Canoe color - trout fishing

Beaver1 · 09-10-2009, 08:00 AM

I will be getting a new canoe this winter, but haven't made my decision on:

A) Model
B) Color

I think I have a few models that will meet my needs, but am not settled on color. Any input or thoughts on which color would be best for trout fishing lakes? I like the looks of a red canoe, but not sure that will be best for sneaking up on trout. Or will the just see a dark outline, no matter what color I get?

Any input of model would be helpful too. I am thinking a 16' or 17'. Will be taking a few 3 night camping trips with the fiance and our 90lb dog. Mostly of its use will be on lakes.

thanks!

XPO · 09-10-2009, 08:54 AM

I've successfully fly fished lakes as clear as Hosmer out of a white and a bright yellow canoe. Any dark color produces a distinct silhouette from below, but unless you're fishing close to the boat, it should make no difference. From below, the surface looks mostly like a mirror, anyway.

honker1 · 09-10-2009, 09:04 AM

This answer isn't very scientific, but my own opinion. With that much weight and a 90lb dog, I would get the longest canoe I can paddle and somekind of stablizer for the dog moving around.
As for the color, I wouldn't think it would matter. Fish are more disturbed by movement, noise, and shadows then color.

Beaver1 · 09-10-2009, 11:32 AM

Thanks for the replies! I wouldn't be fishing usually with the Girl and the dog in the boat, but be making evening trips out from camp, or early morning and not much stuff in the boat. If I tried to fish with the boat loaded up with my luck, I would catch a German Shepard with my panther martin.....HA!

uhmw · 09-11-2009, 06:45 AM

I painted my little fiberglass row boat pale white gluvit below the waterline with sky blue epoxy above the water line for fishin spooky bass in willy slogs and trout fishin in high altitude lakes during the summer. My grand pa did this to his skiffs used on the florida keys for sneaking up on bone fish and such.

Fisherdaddy · 09-11-2009, 06:59 AM

I would't worry about color. Make the best deal you can.

Kendall · 09-13-2009, 08:34 AM

I've got a white, 17', fiberglass Old Town Canadienne

I honestly couldn't tell you what color would be best for fishing... though white does make sense. It would be the same idea as to why the belly of a Great White is... well... white.

The funny thing was, I had done my research and was scouring the U.S. for the now elusive Canadienne. On a whim I happened to call the paddling shop in my town at the time, Santa Cruz. "Down Works" is their name. The owner of the company showed me his, personal canoe, a white Canadienne with a sailing kit. And sitting next to it... low and behold was a new, white Canadienne. Mine was one of the last ones ever sold at retail as the model was, for some mysterious reason, discontinued. The mold was bought and is still being produced by another company for much more money.

Anyhoo, I discussed the color with him and he mentioned that white was the best for fiberglass because any scratches incurred would be almost invisible. He was right. Mine has very few, but the ones I do have are very tough to spot.

Penobscot · 09-14-2009, 05:46 PM

I've got a 17' green Old Town Penobscot that has taken it's share of trout.
17 footer is better for gear and camping but does add about 7 lbs to the overall weight.

shorthair · 09-15-2009, 10:23 AM

Your fiance only weighs 90# dang guy throw her back till she finishes growing.

Oops reread the post & noticed its the pup's weight. SORRY.

baitfish · 09-16-2009, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shorthair

Your fiance only weighs 90# dang guy throw her back till she finishes growing.

Oops reread the post & noticed its the pup's weight. SORRY.

What color of fishing pole does your dog use?

deeptrout · 09-17-2009, 02:23 PM

Aluminum, heavily scratched and oxidized has worked well for me. Splash about with a wooden water splasher, and make a little noise in the boat now and then. I prefer lead split shot swinging from the rod at about water level for this.