Gear Ties
Get these rubber-coated wires if you plan to do serious canoe fishing, especially backcountry. I can’t stress their importance enough. These handy items are the absolute best at holding and storing fishing rods inside the canoe. Gear Ties are infinitely customizable, giving them the power to secure rods and other gear in the canoe. This is great for portaging, so you don’t have to take rods and reels apart and put them in a bag or rod storage container. They also hold paddles in place. The Gear Ties do everything. I have even used them as makeshift stringers numerous times.
Howdy partner
Not everyone enjoys fishing from a canoe. I’ve seen good buddies take hard bails, and although gut-busting funny, they don’t get in a canoe again. A day of fishing and portaging can batter up the body and make people sore as well. The dreaded “canoe ass” can really wreak havoc. A good canoe buddy can be hard to find. Something to keep in mind especially if you don’t like paddling a canoe solo. I actually don’t mind going out solo. I go before the sun comes up and catch the morning sunrise and soak up the atmosphere. Getting that moment is in my Top-3 favourite outdoors experiences.
Three season, multi-species tool
The canoe is a smart pick for spring, summer and fall fishing. With some work, you can get into some less pressured spots and, maybe, get onto a beauty bite. I use mine from ice out to ice up. It is an excellent option to chase any fish from walleye to trout to pike. It is my preferred way to go after brook trout and have accounted for my most memorable fishing experiences of all time. Not bad for a canoe.
Putting the paddle down
Pushing the paddle is the way to move a canoe. If you like to push the boundaries, then getting an electric motor or small gas motor is something to consider. I have a 40-pound thrust electric trolling motor I use from time-to-time. It is more than enough power for my operations. I have a wood motor mount bracket that goes on and off the gunwales with ease. I also have a 2-hp motor and it fits on the same mount. A small motor opens up a lot of options for the canoe angler. I have used my trolling motor and canoe for decent walleye fishing for eight years. My friend and my canoe fishing bud since high school, Ryan, has a 1.2-hp motor. The thing has a prop like a food processor, but it moves a canoe, two guys and their fishing gear with ease. It’s loud LOL, but remarkable.
In backpack we trust
A fishing backpack is easily one of the best investments for canoe fishing. I have one from Bass Pro that cost under $40. It has worked wonders for eight years. Lugging all your tackle and other gear in a backpack is the best way to handle it. It keeps your hands free to carry other things such as the canoe!