Outdoorsman Time

tips for the modern sportsman

Can You Use A Kayak Paddle In A Canoe?

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For the people who do not use a canoe or kayak or use either one of these infrequently, he or she may see no reason they cannot use a kayak paddle in a canoe. He or she needs to understand the differences in each one to come to a personal conclusion.

Kayak

The differences of these two boats are as follows, a kayak is longer and narrower than a canoe. The front and rear of the kayak forms points. Kayaks, generally made for one person, but are available to fit two people, propels the kayak through the water by using a paddle with two blades. The driver put this blade in the water and pushes the kayak ahead then dips the paddle into the water on the alternating side of the kayak to keep the kayak going straight.

Lightweight aluminum, skins, bark, plastic, wood and more are the materials that go into building a kayak. Kayaks accommodate one or two persons and propel though the water with one paddle. There is one blade on each end of the pole. The driver alternates sides of the kayak, pushing the canoe through the water with first the right paddle and then the left paddle.

The argument is that kayaks are easier to control and keep gear dryer, that is, if the driver does not overturn their kayak. Many kayakers feel that the two blades are better than the one found propelling a canoe. Kayaks handle rougher waters better than a canoe.

Kayaks will not get flooded with water and a canoe can take on water. If the kayaker is propelling their kayak in inclement weather, the boat helps to keep the driver protected. Kayakers are able to move and transport the boat easier due to its lightweight. The rudders on a kayak help to control the boat. Kayakers love the closeness to the water and the feel that their body is skimming under the water.

Canoe

A canoe requires the use of an oar with one blade the driver propels the canoe by alternating sides of the canoe to push the canoe forward. Most people buy a recreational canoe.

According to the many people, a kayak paddle used to propel a canoe may work more effectively than the canoe paddles. According to some reviews, many have tried using kayak blades on a canoe and they worked really well. This is a personal preference and everyone has differing thoughts on the subject, with an ongoing debate on which is better a canoe or a kayak, a debate that shows no resolve.

What To Bring On Your First Kayak Trip

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Whether you’re doing some kayak fishing or just hitting the river, your first kayak trip is as special as it is important. You should take along everything you need to have a great time. The better prepared you are the more fun you are likely to have. Safety is always the highest priority on any list. So, be sure to include all the safety equipment and supplies you feel you will need.

Here is a list of items you should pack. You want your first trip to be memorable, and safe.

Safe and Comfortable Clothing

Taking along the right clothing is important. You never know what type of weather you will encounter, or what types of insects are swarming around. You want to have clothes that protects you from the sun and dries quickly. In the winter time, you want to put on at least 2 or 3 layers of clothing. As the weather warms up, you can also peel off what you do not need. Lightweight clothing such as long sleeve shirts and pants made from cotton is suitable for warm and cool temperatures.

Travel Bag

You need a bag that is water resistant and strong enough to carry your food, clothing and kayak supplies. In the event that your kayak capsize you want to make sure that your clothing, and your lunch is not lost at sea. Be sure your bag has secure fasteners or draw strings.

Quality Spray Skirt

Choose from spray skirt to take along on your trip. There are normally two sizes, but the tunnel size is probably your best option. The size of your spray skirt is decided by your waist size. The skirt should be tight, but not tight enough to prevent you from breathing. The larger size spray skirt is for the cockpit opening. You should get your kayak fitted for a spray skirt if it is your personal kayak.

A Strong Line

You do not want your kayak to drift away, during heavy winds or waves. You need to be a long strong line, that is difficult to break. If you plan on taking a break, you will want to pull your kayak over to shallow parts of the water.

Do Not Forget Your Lunch

Do not forget to pack a hearty lunch. After hours of paddling, you will most definitely work up a appetite. Pack a few sandwiches, some fruits and plenty of water. Be sure to carry it all in a backpack or a waterproof lunch box. If the weather is hot, try packing a few salty foods. Sweating can dehydrate the body, and having some source of salt can replenish the salt your body lose.

Summary

Your kayaking trip should be the most enjoyable trip of your life. Be sure to pack everything you think you will need. Preparation is the key to a success trip. Be sure to pick the right size paddles, that are easy for you to use. Listen to the weather station before taking off, and follow any safety precautions.

Tips For Outfitting A Canoe For Fly Fishing

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canoe fly fishingCanoes are ideal for fly fishing because by sitting deep and low into the water, a canoe can access the shallow pools where fish like to live. A canoe also has space sufficient to store a fisherman’s fly fishing equipment and even a few luxuries for his relaxation. When you rent a canoe, all equipment essential for life saving rudiments should be already on board. You will pack your own gear for the best fishing experience.

Outfitting

1. A Good Place To Sit
The fisherman must outfit the canoe with a seat back fastened to the canoe seat and used for added body support. Clip and snap that seat back securely into place by carefully using attached straps, and then fold down the seat back when it is no longer in use. Choose nicely padded seat backs when fly fishing to maximize back and hip comfort on the water.

2. Rod Holders Snapped onto Sides of Canoe
Snap the rod holders on either side of the canoe to keep all of the fly rods close at hand and easy to grab when fishing. Rod holders are designed artfully to reduce line tangles, an especially important feature when fly fishing because there is a large amount of drag used during the cast-and-retrieval process.

3. Anchor Rigging
Rig an anchor to the canoe using rope and anchor easily purchased or made by yourself by putting a heavy, weighted object for an anchor, into a mesh bag. Position the canoe anchor at the center of the boat, or choose to lower the anchor over the side of the boat and fly fish from only one fixed location.

4. Insert Carpet or Pad
Measure the hull or widest part of the canoe and fit the inside with the correct sized piece of carpet or non-adhesive gel pad. Either choice will work well and the gelled padding will cushion your fishermen knees when kneeling on them to fly fish.

5. Carabiners Fasten Waterproof Bags to Canoe
Fasten all waterproof bags and cases to the side of your canoe. Carabiners work well for this purpose. Pass the mouth of a carabiner through the loops of the bags or cases and position each bag or case over the side of the boat to rest near the water. Fill these bags and cases with fly fishing baits, line, pocket knife and fly fishing accessories.

Trolling or Casting

Canoes are used better for trolling than for actually fly casting. Experienced fishermen also like to have deep wading boots or a floater tube with them as convenient accessories for the sport. No equipment for fly fishing has to be costly. The best rod, reel, line and lures are the ones that work for you, not the ones that were most expensive. Good running shoes may well help a runner in his sport, but no fishing rod and equipment are manufactured to carry you to the best fishing hole and bring in a catch to brag about.

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