Flyfishing from your canoe

While it may not offer the same romantic image as Brad Pitt wading the shoreline, fishing from paddlecraft has always been a great way to enjoy the sport. But there are some skills specific to fishing on, rather than in, the water. Here are a few tips to help you track and tackle the big ones.
If you’ve ever had a fish on the line while sitting in a canoe, you know that landing it can sometimes be a touchy affair. Lines get tangled, hooks catch on sweaters and fish flop around inside the hull.
It doesn’t have to be that way. Canoeing and fishing are intertwined with a rich history. This wouldn’t be so if the craft didn’t perform some fishing function. Whether you’re angling for panfish on a private farm pond or tracking bonito in the saltchuck, with a little practice and attention to detail you can turn your canoe into highly effective fishing station.
There are three basic principles to keep in mind when fishing from a canoe: proper storage of tackle, casting methods and appropriate fish handling.
Silence is the golden rule when it comes to fishing from a floating platform. Canoes are no exception. Without making minor modifications, your canoe’s hull acts like an amplifier, blasting irritating sound waves toward the fish.
Consider placing a sleeping pad on the floor of your boat. A lightweight, closed-cell foam is an ideal sound-absorbing material. Also, use soft-style tackle boxes instead of metal or hard plastic and suspend any storage containers from your seat or from the thwarts. Lastly, make sure your paddle strokes don’t strike glancing blows off the hull.
As for access to gear, try to provide a separate tackle bag for each angler in the boat. Communal items such as a landing net can be centrally located. You also might want to incorporate a quick release system for the net so you don’t have to worry about accessing it when the time comes to handle your catch. As for rod storage, most people pin theirs against the wall or put them on the floor. The rod can also be secured and protected by installing a solid foam block over the thwart, with small bungee cords for the tie-downs. The foam blocks also make a superb place to dry your flies or lures.