Solo Canoes

[smallmouthjoe]

Finally found a solo, what a ride its been. But it's been worth it.

http://www.oldtowncanoe.com/canoes/generalFamily/discovery_119.html

It's a good looking canoe that's light enough for me to haul around but big enough for a overnighter. Now I can take my fly rod along with me on trips, as well as my usual complement of rods. I think I'm going to take it out on Springfield lake this weekend for a test run. Thanks everyone for your help.

[Wayne SW/MO]

Its hard to beat a solo on our rivers and creeks. I'm sure you'll love it.

[smallmouthjoe]

I tried to use it on valentine's day but the trip ended before it officially began. Me and a friend were going to celebrate our bachelorhood this valentine's day by going fishing, so we went to Springfield lake to see if we catch some fish down by the dam. As I was standing on shore getting my rods ready my buddy was at the end of a little dock at the access trying to get into his kayak. I heard a grunt and turned around to see him with one foot in the kayak and the other on the dock almost completely doing the splits. The look on his face was the same as an Olympic weightlifter who is trying to steady 400 lbs across their shoulders. Hilarious. Instead of helping him out of the strenuous situation my first reaction was to reach for my camera, but by the time I grabbed it he was in the water. What could I have done anyway? He's a real cocky guy so maybe this experience will humble him some. I was going to go this morning being that I had the day off of school but with the snow and the nasty wind I decided to stay at home and get some work done. Next Sunday I'm taking my canoe somewhere, I don't care what the weather is like.

[MaxDrown]

That. Was. Awesome.

[Wayne SW/MO]

Just don't forget that cold water can be unforgiving and deadly.

[RSBreth]

"Dock"? So you were launching by the new boathouse? Easier to put the canoe (or kayak) on a ramp at a 45-degree angle then get in and push off. Less "falling in the water like an idiot" action.

Although I know a few guys I wouldn't mind seeing "taking the dip"!

[smallmouthjoe]

Hit Springfield Lake today in the new canoe and caught a few fish. The seat in that thing has to be replaced, I might try to put a backless wicker seat in it. I'm also trying to think of something I can prop my feet up on. I also need to put an anchor attachment in it for the times I'm fishing still water. But I really enjoyed fishing out of it, I can't wait to get it on some moving water.

[eric1978]

The seat in that thing has to be replaced, I might try to put a backless wicker seat in it.

Nah, you just need to move it. I put mine forward several inches and raised it several inches, and also adjusted it so the front is slightly higher than the back so your butt doesn't keep sliding off.

[RSBreth]

I have a small foam pad on my wicker seat in the Pack and like that combined with the cheap Coleman seat-back better than the other options.

Those molded seats don't fit my backside, and mine isn't very big, so I don't know who they fit very well.

Your legs don't reach the center thwart? I guess not everyone has a 34" inseam...

[Wayne SW/MO]

I've used a Sitbacker for years and like it, works well with the adjustable back.

The anchor set up I've used is a carabiner hanging from the front of the boat, mine has a cut for a hand hold, I then run the rope through it to a cheap 3# Wal-mart dumbbell. I tie it off to my seat thwart. I use it on the river also, not in current, but when I pull into quiet, shallow, water to fish a run.