How to Stand Up in a Canoe When Fishing

canoe image by Goran Bogicevic from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Standing in a canoe requires attention to detail and slow movements to prevent a fall. Once you are on your feet, you can fish any depth from your canoe. While you may be tempted to rig more than one fishing line from your canoe--as you would in a boat or from a pier--doing so could be dangerous. When standing up in a canoe while fishing, you want to be aware of your body and the currents around you. You also need to have the ability to act quickly if you start to lose your balance.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Paddle
Fishing rods
Rod holders (optional)

Step 1

Prepare to stand. With your knees bent, grip either side of the thwarts--the seats that run across the width of the canoe--for balance. While it may feel uncomfortable at first, you must grip the paddle in one hand, pressing it against the rim of the boat as you hold it in place.

Step 2

Extend your legs out across the width of the canoe beam, which is the widest part of the canoe from left to right. Slowly stand up, keeping the foot opposite the paddle several inches forward. Keep your stance wide with both feet flush with either side of the canoe. Turn both feet in slightly.

Step 3

Press the leg that is nearest to your paddle back until it is flush with the thwart, which will increase your equilibrium within the canoe and allow you to stabilize your body should the current rock the boat slightly.

Step 4

Lower the paddle in the water and begin sculling back and forth as necessary. As the paddle sculls back and forth in the water, you will feel even greater control. Bend at the knees to attach the paddle to the side paddle clip holder if applicable and grab your reel.

Tips & Warnings

Use body clips and holders to store fishing accessories for easy retrieval.

Install rod storage holders at the center or on the sides of your canoe, according to the manufacturer's instructions for your fishing poles.

Check that your tackle box fits comfortably under your seat.

Standing up in a canoe with a beam of 35 inches or less could cause it to capsize.

Always stand up slowly and brace yourself against the canoe to regain control.

Resources

Canoe Camp Fish: Canoe Fishing Tips

Article Written By Charlie Gaston

Charlie Gaston has written numerous instructional articles on topics ranging from business to communications and estate planning. Gaston holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in communications. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive travel experience.

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