good ones.  Putting that same type of energy into capturing the results, seems about right.

At least to me.

The fishing platform plays a role, but with some simple & creative rigging,

shots from a canoe can be decent too. 

A-Jay

[Swamp Girl]

1 hour ago, Koz said:

Have you considered building a boat shed on your property?

 

If I do that, Geico tells me, I'll need a separate insurance policy on my land.

 

I asked, "Even a three foot by three boot shed?"

 

"Yes," was the answer.

 

 

 

Regarding all the photography advice, to be frank, I think my photos are at least average. They are focused, show the entire bass, and have beautiful backgrounds. And my photography process has the fish out of the water for fifteen seconds or less.

 

When I fish my pond, which is the EASIEST pond I fish, as there's a canoe already in the water, I still have to lug my gear about 100 yards in the dark on a bumpy, meandering path with roots and rocks. That's five rods, my heavy tactical flashlight, and my tacklebox with my pepper spray at the ready. Then it's down the bank and boardwalk and loading in the dark in the middle of a spooky swamp. Then I have to back my canoe down the narrow inlet that's barely wide enough for my canoe in the dark, with the woody swamp bushes tugging at my gear and me. At other ponds, I have to carry everything that's already at my pond: canoe, paddles, net, bump board, etc.

 

I don't have a trailer where I can pre-rig and pull unlimited gear and I won't buy one because that's not how I fish. I fish less fished water. A ramp invites other anglers. 

 

Plus, when you look at my photos, I've shown you more than the bass. I hold the bass so that you can see where I caught them, whether it was in the weeds, tight to the shoreline, or out in the middle. And I also try to share the beauty of the pond in many of my shots. 

 

I do not longarm them. I see some bass that are long-armed and their bodies look as big as the angler's, as if a bass could weigh as much as a man's torso. 

 

So, a little credit, please. I am trying and by no means do I think I post the worst photos at Bass Resource, but my photos sure invite the most advice. FWIW, I've sold photos that were published in magazines, so I do have enough of a photographer's eye to have pleased quite a few editors.

 

I might one day buy a GoPro and clamp it to my canoe. If I do, that'll be one more thing to do before I get to launch and actually fish. I know you guys are trying to help, but please remember that I do fish differently than many of you and that I already spent every spare dollar I had and then some. Right now, I'm a pile of debt. 

 

In short, please stumble through the dark woods in my shoes first before advising me how to photograph bass. On the other hand, when it comes to catching bass, please continue to advise away as you guys have shared so much applicable advice and put so many bass in my canoe...and it has been greatly appreciated. 

[gim]

I think we can appreciate the honesty.  I think the bump board photos show the size of a fish the best in your case.  And as long as we're being brutally honest:

 

At least the bass you catch and photo are good sized.  There's some that are nothing but dinks here.  I don't know why people take photos of 12 inch bass.  I can't wrap my head around that.

 

Selfies are pretty terrible too here.  I'd much rather not even take a photo at all than take a crooked looking selfie.

[MN Fisher]

2 hours ago, DaubsNU1 said:

GoPro's are very cool! But you need a good computer and some software to download images, pull them to computer, process and output.

The computer I do my vid processing on is an old PowerSpec with a 6 year old I5 processor and 8gb of Ram running Windows 7-Pro. Program is VideoPad Video Editor Home Edition...currently on sale for $50. Once the individual files are merged and processed (1 file for every 18 minutes), I play it on VLC Media player and pull the screenshots from that.

 

You don't need the latest and greatest if you're patient - processing 6 hours of video takes about 4 hours on the computer.

[A-Jay]

30 minutes ago, ol'crickety said:

In short, please stumble through the dark woods in my shoes first before advising me how to photograph bass. 

As you wish, I will not ever mention it in any of your threads again.

A-Jay

[DaubsNU1]

Hi @ol'crickety. Looks like you have a good fishing plan and routine.

 

I do not think anyone is criticizing...I think people are trying to help.

 

Post the pictures you like.

 

@MN Fisher, yes, it's amazing what you can do with a good computer, software, camera and Go Pro. I pulled together this video for my daughter's HS basketball team a few years back. It was really fun to learn and create.

 

ESHS Basketball (460)

[NorthernBasser]

50 minutes ago, ol'crickety said:

 

If I do that, Geico tells me, I'll need a separate insurance policy on my land.

 

I asked, "Even a three foot by three boot shed?"

 

"Yes," was the answer.

 

 

 

Regarding all the photography advice, to be frank, I think my photos are at least average. They are focused, show the entire bass, and have beautiful backgrounds. And my photography process has the fish out of the water for fifteen seconds or less.

 

When I fish my pond, which is the EASIEST pond I fish, as there's a canoe already in the water, I still have to lug my gear about 100 yards in the dark on a bumpy, meandering path with roots and rocks. That's five rods, my heavy tactical flashlight, and my tacklebox with my pepper spray at the ready. Then it's down the bank and boardwalk and loading in the dark in the middle of a spooky swamp. Then I have to back my canoe down the narrow inlet that's barely wide enough for my canoe in the dark, with the woody swamp bushes tugging at my gear and me. At other ponds, I have to carry everything that's already at my pond: canoe, paddles, net, bump board, etc.

 

I don't have a trailer where I can pre-rig and pull unlimited gear and I won't buy one because that's not how I fish. I fish less fished water. A ramp invites other anglers. 

 

Plus, when you look at my photos, I've shown you more than the bass. I hold the bass so that you can see where I caught them, whether it was in the weeds, tight to the shoreline, or out in the middle. And I also try to share the beauty of the pond in many of my shots. 

 

I do not longarm them. I see some bass that are long-armed and their bodies look as big as the angler's, as if a bass could weigh as much as a man's torso. 

 

So, a little credit, please. I am trying and by no means do I think I post the worst photos at Bass Resource, but my photos sure invite the most advice. FWIW, I've sold photos that were published in magazines, so I do have enough of a photographer's eye to have pleased quite a few editors.

 

I might one day buy a GoPro and clamp it to my canoe. If I do, that'll be one more thing to do before I get to launch and actually fish. I know you guys are trying to help, but please remember that I do fish differently than many of you and that I already spent every spare dollar I had and then some. Right now, I'm a pile of debt. 

 

In short, please stumble through the dark woods in my shoes first before advising me how to photograph bass. On the other hand, when it comes to catching bass, please continue to advise away as you guys have shared so much applicable advice and put so many bass in my canoe...and it has been greatly appreciated. 

 

I think your pics are great, for what it's worth. 

[MN Fisher]

45 minutes ago, DaubsNU1 said:

yes, it's amazing what you can do with a good computer, software, camera and Go Pro. I pulled together this video for my daughter's HS basketball team a few years back.

Even an old computer and cheap camera can do alot - I put together this using vids/screenshots taken with that $50 camera, Top left made with almost 20 year old 'JASC Animation Shop 3', background image from Google Earth, music from BenSound and all processed on that 10 year old (6 year old processor) computer. Was going to be my channel intro, but decided against it.

 

One nice thing about VideoPad - it can link directly to YouTube so you can upload from VP instead of saving to HD then having to upload later.

 

[Swamp Girl]

1 hour ago, gimruis said:

I think the bump board photos show the size of a fish the best in your case. 

 

I kid you not, Gimruis. This morning, I caught a nice, long bass and I put her on the bump board and actually said, "This one is for you, Gimruis."

 

And as I reached for the camera, she flipped off the bump board and took a tour of my canoe, working nearly up the bow, so I was on my knees trying to capture her and not tip and when I did finally grab her, I just freed her without a pic. 

 

However, I do measure the better bass, which I can do by pinching their lips so that they don't flop, and I do remember their lengths, so if you want to know the length of a fish, I might just have it.

 

FWIW, all the bass in this morning's trip report were 15.5 to 17.5 inches. No monsters, but lots of well-fed fish.

 

1 hour ago, DaubsNU1 said:

I do not think anyone is criticizing...I think people are trying to help.

 

I think you're right. Thanks for reminding me of that.

 

46 minutes ago, NorthernBasser said:

 

I think your pics are great, for what it's worth. 

 

Thanks! I like some of them too. For me, the breathing clock is ticking loudly when they're out of the water and if I don't get a great pic on the first attempt, I release them anyway because I know they can't breathe in my boat.

 

1 hour ago, A-Jay said:

As you wish, I will not ever mention it in any of your threads again.

 

I might surprise you one day and apply all your advice...when my debt is reduced. 

 

1 hour ago, gimruis said:

At least the bass you catch and photo are good sized.  There's some that are nothing but dinks here.  I don't know why people take photos of 12 inch bass.  I can't wrap my head around that.

 

More than once, I've considered taking a photo of a dink...just to share that I do catch them. I don't catch a lot of them, but in the name of brutal honesty, a dink photo would tell the whole story. 

 

[NorthernBasser]

3 hours ago, ol'crickety said:

 

 

 

And as I reached for the camera, she flipped off the bump board and took a tour of my canoe, working nearly up the bow, so I was on my knees trying to capture her and not tip and when I did finally grab her, I just freed her without a pic. 

 

 

 

Ok, maybe you do need a mounted GoPro for recording video afterall. That would've made some great content! 🤣

[gim]

3 hours ago, ol'crickety said:

I kid you not, Gimruis. This morning, I caught a nice, long bass and I put her on the bump board and actually said, "This one is for you, Gimruis."

 

And as I reached for the camera, she flipped off the bump board and took a tour of my canoe, working nearly up the bow, so I was on my knees trying to capture her and not tip and when I did finally grab her, I just freed her without a pic. 

That is funny. Brings new meaning to the term “flopping around like a fish.”

[TnRiver46]

On 9/6/2024 at 5:26 PM, ol'crickety said:

 

I kid you not, Gimruis. This morning, I caught a nice, long bass and I put her on the bump board and actually said, "This one is for you, Gimruis."

 

And as I reached for the camera, she flipped off the bump board and took a tour of my canoe, working nearly up the bow, so I was on my knees trying to capture her and not tip and when I did finally grab her, I just freed her without a pic. 

 

Thats what you get for trying to appease the toughest of crowds 😂 

[BrianMDTX]

Regarding a boat vs canoe vs kayak option, I’m going to say that after a couple months ownership, I’m very pleased with my Sea Eagle 285fpb. Like you, I was constantly getting wet from paddling my former inflatable boat, which was not suitable for a motor. All I am using at this point is a 38-40 year old 17 lb. thrust Minn-Kota trolling motor and a 12V 50 AH LiFePO4 battery (that weighs 12 lbs!). I’m surprised how quickly it gets me from spot-to-spot that really increases my time fishing vs. paddling. Yes, it’s lightweight so it’s a slave to the wind, but it’s a lot easier to keep in position with a motor vs. paddling. And since it can be inflated and deflated, it can be hauled by any vehicle short of a motorcycle lol. 
 

I can carry 5 rods and quite a bit of tackle. It’s comfortable to sit in for long stretches as well. 

[softwateronly]

On 9/1/2024 at 7:29 AM, ol'crickety said:

I fish a canoe.

 

Pros:

 

I can fish where bass boats can only dream of going, whether it's the wilderness or deep into local bogs.

I can launch without a ramp.

It's quiet.

If I'm plunging into the wilderness, it can carry a couple weeks worth of food and all my camping and fishing gear. 

It can carry a fishing partner too.

 

Cons:

 

I can't fish windy days with my canoe's light weight and high sides.

It's a wet boat, as my paddle drips water into the canoe.

It's a chaotic mess. It doesn't have all the places for fishing gear like a fishing kayak or the deck area of a bass boat, so my rods get tangled. 

Being 68, I only have so much energy and all the energy to propel my boat comes from me. So, at the end of a fishing session, I'm twice tired, from fishing and paddling.

It's slow. There are times I just wish I could scoot to the next honey hole.

It can tip.

Trolling is tricky, as I have to secure the fishing rod with my legs because my hands are paddling. Still, I catch a lot of bass trolling because I don't like to not be fishing while moving to the next casting spot.

 

In a few years, I'd like to buy a little v-hull with an electric motor, not a trolling motor, but an electric outboard with a little more ummpf!

EDIT:

I missed a bunch of context that you already posted above and realize my comment isn't all that appropriate anymore.

 

 

 

I fish out of an aluminum canoe November thru March when the bass boat is away for the sporadic ice.  Wind is always a problem, but I grabbed a used transom mounted trolling motor to take some paddling away.  Great decision for me personally, opened up a lot more weather and water I was willing to fish.  Battery, charger, and motor should be under $450 total new, and used options seem possible.  Getting the battery into and out of the boat is definitely worth considering as a drawback unless a Lithium chemistry, but then cost comes in.  Something like this...

 

scott

 

 

 

 

 

[Subaqua Adinterim]

On 9/1/2024 at 8:29 AM, Swamp Girl said:

Trolling is tricky, as I have to secure the fishing rod with my legs because my hands are paddling. Still, I catch a lot of bass trolling because I don't like to not be fishing while moving to the next casting spot.

Here's a picture showing an option for you.  This works well for me in my lightweight kevlar pack canoe and I've used one of these on each side for years.  It's good for just keeping your rod out of the way - in an upright position or tilted parallel for trolling.  It attaches and can be removed easily and is made of strong lightweight aluminum.

 

As you can see in the picture, a piece of wood is used to take up the space between the inside part of the clamp and the gunwhale (sp?).  I use a short piece of shoe molding.  On the outside you can use a very small piece of a rubber mat to protect your canoe if you are concerned with that.

 

The product which I have no affiliation with other than just using it for the last 12 years is Tite-lok Rod Holder with C-Clamp.

 

Hopefully you will find this helpful.  Good luck

 

[Swamp Girl]

On 9/6/2024 at 1:54 PM, Koz said:

Have you considered building a boat shed on your property?

 

If I build anything on my property, it will require a separate insurance policy. 

[CastingClinic]

@Swamp Girl

 

Fellow canoe fisherman here!

 

I’ve seen your pictures so I know my rig is a bit more complicated than yours which really makes me respect your fishing game 🫡.

 

To address some of your cons this is what I did, YMMV.

 

Wind: I’m running a diy custom outrigger that clamps to the gunwales of the canoe.  It can extend out to a 14 foot wingspan with four crab pot buoys on each side.  Two people can comfortably fish all day long standing.  The outrigger option isn’t for everyone but if someone reading this thinks it might work for them let me tell you it works well.

 

Wet: deck towels lol.  I keep a platoon of cheap towels on the ready.  Still gets wet 🤷‍♂️.

 

Mess:  I feel ya here too.  I was able to “hang” a 24qt milk crate from the gunwale and between that and a 16qt milk crate behind me I’ve been able to keep most of my stuff situated (I won’t say organized, that doesn’t exist).  Keeping the canoe balanced and my gear from migrating is my priority.

 

Rod Storage:  Now I have a strong opinion here and it’s four words; ROD SOCKS & LURE WRAPS!!!!!!  Seriously, they are the best things I’ve ever invested in.  If you are ever carrying more than two rods (or one, they really are the best!!!) then you need rod socks.  I carry half a dozen rods in my fist with zero worry that anything will tangle.  Put a lure wrap on anything with more than one hook point and you are golden.  On top of all that they’re dirt cheap.

 

Slow: trolling motor but you already knew that

 

Trolling:  clamp on rod holder!!

 

With all that said I understand your desire to upgrade to a little v-hull.  I’ve been eyeing a few but can’t really justify it right now.  

[Motoboss]

I can’t give much advice to a seasoned professional canoeist but, I agree with @A-Jay,,,stick with what you have and know. That being said I did just splurge on a Newport NV 55# thrust trolling motor and a LifePo4 lithium battery for my Sportspal project. It’s now a bit more work to get loaded out and put away but the time on the water is so much more enjoyable. The battery is 21# and the motor is 26# which at 70 years old is still doable.

 

It’s all a trade off but the canoe is by far a better choice , for me, than the Oldtown Sportsman 120AP I had. The electric motor of any style is a far superior method for the smaller areas we fish.