The best canoes for fishing are perfect for lakes, rivers, bays, and more. These canoes will provide smooth and quiet navigation to provide the best possible fishing experience.
Also check out our articles for family canoes, standup fishing kayaks, river kayaks and lightweight inflatable kayaks.
The Best Canoes for Fishing
Hard Shell Canoes
Best Tandem Canoe
Sun Dolphin Scout Elite SS
- Saltwater/Freshwater
- 2 person
- PRICE: $$$
Best Solo Canoe
Old Town - Discovery 119 Solo
- Saltwater/Freshwater
- 1 person
- PRICE: $$$
Inflatable Canoes (more affordable)
Best Tandem Inflatable
Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
- Saltwater/Freshwater
- 2 person
- PRICE: $
Best Solo Inflatable
Sevylor Coleman Colorado
- Freshwater Only
- 1 person
- Price: $
Table of Contents
- Sun Dolphin Scout Elite SS
- Old Town – Discovery 119 Solo
- Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
- Sevylor Coleman Colorado
- Why Use a Canoe for Fishing?
- Hard Style Canoe vs. Inflatable Canoe?
- What to Look for When Buying a Fishing Canoe
1. Sun Dolphin Scout Elite SS
The Sun Dolphin Scout Elite SS was chosen as the best hard shell canoe for fishing because of its advanced design. The Sun dolphin includes a square shaped back of the canoe that improves control and balance. The canoe is also designed to hold a trolling motor if desired.
The Canoe is also great for fishing because it has ample room. The canoe can fit three people if wanted. Also, the Sun dolphin includes a built in cooler for drinks, food, or fish and storage compartment that is perfect for fishing tackle.
Additionally, the canoe features a sturdy polyethylene hull that is extremely durable.
The final addition that makes this canoe so great for fishing is the multiple built-in rod holder locations throughout the canoe.
2. Old Town - Discovery 119 Solo
The Old Town solo canoe also features a strong polyethylene hull that is designed to take a beating.
This canoe was chosen as out second best hard shell canoe because it is extremely agile, stable, and easy-to-handle.
The seats are nylon-webbed for maximum comfort and breathability. Because this canoe is smaller than a tandem canoe, it can be operated with a twin kayak paddle if desired.
Old Town also offers a Lifetime hull warranty if anything is to happen to the canoe’s shell. The company is one of the most reputable canoe and kayak designers in the world and is known for maintaining high quality products and great customer service.
3. Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
The Intex Explorer is a great option for someone who does not need a hard shell, but still needs the benefit of a fishing canoe. This is a tandem fishing canoe/kayak that offers great control, speed, and balance and even includes a removable skeg.
The Intex includes an adjustable seat with the added benefit of a backrest. The canoe is perfect for fishing because it has ample space for fishing storage.
The Explorer K2 is perfect for calmer bodies of water including lakes and mild rivers as it features a tough vinyl construction to protect against scratches and punctures. The canoe is even great for the ocean if the surf is reasonable.
The canoe also comes with two aluminum paddles/oars and a high powered air pump.
The reason this is such a great choice is because you get all the benefits of a hard shell canoe (except for extreme durability), while not having to break the bank. Also, because the canoe is inflatable, it can be easily deflated and transported.
4. Sevylor Coleman Colorado
The Sevylor Coleman Colorado is a solo fishing canoe/kayak that is great for fishing on lakes or rivers.
The canoe only takes around 5 minutes to inflate, and can be easily deflated for transportation purposes. The canoe’s backrest even turns into a backpack for easier transportation.
The Sevylor features a rugged 21 gauge PVC shell and tarpaulin bottom that can take a beating.
Another added benefit is that this canoe has ample storage space for fishing equipment, and multiple air chambers to protect against deflation if one chamber is punctured.
Types of Fishing Canoes
There are many different types of canoes for fishing. Some canoes offer seats with a backrest, while others simply offer a bench. The majority of canoes can fit two people and are more easily controlled with two people on board.
Why Use a Canoe for fishing?
When used for fishing, canoes provide an additional bonus of quiet navigation with ample storage space.
Canoes are in general much bigger than kayaks, so they typically have more storage room. Additionally, a canoe can fit several people on board.