How to Outfit a Canoe for Fly Fishing

Some of the best fly fishing is available in areas not accessible by traditional boats. A good way to fish these areas is with a canoe. Canoes are easy to transport, can float in shallow water and are quiet. Modifying a canoe so it works best for a fly fisherman is something any canoe enthusiast can accomplish.

Things You'll Need

  • Canoe
  • Electric trolling motor
  • Motor mount
  • 12-volt battery
  • Canoe stabilizers
  • Boat seats
  • Rod holders
  • Small anchor
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a canoe. Strongly consider a canoe that is wide in the center. A wide center makes room for a fly fisherman to cast. Also, purchase a canoe that has one flat end to hold an engine or trolling motor. Try to purchase the lightest canoe possible--they are much easier to transport and launch.

    • 2

      Mount the canoe stabilizers near the center of the boat. Adjust the stabilizers so the pontoon portion is at the widest point possible. Also, adjust the stabilizers so the pontoons are close to the water when the canoe is level. Stabilizers will allow fly fishermen to stand up in the boat and cast or play large fish without fear of swamping the canoe.

    • 3

      Mount the rod holder on the side of the boat. The rod holder should be in a position so that a fly fisherman can easily reach any desired rod. A rod holder also prevents tangling of line from different rods.

    • 4

      Attach the electric trolling motor to the flat end of the canoe. If the canoe is pointed at both ends, attach the motor mount close to the sitting area of the main canoe occupant. This will allow the occupant easy control of the trolling motor. Place the 12-volt battery near the center of the boat to maximize canoe stability. Connect the battery to the trolling motor.

    • 5

      Attach the canoe seats to the benches in the canoe. Attach the seats using manufacturer's instructions. Place one seat in the front of the canoe and one seat in the rear to maximize stability.

    • 6

      Tie one end of the anchor rope to a point nearest the main occupant. Tie the other end of the anchor rope to the anchor. Place the anchor and rope in the center of the boat to maximize stability.

    • 7

      Launch the canoe. Check for canoe stability with the main occupant, then ask a helper to enter the canoe and check for stability with both occupants. Adjust the battery, boat seating and anchor to achieve maximum stability.