Top 16 Best Fishing Canoes [2023 Buying Guide]

Top 16 Best Fishing Canoes [2023 Buying Guide]

In our modern lifestyle, patience has become a rare skill. However, if someone masters the skill, then achieving self-possession won’t be a difficult job. Now people want quick knockouts, super-fast cars, swift service, but the art of slowing down the world has lost somewhere in this fast-paced life. Pursuing fishing can be an excellent hobby to regain the distinctive skill of patience once again. Besides, fishing is also fun. Imagine yourself sitting on the edge of the dock watching the sunset can be the definition of quality life. 

However, fishing from the bank doesn’t just take away the allure from the activity but also makes it less adventurous. On the other hand, if you have a canoe, then you will be able to quickly get to that sweet spot where the trout will be running under the water, and you know that dinner is just one castaway.

Fishing on a calm and clear lake can be a great experience. But you also have to understand that your canoe also has a significant impact on your overall fishing trip. So, you can’t just pick any boat that you come across in the market. You need to consider several things before buying a fishing canoe. In this post, we will talk about those consideration factors, and we will also reveal a list of the best fishing canoes 2020.


Things to Consider Before Buying a Fishing Canoe

Having a fishing canoe is the best way to get on the water to pursue your hobby. But before making your final call, consider the below factors. 

Type

This is the first and one of the essential things that you have to check before buying one. Fishing canoes are mainly available in two different types – sit on the top and sit inside. Here it is essential to understand that sit inside the model is not a good option for fishing. The open design of the sit on the top models allows users to access the cargo area easily. You can use this place to store your fishing accessories.

Stability

This is another crucial factor that you need to check before buying a canoe. While choosing one, you have to ensure that the width of the canoe is around 76 centimetres or 30 inches. Here it is also essential to know that the more the width, the better the stability. If you prefer to stand up while fishing, then avoid a V-shaped hull. 

In that flat bottom or tunnel, the hull would be more suitable for you. Before choosing a canoe, you also have to ensure that it is longer in size because longboats can go smoothly by cutting through the water. So choose such a canoe, which is broader in width and longer in size. It will provide the canoe with the desired stability and also help with comfortable transporting.

Room for Electronics

In this digital era, we can’t think of going anywhere without taking our mobile phones. Some people also prefer to listen to the radio while fishing. Due to this reason, we always recommend anglers to opt for such a canoe that comes with a dedicated storage option for electronic items. 

Keel or No Keel

If you are new in the world of fishing canoes, the keel can be a new word for you. Well, this is a piece of plastic that looks like “fin.” You have to stick it down from the hull of the canoe. It will improve tracking and boost its speed. Some models have retractable keels, others have integrated keels, and some canoes have none. If you like to fishing in open water, then you should opt for such a model that has a retractable or integrated keel. However, if your area of fishing is a closed lake or shallow rocky rivers, then you can opt for a no keel model. 

Anchor or drift

An electronic or traditional anchoring system can be a massive benefit if you love fishing in open water. However, having an anchor will put some additional weight on the canoe. While fishing, if you like to drift with the current, then there’s no point in choosing such a canoe that comes with an anchoring option. So, first of all, figure out your needs and then do your research. You will find different types of anchoring options that will match your budget.

Portability

A fishing canoe can add plenty of dynamic features in your fishing skills. But before buying one, you also have to understand that canoes are a bit heavier. So, you also have to consider this factor while conducting your research. If you go out fishing a lot, then you should opt for a lightweight canoe, which is easy to drag from one place to another. Here it is also essential to understand that sit-in canoe models are lighter than sit-on-top models. 

We also recommend anglers to choose such a canoe that they can place on the top of the roof of their car. If you use your truck to transport your canoe, then you have to ensure that you can easily place it on the bed of the truck. You might also need to invest in a trailer to move the canoe. So, apart from just the weight of the canoe, you also have to check its transportability before making your final call. 

Propulsion

If you look around the market, then you will easily find leg-powered canoe. This is a prevalent model of canoes for hobby anglers because, in this case, they get the chance to free their hands for fishing. However, if you manage to increase your budget a little, then you can also opt for an electric-motor-powered canoe. 

These are the seven most significant factors that you need to consider before choosing a fishing canoe. 


Top 5 Fishing Canoes

In this section, we will talk about some of the best performing fishing canoes that you can consider buying this year. But before we jump to that, here’s a quick round-up of our top five picks. 

Top 5 CanoesTypeLengthWidthDepthWeightCapacityStabilityPortability
Old Town Discovery 119 Solo CanoeSolo canoe11 ft. 9 inches32.5  inches19 inches49 pounds354 pounds9.3/109.5/10
Old Town Saranac 146Family-size canoe14 ft. 6 inches36 inches13 inches79 pounds750 pounds9.6/109.2/10
Sun Dolphin MackinawFamily-size canoe15 ft. 6 inches42 inches18.5 inches97 pounds800 pounds9.5/109.0/10
Old Town Guide 147 CanoeRecreational canoe14 ft. 7 inches38 inches13 inches74 pounds883 pounds9.5/109.3/10
Grumman 12′ 9″ Solo CanoeSolo canoe12 ft. 9 inches29.5 inches13 inches50 pounds545 pounds9.2/109.4/10

Old Town Discovery 119 Solo Canoe

This boat is neither a traditional canoe, nor canoe, but a cross-pollination sprinkled that has designing similarities and functional features of both the types. However, for the sake of this review, we will call it a canoe. The manufacturer has ideally designed this product for solo anglers so that they can easily address their fishing and hunting needs.

The product is lightweight, and due to this reason moving Old Town Discovery 119 Solo Canoe from one place to another is very easy. However, the manufacturing company has not compromised with its built material to make it super light and boost its portability. The product is made of highly durable material. So, one thing we can assure you that Old Town Discovery 119 Solo Canoe will last long. 

However, just like every other canoe in the market, Old Town Discovery 119 Solo Canoe also has some cons. You can’t take it into deep water. So we recommend anglers to avoid taking this canoe into deep water lakes, rivers for fishing. Its seat often slides. This is another major drawback of this canoe. 

So, finally, we would conclude that if you are looking for a solo canoe that looks excellent and offer highly functional features, then you should opt for this canoe. However, if you are looking for a comprehensive solution for your family, then avoid Old Town Discovery 119 Solo Canoe. 


Old Town Saranac 146

Old Town Saranac 146 is a great fishing canoe that you can also use for recreational purposes. Since this is a family-size canoe, it can easily hold two people. In case you want to bring your child or dog for fishing even, then you will get some room inside of the canoe. The built material of this canoe is excellent. Manufacturers claim that the canoe will last a lifetime so you can create a lot of memories with your family and loved ones on this canoe.

Instead of wood, this canoe is made of thermoplastic shell. Due to this reason, the model is neither expensive nor so cumbersome. Meanwhile, it can also withstand different kinds of abuse. It means you can take this canoe anywhere you want. The manufacturers have balanced the sturdiness of the shell excellently. Due to this reason, it provides the utmost stability. Hence you can confidently take out your family for fishing by using Old Town Saranac 146. 

This amazingly designed canoe also offers a molded storage option. In the center of the canoe, you will find a console that provides a flat surface. You can use this space in two different ways. The first thing that you can do is to reserve this place for a kid or pet, or you can also set your gear here. The canoe also comes with cup holders. So, now you can also enjoy your favorite drink while fishing. 

The capacity of this canoe is 750 pounds. So two adults and one kid will fit in this canoe if collectively they don’t exceed the weight limit. Since the canoe can’t be capsized, so it is perfect for all types of passengers. So, one thing we can assure you for sure – your family is safe inside the Old Town Saranac 146. 


Sun Dolphin Mackinaw

This is a remarkable canoe that is available at an affordable price. At first glance, the product looks a bit pricey, but when you will carefully check its features and built quality, then you will understand that the company is charging half the price of its real worth. The canoe will provide you utmost safety when you take your friends or family into the river or lake for fishing or adventure. So overall, it is fair to conclude that Sun Dolphin Mackinaw is worth an investment. 

While reviewing a canoe, we carefully check its features. The canoe comes with cup holders. So, on every seat, you can keep your favorite choice of drink safe while you or the passenger is paddling. The manufacturers of the canoe have designed it nicely and optimize it for high performance. The canoe can carry three persons at a time.

Meanwhile, it also offers storage for eatables and fishing rod holders. However, the canoe is slightly heavyweight. Due to this reason carrying it from your car to the river can be a challenging job for you. The body of the boat is also prone to scratches.  

However, if you compare its cons to its pros, then you will understand that the Sun Dolphin Mackinaw is worth buying.   This family-sized canoe offers excellent stability that makes it one of the best canoes available in the market today. Its durability, performance, and safety measures make Sun Dolphin Mackinaw a great canoe. 


Old Town Guide 147 Canoe

People who are looking for a budget-friendly canoe for fishing and recreational purpose can opt for this item. The product is ideally designed in such a way so that it could carry two persons easily. The capacity of the boat is 883 pounds. So you might think that you can get another person on the boat. But if you check the design of the canoe carefully, then you will find that there are only two sitting options available. But still, you can take your pet to join in your fishing or recreational activities. 

In the middle of the canoe, you will find a wide beam. It provides extra stability and makes the boat perfect for recreational activities like fishing, photography, etc. The product is lightweight but highly stable and durable. These are the three main features of Old Town Guide 147 Canoe. However, this versatile canoe also has some cons. For example, the seats of the canoes are slightly high, and there’s no extra room in the front paddler. You might also find the seats a bit harder. 

The canoe comes at a low price, which is its most significant advantage. So, if you are looking for such a canoe that is not so expensive but still stable and durable, then Old Town Guide 147 Canoe can be your best pick.  The canoe can serve multiple purposes, and it performs excellently on flat water. 


Grumman 12′ 9″ Solo Canoe

This ultra-light double-ended solo-canoe is designed in a traditional way. The built material of this canoe is aluminum. Perhaps this is the main reason that makes this product so light. Due to this reason, you can easily move around with this canoe, and this is also its biggest selling point. The boat is designed in a traditional way, and it is suitable for solo use. However, if you are looking for a canoe for fishing with your family, then avoid buying this product. But individual anglers can confidently opt for this canoe.

The canoe might lightweight, but it is still strong and sturdy. Due to this reason, it can smoothly go through stronger currents. The main reason behind its sturdiness is its size, which is quite bigger for a solo canoe. The boat will provide you with ultimate flexibility in lakes. So overall, it is fair to conclude that the boat can easily outperform most of its competitors.

However, there are some features that you might not like about Grumman 12′ 9″ Solo Canoe.  The boat is not too fast, and you might also experience storage problems in this boat. However, if you are a hobby angler, then these things won’t bother you much. But if you are looking for a canoe that can hold your family, then avoid this and check out the other canoes in this list. 


Old Town Discovery 169

Nearly 17 feet long, Old Town Discovery 169 is the longest model of the Discovery family. Old Town has designed this canoe in an ideal way so that it could go a long distance. The 3-layer construction of this product gives it the stability that a canoe requires to go into the deep water. In fact, the hull of the canoe comes with a lifetime warranty. So, if you want to invest in such a canoe that you can use throughout your life, then you can confidently invest in Old Town Discovery 169.

The boat comes with ample storage options that can easily hold all the camping gear for your entire family. You will find two seats on the canoe; both of them are equipped with nylon web material. So, your satisfaction is guaranteed. The canoe is also dog-friendly. Due to this reason, you can also take your dog for fishing as well as for an outing. 

However, there a few things that you might not like about this canoe. The weight of the canoe is the first thing that comes in mind when it comes to its cons. The canoe weighs around 90 pounds. Due to this reason taking this boat from one place to another will be a difficult job for you. Its black plastic gunwales become very hot. This is another drawback of the boat. 

However, if you are looking for a stable canoe that you can easily paddle and control, then Old Town Discovery 169 can be a good option for you. The canoe has an excellent fishing platform, and it can easily carry around 1000 lbs. So, overall it is fair to conclude that Old Town Discovery 169 is worth buying. 


Mad River Passage 14

This 14-foot-long canoe is lightweight and durable. These are the most significant selling point for this product. Because of its lightweight Mad River Passage, 14 offers excellent portability. You can easily take this canoe from one place to another. However, Mad River has not compromised with its built material to make it lightweight. The product is highly durable, so you can easily use it throughout your life. 

Three adults will easily come fit inside of this canoe. So, if you love to go fishing with your family, then Mad River Passage 14 can be your best pick. The product is available at a much lower price. This is one of its most significant selling points. The hull of the canoe is asymmetrical. Due to this reason, it promotes a fast and smooth gliding. You can also fold down the seats to create additional storage options.

If you are looking for a large canoe for fishing or outing in the river, then you can opt for Mad River Passage 14. It is available at a much reasonable price so it won’t also exceed your budget. However, when it comes to stability and speed, Mad River Passage 14 might not be as good as the other canoes mentioned in this list. So, if these two things matter to you, we would recommend you to check out other products that we have mentioned in this list.


Sevylor Rio 1-Person Canoe

Sevylor is a leading brand, which is renowned for manufacturing excellent fishing canoes and canoes. In the last few years, they have introduced plenty of high-quality canoes. Sevylor Rio 1-Person Canoe is one of them. Just like the name suggests, this canoe is suitable for solo fishing. So, if you take fishing as a part of family outing, then Sevylor Rio 1-Person Canoe is not for you. But if you are serious about fishing and you want to concentrate on it, then this canoe can be a good option. 

This canoe is not only highly functional, but Sevylor has also designed it in an iconic way. The unique design of Sevylor Rio 1-Person Canoe will surely blow your mind. The four grab handles of this canoe will make your fishing and riding experience highly secured and stable. The inflatable seat of this canoe comes with a soft cushion. So we can assure you that your overall fishing experience on Sevylor Rio 1-Person Canoe will be highly comfortable. 

Sevylor has designed this canoe in such a way so that it could work best in lakes as well as in the river. However, its durable construction also allows users to take the boat in deep water. But here it is essential to understand that Sevylor Rio 1-Person Canoe is not so good in fast water areas. Since it’s a solo canoe so one paddler can easily control the canoe.  Besides, you will also find double and mini-double lock valves in this canoe.

Sevylor Rio 1-Person Canoe comes with all the facilities that can provide you with the best fishing experience. From its stability to its storage options, there are plenty of benefits that make this boat one of the best canoes for fishing. So, in other words, it is fair to conclude that Sevylor Rio 1-Person Canoe is worth buying.


Sun Dolphin Scout SS Canoe

Scout SS Canoe is an ideal fishing canoe for those who love fishing with their family. This boat can carry three people. So, you can also take this canoe to explore the waterway. The manufacturer of this product has used high-quality polyethene to build this boat. The Fortiflex® polyethene ensures the maximum stability of the canoe and the safety of you and your family.

You will also find a square back transom in this canoe that makes room for an optional trolling motor. If you install a trolling engine, then you will be able to speed up your ride and cover more distance without putting any physical effort. This is the main reason that makes this boat suitable for fishing as well as for exploring and outing. The molded seats of this canoe are highly comfortable, and it will take your riding experience to the next level. You can also install rods into the built-in rod holders. It will make your ride safe. 

The size of the canoe is 14 feet, and it is available in green color. The dimension of the boat is 18.5 x 40 x 186 inches, so you will easily find there enough room for three passengers. However, the shipping weight of this canoe is a bit heavier – 112.43 pounds. However, two healthy adults can easily take the boat from the car to the river bank.

So finally, we would say that Sun Dolphin Scout SS Canoe is one of the best fishing canoes that money can buy. If you are looking for a highly durable and long-lasting canoe, then this product can be your best pick. The manufacturer of the canoe has ideally optimized the stability of the boat to give you the perfect control and make your ride stable, secure, and comfortable. So, you can consider investing in this canoe.


Sevylor Ogden 2-Person Combo Canoe

This heavy-duty canoe is made of high-quality PVC material. Sevylor has crafted this product ideally for lake use. This hand pump canoe is suitable for two persons. The manufacturer of the product has used a polyester cover that provides the utmost protection from punctures. Besides, the canoe is also equipped with multiple chambers. It ensures that if one chamber gets punctured, then the other one will stay inflated.

The inflated dimension of this canoe is 10 ft. 3 in. X 2 ft. 9 in.  and its caring capacity is 355 pounds. So, overall it is fair to conclude that the canoe can easily hold two persons. The boat comes with two paddles, one carry bag, one pump, one pressure gauge, and one year of limited warranty. The biggest advantage of this canoe is its portability. In fact, a single person can carry the canoe for a long period of time. Apart from just its lightweight feature, Sevylor Ogden 2-Person Combo Canoe is also known for its durability. You can use this canoe for fishing as well as for hunting on hidden waterways. 

The elevated seats of this product are also adjustable. So you can move the seats at any height you want to sit at a comfort level. So, overall it is fair to conclude that if you use this 2-person combo canoe then, your riding experience will also be excellent. So finally, we will say that if you are looking for a highly stable and comfortable canoe that is available at an affordable price, then you can opt for Sevylor Ogden 2-Person Combo Canoe. 


Mad River Explorer 16 Canoe

This is an excellent canoe, which is great for all experience levels. This full-size canoe is durable enough that makes it worthy for the sea. The length of the canoe is 16 ft. 3 in. and its width is 34.5 inches. The weight of its Ultralite version is 45 pounds. However, when it comes to the FGX model is weigh around 61 pounds.  

The canoe is great for family use. Since the boat is not so heavy so you can easily move this canoe from one place to another. The product is made of wood gunwales. Due to this reason, the canoe looks traditional. The canoe is also highly durable and long-lasting. So, one thing we can assure you that Mad River Explorer 16 Canoe will stay with you for a lifetime. 

However, there are a few things that you might not like about this canoe. Let’s start with its gunwale material that requires maintenance. So, if you don’t take good care of this canoe, then it might lose its durability. However, if you can spend some time on its maintenance, then Mad River Explorer 16 Canoe won’t disappoint you. Finally, we will say that if you are looking for a high performing canoe which is also worthy of the sea, then you can opt for this canoe.


Lifetime Kodiak Canoe

Lifetime Kodiak Canoe is an excellent canoe that you can use to hit the water. The product is made of blow-molded high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Due to this reason, the boat is not only just impact resistant and durable but also UV-protected. Lifetime Kodiak Canoe also provides excellent stability in the water.

Lifetime Kodiak Canoe comes with three seats with comfortable seatbacks. So overall, it is fair to conclude that the canoe will ensure your satisfaction and comfortability. The canoe also comes with ditty trays for storage and fishing rod holders. These two features make this canoe perfect for fishing and water adventure. 

The canoe also comes with a motor mount bracket (but it requires installation). The manufacturing company of this boat, Lifetime, also provides a 5-year limited warranty for this canoe. This is the key selling point of this boat. So, if you are looking for a highly stable and comfortable canoe for family adventure and outing on the water, then Lifetime Kodiak Canoe can be your best buy. 


MYCANOE 2.5 Plus Origami Folding Portable Canoe

This is one of the highest-rated canoes available in the market now that comes with a pair of oars and rowing system. This TUV certified origami folding canoe promotes portability. So, you can easily fold the canoe and take it to the river. It requires around 10 minutes to assemble the boat, and when it comes to folding it back, you only have to spend five minutes. 

The boat also comes with a 37-inch x 8-inch x 25-inch case. So after accomplishing the folding job, you can easily put it into the bag and take it from one place to another. The product is made of high-quality custom polypropylene. It makes the canoe highly durable. MYCANOE 2.5 Plus Origami Folding Portable Canoe is rated with 20,000 folds. 

This canoe is ideal for family use as two people will easily come fit inside of this canoe. In simple words, it is fair to conclude that the canoe is ideal for rowing as well as for fishing. So, if you are looking for such a boat that is affordable, easily portable, and highly stable, then you can confidently buy this canoe. 


Old Town Penobscot 174 Touring Canoe

This is the longest canoe of the Penobscot family. Due to this reason, the canoe can easily track and glide through the water. The boat is made of 3-layers polyethylene, and due to this reason, it is highly durable and tough. This aggressive canoe has all the features that you need to push all limits. The nylon web seats of this canoe will make your journey and fishing experience comfortable. If you have to paddle the canoe for a long-distance even, then the experience will be convenient for you. 

From the name of this boat, you can assume its length, which is 17 ft. 4 in. Its width is 36 inches, and depth is 14 inches. So you can easily carry your fishing and outing gears inside of this boat. The weight of the boat is 83 pounds, which is a bit heavier, but two average adults can easily move the canoe. 

The weight capacity of Old Town Penobscot 174 Touring Canoe is 1,500 pounds; however, if you check its design carefully, then you will understand that only two adults will fit inside of the boat. Since this is a dog-friendly canoe so you can also take your dog inside of this boat and go for fishing. 


Grumman Double Ender

This 17 ft. long canoe is suitable for fishing as well as for rowing. The width of the canoe is 36 1/8 inches. The canoe is made of aluminum and due to this reason the boat is lightweight. This feature makes this boat easy to move and carry. However, the boat is a bit expensive. That’s the only downside of this boat. 

Finally, we would say that if you are looking for a high-quality fishing canoe to enjoy fishing with your friends and family, then Grumman Double Ender can be your best pick. But you also have to ensure that Grumman Double Ender fits in your budget. Overall this is a high performing canoe, which is also known for its durability. So if you are serious about fishing, then you can consider investing in Grumman Double Ender.


Wenonah Spirit II 17′ T-Formex Canoe

Wenonah Spirit II is a perfect all-rounder as you can use it for fishing as well as for water adventure. The length of the canoe is 17 feet, which is enough to push your speed, and the depth of the canoe is 14 inches, which is deep enough to hold the gear of 7 days. The weight of the boat is only 64 pounds. So, it is fair to conclude that the canoe is much lighter in comparison to its competitors. 

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This canoe can carry two persons easily. Also, the boat is equipped with 1.5 inches of a rocker that can deflect wind. If you look at the design of this canoe carefully, then you will realize that it looks like a Swiss Army Knife. The canoe is maneuverable as a short one and efficient as a long-hulled canoe. So overall, it is fair to conclude that Wenonah Spirit II strikes a perfect balance between all the good things that make a boat outstanding.

Apart from just fishing, you can also use this canoe to conduct a Boundary Waters style trips because the canoe is roomy enough. So this is not difficult to understand why people refer to Wenonah Spirit II as a highly versatile canoe. So, if you are looking for such a canoe that will serve all of your fishing, outing, and water adventuring needs, then you can go with Wenonah Spirit II.


Conclusion

The three most significant attributes of a fishing canoe are maneuverability, speed, and stability. So, while choosing a canoe, you should check these things first. In addition, you should also consider your preference, budget, and other attributes. But one thing we will assure you about these canoes mentioned is that the best models provide a well-rounded approach for fishing and recreational use.

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