There is something to be said about going low-tech. Countless numbers of our lakes, marshes, streams, small rivers, and backwaters essentially go un-fished due to inaccessibility. The bass boat, multi-species boat, and motorized skiff just can't get into some of these places. This is when a canoe comes in handy.
I recently scoured canoe manufacturer's websites and the blog-o-sphere looking for takes on what makes the best fishing canoe. Ultimately, folks are looking for a stable, seaworthy, maneuverable, fairly heavy, moderately efficient, short, canoe design. The trend toward expensive and ultralight kevlar boats just isn't that important for fishermen unless they are planning on doing a lot of portaging. The key thing to note here is that kevlar boats are so light they are subject to "blow-outs"--a term coined to describe when a canoe suddenly "blows out" of its fishing position when a slight gust of wind hits it. The idea is the lighter the canoe the more it lends itself to this boat control issue (it needs more load to reach optimum displacement, too buoyant, etc.).
The first model I looked at was Wenonah's Kingfisher 16. The massive beam (40 inches) attracted me to the model for stand-up fly-casting, poling, and general stability for fishing. However, the canoe is so beamy that it would make portaging into the BWCAW cumbersome; and, getting the canoe on my shoulders a bit difficult. The incredible beam would also make this canoe less than desirable to paddle on larger lakes as it has more displacement than most other models in its class--which means a loss in efficiency (though the manufacturer claims it is surprisingly efficient for its width). The advice I found suggested this canoe for "balance challenged" folks on the heavier side, stand-up fishermen; or, those looking to take a high strung hunting dog on a paddle to the duck blind. A canoe salesman up in the North Country told me, "If you tip this over there's really something wrong." I like the idea of this canoe (the manufacturer claims it is a great stand-up fly-fishing canoe for redfish in the no-motor zones) but the cons and limitations for my application here in the Upper Midwest were enough to send me to other models. Notably, the Wenonah Aurora 16'.
The Aurora captured my attention due to its versatility as a fishing canoe. In the Upper Midwest, versatility is a key trait due to the quantity of waters we have here: floating the upper Brule River for browns and brook trout; the Upper Mississippi, St. Croix and other large to mid-sized rivers for smallies and muskie; portaging into the BWCAW for trout, smallies and pike; and floating the backwaters and marshes for various warmwater species. We have them all here; and, a single canoe should be able to do it--at least that's my thinking for getting the biggest bang for the buck.
At 36 inches wide, the Aurora is much easier to get onto my shoulders and portage when the time comes. The lesser beam also makes it more efficient to paddle than the Kingfisher while still maintaining stability. It may be a bit twitchier than the Kingfisher but still difficult to capsize. The 16 foot length is also attractive. A bit more length than the short "fishing canoes" that every manufacturer seems to make, it offers increased versatility and efficiency. Plus, every fly-caster I know says get the 16' because it spreads out the bow and stern fly casters more--making casting less dangerous and worrisome.
The other trait that lured me to the Aurora is the manufacturer... Wenonah. Here in the North Country Wenonah is synonymous with quality, innovation, cutting edge designs, and stability within the organization. They are a name I can trust and they have worked hard to build that reputation over the decades.
Other canoes I looked at:
- Mad River Explorer 16' (it appears to have less bow and stern rise than the Aurora which might make it more resistant to "blow outs"; but, the slight V hull it has can become a wear point)
- Mad River Heritage 16 (slight V hull design)
- Old Town Guide 16 (a heavy polyethylene design... portaging would not be fun)
- Old Town Discovery 158 (touted by many as a classic... also a heavy polyethylene design)
When all was said and done I ended up getting the Wenonah Aurora. There are just so many possibilities this canoe brings to the table. And, I look forward to many years of paddling it. But, first I had to break it in on the marsh for some largemouth bass and bluegill fishing.
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| At the landing and ready for maiden voyage. |
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| Fantastic top water action. |
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| Waiting out approaching storms at the landing. |
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| Post-storm bluegills on flies. |
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| Wind squall on the pads. |
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| A crude damselfly nymph I tied up with peacock herl... the bluegills liked it. |
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| One of many that ate the damselfly nymph. |
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| Paddling in... |
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