Kayak or Canoe: Which is Better for Fishing?

 When wading isn’t an option, both kayaks and canoes can be effective fishing platforms. They work well in situations where deep water is expected, such as pond fishing. However, the effectiveness depends on your skill with either boat. Wind and wind-driven waves can cause problems, and not every day is calm.

I once watched a video of fishing in loughs in Ireland. Small skiffs were rowed, and the fishermen used the wind and a drogue to slow the drift. This allowed them to catch fish easily.

My experience with both watercraft has been mixed. On calm evenings, a hatch required no effort to stay in the zone. However, on windy days, trolling wet flies and paddling into the wind was necessary. Adding another paddler in a tandem boat allowed them to position each other into casting positions until the wind picked up and started pushing waves over the bow.

The kayak yielded similar results, except when the wind picked up. Handling a fly rod and paddle simultaneously became difficult.

Additional equipment needed for a canoe or kayak includes a drogue or sea anchor to hold the vessel in a steady drift. I’ve tried a small anchor, but the bow kept spinning every time the wind direction changed. It’s best to know the water you’re fishing in and the patterns of fish and insect hatches. Most fish are closer to the shore (like in a river) early in the morning because the sun warms the water and stimulates the hatch. All the ponds I’ve fished were filled with small brush and leaning trees that had fallen into the water. As always, wear a PFD for safety.

I didn’t want to overlook inflatables, float tubes, and single-person rafts equipped with oars. I’ve had my issues with float tubes and have sworn them off. The rafts look interesting, and I know some people swear by them. You could outfit your canoe with a set of oars in a solo canoe or use a kayak paddle. I think fixed oars work best. I once watched a guy with a canoe equipped with a small trolling motor slowly troll a fly across a pond I was fishing on and pull in a six-pound brookie. From across the pond, it looked huge. He released it back into the water. It was a welcome sight, just a reminder that most of us don’t view fishing like a trip to a free fish market.