The Ultimate Fishing Canoe (& Gear)

Over the years my canoe has evolved for fishing in the backcountry, and sometimes some luxuries for the frontcountry. To me, it's the perfect balance of minimalism and functionality, especially for a soloist.
FB: / backcountryanglingontario
Insta: @BackcountryAnglingOntario
⮞⮞⮞ Support BAO by using these Amazon links if you're interested in the gear I use.⮜⮜⮜
⮞ CANADIAN 🍁 (.ca) LINKS: ⮜
www.amazon.ca/shop/backcountry...
⮞ AMERICAN 🦅 (.com) LINKS: ⮜
www.amazon.com/shop/backcountr...
Audio Credits:
Broke For Free - Something Elated

[@dennissmith1699]

Wow! Thank you! I can't believe I'm watching a video about a fishing canoe setup and the canoe is sitting in water, and not a garage! I appreciate you sharing your experiences as well.

[@LostLakes]

Hahaha my pleasure. Thanks Dennis!

[@jamescamarillo6064]

I like that this guy didnt just load his canoe with as much stuff as possible like some other people do

[@simonbooltink]

fishing to the core

[@thomasboyers5389]

You mentioned that the suction cup for the transducer comes lose at times. Try this. Simply lay the transducer flat in the bottom inside of the canoe and put a little of water under the transducer. My Humminbird transducer signal goes through my Old Town Next canoe as long as I keep some water beneath it.

[@limestonelizard]

Nice job adding music to your video. very balanced and appropriate. nice vid!

[@MrKokemachine]

Right on. I set up up almost exactly the same but I add outriggers as I often hit some pretty big water.

[@LostLakes]

Good call! I made some gross ones out of PVC and foam many years ago...nice peace of mind.

[@LatitudesWildernessFilms]

Awesome info here! I'm researching to find a canoe for my wife and I to use for 4-6 day trips that can also be paddled solo for my fishing adventures. Hearing the specs on your canoe helps a ton!

[@LostLakes]

Thanks again OFQ! Very glad to hear that it helps. 15' is a bit tight but Erin and I get by in it, and it's still great for solo. For next season, we may get a 17' though.

[@ralphwhittemore5041]

Nice set up Bro. Can't wait for ice out. Thanks 👌

[@johnpalmer6822]

Nice video, I have acquired most of the fishing things. I was thinking a tie down patch under the tripod, the one guys use to keep float bladders in place.

[@jtothefx]

Your setup is lethal!

[@LostLakes]

Does the trick!

[@michaelburke5907]

I'm with you on the ugly stick for back country fishing...nothing worse than breaking an expensive rod out in the bush. I've been using a Shakepeare Omega rod and reel combo for many years.

[@ericlakota6512]

Im recomending long kayak padel for canoe camping its so nice to not switch sides keeps every thing dry its so much better it needs to be long i used mine in a pinch and have never used a canoe padel ever again kayak padel in canoe way to go its even necer fishing ore alone

[@LostLakes]

Good call Eric. Often thought about it, especially solo in the wind, but still haven't made the move.

[@dennisjones7942]

Awesome video, thanks! Just a tip, hang your anchor under your tripod to lower the center of gravity so it won't tip over :)

[@LostLakes]

Awesome Dennis, great tip! Much appreciated!

[@tombeckett4340]

Thanks John cheers 👍🇨🇦

[@jeffzettler9172]

Great video! Well done! Is that a Scotty brand clamp paired with the rod holder?

[@LostLakes]

Thanks Jeff! Yessir. One of my favourite pieces of gear. Well made too. Careful because there are some slightly different models out there. Here are links if you need them. American links: Rod mount (1 of 2): amzn.to/2X3Q1vG Rod mount gunnel clamp (2 of 2): amzn.to/2X3Q8HC Canadian links: Rod mount (1 of 2): amzn.to/2IsQnrE Rod mount gunnel clamp (2 of 2): amzn.to/2UUEvFy

[@charliemirotta2363]

I reccomend a spring loaded clip on the side of the canoe to hold an oar

[@louayelali3821]

Great video! I have a similar rod setup: ugly stik & pflueger president. It's a solid setup that wont hurt too bad when I have to replace it. Will a small anchor that size keep the canoe from drifting off if you want to fish 1 spot?

[@LostLakes]

Exactly. Great value combo. My third reel is a President and it's an excellent reel. I won't buy a non-Pflueger reel again if they keep performing like they have. That little anchor does really well. The four claws on it usually allow it to dig into/catch something solid. In heavy wind it will drag along bottom but again, usually it eventually catches a log, rock, or even a bunch of weeds. Some people bring a small durable bag and fill it with rocks to avoid carrying the weight of an anchor on portages, but it can be a hassle to find suitable rocks sometimes and it lacks any kind of claw to dig in.

[@stewartmainville303]

Nice setup. I’d been in a 17 ft. cruiser until last fall. I’d been using it since I was 14, and I’m 57 now. Over the last few years I’ve noticed the winds(in my area of NWO, anyhow) have just been ridiculous. I’d been thinking about a kayak and for my birthday in the fall my wife got me one. It’s a WS Radar 135. I can still carry a weeks camping and fishing gear. And I’m not as prone to having to take a wind day if I don’t want to. 😉

[@LostLakes]

Definitely some huge advantages there, especially around big water like Superior. Just not as portage friendly, but those windy days sure do suck.

[@58harwood]

Nice! Can you give us a break down on your opinion on hull composition? I get lightweight is more expensivea, looking at it more from a field repairable perspective. From the most economical, to the most cost effective, midddle of the road material, to money doesn’t matter, weight is everything! Thanks. 🇺🇸🇨🇦

[@Gary-yo2fv]

Thanks for sharing your set-up. Love your videos! I am planning to get a fish finder for my canoe. I was wondering if it affects how you interpret the sonar on the screen when the transducer itself is oriented to the side rather than front-back? Thanks for your help.

[@LostLakes]

Thanks Gary! With the suction cup, I found my ducer could really only be mounted pointing back. The shape of it made it so that it was only aerodynamic pointing that way...if I turned it around it would create drag which would also likely result in the suction cup coming off more easily. But I think the beam/cone is shot downward anyway so I don't think it'd make a big difference, but I'd be interested in hearing if I'm wrong about that

[@Gary-yo2fv]

@@LostLakes Thanks for the pointer! I ended up chatting with some others and you're completely right about the orientation. It only matters when you have a unit with side imaging and so orientation will matter in that case. :) keep up the great work and stay safe!

[@mohameddocrat4393]

Hello and thabks for the video. To prevent the tripod from tipping, what you can do is tie a cord to the bottom of the centre shaft and put a weight on the bottom. That helps to lower the centre of gravity. I watched a few of your videos on canoe-tripping. I have done many trips over the years and just moved out to Vancouver Island. That is one part of Ontario I will miss, the canoe-tripping opportunities on the lakes and rivers.

[@LostLakes]

Thanks a lot Mohamed! Great call. I've since bought a new tripod and it comes with a little hook at the bottom of the shaft to hang weight there. Makes a big difference.

[@mohameddocrat4393]

@@LostLakes Perfect! Happy paddling and many bent rods.

[@tinpaperful]

Thanks for the tips! Do you ever do anything to your canoe after the camping season is over to keep it in good shape? Also Looking into that scotty rod holder...Is that mount sold separately? cant seem to find that setup you have.

[@LostLakes]

Ugh I should but my only option has been to leave it out in the elements. So without a garage I've never been able to refinish it or store it properly. I know the constant freezing and thawing isn't good for it, but that's probably more so for wood and maybe plastic. Mine's kevlar which I think would be less impacted by that at least. Nice! Yeah the mount is separate. These are the pieces I have: scotty.com/product/no-279-bait... scotty.com/product/no-433-coam... Amazon links: www.amazon.ca/Scotty-Baitcast...| www.amazon.ca/Scotty-Coaming-...

[@tinpaperful]

Backcountry Angling Ontario Thanks for the links...definitely going on the christmas list this year!

[@martincuda7947]

Yesterday, I found a good canoe on Kijiji and I got it!

[@duaneafields]

You could put a lot more Amazon links in desc and make that money. Great products and advice, love the garmin and lumix

[@LostLakes]

True! Never looked into the Amazon affiliates program but I might as well. Thanks!

[@TwiztedFishingTv]

Excellent video and tips! I found this really helpful, I recently decided leave the boat and outboard for paddling more and more often.

[@LostLakes]

Thanks my friend. Right on. It's peaceful, you can get into otherwise inaccessible lakes (and nooks and crannies), and it keeps ya in shape while you're at it!

[@quinnjasarovski1146]

Great setup. Love your videos. I'm actually looking to purchase a canoe for this summer and I'm just wondering.... How much does your canoe weigh and what are the disadvantages of having the wide beam and flat bottom, if any?

[@LostLakes]

Thanks Quinn! It's expedition kevlar so it's up around 50lbs, but I've been glad to have a solid canoe for all the bumps and scrapes. I got it new at Beach Marine in Hamilton for under $1500 with two paddles, upgraded seats, and a nice yoke, so I'd highly recommend checking them out. Really, my 36" beam is fairly average but I meant more so in comparison to a narrow canoe. Narrow canoes are faster but less stable. Good for paddling in calm waters. For tripping, I would go with something around 36". Little slower but entirely worth it for the peace of mind. You don't want to constantly be worried about tipping. It's the right balance of speed and stability. The flat bottom allows me to stand up pretty comfortably on flat water for fishing and adds stability in general, but at the expense of speed. A more rounded bottom is a bit faster. Personally I prefer little speed compromises to have a nice stable canoe.

[@quinnjasarovski1146]

Thanks for the reply. I am actually looking for the same features as you. I'm never in a hurry when I'm out there so there's no need for speed here. My biggest thing is weight, I would like something really light so I could get deeper into the backcountry a lot easier. I've been actually researching the skin on frame canoes out there, I dont need to stand up in my boat although you got me thinking about it. I just never thought that it was possible in a canoe because the ones I've always rented were never that stable in the water. That would be a nice feature though. Anyways I will definately check out Hamilton Beach Marine and anything else you can share would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a bunch........Quinn.

[@LostLakes]

Yeah it's always a trade-off of features. I don't know if I could relax with skin on frame inevitably scraping over rocks at rough take-outs and such...a mid-weight canoe is also a good workout on portages to keep the user fit! :)

[@zoransantovac6096]

Super

[@corysnladventures2758]

Cool

[@nick4855]

What brand is your canoe. Looks perfect

[@LostLakes]

It's a 15' prospector in Expedition Kevlar from a small shop called Beach Marine in Hamilton, Ontario. Single keel, flat bottomed, 36" beam, moderate rocker, a little over 50lbs. I really like it, but would prefer no keel.

[@sylvestb]

I watched a few of your videos tonight. What is the model of your Scotty holder? And the one thing you didn't mention in your setup was the line you use? And do you use a leader? Please let me know. Thank you.

[@LostLakes]

Love that rod holder. It's two pieces. Here are the links if you're in the US or Canada. Canada: www.amazon.ca/shop/backcountryanglingontario?listId=BXK5PCGD03SH USA: www.amazon.com/shop/backcountryanglingontario?listId=2ARHDZDKMKIO8 Definitely use a leader, almost always a 5-6ft length of 20# 100% leader material. Here's a vid on my complete rig if needed: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gp6Ti2WIqaeSkNE

[@sylvestb]

@@LostLakes Thank you! Maybe I'll see you out there someday

[@allangraham5507]

Very informative, thanks! I'm looking to purchase my first canoe and want the ability to portage. How heavy/what brand is your canoe and what weigh do you think should be a cut off for portaging?

[@LostLakes]

Thanks Allan :) Sorry for the delay. If you're in Ontario, I got mine at Beach Marine in Hamilton. Very good value and mine has been excellent. I would say 60lbs is the absolute highest you should go. Mine's just over 50. It depends on your size too. I'm 6'3" and not a super muscular person if that gives you a reference point.

[@mikeb7796]

All ya need is a trolling motor setup now haha. Obviously not for the portages but awesome for fishing.

[@LostLakes]

Hahah sure comes in handy when the wind is fierce. I had an electric trolling motor with a big battery and a transom mount adapter for a bit, but it was just too burdensome so I sold it a couple of years ago. I have an office job in GIS, so I need the physical activity of paddling too.

[@mikeb7796]

@@LostLakes ahh nice, so you've already experienced the joys of it haha. Definitely does take the exercise out of it though, but being lazy I'm not complaining! Lol

[@LostLakes]

Hahah it certainly has its charm

[@loversofthepark5668]

She looks heavy. I live down the street from beach marine and looking for a fishing canoe/tripper. You bring that one down steel river ? You end up birch barking the leak lol

[@LostLakes]

A little over 50lbs...awesome value canoe. No regrets on it. Just wish it didn't have a keel, especially for rivers. Lol yeah this canoe has done the Steel twice...eventually got some kevlar cloth and epoxy to fix it properly

[@dalesiemens]

Any tips on how to not break a fishing rod during a portage? I had gear ties with the rod attached to the canoe and the rod tip still snapped from a branch…

[@LostLakes]

They have rod socks that might help but that's extra weight...but you might want to point the tip of the rod to the back of the canoe if you're not already

[@michaelbettencourt7392]

first, off great channel, we really enjoy your adventures and style of videos. I commented on youtube but thought id ask here to. I was hoping to get some details on your canoe. I live in grey county and was looking for a new canoe for fishing trips and day paddling. beach marine caught my eye, how have you liked your canoe, is it the prospector design, any idea if it has much keel or how did you order that model. also, do you think the 15 foot would be enough for gear 2 people and possibly a child someday? any details on your canoe would be great, it is a large investment just wanted to see if you have been happy with yours. thanks, mike

[@LostLakes]

Thanks Mike, appreciate that! 100% recommend Beach Marine. I've put the canoe through a lot and it's held up great. The 15', flat-bottomed prospector I got there was in their inventory--not custom made. I don't know if it was specially priced, but I paid under $1500 for new expedition kevlar which is a steal. I wasn't too picky back then (got it about 5 years ago). I got a single keel which is a good inch deep, but I'd probably prefer keel-less if I were to do it again. Handling a keel-less canoe is just a nicer feeling. This one had three upgrades: (1) black anodized gunnels, (2) a contoured yoke (a must), (3) webbed seats to keep air flowing. Definitely go 16' if you're regular going to have two in the boat. And if you want gear plus a child, maybe even 17'. 15' works for me since I'm solo 90% of the time, and it passes for two. Also, one of my seats broke last spring, and I called them and they mailed me a bunch of spare parts for free---great service.

[@michaelbettencourt7392]

that's what I like to hear! I will check them out for sure. thanks for the fast and detailed reply.

[@2smart2prank]

Great Video, love them so far, love fishing but not the best fisher man.

[@LostLakes]

Thanks!! Like all things, practice, practice, practice :) I'm still learning all the time, but that's a big part of the fun.

[@2smart2prank]

You do very well, my wife and I fish at Bass Lake just out side of Orillia Ont. But never get very big fish like you do

[@LostLakes]

Well it's a little easier up here in northern Ontario...more lakes and not many people!

[@davecalder2688]

Hi Jon. just wondering what make the seat your using is..I just bought my canoe and I have an old back,,,the rest of me isn’t 😂

[@LostLakes]

Lol I hear ya. I got this one from Bass Pro but my buddy swears by these ones: crazycreek.com/collections/all

[@davecalder2688]

@@LostLakes thanks Jon. the crazy creek is a bit too much $$

[@michaelgreen3224]

What brand canoe? I like the supports running across bottom

[@LostLakes]

Beach Marine from Hamilton Ontario

[@9929kingfish]

You need a trolling motor.

[@LostLakes]

Used to have a MinnKota but sold it. Most of my fishing is in the backcountry and the battery is way too heavy to portage. Also it's a good opportunity to exercise for a desk jockey like me.

[@Palmatronnobs]

I need to write this down!!! :P

[@LostLakes]

Hahaha few nuggets in there 🙂

[@aubreygmcghee]

What canoe is it?

[@shawnspringall]

Permanent foot holders to hold the tri-pod might work so the camera don't end up in the drink

[@LostLakes]

That's a good idea Shawn. I recently got a better tripod which weighs more, its legs spread wider, and there's a hook beneath the centre on which something like a Nalgene water bottle can be hung to lower the centre of gravity. Seems pretty solid now.

[@shawnspringall]

@@LostLakes in that case you could JB weld a hook or a d-ring to the boat floor and bungee hook them.

[@LostLakes]

Good call man 👌

[@tombeckett4340]

I would get a better seat. I can carry my boat a just leave the seat on my canoe. Thanks John for the information.👍🇨🇦

[@LostLakes]

Thanks Tom :) Been thinking about a seat lately actually...so nice to have back support on longer days/trips

[@fathertomoutdoors6579]

Ever consider sponsons for stability?

[@LostLakes]

Made some once with PVC but the canoe looked like a monstrosity lol

[@matthewschwend2643]

What brand is that jacket you have on?

[@LostLakes]

The sweater was a gift from a very generous aunt. Not sure where she got it but the label is "GGS". I get nothing when I google it, so I suppose it's a small brand? Polyester lining and thick wool exterior. I love it.

[@jdjenkins485]

Where did you purchase your sweater

[@LostLakes]

Wish I could tell you JD. The sweater was a gift. Not sure where they got it but the label is "GGS". I get nothing when I google it, so I suppose it's a small brand? Polyester lining and thick wool exterior. I love it.

[@deea8362]

What kind of canoe do you use on your portages? Make? And weight?

[@LostLakes]

This is a 15ft prospector, expedition Kevlar layup, single keel, flat bottomed, 36" beam, moderate rocker, a little over 50lbs, from Beach Marine in Hamilton, Ontario

[@deea8362]

@@LostLakes thank you so much. Just sold my lovable beast Coleman canoe and shopping around for something Portage worthy. 50-52lbs was within my proce range but 32lbs feel like a dream. But wanted know how much weight outdoors ladies felt comfortable carrying through a few portages

[@ProdigiousReturn]

Who makes the canoe? I heard the specs but missed the make and model?

[@LostLakes]

Prospector from Beach Marine in Hamilton 🙂

[@LynnJynh9315]

3:18 Deep and wide.... there's a river flowing deep and wide.

[@wildeast3180]

Very nice video ! I am thinking to buy canoe for river fishing, Danube river if you are familiar with european rivers. I need help my friend, what should i buy canoe or cayak ?! Thank you ! Bistro

[@LostLakes]

:) Tough decision but I'd say canoe. It's more comfortable for long outings, probably more stable, you can keep lots of things (like a net) around you, easier to customize than a kayak, and you can take a friend out with you in the canoe.

[@telemarkmann6870]

I have been struggling with the same question. I have always looked at kayak’s as being more stable in wind and that may be fact. I have a wide body canoe about 20 years old, made for fishing, fiberglass. Very stable. I can stand in it and move around with no problems. Like Backcountry said you can bring more gear have it readily available in the open vs a hatch or box behind the seat and have room for friends,family and or pet. When I look at a lot of fishing Kayaks you have to get into exotic materials to find something lighter than my canoe @ 50lbs. I find that strange and not a very good value. I am looking for one person options like Pack canoes Etc. Good luck in your search. I think a canoe is the way to go.

[@jwelsh4562]

Where on the canoe do you attach the suction cup for your transducer?

[@LostLakes]

Wherever my right hand reached lol. Arguably the back end might be best like on a boat, but you're not moving at high speeds so I don't think it's a big deal

[@jwelsh4562]

So does that mean your transducer sticks out perpendicular to your canoe? My stern is pointed not flat, so the transducer won’t run parallel.

[@LostLakes]

@@jwelsh4562 oh no, I always reached around to the bottom of the canoe

[@vtek2508]

You ever do muskie on the canoe?

[@LostLakes]

Not a ton but the biggest ski I got into in the canoe was about 40"...pretty fun ride!

[@vtek2508]

@@LostLakes good stuff man, I have a 14' sportspal that I fish musky from. Got one on the figure 8 past Friday it was super wild. I got a small 2hp outboard for it so no paddling. Cheers man!

[@LostLakes]

That's fun fishin' eh!! 🤘

[@willeywashington1284]

What brand is the canoe ? Looks like mine, just newer.

[@LostLakes]

Beach Marine

[@willeywashington1284]

@@LostLakes Thank you

[@Toatsmagoats7]

i am looking for a canoe for solo use mostly and some tandem, what brand is your canoe? thanks

[@LostLakes]

It's a 15' prospector in Expedition Kevlar from a canoe maker in Hamilton, Ontario called Beach Marine :) A 15' prospector is a great all-round model for solo and a some tandem.

[@Toatsmagoats7]

@@LostLakes awesome thanks, that's only a couple hours from where i live i will have to check them out in the spring to get myself one !! one more questions whats the depth on yours?

[@LostLakes]

@@Toatsmagoats7 right on. I'll have to check. The beam/width is 36". I heard a rumour they were retiring... Not sure though

[@Toatsmagoats7]

@@LostLakes okay, and damn i hope not !! also maybe a dumb question but when soloing the canoe do you use it backwards then you would while tandem? to keep you more in the center?

[@LostLakes]

@@Toatsmagoats7 yep that's right. You sit in the bow seat facing backward

[@hardenpt2522]

Who makes your Canoe again? Thanks

[@hardenpt2522]

Awesome videos, can’t stop watching!

[@LostLakes]

Thanks a bunch Paul! It's a 15' prospector in Expedition Kevlar from a small shop called Beach Marine in Hamilton, Ontario. Single keel, flat bottomed, 36" beam, moderate rocker, a little over 50lbs. I really like it, but would prefer no keel.

[@WhiteWolfXIV]

Trying to purchase this exact canoe from Beach Marine. They have no stock in anything right now, understandably. Any chance you want to sell yours? ;)

[@LostLakes]

Hahah I actually probably will be selling it this year. I bought a new one and now we have four which is too many, but I can't pick it up from London yet because of COVID travel restrictions. And I need this canoe for solo until I get the new one. But we're up in Marathon so chances are it would be logistically difficult anyway

[@WhiteWolfXIV]

@@LostLakes Ah that's only a 12 hour drive from Hamilton haha! A bunch of parks to camp at along the way. Anyways, keep me in mind when the time comes my friend!

[@LostLakes]

@@WhiteWolfXIV hahah it's pretty beat up though I gotta say. If the supply was there, I would say buy new, but canoes are hot commodities these days

[@WhiteWolfXIV]

@@LostLakes They really are. I'm just sick of paying $230 for a weekend canoe rental haha.

[@LostLakes]

@@WhiteWolfXIV hahah that's painful

[@paddlehooked4687]

Where’s the link for that net homie?!

[@LostLakes]

Lol I'm pretty sure I got it from Bass Pro. Anything with a large, rubberized, basket net will do...aluminim shaft is lightest but there are hard plastic ones that aren't too bad

[@peterh4446]

Did you know that SONAR scares the fish?

[@LostLakes]

Is that proven? They still bite with it on of course, and the intel it provides can be invaluable, so arguably it's worth it either way. I mean, if walleye will bite on the troll behind a 115hp motor, I think the sonar pulses aren't too much cause for concern.

[@peterh4446]

@@LostLakes Not proven by any scientific study I know of. I just learned of this myself. A well-known local fisherman, a lifetime expert, mentioned it at a presentation recently. I guess it makes sense; powerful Navy sonar kills whales, and I've made personal observations in lakes with rising trout surrounding me, next to the boat, but never under it with the motor off. The trout seem to avoid the hull, 10-15' down, even if they rise right next to the boat. I'm going to be more careful about how I use my SONAR.

[@LostLakes]

Interesting! Something to consider...

[@ryanhorne5746]

What is the canoe model? I see it's Nova craft but is it the prospector?

[@LostLakes]

This one is a Beach Marine 15' prospector. I also have a couple of NC canoes, a P17 and a Pal 16'

[@anhatur]

About cameras: I’ve learned from my wife, who is from Latvia, that “Lumix” means “crowbar” in Latvian. And as I don’t want to give my wife the impression that I make video with a crowbar, I avoid that brand. No other reason, except that I never tried one.

[@LostLakes]

Hahah I've been a big fan of Lumix and of Panasonic in general. But we all have our quirks 😜