Last updated on December 21st, 2023.
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If you’re a serious angler or a hobbyist, you’ll find that a reliable and feature-packed fishing canoe can greatly help enhance your experience.
Canoes offer a great opportunity to connect with nature and add more tranquility to your fishing routine. They’re also easy to transport and simpler to get in and out of. Plus, they offer versatility, allowing you to access hard-to-reach areas. If you’re considering investing in one, you should keep in mind that there are plenty of products to choose from, which can make it an overwhelming task. Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best fishing canoes to help you make the right decision.
Table of Contents:
Best Fishing Canoes Quick Answer Guide
Vital Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying a Fishing Canoe
Best Fishing Canoes 2023 Reviewed
Best Fishing Canoes Quick Answer Guide
1. Old Town Sportsman Discovery
3. Old Modern Handicraft’s Fishing Canoe
7. Old Modern Handicrafts Wooden
Vital Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying a Fishing Canoe
Optimal Size of the Canoe
One of the most important things to consider is the size of the boat. The dimensions of the canoe will impact its performance and stability. While there are many different things that can positively or adversely impact a canoe’s performance, a rule of thumb is to remember that larger canoes with a relatively flat base will perform generally well. However, bigger boats will be a bit stressful to transport. Plus, a larger canoe will also enable you to accommodate more people.
The Right Accessories
Always go for a canoe that offers a good balance between performance and accessibility. For example, your fishing canoe should come with vital accessories such rod holders, additional storage compartments, a tackle box, cup-holders, etc. While these accessories are important, note that the more things you add in a boat, the heavier it will get, which is going to impact performance. So, maintain a good balance between the accessories you absolutely need and the level of performance desired.
Canoe Stability
Getting a canoe with adequate stability is vital for overall performance. You see, you’ll be sitting most of the time, waiting for the fish to take the bait. This means you need something that doesn’t move a lot. For enhanced stability, always opt for a canoe that’s designed with a flat but wide base, with adequate gunwale width. However, the trade-off is that a flat base will compromise the speed and maneuverability of the canoe.
Best Fishing Canoes 2023
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Old Town Sportsman Discovery
When it comes to versatility and functionality, you can count on the Old Town Sportsman Discovery. Built with all the features anglers require for a fun and successful day of fishing, the canoe comes in a very portable design, making it easier to transport. Weighing just 56-lbs, you can take the boat from one fishing location to the next without breaking a sweat.
Moreover, because the Old Town Sportsman Discovery is so lightweight, it automatically gains formidable agility, effectively drifting throughout the water with minimal hassle. The canoe is also designed with a wider base, which makes it even more stable.
You’ll also be pleasantly surprised to know that despite being lightweight, the fishing canoe is manufactured using durable and impact resistant materials. The canoe’s hull boasts a 3-layer design, reinforced with closed-cell foam. Moreover, the outer layer of the Old Town Sportsman Discovery is made with high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
The Old Town Sportsman Discovery is also designed with a host of great fishing features and as such, it has two durable and flush fishing rod holders, multiple cup-holders, storage compartments at the back of the seats, and a small storage section in the armrest. It also comes with a customizable tackle box.
Pros
Lightweight and portable
Smooth handling
Durable hull and overall design
Extra storage spaces
Stable base with bigger hull design
Cons
Very expensive
Designed for single-person use
Lifetime Kodiak Fishing Canoe
If you’re on a budget, you can’t ask for anything better than the Lifetime Kodiak. And you’ll be quite surprised to find out that the boat comes with some decent features and quality built, considering its low price tag. Sure, it’s fair to say that the Kodiak lacks much of the high-tech features and amenities offered by more expensive fishing canoes.
But the fact is, the Lifetime Kodiak can easily be recommended for avid anglers and fishers too. The primary reason this canoe is affordable is that it’s built using the blow-molded method. However, the canoe is integrated with HDPE (high-density polyethylene). While HDPE isn’t considered an optimal material for canoes, it is quite impact resistant and durable. Plus, the Lifetime Kodiak can also be custom-fitted with an electric motor.
The Lifetime Kodiak is specifically and explicitly designed for veteran anglers and fishers. The boat has a wider base with a flat design, which offers more stability. The canoe also comes with three ergonomic and comfortable seats. The boat also has some decent fishing features such rod holders, rear-end storage compartments, etc. While the Kodiak doesn’t come with topnotch features, it’s still quite an effective and reliable canoe.
Pros
Ergonomic seat design
Rod holders
Decent storage
Durable built
Can be mounted with an electric motor
Affordable
Cons
Not for novice fishers
Heavy (96-lbs)
Not the most agile canoe
Old Modern Handicraft’s Fishing Canoe
Boasting beautiful aesthetics, the Old Modern Handicraft’s Fishing Canoe is perhaps the most visually pleasing on this list. The canoe is hand-built with quality and natural materials such as red cedar. Moreover, the boat is manufactured with a method known as ‘strip built’, similar to how traditional, larger canoes are made. The Old Modern comes with two paddles and a display stand that’s entirely made from wood.
Beautiful and agile, the Old Modern Handicraft’s Fishing Canoe is designed to effortlessly glide over the water. There’s no question that the fishing canoe is indeed a beautiful piece of work – and the dark stain just adds to its aesthetic qualities. You’d be amazed to hear that each canoe takes up to five hundred man-hours to be built. However, it’s quite expensive given that it’s hand-made.
Moreover, the Old Modern Handicraft’s Fishing Canoe doesn’t really come with a lot of features or storage compartments. You can say that it’s geared towards a more avid or passive fisher. The boat is made with high quality fiberglass resin with multiple layers of combined cedar joints for added strength, durability, and reliability. The canoe is 18 feet in length with a 22.5-inch width, and weighs 70-lbs.
Pros
Beautiful design
Durable materials
Wooden paddles
Great for beginners and novices
Cons
Expensive
Not enough features
Not for veteran anglers
Old Town Saranac 160 Fishing Canoe 2 Person
Like its predecessor, the 146, the Old Town Saranac 160 comes with a dynamic set of features at a comparatively affordable price tag. The Saranac 160 boasts a larger design, integrated with rod holders, decent storage compartments, and a couple of storage trays. Plus, the fishing canoe is designed with two contoured and comfortable seats with raised backrests.
Moreover, the Old Town Saranac 160 also features a smaller, center seat, perfect for kids. You can easily load the Saranac with a lot of fishing gear as the boat is made for longer trips. It’s safe to say that the canoe is well-suited for family and/or casual fishing trips.
In addition, the Old Town Saranac 160 can also be used for recreational boating as it’s designed to glide over water with considerable ease. The Old Town Saranac comes with a decent storage capacity as it’s designed with in-built storage trays located in the bw and center seat. The paddle rests are mounted on the bow and stern, and they also boast a molded-in design.
Pros
Comfortable seats with raised backs
The center hatch measures 6-inches
Well-designed storage compartments
Durable paddles
Cup holders
Cons
Not for experienced anglers
Lacks premium features
Sea Eagle TC16 Inflatable Canoe
When it comes to inflatable canoes, the Sea Eagle TC16 Inflatable Canoe can be a great go-to choice for beginners. The fishing canoe comes with a streamlined design and has the option to add three paddlers, which means the boat is perfect for family fishing trips. Plus, you can also use the canoe for recreational boating. The canoe comes with different specifications and features, designed to suit individual needs. The boat weighs 60-lbs with a 16-foot length and has a 38-inch width. However, it also has an impressive weight capacity of more than 900-lbs. The boat comes with seats, an air pump, and two paddles.
Designed with three seats, you can take your family out for a fun fishing trip. The Sea Eagle TC16 Inflatable Canoe has enough seating capacity to fit two adults and two children. And because it’s lightweight and inflatable, the canoe boasts supreme portability, making it easier to transport from one location to the next. Just load the canoe in your trunk and you’re good to go anywhere you want. And thanks to its massive load bearing capabilities, you can also use the boat for casual camping trips with the family, and in some cases you can even fit your dog inside the Sea Eagle TC16 – a great all-round fishing canoe!
Pros
Affordable
Great seating capacity
Comes with a pump and paddles
Lightweight
Cons
Not for experienced or serious anglers
RBSM Canadian Classic Canoe
The RBSM Canadian Classic boasts superior seating capacity – meaning up to four people can comfortably sit inside the canoe. The fishing canoe is excellent for casual family camping or fishing trips and offers streamlined gliding stability. The canoe is a great option for multi-day fishing trips and is manufactured using high-quality UV resistant polyethylene, boosting its resilience, durability, and functionality. The canoe weighs 94-lbs with a staggering load bearing capacity of 936-lbs.
Although the RBSM Canadian Classic comes with a considerably hefty price tag, the canoe is designed for both commercial and personal use. The boat also features a decent array of amenities and features such as good storage compartments to load a ton of gear. Overall, the RBSM Canadian is designed for excellence, robustness, and streamlined responsiveness.
Pros
Larger hull
Enhanced seating capacity
Great load bearing capacity
Good storage capacity
Cons
Very Expensive
Not recommended for serious fishermen
Old Modern Handicrafts Wooden Canoe
Another beautifully crafted fishing canoe on this list, the Old Modern Handicrafts Wooden Canoe takes countless hours to be designed for perfection. The boat is made with layers of cedar wood that are reinforced with quality fiberglass. Both materials are then stuck together using epoxy resin. The boat comes with a durable and stable cedar hull that offers stability and versatility. The canoe comes in two sizes (16-feet and 18-feet), however, both versions come with a 31.5-inch width.
With a durable and impact resistant construction, the Old Modern Handicrafts Wooden Canoe is quite reliable and can be used for multi-day fishing trips. Thanks to its quality fiberglass construction, the boat has increased tensile durability and the wood is abrasion resistant. With decent storage capacity, relatively spacious design, and other amenities, the Old Modern can be an excellent fishing partner. Although it boasts a lightweight design, the boat effortlessly glides on water and is not easily swayed even in moderate wind conditions.
Pros
Great stability
Classic wooden design
Durable construction
Decent storage
Cons
Expensive
Not for veteran anglers
Old Town Penobscot 174
The Old Town Penobscot 174 is designed for smooth gliding and stress-free paddling. Sure, it comes with a hefty price tag, but the fishing canoe offers some good features and amenities suited for beginners and avid anglers alike. Even if you load the boat with a ton of gear, it won’t really effect your paddling effectiveness as it’s designed for long distance paddling. The boat is manufactured with impact resistant and durable materials such as high-density polyethylene. The canoe is sturdy and allows for streamlined stability and versatility.
The Old Town Penobscot 174 boasts two seats made from nylon web, allowing users to comfortably adjust their positions while fishing. Plus, the carrying handles are built for comfort and are easy to grip, and you can even take your dog with you on the trip. The boat weighs 83-lbs with a total length of 17.4 feet, and a 36-inch width.
Pros
Highly versatile
Great for family trips
Good stability
Streamlined hull design
Nylon webbed seats
Cons
Quite expensive
Not recommended for veteran fishers
A bit heavy to transport
MyCanoe 2021 Duo Origami Folding Portable Canoe
The MyCanoe 2021 Duo Origami comes with a brilliant, portable design, boasting decent storage space and a comparatively larger interior. The fishing canoe is designed for effortless paddling and top quality performance. However, the boat is only designed to be used on calm and still waters such as lakes and gentle streams.
The MyCanoe 2021 Duo Origami is made with dual polypropylene (marine grade) – which means it has multiple air pockets between both inside and outside layers. Moreover, the company claims that the external layer of the boat will offer 15 years of UV resistance. In addition, MyCanoe has also stated that the origami foldable canoe will last a considerably long time (up to 20,000 fold cycles). This is effectively a lifetime of MyCanoe paddling. The canoe comes with two seats that can be quickly and reliably secured into place using Velcro straps. The boat weighs 43-lbs and is 14.5 feet long.
Pros
Durable construction
Will last a lifetime
UV protection materials
Two seats
Highly portable design for effortless transport
Lightweight
Cons
Very expensive
Not for serious anglers
Wenonah Fishing Canoe
The Wenonah Fishing Canoe is designed for enhanced stability and performance. Made for recreational, family boating trips, the canoe boasts a short, sporty build with a comparatively flat bottom. This offers users considerable stability on both calm and moderately calm waters. The Wenonah Fishermen canoe is also built to offer simple boat control and its shallow draught enables users to access regions that are difficult to get to in other canoes and boats.
With a small hull design, the Wenonah Fishing Canoe is also ideal for camping trips and even the kids can use it. In all, the boat measures 14 feet in length and weighs 36-lbs, with a total width of 39-inches.
Pros
Affordable
Great for kids
Great stability
Smaller hull design
Sporty built
Cons
Not for serious anglers
Lacks premium features
Lacks adequate storage features
Bottom Line on the Best Fishing Canoe
So there you go – a list of some of the best fishing canoes you can invest in. Depending on your requirements and preferences, the products listed come in different price ranges and features. If you’re looking for something casual and affordable, it’s recommended that you should go for the Wenonah Fisherman canoe. If you’re a serious angler with a decent budget, you should opt for the Lifetime Kodiak canoe.
Notice: The Wading List is reader-supported. We take part in various affiliate programs such as amazon associates or avantlink. If you click on one of the links in this article and end up purchasing a product we earn a small commission at no extra cost for you. Thank you!
