I recently bought a nice canoe for waterfowl hunting. I plan on using it on lakes and creeks, but I was curious if anyone uses canoes on back bays or tidal marshes....What do you think? If it works it would be a lot more convenient than trailering and launching a boat...
Canoes in Tidal Marshes/back bay
NJUplander
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I recently bought a nice canoe for waterfowl hunting. I plan on using it on lakes and creeks, but I was curious if anyone uses canoes on back bays or tidal marshes....What do you think? If it works it would be a lot more convenient than trailering and launching a boat...
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It will be fine for small bodies of water, creeks, ponds etc. just don't try to chance anything or attempt to cross any big open water or any rough water for that matter when the wind is howling. It's a whole different ball game out there come duck season. You can fall in now and be fine, but come December and January it's a different story.
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yea they work just have to be careful in the winter especially if it is windy, the bay can and does kick up pretty good. also dont underestimate the current comming out of those tidal creeks, they can rip pretty good which a lot of new duck hunters with kayacks dont realise. it would be wise to invest in one of those co2 lifevest.
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I have done it lots in the past and sometimes been more successful that way. I have not done this yet but one of these seasons I will try towing the canoe behind my jon boat to do some jump shooting with the rest of my gang is sitting in the boat.
Some advice:
Know the tides and the flow directions where you plan to go. Even if you use an electric motor you will not fight a narrow crick current upstream. I had one spot I would just have to steer going out, stop before too far then wait for the tide to take me back. Much quieter sneaking with minimal paddling.
I also advise buying a waterproof handheld VHF radio and attach it to you. cell phones don't work everywhere.
Get a camo throw pad or similar to kneel on when paddling. Don't sit on the seat. You have better shooting stance and can put more power into the paddling. Plus you are lower in the canoe for stability. Also if it's a two man canoe try it out now to see if setting up in the canoe backwards works better. (The seat closest to the end in front vs in back).
Two guys hunting is much better but you have to be very careful or only let the front guy shoot.
Be sure to have an extra paddle on the floor and a rope tied to your paddle you are using for obvious reasons.
Also have a decent but not too heavy anchor that you can slowly dunk one handed. Leave some extra line for tying to trees or something vs anchor. Never leave the canoe without a firm anchor or pull it all the way out of the water. You might even have a rope tied to both ends of the canoe.
Wear the life preserver. They make camo ones with a thin shoulder for the gun. I don't trust the inflatables for 30 degree weather.
If you plan to sit in a spot get that leaf cut style camo material and cover up best you can facing away from the sun.
Good luck!
Some advice:
Know the tides and the flow directions where you plan to go. Even if you use an electric motor you will not fight a narrow crick current upstream. I had one spot I would just have to steer going out, stop before too far then wait for the tide to take me back. Much quieter sneaking with minimal paddling.
I also advise buying a waterproof handheld VHF radio and attach it to you. cell phones don't work everywhere.
Get a camo throw pad or similar to kneel on when paddling. Don't sit on the seat. You have better shooting stance and can put more power into the paddling. Plus you are lower in the canoe for stability. Also if it's a two man canoe try it out now to see if setting up in the canoe backwards works better. (The seat closest to the end in front vs in back).
Two guys hunting is much better but you have to be very careful or only let the front guy shoot.
Be sure to have an extra paddle on the floor and a rope tied to your paddle you are using for obvious reasons.
Also have a decent but not too heavy anchor that you can slowly dunk one handed. Leave some extra line for tying to trees or something vs anchor. Never leave the canoe without a firm anchor or pull it all the way out of the water. You might even have a rope tied to both ends of the canoe.
Wear the life preserver. They make camo ones with a thin shoulder for the gun. I don't trust the inflatables for 30 degree weather.
If you plan to sit in a spot get that leaf cut style camo material and cover up best you can facing away from the sun.
Good luck!
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I have two kayaks I hunt alot out of, that being said i do not take them in many tidal marshes, the title says it all. Tide. Some beutiful and very "ducky" marshes have a extremely strong tide. Where will you be hunting? The del side of NJ is a totally different ball game, alot of the marshes have very strong tides and are actually very deep, not to mention the mud.
I have had a great day out on the bay out of my kayak though, I paddled way out and was fine, just use your judgement on weather conditions, don't wear waders, and stay away from strong tides. I know I'm talking about a kayak not a canoe but same principles apply only I personally do not like canoes. Good luck and be safe.
I have had a great day out on the bay out of my kayak though, I paddled way out and was fine, just use your judgement on weather conditions, don't wear waders, and stay away from strong tides. I know I'm talking about a kayak not a canoe but same principles apply only I personally do not like canoes. Good luck and be safe.
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