Looking For Wading Streams

[eric1978]

Thanks for the info. I might just have to break down one of these days and look at getting a canoe. We will see what happens. The last time I went out in a canoe, I tried to tip the thing over with my dad. Actually, I think that was my first time in a canoe and we were on the Niangua I do believe. And to think, I was wanting to get a bass boat. I guess the canoe would be a little cheaper. LOL Thanks again for the info.

Tyy

Bass boat is on the list of things I will have one day, but right now, when I think fishing, I think streams. They are so much more interesting to me. And a canoe is a few hundred bucks compared to...well, we know what you can spend on a bass boat. I envision myself a retired old man many years from now, living on a good smallie lake and hauling my old bones around in a 21 foot Ranger. But for now, while I have the energy, my time is spent on the magnificent Ozark streams.

[Fishin4Fun]

I hear you there. That is the way I look at it also. I just need to find the streams around here that I will enjoy fishing and then fish to my hearts content. The bass boat will come some day down the road. Where's a good place to find a canoe to fit three in? I was doing a little looking online last night, but didn't have a clue what I was looking at. Any advice would be great. Thanks.

Have a Great Weekend!

Tyy

Bass boat is on the list of things I will have one day, but right now, when I think fishing, I think streams. They are so much more interesting to me. And a canoe is a few hundred bucks compared to...well, we know what you can spend on a bass boat. I envision myself a retired old man many years from now, living on a good smallie lake and hauling my old bones around in a 21 foot Ranger. But for now, while I have the energy, my time is spent on the magnificent Ozark streams.

[fishinwrench]

Bass boat is on the list of things I will have one day, but right now, when I think fishing, I think streams. They are so much more interesting to me. And a canoe is a few hundred bucks compared to...well, we know what you can spend on a bass boat. I envision myself a retired old man many years from now, living on a good smallie lake and hauling my old bones around in a 21 foot Ranger. But for now, while I have the energy, my time is spent on the magnificent Ozark streams.

Up until 2006 had a whole fleet of bass boats (3) until a F2 tornado ate them all, my OT canoe and favorite paddle survived it though and I only had to replace a seat and a thwart. I kinda took that as a sign and just can't keep a bass boat around for long. I've bought a couple, fished out of them for a month or so...then sold 'em. Still water just doesn't do it for ME anymore. God bless the ones it does though, 'cause they make it possible for me to eat and pay my bills.

[eric1978]

Up until 2006 had a whole fleet of bass boats (3) until a F2 tornado ate them all, my OT canoe and favorite paddle survived it though and I only had to replace a seat and a thwart. I kinda took that as a sign and just can't keep a bass boat around for long. I've bought a couple, fished out of them for a month or so...then sold 'em. Still water just doesn't do it for ME anymore. God bless the ones it does though, 'cause they make it possible for me to eat and pay my bills.

My first good fishing buddy had a bass boat. He taught me a ton about fishing and took me all over. Used to make trips to all the MO and northern AR reservoirs all the time. We went to Lake Fork in Texas three times. I loved it. Cruising around from spot to spot, finding fish, figuring out patterns. It was fun and so relaxing. But we kind of parted ways several years ago, and I discovered smallie streams, and I just love the simplicity of a canoe, the gurgling of the water, the ever-changing characteristics of each stream, the riffles, the pools, the eddies, the gravel bars, the bluffs...I could go on and on. Lakes have their moments, too, and MO has some nice ones. But you just can't beat silently gliding through valleys amidst some of the oldest geography in the world.

[eric1978]

I hear you there. That is the way I look at it also. I just need to find the streams around here that I will enjoy fishing and then fish to my hearts content. The bass boat will come some day down the road. Where's a good place to find a canoe to fit three in? I was doing a little looking online last night, but didn't have a clue what I was looking at. Any advice would be great. Thanks.

Have a Great Weekend!

Tyy

Really the two most popular and available brands are Old Town and Wenonah. There are some other cheaper brands out there. Wenonah, IMO is a little better canoe, but you'll pay for it. Check out their websites, and narrow down a few models that will fit your needs. They make many many models to fit the needs of any kind of paddling. With your two boys, I'd think you're gonna be looking at a model that's at least 16 feet long, with three seats. If you can't find a three seater to your liking, you can always get a bigger tandem and add a custom seat in the center. I'd look for something relatively wide, since with three people including two frollicking kids bouncing around in the canoe, stability will be a priority for you. Kids always have their junk all over the place, and tipping over means lots of lost stuff. Wider means slower and more work to paddle, but I'd give the kids the paddles, and tell them they're in training.

Royalex canoes are really the most ideal, because they're tough and pretty light. But they can be a little pricey. Other types of plastic canoes are totally acceptable and are usually cheaper and a little tougher, but are also somewhat heavier, though usually not much. I'd stay away from aluminum and fiberglass, and the graphite, kevlar and other exotic materials aren't really practical for family use and are very expensive.

Check out those websites, pick a couple models that would work for you, then check out Craigslist in your area. A lot of times you can get a great deal on a hardly used canoe. Check ebay, occassionally you'll find something there, although location is of course an issue. And check your local outdoor type places and sporting goods stores. REI and Alpine Shop have canoes in stock. Dick's has a decent selection, but varies store to store. Good luck and let us know how your hunt goes!

[Chief Grey Bear]

I'd stay away from aluminum and fiberglass,

Well, here we go again.

I will agree that aluminum has no business being formed into a canoe. But fiberglass? There is nothing wrong with that choice. If fact it does have at least on positive about it that all other materials don't. It is a snap to patch if you put a hole in it or you simply wear out the bottom floating over riffles.

I grew up in a fiberglass canoe and now also own a royalex canoe. I will readily admit that fiberglass can be a little heavier but not all the time. Buzz has fiberglass canoe that I think may be lighter than my royalex.

I am not big on the Coleman type of plastic canoes. I have seen a lot of them and the bottom seems to have a problem warping and being very wavy. A royalex canoe will pop out and be like new.

It really boils down to how much you want to spend. Like was stated, go to Craig's list. You can narrow you search by typing in canoe. Watch the list religiously! I mean every evening! If you see one you may want, you better contact right then! Or you will be left behind. I played that game this summer. KCRIVERRAT did too and you most likely wont get the first few you look at. They move that fast. Hopefully being this time of year, things have slowed and you get one. If you do go by the list, have them send you lots of photos and ask lots of questions!

Academy has a Old Town 147 for about $380. It has the third seat and some cool molded in seat backers that fold down. Could be a great first canoe! Some will argue that is a little short and though it would be tough to disagree, I think it would be ok. You can't carry a bunch of stuff if you have both boys with you but, chances are you are floating for the day and not going on a 2 day overnight trip. So I would say you would be ok.

[Fishin4Fun]

Thanks for the replies guys!

I will definitely start doing some searching, so when I have the funds to buy one I will be ready. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on brands and materials. There is some excellent information here and I will definitely take all that you have shared into mind when it is time to buy.

I never thought I would be looking at canoes, but after hearing you all talk about them, I am getting somewhat excited about this. I might be onto something here. LOL.

Thanks again for the input.

Have a Great Weekend!

Tyy

[eric1978]

Well, here we go again.

I will agree that aluminum has no business being formed into a canoe. But fiberglass? There is nothing wrong with that choice. If fact it does have at least on positive about it that all other materials don't. It is a snap to patch if you put a hole in it or you simply wear out the bottom floating over riffles.

I grew up in a fiberglass canoe and now also own a royalex canoe. I will readily admit that fiberglass can be a little heavier but not all the time. Buzz has fiberglass canoe that I think may be lighter than my royalex.

I'll float in anything that floats, I'm just gonna be a little pickier when I'm buying one for myself. Fiberglass works fine, I've floated many times in them. I just hate the noise, just like aluminum, and I don't think they're tough enough for the weight.

[Al Agnew]

Fiberglass is definitely doable for Ozark streams, but like eric, I don't like the noise. Still, fiberglass can be formed into canoe designs that are faster and track better than any Royalex canoe. If you fish the Bourbeuse or many sections of the Gasconade with long dead pools, you'll love the speed and tracking to get you through the frog water.

I'd stay far, far away from the Coleman canoes, unless you can get one used for really, really cheap.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I would avoid the 147 Guide, I can't see 3 fishing out of it. A 160 would be alright, but both are slow. A used Discovery would work also, while both are slow and heavy, the Discovery a little faster, they are bulletproof.

Al do you think there is that much difference in comparing glass to the Penobscot?