RidgeHunter

Well, thanks for the help guys. Al, I've been going back and reading your old posts, you really know what you are talking about. Lots of good information. I ended up catching a sale on Ultimate 12's, they were 30% off. I couldn't pass up that price, heck I could sell it used and probably break even! I picked one up in sand color. I've only had it out on the local lake for a short bit just to see how it felt, it seems like it will be a very serviceable boat. It's extremely comfortable, I don't see many more boats being this comfortable. The majority of it's use will be on local lakes and ponds, with a few float trips each year. I think it is well suited for that duty, especially small lakes which will be the majority of the water it sees most likely. I still have an interest in solo canoes though! I think if I was floating rivers more than non-moving water, that would be my first choice. I would not mind having a solo in the future. One trivial thing a canoe has going for it is the looks department, the traditional look of a nice canoe is awesome. I probably don't fish enough to justify 2-3 boats at this point, but I could lie to myself, right? I'll give an update on the Ultimate after I use it a few times.

I'm in the market for a solo fishing craft. I'm not fond of SOT Kayaks, and a sit inside doesn't seem like the best choice for what I would use it for. (plus I like the gear storage room in canoes and hybrids). I will mainly be using it for calm flat water, but every once in a while it may see some class II-ish water (Buffalo at reasonable levels, etc.) I've read varying reports about how well the Ultimates and Commanders handle rapids. Some say they are fine, some say they swamp easily. I think the front spray skirt would help that a little. If anyone has paddled either one in moving water, how do they handle? Are they that much worse than say a solo canoe like a Vagabond or Argosy? I have it pretty much narrowed down to the Ultimate 12, Commander, or a traditional solo like a Vagabond.(but I am open to other suggestions). I'm leaning heavily toward the Ultimate 12 as of now. The hybrids just seem like the would me much more comfortable than a traditional solo for fishing. How well they handle light whitewater is pretty much my only concern. Some people say lakes only, others say they are just fine. I'd really be out there to fish and/or camp, not paddle...so I won't be seeking out rough water, but it does happen.

I'm back, good trip. We ended up short on time and just camped at Tyler the night we arrived then floated from Tyler to Gilbert the next morning. It was getting hot by then anyways. Used Silver Hill, no complaints. Water was low, but we only had to drag once, and that was due to fishing instead of making sure the boat stayed in the deeper part of the channel. If we were paying attention, we probably could have stayed in. Fishing was decent for July, low water, and a crowded area of the river. Caught quite a few little Smallies and Ozark Bass/Goggle Eyes/Rock Bass (I get these mixed up) from Tyler to Grinders Ferry. After that it slowed considerably. Black Roadrunners caught the most fish. Grinders Ferry to Gilbert did not look "fishy", plus it was getting hot and crowded with people making all kinds of noise. For the time of year, location and being on a weekend I can't complain. I would have rather done a bit longer of a float in a bit different spot, but sometimes you don't have the time and just have to get out or you'll go crazy. Gonna try to go back in September (ON A WEEKDAY!), and maybe try Mt. Hershey to Woolum, Woolum to Baker Ford, or Baker Ford to Tyler. Anyone have a preference these sections? Thanks again for the help!

Thanks guys, I was looking at the Tyler Bend to Gilbert float, and maybe Buffalo Point to Rush. I hadn't considered the Glibert to Maumuee or Maumee to Buffalo point options. gotmuddy, I would defiently like to float the 2 day Rush to Buffalo city float in the near future, but not this trip. This is kind of a scouting trip to check out the area and whatnot.I'll be back. The Buffalo is a place I have never started fishing/floating, I plan to change that. Though I've read there is a rapid at the start of that float (Clabber Creek?) that gets a little hairy, I'm a little leery of dumping on 2 day float. Guess I'll just have to suck it up and go for it one day, I hear that section is beautiful. Any more section, campground and outfitter reccomendations will be appreciated. Thanks again.

Hello Ozark Anglers! First time poster, long time lurker. Be forewarned a lot of what I'm about to ask has been answered before, but some current advice would be good reassurance. Basically the idea would be to drive down one day, float the next, then return the third day. I realize the water level is very low now, so I'm not sure how far upriver they are launching now. We would be renting a canoe, so any reccomendations of an outfitter with decent boats and service is appreciated. A nice campground close to the river would be ideal. From what I'm reading, they Tyler Bend Area might fit the bill? I've read good things about Silver Hill, any experience? What sections would I be looking at for a day trip with time to stop and fish? Thanks again!