I bought this little boat for fishing lakes and rivers in Kansas. It was shipped for free from N.Y., and entered the water in time to break ice during trout season. It has an indestructible hull that shrugs off cement ramps and tree stumps, with a sweet shape that paddles with ease using either a canoe paddle or kayak paddle that I keep on board for when the wind kicks up.
The best thing about this boat is that it lives in the back of my pick-up, so its always ready to launch, gets loaded and unloaded half as many times as other canoes, and hits the water just about every day. After all, time on the water matters most to a fisherman.
I have added the following: one Down East rod holder; heavy duty ergonomic floor mats to quiet the hull and give traction to my feet or knees; and a six pound mushroom anchor which holds it anywhere, regardless of wind. I keep the anchor in a bag between my legs and sit on it to lower my center of gravity when drifting and casting for wipers, a hybrid of the striped bass and white bass, which is my primary target. These can also be caught trolling, hence the rod-holder.
The canoe is big enough to hold three rods, large net, tackle box, shoulder bag for sundries, and anchor. As far as paddling goes, I love it, although I am not out to win races or run rapids. Driving it around Kansas in my old red tuck does not make me look chic, but it sure makes me look iconic, and all who know boats, especially outdoorsmen, view it with fondness.
Two things about this little boat are very important: it will get you back home in a storm, and it tracks nicely to windward. Other than that, when you hook into a wiper, its a mighty fine ride.
