Old Town Guide 119

[Smalliebigs]

I was in Dicks the other day and saw they had a few camo OG 119's for $399.00 and knowing I had another $80 in gift certificates.....well, can't pass up a rig like that for that price.

That beeing said it's time to modify!!!! I am current using some ideas from these guys on changing the seat

http://riverbassin.com/forum/showthread.php?6436-My-Rendition-of-the-Tricked-Out-Old-Town-Guide-119

some great ideas on those links as well.....Eric1978 you have posted pics of your OG119 many times but, can you possibly post again as I am having a hard time finding a post from recently that had the pics of your mods.....thank you in advance E.

I am no carpenter......I suck with tools!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! this should be interesting

[Wayne SW/MO]

I like his rear anchor idea. I don't think I would like the rod rest however because I like to be able to shove mine down out of harms way when limbs attack me.

I'm a long time fan of the kayak paddle and don't even carry a standard paddle.

[Smalliebigs]

I like his rear anchor idea. I don't think I would like the rod rest however because I like to be able to shove mine down out of harms way when limbs attack me.

I'm a long time fan of the kayak paddle and don't even carry a standard paddle.

I totally agree with you there on the rod thing. It's funny to see what people from other parts of the country think is a great way to rig their canoes. They really love Old Town Guide 119's in the Mid Alantic and the South. I really just want to re arrange the seating area and am worried how low or high to set the new bench with a seat on it.

[RSBreth]

Yeah - if you read those threads you'll see I'm not a fan of having the rod tips sticking out like that - you're just asking for broken rods.

Although I have a Pack and not a Guide 119 I have some tips for you to try out.

#1 How about paddling it around stock first, then start modifying it? You may be trying to fix some things that aren't broken.

#2 An anchor "system" is about the last thing I worry about when fishing our Ozark rivers. The places where an anchor would be really helpful to fish are usually places you shouldn't anchor anyway, and I have learned the key to really catching fish is the mobility you have - not sitting in one spot like I'm baitfishing.

#3 The more "stuff" you clamp, glue, or screw to your boat the harder you make it to paddle or portage. Simple (and easily removable) is usually better.

#4 A kayak paddle is great for making fast time, but sucks for maneuvering while fishing. A single paddle is tops for that, but carrying both is a pain. I rarely use the double-blade, even when paddling upstream, but I do have arms like Thor. You'll find what works for you.

Congratulations on the new boat, I'll probably pick one up at that price - how can you beat it?

[Smalliebigs]

That's interesting everyone says a double bladed paddle is the best for these and I tend to agree with you. I have several paddles but will probally use these long single blade paddles I have from Camp Tittycocka. I am not even thinking of drilling holes in it like those dudes did....that just seems silly, I rarely anchor but, it always seems like there is water where I think to myself I wish I had an anchor. I travel as light as possible. I usually fish areas that require a good bit of dragging.

I have always heard you want to move the seating area forward about 6 inches and I would like to put a nice Wise seat in there like the guy from riverbassin did that you can remove, that's pretty slick. This rig will be my guest rig for when I take people who don't have a vessle....they are such a cool looking little canoe I must admit.

[Chief Grey Bear]

Hey, why don't you pick me one up and I'll pay ya back.

(someday)

[eric1978]

Here ya go, Scott...

It's really not a complicated project. If you have a circular saw and a drill you can do it. I cut the slots out in the seat just to shave the weight down a little, but it's not necessary. You'll need a jigsaw for that, though. Drilling the holes through the dowel without a drill press will be the tricky part, but it's doable.

Having a double blade along with you might be convenient for stretches of frog water, but it's not ideal for when you're trying to fish. I wouldn't want that thing laying on my lap and getting in the way. I just use the single blade...I'm not in any hurry.

[fishinwrench]

The hardware store nearest you probably has nylon bushings that work great in place of drilled wooden dowl rod.... no squeaks either.

I do have a removable anchor system that I configured, it works great but I hardly ever use it. I'll snap a few pics of it here in a bit.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I like an anchor system. I use mine to anchor in shallow water and fish deeper water. It keeps my silhouette low and I can switch rods without packing two. It's faster in the long run.

my system is a rope, a caribiner and a 3# dumbbell from wally world.

[fishinwrench]

Made from an old paddle, a few bolts and a Anchormate....

Works like a charm but I never did use it as much as I thought I was going to, and now I don't even bother taking it along.