Fishing Canoe Rigging

Buying a simple canoe and fixing it up to become a fishing canoe is a great project and a really rewarding experience. In order to optimize all of its potential, perhaps the most important thing to install in the canoe is proper rigging. In this article, rigging will mainly mean the nuts and bolts needed to take your canoe to the next level: the hardware and tools themselves. The special modifications – the cup holders, comfy seats, and no-slip deck – will come later. First and foremost, once you set yourself up with good rigging, no matter what else you’ve done to your canoe, your fishing excursions will be successful.

One aspect of a standard canoe that needs to be adjusted for fishing is the overall stability of the boat. When you are just sitting and rowing in calm waters, it is OK for your boat to be a bit wobbly. However, fishing requires a lot more effort than that and most likely will include some standing and moving around. For this reason, outriggers are key. Outriggers add extra stability to your boat. They can be made of simple lobster buoys, lighter foam buoys, or any other kind of floating device that fits your needs. Some canoe-fishing enthusiasts choose to add a thwart to the interior of the boat, and attach the outriggers from there. This will ensure your boat is fortified and more stable as you reel in your catch.

Another important part of rigging for your canoe is making sure that your rods have homes and holders. There is no point in heading out in your canoe if you can’t properly fish from it. You can buy a simple, pre-made rod holder and easily attach it to the interior of your boat, or create your own holders from PVC piping or similar materials. Some fishermen like to add the PVC under the rear seat, heading toward the back of the boat to have additional rod storage. Whatever you decide to go with, make sure that your rods can stay firmly in place and consider some fasteners for extra protection against things going overboard.

Having small anchors on each side of your boat will really help tether you to the spot you choose to fish from. Along with the outriggers, these anchors will make sure you stay put as you cast off and reel in, and help to make your trip not only bountiful, but also successful.