NuCanoe Fishing

Refuge in the Back Country by Luke Clayton

2011-03-01T15:26:00.000-08:00

Everyone that loves the outdoors needs a retreat to go to, a place to get away from computers, cell phones, deadlines and civilization in general. A place where one can pause to listen to what some people would call nothing. For those of us that love the natural world and know what to listen for this quietness that the untrained ear might call ‘nothing’ is filled with sounds. I know. I spend a great deal of time on a remote piece of land that once was an active sand and gravel pit. My outdoor haven is located one mile from my home and I go there often. The pits that were excavated back in the fifties and sixties are now, deep, spring fed havens for catfish, bass and crappie. The shallows in the backwaters attract duck in large numbers each year. Deer, rabbits, squirrel and hogs frequent the woods adjacent the 40 or so acres of water. During their fall and winter migration, it’s common to see woodcock digging for earthworms in the soft soil along the waters edge.

Just yesterday, I used my NuCanoe, a 12 foot craft designed perfectly for negotiating the backwaters, to paddle back through the many little cuts and channels connecting the small lakes to the backwaters where ducks flock in large numbers and, where I’ve enjoyed many fun filled hours hunting and photographing them.

I paddled as far as I could go and nosed my NuCanoe up to shore. When the water is high, it’s possible to paddle all the way to the very back but with the current low water levels, I had to drag the craft about fifty feet through a beaver slide that connects the back marsh with the deeper waters that I had just navigated.

Before dragging the boat through the little cut, I decided to walk over, sit down and observe the sights and sounds of this backwater wonderland. As I walked through the cut into the more shallow water, I flushed several wood ducks that were rafted close by. I set down in some brush and soon everything became quiet again. Well, not really quiet, not if one really listens!

A hundred yards, behind a little island, I heard a small flock of mallards feeding on the aquatic vegetation. They were making the contented quacks that mallards make when they are in a safe, sheltered place feeding. I could hear the squeal of wood ducks, the whistle of widgeon and the deep throated buzzing sound made by gadwall in flight. I watched ducks of several species circle high over the backwaters and begin their beautiful spiraling decent to join their kind on the water.

My vantage point was close to the waters edge and occasionally, I would see a crappie in the shallow water slapping its tail on the surface. Each spring during the spawn, the fish pull out of the deeper channels and stage in the shallows in the remote marsh.

From this same spot a few weeks earlier, I set and watched a family of nutria playing on a little island fifty yards out into the marsh. They were engaged in a game of tag and would chase each other around the island, dive into the water, in pursuit of one of the adults. Then, they would back paddle on the surface, flipping over on their backs with their front paws exposed on their chest. I was privy to their antics for a good ten minutes, until the entire family decided to go subsurface into their den underneath the island.

In the woods, behind the marsh, I heard the unmistakable squeal of feral hogs, probably a sounder made up of sows and piglets. Hog tracks were everywhere along the shoreline. I have a couple of feeders that throw corn at 6 and again at 7 pm every evening and fresh pork for the freezer is usually, but not always, obtained easily by setting on stand in late afternoon. I watch the wind and set my GhostBlind up downwind of where I expect the hogs to appear.

I often stalk hogs and have killed them back in some pretty remote spots. Since the connecting gravel pits are well distributed throughout the property, I use my NuCanoe to get to areas that are next to impossible to access by foot. The craft is also worth its weight in gold when it comes time to haul the pork out of the woods. I know the area well and regardless where I kill a hog, the drag is short to waters edge.

Crappie can quickly overpopulate and keeping their numbers in check is important on private waters. I relish this task and do my part with jig pole and crappie jig but, while setting alone in the secluded backwaters waters, watching those shallow water crappie splashing the surface, I’m devising a plan! I’ve got a light trot line back at home and there’s a bait shop with minnows not far from home! Some #1 gold Aberdeen crappie hooks to replace the larger catfish hooks on the trotline and I’d be in business to collect a big ‘mess’ of crappie for an evening fish fry. Better leave a few larger hooks on the ‘line’. There is a healthy population of Flathead catfish as well and they love to lay in ambush close to the bank in the tangles roots of shoreline trees. The first two or three hooks from bank will be baited for catfish!

Sure hate to cut this week’s column short but duty calls and I do need to get back to civilization. Hopefully we will be dining on crispy fried crappie fillets tonight with possibly a few flathead fillets thrown in for good measure. You know, it’s tough to beat the flavor of fillets from smaller flatheads!

Go to http://www.catfishradio.com to read more of Luke's writings.

Things that have helped while I fish for striped bass

2011-02-15T09:59:00.000-08:00

I am really happy with the addition of pontoons I recently decided to mount. Not that the NuCanoe isn't sturdy enough but because I am fishing for Striped Bass on a large lake where there are many large wake producing boats which caused a lot of stability problems for small boats. I purchased them from "www.standnfish.com" and am very satisfied with their product and service. My only recommendation for NuCanoe owners is to request the 36" lift channel versus the standard 30" channel. I found that the width of the Nucanoe required a longer lift channel to get it closer to the center of gravity. What is very nice about these pontoons is the fact that they lift out of the water several inches so when you are paddling they don't create any drag and lift and lower with ease. They are easily stored when not in use. They also have an additional option which allows the fisherman to attach a leaning post when fishing the flats for Redfish.

Also, here is a picture of the rigging I have set up for use when I fish for Striped Bass while trolling. I used a flex pipe so that the transducer would go down into the water and folds back up when not in use. This was an alternative to drilling any holes in the boat. Seems to work very well.

Doug K

Fishing with my NuCanoe

2010-11-08T11:52:00.000-08:00

We have had the 10' NuCanoe now for 2 years, and have used it alot and really enjoy it. I fish the bays around Gabriola Island on the Georgia Strait using the NuCanoe and Emmrod fishing rods, I have always caught fish and here is a picture of a 7 pound ling cod, hope you enjoy it - Ron Nicholson, Gabriola Island, BC

Your Guide to NuCanoe Fishing!

2009-08-20T09:12:00.001-07:00

Your NuCanoe is capable of performing many outdoor activities well. In particular, the NuCanoe is popular for fishing. This blog page will discuss the following NuCanoe fishing functionalities:

1. Bass Fishing – The swivel seat feature will add comfort and convenience to your ride.

2. Fly Fishing – Rise above the water while fly fishing and keep your lines clear.

3. Stand & Fish – Comfortably stand in your stable NuCanoe.

4. Motorized Fishing – Attach a trolling motor to you trolling-ready boat to get to your spots quicker and with greater ease.

One of the greatest things about a NuCanoe is its stability. Fishermen in particular love this because it allows them to stand in the boat to fish, without the worry of falling or tipping. The added ability to stand and fish in your NuCanoe will allow you to cast farther and control your line even better than before.

Get More Bass Fishing

2009-07-08T14:17:00.001-07:00

The NuCanoe is ideal for bass fishing. Super stable, easy to use, and plenty of room for all your fishing gear. Not to mention the trolling motor. Now that's the way to fish!

Top Three Reasons to Bass Fish in a NuCanoe

Fishing style swivel seat - Comfort and fishability are off the charts.
Trolling Motor - Get there fast. And without much effort.
Small water access - Get to the places (and fish!) that other boats can't.

Not Convinced? Check this out:

Bass Fishing Configurations

Solo Bass Angler: Folding Swivel Seat, Paddle/Rod Holder, Stern Anchor and 2 RAM Rod Holders w/ Mount

Tandem Bass Angler: 2 Folding Swivel Seats, 2 Paddle/Rod Holders, Stern Anchor and 4 RAM Rod Holders w/ Mount

Fly Fishing & Catching

2009-07-08T14:16:00.002-07:00

Now here's a better way to fly fish. Get out of the water and the float tubes. Stay away from the barges and pontoon boats. Get stability, ease of use, and great fishability in the NuCanoe.

Top Three Reasons to Fly Fish in a NuCanoe

Rise Above - Whether seated or standing, you'll be higher on the water, providing better leverage and sighting.
Stand Up! - The stability and balance of the NuCanoe enable you to truly fish while standing.
Clean Lines - Keep your fishing area clear of clutter and potential snags.

Fly Fishing Videos

Fly Fishing Configurations

Solo Fly Angler: Expedition Seat, Stern Anchor and 2 Paddle/Rod Holders

Ultimate Solo Fly Angler: Captain's Seat, Sport Box, Stern Anchor and 2 Paddle/Rod Holders

Motorized Fishing

2009-07-08T14:15:00.001-07:00

Is the NuCanoe a rowing canoe? Yes. Is the NuCanoe a paddling kayak? Yes. Is the NuCanoe anything else? Why yes it is . . . try a motorized troll boat! The NuCanoe is that versatile! The stern of the boat is designed for an attached trolling motor. Just add one to the end of your NuCanoe, and off you go. No straining effort is needed to guide your boat across the water.

Fishing will now be even easier with the ability to guide yourself effortlessly and quickly through the water to the best fishing locations.

Top reasons to use your NuCanoe as a trolling boat:
1. Cut down on the strenuous effort of rowing or paddling
2. Get around faster on the water
3. Get to the sweet fishing and hunting spots quicker and easier
4. Makes solo riding easier
5. Relax and enjoy the water and outdoors more
6. Simply fun and enjoyable

Rigged-up NuCanoe

2009-06-06T15:16:00.000-07:00

Here are a few photos of a NuCanoe rigged up by Marine Repair Center in Springfield, MO for one of their customers. (The "customer was thrilled.")

NuCanoe Fishing with Varsity Scouts

2008-10-21T17:21:00.000-07:00

Garrett Ostler of Garrett's Good Stuff in Syracuse, UT writes:

"I took my Team of Varsity Scouts to RockPort Reservoir Friday. The fishing and the weather was fantastic."

Fishing Videos from Cascade Lake

2008-05-28T13:05:00.001-07:00

javascript:void(0)
Publish Post

Fishing on Cascade Lake

2008-05-28T12:57:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from a NuCanoe camping trip over Memorial Day Weekend on Orcas Island in Washington state. We caught rainbow trout in Cascade Lake and Rockfish in Puget Sound.

Floating & Fishing on the Chattahoochee

2008-05-05T12:12:00.000-07:00

One of the benefits of NuCanoe fishing is getting to meet the people that share your passion. Another benefit is getting to turn others on to a new and different kind of craft to chase fish from. I met Jack Tiller from Cumming, GA a few weeks ago at an event. He was very interested in the NuCanoe but was a bit leary of fishing from it. He had fished from kayaks before but found them uncomfortable and unstable. To make a long story short, Jack's fears and concerns were gone within 30 seconds. Like many trout fishermen that have fished out of various craft over the years Jack thought he knew all the things that the NuCanoe would not be able to do. Like all of these guys he had to admitt he was wrong and instantly fell in love with the NuCanoe. We had a wonderful float down the Chattahoochee River below Buford Dam in Cumming, GA. Jack had caught a 10 plus lb. brown trout two days before so our expectations were high. It was a beautiful May morning with temps in the low 60's with light fog. The fog quickly burned off leaving us with a blue sunny sky and temps aroung 78 degrees. The fishing was a little slow but we did manage to catch a few dinks on the upper stretch. The lower stretch was a little better but we could not get a big fish to the boat. I did make a new friend and a new convert to NuCanoe fishing....what a great day!!!

Here is a tip for you NuCanoe spin fishermen. Small size perch, bream, crappie or shad swim baits. Get some and use them they will catch fish....period.

Tight lines and screaming drags...go get 'em,
Bucky

Custom NuCanoe Swivel Seats

2008-04-24T13:33:00.000-07:00

"Hey guys,

Just wanted to show you what one of my friends have done with his NuCanoe- I love the seat and he's also now mounted his depth finder on it."

- Johnny R. of Bright Star Classics, NuCanoe Premier Dealer in Sulphur Springs, TX.

Fishing on Lookout Mountain, GA

2008-04-24T13:11:00.000-07:00

Swim Baits for Slab Crappie?
by Bucky Schoocraft, NuCanoe Pro Staff

With the water temperatures approaching the magic number that triggers the spawning process for many species in the southeast, and the air temperatures near perfect for the angler, it is time to get out there and take a kid fishing. There is not a better way to introduce a beginner to fishing than to get out in a NuCanoe on a lake, pond, river or creek with air temperatures that do not make you cold or never make you break a sweat. The bugs are minimal, the wildlife in the woods is abundant, the plants and trees are spouting their foliage and the fish are biting.
Kayak fishing is an inexpensive and easy way to take you and your child away from the crowds. No tanks to gas up, very little maintenance and good exercise. The NuCanoe is very stable so you don’t have to worry about you, your child or your tackle ending up in the water. Kayak fishing allows you to access water that is not accessible by larger craft or water that you can’t wade or fish from shore.

While fishing with live bait is a sure way to catch fish and a good way to introduce a new angler to fishing, casting and working a lure keeps many young anglers from becoming bored. Always remember when taking a kid fishing the trip is about them and not you. Many of you are familiar with the large swim baits they make for catching giant bass. Several of the manufacturers are now making these swim baits in a mini version. Some are as small as 2”. These baits can be fished fast, slow and worked in almost any fashion to catch fish. They are very easy to cast and will work in most types of cover. The next time you are on your favorite body of water in the early spring tie one of these baits on and hang on to your rod. These little baits are great search bait allowing you to cover a lot of water quickly. When the time arrives in your area for the crappie spawn start throwing these little gems from pre-spawn right through the post-spawn period. They will catch big slabs and allow you to locate the fish. Little swim baits will catch fish year round but they really shine when the fish are first moving into shallow water and feeding on small bluegill or shad fry. So give them a try and remember to pass on the love for the outdoors and take a kid fishing.

Tight lines,
Bucky@nucanoe.com

Introduction

2008-04-24T09:10:00.000-07:00

The new home for NuCanoe Fishing.

Meet the NuCanoe Pro Staff.