I hand lined a couple grouper like that while free diving in the Keys years ago. Not sure if it was legal, and it's not very sporting. Fish seem to have no fear of divers so it's no problem to catch them.
Vonreed's suggestions are solid, small plastics like the little varmit (Ned rig) work great when fished in a similar manner. The smallmouth were all over my Case Jacks Worm on one if the rivers I floated last week. Had a banner day on Tuesday. Well over 50 to hand. The Ned did better on the other river . Fishing was kinda slow. Maybe 30-50 fish between the 3 of us. Mostly smallmouth, maybe 30 percent LMB and one 5lb Channel Cat that we fried for dinner with some Onion Rings.
Practice and work on finding fish first instead of just fishing randomly. The fish will tell you where they want to be most of the time. Once you establish a pattern find similar spots and don't waste time fishing unproductive water.
Still a canoe fan but the native is not bad. Harder to turn than my solo canoe and it weighs quite a bit more. Think that boat weighs 70 or so . Not too bad for car topping, pretty good in terms of comfort.
Looks sweet! Fish it a bunch and report back. Have a G series curado it's been trouble free. Love the casting reels, wish they could make a trouble free spin reel.
Thinking that cadence is more important than the paint job, but it might be good lure. Just depends on how it walks, fast, slow, body roll, width of walk.
Sounds good. We do them on the river occasionally...one fresh fried trout fillet, tortilla, home made coleslaw..whatever else you want to toss on there.
Who is Clive Bundy? Is he related to that guy on TV? You know...that Ted fellow...married to the lazy red-head with BF hair, and a couple of obnoxious kids? Thinking he sold ladies shoes? This guy is good for info-tainment...but he is just another renter that did not pay. Kick him to the curb.