Newb Questions Here - Thanks In Advance

[KC Bass Fanatic]

Guys, I'm pretty new to the river smallie fishing world, spent most of my life fishing for LMB. Moved to MO a few years ago, did some floats where fishing was secondary to sight-seeing. Anyway, I'm looking to dive in head first and really hit some new water this year. Being a bass boat owner, my truck was always right where I left it - so my first question is:

How do you guys handle getting your vehicle moved to your take-out point? Friend? Outfitter?

I'll probably update this post periodically with more questions I can't answer as I get more involved in this amazing pass time.

thanks,

Matt

[Greasy B]

Most canoe rentals will shuttle vehicles. Lately some of the rentals refuse to drive private vehicles due to insurance requirements, that complicates logistics.

[OzarkFishman]

There are many methods. I will list a few and then others will surely chime in.

1) A friend or an outfitter would be easiest.

2) Put in, paddle up, then float back down. This is not the most enjoyable way, but many of us use this method.

3) Take your canoe/kayak to your put-in spot and chain it up (or hide it). Drive to you take-out spot. Then ride your bike back to the put-in spot. Chain your bike up and float down. Of course, this would mean you own a bike (I don't).

[fishinwrench]

Shuttling sucks. It is a total PIA.... but that's why the fishing on some stretches is so good.

The average guy can effectively fish about 4 miles of water in a day (after dealing with the chinese fire drill we call "shuttling"). If your float is only 4-5 miles you can fish it all, but if the float is very much longer you'll have to just hit some of it on the fly or pass up a few stretches. After you've paid your dues you'll learn the type of areas that you can afford to pass up during any given season...and it does change with the seasons and conditions.

Good luck with your new addiction

[Al Agnew]

Yep, the shuttle is always a problem. Canoe rental operations often charge almost as much for a shuttle of your canoe as they do to rent you one and shuttle you. Many outfitters only shuttle your canoe on their vehicles, and only do it on their regular schedule, which means you are putting in with everybody else they are renting canoe to. And good luck finding outfitters that are open between October and April.

If you have the time, and you're somebody who doesn't mind knocking on doors and asking perfect strangers for things, you can sometimes find people to shuttle you at general stores, mom and pop motels, and other such establishments. If you're planning to float from an access above down to one of the small towns scattered here and there on the rivers, that might be an option. Be prepared to offer them at least $25, even for a fairly short drive time. But don't expect to have much luck trying to go this route on busy weekends...they are just as busy for the people you're asking.

I've also occasionally bummed a shuttle from picnickers or campers at an access. I've driven to accesses planning to just paddle upstream and float back down, but struck up conversations with the people I found there and a few times they've offered to shuttle me.

And if you have a lot of nerve and are prepared for adventure, you can even try hitchhiking back to your vehicle at the end of a float. Just be prepared to walk a long way if the hitchhiking thing doesn't work out.

The bike thing can work if you own a lightweight bike and you're in good biking shape. But keep in mind that most shuttles are as long or longer than the float itself, and usually involve gravel roads and climbs out of the river valley and back down into it. You can also use a motorcycle if you have a truck you can carry it in as well as carry your boat. The other problem with the bike/motorcycle approach is that at some point you have to leave your canoe and probably some of your gear unattended while you retrieve the vehicle.

The best, though often most expensive way to do it is to float with a partner and take two vehicles. But the easiest, and most economical way to do it is to go with a partner in separate solo craft, and do piggy back floats...take one vheicle carrying the two canoes and the two of you, pick out two floats where one float ends where the second one starts. You drive to the access at the beginning of the upper float, put one guy in there, the second guy takes the vehicle down to the first guy's take-out, which is also the second guy's put-in. The second guy puts in there, leaving the vehicle there for the first guy to pick up at the end of his float, and then he drives down to the second guy's take-out and picks him up. Of course, three or four people can also do this on one vehicle, with one or two guys putting in on the upper float, and one or two putting in on the lower float--as long as you have a vehicle that can carry up to four people, two canoes, and all their gear.

[fishinwrench]

Never thought of that leapfrog shuttle deal, that'd be pretty cool if the float distances were similar.

[KC Bass Fanatic]

Thanks guys! All great suggestions.