A new strategy, for me anyway

[Fishing Rhino]

As some know, I fish from a canoe.  No trolling motor.

As a result, roughly half the time I am on the water is spent with paddle in hand.

At the moment, the best fishing I have is done with a variety of types and colors of plastic, be it worms or creatures.

The method which works best is to cast, leave the bail open or the reel in free spool for as long as thirty seconds.  Then I slowly take up the slack.  If I feel a weight, I'll increase the pressure.  If I get a response which indicates something living is on the other end, I set the hook.

If not, I move the bait a few inches and give it another few seconds.  Twitch, jerk, or sweep the rod, just in case there are some takers studying the foreign object on the bottom.

Most of the fish I am catching are caught in this period from the time the bait hits the water.  Guessing, maybe 75% are caught in this first stage of drop and initial retrieve.

A minute, maybe longer has elapsed during this period.  So here's my plan, which I hope to try tomorrow.

Have two rods rigged with these baits in different types and colors.

Make a cast.  When I am ready to begin the retrieving process, cast with the second rod to a different area.  Secure that rod safely between my legs with the bail open or in free spool, and begin the retrieve for the first cast.

That technique will offset the paddling time.  It will not only provide the opportunity to double my production, but it will also afford me to experiment with different baits and colors.

I should gather twice as much experience and info in the same span of time on the water, making me a better fisherman.

Seems like a win/win to me.

[kms399]

check your fishing regulations here in MN it is illegal to have 2 lines in the water at a time.

[J Francho]

Its legal in NY, not sure about MA.  Depending on the actual bait, I think you may run into issues with deeply hooked fish.  When I'm in my yak, I often troll a crankbait when going from spot to spot.  It can give you valuable info about what depth the fish are at.  Think Buck Perry, and spoonplugging.

[Fishing Rhino]

check your fishing regulations here in MN it is illegal to have 2 lines in the water at a time.

It's OK in Mass.

From the Mass fishing regulation extracts: It is illegal

"(g) to set or use more than two hooks for fishing, or, in the case of ice fishing, five hooks."

Thanks for bringing it to my attention. Never gave it a thought.

[Shane J]

I'm right above you in NH, and you can have 2 lines in, but the problem is, is that every time I try to do it, it seems I get hit on both, and have to hand one off to a buddy. Since you'll be by yourself, good luck with the doubles!

[roadwarrior]

Well, try it and see, but I think you will find trying to work

with two rods while paddling is a royal pain in the behind!

:-?

[SirSnookalot]

I prefer 1 rod at a time even from the bank.  I want that rod in my hand at all times.  I have seen (happen to me too) being to far from 1 of the rods that get a strike and I'm not there to react.

[aarogb]

I prefer 1 rod at a time even from the bank. I want that rod in my hand at all times. I have seen (happen to me too) being to far from 1 of the rods that get a strike and I'm not there to react.

    Yeah that has happened way to many times while I was saltwater surf fishing so I just use one rod now and not 4 like usually when surf fishing.

[Fishing Rhino]

Well, I tried it today, briefly.  Swirling winds blew the canoe in circles even when anchored.  

One rotation was all it took.  

It appears that it's one of those things that sound good in theory, but in practice there are more cons than pros.

Tried a lot of different things in my life.  Some were a success, others were a failure.  

Doubt I'll try it on a calm day.  One problem is that a good sized fish, pickerel especially  can really move the canoe around.

Chalk another one up to experience.

[J Francho]

Tom, try a c-rigged worm, tube, lizard, or other plastic trolled as you go from spot to spot.  I'd put the rod in a clamp on rod holder, though.

[Fishing Rhino]

Tom, try a c-rigged worm, tube, lizard, or other plastic trolled as you go from spot to spot. I'd put the rod in a clamp on rod holder, though.

I'll give it a shot.  For sure can't catch anything unless I have a hook in the water.

[basswitch]

Wow, I tried fishing from a canoe once, it's hard! And that was just with one pole! But I would definitely go with a rod holder, better safe than sorry.

[Fishing Rhino]

Wow, I tried fishing from a canoe once, it's hard! And that was just with one pole! But I would definitely go with a rod holder, better safe than sorry.

I don't find it hard, but it definitely has it limitations,......... and advantages.

The minuses.

Not good in large bodies of water. Cannot cover ground in a hurry. Especially true when you're not familiar with the pond, lake, or river, and have to go prospecting.

Wind is problematic.

Cannot get up and move around. Five or six hours of non-stop fishing leaves one's legs mighty stiff, especially when you're sixty-seven years old.

Lack of stability. Have to be on your toes constantly. Last year I did dump myself out of it because I reached too far over the side to poke at something with a paddle. I was beside it, but the breeze blew me away from it.

Tougher to bring a fishing buddy. Can hold all the tackle needed. Fishing rods are another story. Some folks are uncomfortable in a canoe.

Hard to fish under docks. Have to sidearm cast. Distance is no problem, but direction is inconsistent.

The advangtages.

I can access everthing, including nine poles from my seat.

I can go places you would not take a bass boat.

I have 360 degrees of unobstructed fishing. and fighting fish from my seat.

Costs me nothing for fuel, other than getting to and from the water.

I get exercise by paddling.

I don't have to go through any kind of gyrations to keep a fish away from the lower units of trolling motors or outboards.

I can fight, and boat fish, without having to do a dance, or get down on all fours to lip a fish.

There are some mighty fine fishin' holes that are limited to no motors, trolling motors, or less than a certain horsepower.

I can physically access waters that fishermen with boats that must be trailered cannot.

Each is better in its own niche, for certain purposes.

I've been at launch ramps alongside guys with Rangers and Tritons give my canoe a good going over and say that it must be a blast to fish from.

It is. At times it is also a pain.

I've posted pics before. Here's a couple. As a fairly new member, you might not have seen them.

The wheeled carrier can be seen between the seat and the poles.

[redneckgamer]

as long as its legal in your area and your sure you can handle the possibility of two fish at a time go for it!!!!!! Happy Fishing!!!!!

[bilgerat]

I prefer 1 rod at a time even from the bank. I want that rod in my hand at all times. I have seen (happen to me too) being to far from 1 of the rods that get a strike and I'm not there to react.

That brings back memories. 10 years old, fishing with my buddy. Watching my entire rig dragged off the bank of Newton Creek by a catfish ;D Learned my lesson.

A half hour of casting with a sinker and a bare hook got my pole back. No, no fish on the end either.

[AnthonyS]

mmmm...is there anyway to hook a trolling motor to that canoe?

[Fishing Rhino]

mmmm...is there anyway to hook a trolling motor to that canoe?

Yes.  There are adapters that clamp to the gunnels with a mount off to the side.  Clamp it on.  Clamp the motor on, hook it up and go.

I have a larger, same length but wider, with a keel and a semi-v type of bottom.  It is a square stern.  You can use a trolling or up to five hp outboard.

It's much more stable and less affected by the wind.

Problem is, unless you turn and straddle the seat, or face to the rear, the motor is all but unreachable unless you are a contortionist.

It's reachable, but very uncomfortable to operate.

If they made a remote operated, rear mount trolling motor, you'd be in business.  If they do, I haven't seen them.

[djs fishing]

I fish from a canoe also.

I do have a trolling motor now but paddled for years.

An achor (a chunk of metal on a rope) is almost required when you do not have a trolling motor.

Have you seen these handle extensions? http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0001127012535a.shtml

My has an extender handle built in (not quite long enough though)

I can stand in mine just fine. One leg in front of the seat and one behind so I can reach the motor.

[Fishing Rhino]

Can't stand in mine.  Let me qualify and say I can't.

I recently bought another on sale at Dicks.

Same length, ten inches wider, square stern, a sort of semi-v bottom with a keel of about two inches.

Only used it once, to try it out.  I'm in the process of rigging it with the same type of rod holder.  This one will hold eleven rather than nine poles.

I can stand in this one.  It is much more stable, and the wind does not send it spinning like a frisbee.

The downside is, compared to the other, it's like paddling a barge.

I do have a mushroom anchor, and a five gallon bucket to use as a wind anchor.  It really slows the drift.

You are correct about anchoring.  Most of the time I am either anchored, or backed into the emergent vegetation, and fan cast from there.  Move fifty yards or so and back into the vegetation again.

When I do anchor, I go to the windward to where I want to start.  Then pull the anchor and drift to the next spot and set the anchor again.

Anchor just upwind of lily pad beds, and cast into them.  Start at one side, work the edge and into the bed.  then gradually work my way to the other side.

Work down the edges casting into the bed, and along the edges.

Do the entire perimeter this way, and if it's a large bed, I'll gradually work my way into it.  

So far, it works great for me.