For fishermen tired of sitting on the shoreline or trying to avoid scaring away fish with a loud outboard motor, canoe fishing can be a rewarding alternative and a relaxing way to bring home some fish for dinner. Fishing from a canoe requires a certain amount of preparation and skill in order to avoid ending up in the water while struggling to pull in that next big prize.
Get Accustomed
Perhaps the hardest part about canoe fishing is getting accustomed to fishing from such an unstable surface. Especially when the waves are a bit choppy, one wrong movement while fishing in a canoe can mean a trip in the drink. Spend some time in your canoe in shallow water practicing casting, reeling and bending over to pick up fish in order to acquire the balance needed to fish without falling in the water. Over time, you'll learn the skills necessary to canoe fish like a pro.
Choose the Right Water and Conditions
Canoe fishing lends itself to water that is lightly flowing or slightly choppy. Fishing from a canoe in heavy rapids or extremely choppy water will usually lead to you clinging to the side of the boat more than casting your line in the water. Steady flowing streams and rivers work well for canoe fishing. Research and pay attention to the particulars of whatever body of water you'll be fishing in to avoid trouble spots and areas that could potentially cause your canoe to tip over. Fishing won't be ideal in these locations anyway, so stick to slow-moving water and consider heading to the shore if the weather looks like it might turn for the worse. High winds and heavy rain not only make the fish retreat to the bottom of the water, but they create a hazard for canoe fishing.
Practice Safety
Catching fish is the point of canoe fishing, but the most important thing is making it back to the shore safely. Make sure to pack an extra paddle or two with you as you head out on the lake or river, just in case you lose one during your fishing trip. Wear a life jacket at all times, even if you're fishing in shallow waters. You never know when your canoe could drift into deep waters without you realizing it. Take along some sort of signaling device in case you end up stranded, as well as a rescue or throw bag or rope to help you get back to shore in case of an emergency.
Anchor Your Canoe
As you come to a spot where the fish are biting, make sure to keep your canoe in place using a drop anchor. This will prevent your canoe from floating away from your target area as well as make it easier for you to move within the canoe to grab different pieces of gear. For the best results, use two anchors--one at the bow and another directly off the stern. This will prevent your canoe from swinging around as you fish.
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