For longer (3 mile +) floats it's good to have a buddy to park a car for you at the end of the route.

Otherwise, it kind of depends. Some of the sections of river I fish solo from a canoe it is possible to paddle upstream...or maybe just do the GOP thing (Get Out n Push) to get over the shallow fast moving parts.

In other sections, there is a bike path that follows the river. For those situations, portage wheels are awesome...yes, it can be a couple mile / half hour walk with the canoe and gear back up the bike path...but the wheels make it MUCH easier and faster than paddling upstream. Well worth the investment to me to be able to cover more water.

FWIW - I rarely use an anchor...but lots of times I'll wedge the canoe against the shore to make a few extra casts in an area...and if I really want to work an area hard I'll definitely park the canoe on the shore and get out and wade or walk the bank.

More FWIW - If you know you're primarily going to be fishing solo...I'd probably recommend kayak over canoe...more maneuverable and not as much of a bitch in the wind.

#portage wheels
#canoe

 

I've paddled up stream and floated down.

I've floated down and paddle back up stream.

Longer trips I have a friend/family follow me to the take out spot drop off thier car then ride with me to the put in spot. I unload and launch keeping a spare key with me. They then take my car back to thier's at the takeout spot and switch cars because mine has the car rack for transporting the boat. Although this is a solo float & fish trip it requires some help.


Sent from . . . off and over there.

 

Might want to check in the canoe and kayaks subforum down yonder in the General Discussions -> Boats forum, but a couple of things to note:

1) Everybody who has a kayak or canoe has an opinion on what's best. A huge number of factors play into this. I've been looking (and saving) for a while now and the two that I lust after are the Native Ultimate and the Jackson Coosa. Lately, I'm leaning towards the Coosa because I might end up in saltwater, and the sit on top type has some advantages in that environment.

2) It is generally recommended that you first paddle upstream, then float down, rather than the other way around. If you can't make it up some section, you can still make it back home, if you are paddling up. Another option if you have a bike is to drop the kayak off at an access, drive downstream a ways, then ride back up to the kayak, float down to where your car is, then drive to pick up the bike.

3) All of those things are done.

Good luck!
D

 

I have the A-10 Kayak from Bass Pro..299.99 dollars and I added my own Rod Holders with Flush mounts in the back So I can troll with rods or just leave them in the mount and fish with the other one.

 

I just have my lovely wife drop me off anywhere between 4 and 20 miles upstream I keep my iphone in a plastic bag - I text the wife when I am within 30 minutes of designated pickup and she is there waiting for me

This works better than all other methods and if you're real nice to your wife she may bring ya a cold beverage and snack too. Mine has met me on the river bank with fresh pizza, pic-nic lunches, etc. a few times and then sent me off for "round two" before picking my up later that evening.

 

Mine has met me on the river bank with fresh pizza, pic-nic lunches, etc. a few times and then sent me off for "round two" before picking my up later that evening.

Hey Fish-N-Fool, ever hear of the show "Wife Swap"? Sounds like you have a keeper there!

 

I fish from either a Perception Sundance or an Oldtowne Otter kayak. I will paddle upstream and then just drift back down to where I put in. It seems that the last couple years I just use the kayak to get me to where I want to fish and then it just holds my gear while I am wading. there have been several times when I would just load my gear into it and then start wading upstream and fishing along the way while just pulling the kayak along behind me. I may not even get into it my self unless I am going over water that is too deep or I want to get somewhere more quickly. I have also had the wife onstand by to pick me upo when i am finished fishing. she hasn't brought me any pizza or picknic luches yet though. I might have to have a talk with here!

 

It might help if you post where you are located and what water you want to fish.

I always fish by myself. When kayak fishing the Ohio River or slow or non moving streams I paddle upstream and fish my way downstream.

In faster moving water check with local canoe liveries. Most will drop you off upstream or pick you up downstream for $10-$20.

I anchor using a trolley system if it is safe. I will also beach the boat and wade some areas. That is the beauty of kayak fishing it is very flexible.

 

I am out in Ross so I have the great miami and whitewater rivers. Problem is no canoe liveries near me on the gmr. There is one on the whitewater but you'll fish the same water everytime. Plus I'd like to go out to places like brush creek in Adam's county but i can't find any liveries out there either.

Unfortunately I am one of those type of people that can't just go and do it, I think about it and plan everything before I make a commitment to anything! For example it took me 11 years to propose to my now wife, haha!

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I would highly reccomend doing a couple of float trips with a livery, they offer canoes, sit in yaks, and sit on top yaks, each have pros and cons and you can "test drive" each to see which you prefer. Also the whitewater has more than livery on it, personally I go out of Green Acres as Sharon and Dave (the owners) are great people and really go above and beyond to take care of the river.

 

I would highly reccomend doing a couple of float trips with a livery, they offer canoes, sit in yaks, and sit on top yaks, each have pros and cons and you can "test drive" each to see which you prefer. Also the whitewater has more than livery on it, personally I go out of Green Acres as Sharon and Dave (the owners) are great people and really go above and beyond to take care of the river.

I would recommend this option first. several places, Whitewater, Morgans, and pretty sure Green Acres all rent out canoes and kayaks.

I wish I would have done this prior to buying my kayak. I have a sit in kayak but would really prefer to have a sit on top.

The best part is that all the other cabrewers (canoers drinking) stir up the water and the fish always seem to be actively feeding.

 

I have a manta ray 11 ft. A bit heavy but very solid.
I second the following: flexibility. Test drive- many shops will let you test



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