i was at fleet farm playing around with some of the ones they have there. the lowrance x4 is the same as the eagle cuda 300. same buttons, everything. just different color/name on them. i read a ton of reviews on the x4 and x4 pro. seems like the x4 is better than the pro version, but i havent gotten around to looking into eagle cuda 300 reviews. i like the idea of the silicone puck and keeping everything internal, although knowing the water temp wouldnt hurt.

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If you don't have them, you need to invest in a pair of drip rings. Different styles/materials but they basically keep the water from running down the paddle shaft into your canoe.

If you Google kayak strokes, you'll find what I believe they refer to as a touring stroke?
You basically keep the paddle parallel to the water, different than that high windmill stroke you see them use for racing. A little practice and you can really fly, especially into headwind. You know your doing it right when your moving along but hardly feel like your working hard, if that makes any sense to you.
That stroke will also limit the water from running into your canoe.

Check you paddle length. Most solos are wider than kayaks. If you have to "windmill" to avoid banging the gunnel's every stroke, then you need a longer paddle.

partschaser09 wrote on May 1^st, 2012 at 6:41pm:


I'm assuming you're talking just general fishing advice for solo canoeists here.

I do recommend a portable depthfinder.  You'll probably find that you do quite a bit more trolling than tandem canoeists as that's the easiest way to fish from a solo when it's windy (short of finding a wind-protected spot to cast, which may or may not be where the active fish are).  Depthfinders will keep you from snagging up as much, which can be a major PITA in a solo canoe in the wind.

I also recommend a rod holder (see below).  It allows you have more freedom of movement in the canoe to keep yourself comfortable and stable.  It also keeps the rod well out of your paddling radius by moving it forward and upwards if you attach the holder to the gunwale.  Plus it's easier.  One less thing to worry about.  Your rod is in your line of sight but not in your way.

Casting works well if you can set up a proper drift (in the wind) or if it's calm enough to allow you to stay relatively stationary.

Anchoring does NOT work well in the wind, which is where you'd most likely be tempted to deploy it.  Tying it off amidships where you can reach is dangerous, and attempting to move back to the stern to tie it off is to invite a quick dunking.  Your body needs to stay in the wide part of the boat.  The narrower the canoe is where your body weight lies and the higher off the water your body weight is, the easier to flip, and the ratio of tippiness increases exponetially, not arithmetically, as you move up and/or to a narrower part of the canoe.

Landing a fish is also tricky.  The bigger the fish, the trickier the task becomes.  A fish grabber or a net of some sort helps a lot.  I prefer fish grippers as they allow for faster releases.  Bring the fish into the canoe with you, especially if it's large as leaning over the side isn't a good idea.  Get the fish's weight in the middle of the canoe and keep your own weight there.  I've landed fish in the mid-teens solo with no problem this way.

Barbless is a help when solo, not a hindrance.  Faster releases.  You'll catch plenty so if a few shake off at the boat, no biggie.

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I like this one:

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It's easy to get the rod in and out of the holder and the top part can be inverted easily and screwed back down for portages.  But plenty of designs work.  I use a small piece of spider mat to cushion my hull where the clamp cinches down on it.  Once my rodholder is clamped on, it doesn't get removed until the trip is over.

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I'm a single-blade guy, so I can't help here if you are determined to double-blade.  I think when fishing, a single blade is best anyway but maybe that's just me.  But ya, I'd suspect drip rings would help you out a lot when double-blading.

Hope this helps, or if you are looking for more specific tips, fire away. 

Partschaser......interesting handle. I bet you have some stories.

The holder that SD suggests is indeed a good one. Very lightweight. I have one but replaced it with one I like a smidgen better. My old one is collecting dust in my shop........your welcome to it. All I need is a place to send it to, compliments of QJ.

PM an address........if you follow SD's suggestions you will be hard pressed to go amiss.

My advice? Don't be like me where your so focused on watching your depth finder and your rod that you fail to notice where your at.

jaximus wrote on May 4^th, 2012 at 3:13pm:


I usually use nylon mesh bags that they sell for carrying beach towels or swimming suits. The sandbag idea it genius and I will be stealing it.