Fishing Canoe

Best Fishing Canoe Reviews

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Fishing is one of the greatest ways to pass the time we’ve come up with. It’s even more fun when fishing in a canoe! Many fishing canoes are designed for multiple people to use, so you can spend high-quality time with a loved one or friend! 

And many of these canoes are portable, inflatable, or otherwise easily transportable. You can take them wherever you need, and be ready to catch a fish, or maybe catch a pleasant nap!

In this article, we’ll review seven of the best fishing canoes available. We’ve also got a buyer’s guide that goes over everything you need to know to inform your decision. We’ll start with the best fishing canoe, the Sun Dolphin Mackinaw.


Contents

Best Fishing Canoe Comparison Table

Preview
Top Choice!
Sun Dolphin Mackinaw Canoe (Hazelnut, 15'6")
Runner-Up
Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Guide 147 Recreational Canoe, Red, 14 Feet 7 Inches
Best Budget
Old Town Saranac 146 Recreational Family Canoe, Green, 14 Feet 6 Inches
Best Inflatable
Sea Eagle TC16 Inflatable Travel Canoe Basic Package
Best Two-Person
Sevylor Ogden 2-Person Canoe Combo
Name
Sun Dolphin Mackinaw
Old Town Guide
Old Town Saranac
Sea Eagle TC16
Seyvlor Ogden
Number of Users
3
2
3
3
2
Length
15 '6"
14' 7"
14' 7"
16'
10' 3"
Price on Amazon
Price not available
Price not available
Price not available
Price not available
Price not available
Top Choice!
Preview
Sun Dolphin Mackinaw Canoe (Hazelnut, 15'6")
Name
Sun Dolphin Mackinaw
Number of Users
3
Length
15 '6"
Price on Amazon
Price not available
View on Amazon
Runner-Up
Preview
Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Guide 147 Recreational Canoe, Red, 14 Feet 7 Inches
Name
Old Town Guide
Number of Users
2
Length
14' 7"
Price on Amazon
Price not available
View on Amazon
Best Budget
Preview
Old Town Saranac 146 Recreational Family Canoe, Green, 14 Feet 6 Inches
Name
Old Town Saranac
Number of Users
3
Length
14' 7"
Price on Amazon
Price not available
View on Amazon
Best Inflatable
Preview
Sea Eagle TC16 Inflatable Travel Canoe Basic Package
Name
Sea Eagle TC16
Number of Users
3
Length
16'
Price on Amazon
Price not available
View on Amazon
Best Two-Person
Preview
Sevylor Ogden 2-Person Canoe Combo
Name
Seyvlor Ogden
Number of Users
2
Length
10' 3"
Price on Amazon
Price not available
View on Amazon

Our Top Pick: Sun Dolphin Mackinaw 15.6-Foot Canoe

Sun Dolphin Mackinaw 15.6-Foot Canoe

Key Points at a Glance

  • Built-in handles for transportation
  • Features a cooler and dry storage
  • 2-year warranty

Dimensions

  • Dimensions: 187.5″ x 42″ x 18.5″
  • Weight: 94lbs
  • Weight Capacity: 800lbs
  • Max Number of People: 3

The Details

Sun Dolphin Mackinaw Canoe

The best fishing canoe that we’ve reviewed is the 15.6-foot Mackinaw from Sun Dolphin. This canoe combines a great price point with reliable build quality, ensuring that you get the most for your money. Unlike some of the other competitors, you can even fit a third angler in this canoe, thanks to its length.

Sun Dolphin Mackinaw Dry Storage

To ensure that this canoe remains as stable as possible when you’re out fishing, it’s made out of Fortiflex polyethylene, which is far denser than other materials. If you want to bring along your phone or any other electronics while you’re fishing, you can store them in the canoe’s dry storage container so that they don’t end up getting damaged by the water.

Sun Dolphin Mackinaw Cooler

Along with the dry storage compartment, there is also a cooler built into the Mackinaw, allowing you to bring some drinks along without having to drink them warm. With a UV-stabilized coating, you also won’t have to be concerned with leaving this canoe outdoors in the sunlight.

There are transportation handles that are built into either side of this canoe, making it a lot easier to maneuver out of the water when your fishing trip has ended. There are eyelets for tie-downs on both the bow and stern, allowing you to secure the canoe for safe transportation.

All three bench seats on this canoe feature molded cup holders so that each passenger can enjoy their own drink while they cast their reels. This is also one of the most reliable canoes on the market, and it features excellent build quality as well as a two-year manufacturer’s warranty in case of any defects.

This canoe is available in green, hazelnut, and navy colors, so you also have a slight degree of personalization before you make your purchase. Overall, we were most impressed by the quality of this canoe compared to its price point, as many competitors in the same range have glaring issues.

Sun Dolphin Mackinaw Canoe (Hazelnut, 15'6")
  • Ideal family recreational canoe with comfortable...
  • Storage compartment and cooler under center seat
  • Bow and stern tie-down eyelets and built-in...
  • Drink holders molded into every seat
  • Includes limited two-year manufacturer's warranty

Our Runner Up: Old Town Guide 147 Recreational Canoe

Old Town Guide 147 Recreational Canoe

Key Points at a Glance

  • Three-layer construction
  • Contoured seats at the bow and stern
  • Stabilizing chines improve handling
  • Lifetime Hull Warranty

Dimensions

  • Dimensions: 14’7″ x 38″ x 19″
  • Weight: 82lbs
  • Weight Capacity: 900lbs
  • Max Number of Users: 2

The Details

Old Town Guide Canoe Dimensions

The Old Town Guide 147 may not be as affordable as our top choice, but it is equipped with an impressive array of features that help put it one step ahead of most of its competitors. If you don’t mind spending a little more money for a quality fishing canoe, then you’ll be sure to love this one.

This canoe is designed to be used for years (if not decades) thanks to its three-layer polyethylene hull, which is resistant to scratches, impacts, and wear. Keep in mind that the Guide 147 doesn’t feature your typical canoe hull, as it’s designed with chines and a specific cross-section to provide additional stability out on the water.

This hull is covered under a lifetime warranty, which is unbeatable!

There are two contoured seats that come with this canoe, one of which is at the bow and the other of which is at the stern. Both seats feature backrests and are far more comfortable than the bench seats that you will find on more traditional fishing canoe designs.

The yoke in the center of the canoe can be used to keep your balance while angling, and it can also support the weight of the canoe when you’re bringing it into or taking it out of the water. Despite the durable construction of this model, it’s also relatively lightweight, making it easy to transport.

Old Town Guide Canoe Dimensions

Though the Old Town Guide is fairly large, it’s surprisingly easy to handle. It feels a lot more nimble than some of the other models on this list. The Guide 147 features a max capacity of 900 pounds, which can support a lot more than the seat layout would lead you to believe.

Overall, this canoe may be expensive, but it’s definitely worth the money if you want a watercraft that will be sure to last you for years. It is our runner-up choice among the best fishing canoes.

Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Guide 147 Recreational Canoe, Red, 14 Feet 7 Inches
  • Comfortable contoured bow and stern seats
  • Ash carrying yoke
  • Black vinyl gunwales
  • Comfortable carrying handles
  • Extremely durable three layer polyethylene

Best Budget: Old Town Saranac 146 Recreational Family Canoe

Old Town Saranac 146 Recreational Family Canoe

Key Points at a Glance

  • Thermoformed polyethylene hull
  • 750 pounds max capacity
  • Features a storage area as well as cup- and rod-holders
  • Lifetime Hull Warranty

Dimensions

  • Dimensions: 14’7″ x 36″ x 18″
  • Weight: 79lbs
  • Weight Capacity: 750lbs
  • Max Number of Users: 3

The Details

Old Town Saranac Dimensions

If you’re not too keen on spending a considerable sum of money on your next fishing canoe, Old Town Canoes & Kayaks has you covered with their 14’6″ Saranac. This canoe features excellent build quality but a much more reasonable price point than Old Town’s Guide or Discovery models.

Despite its lower price point, this model has many of the same features as its more expensive siblings. Built-in the USA, Old Town canoes are some of the most reliable on the market. While this may be a little more pricey than some other budget canoes, its reliable construction will keep it going for years.

Old Town Saranac Dimensions

The Saranac 146 is suitable for up to three anglers, as it features a bench seat in the center along with two contoured seats at the bow and stern. If you’re looking for a comfortable canoe, you’ll love the inclusion of the contoured seats, as they feature backrests so that you can maintain proper posture while fishing.

Yet another ergonomic advantage is the inclusion of molded cup- and rod-holders, which will allow you to keep your hands free while out on the water. This canoe’s hull is made of thermoformed polyethylene, which is resistant to collisions and scratches, ensuring that moments of carelessness won’t result in serious damage to it.

Whether or not you’re carrying a third passenger, you’ll find a storage area under the center bench seat, allowing you to bring more equipment or even a small cooler. This canoe also comes with a lifetime warranty for the hull, demonstrating just how much faith Old Town has in their build quality.

While this canoe is well-built, you’ll want to keep in mind that it’s relatively heavy, weighing 79 pounds, so you may need some help to get it into the water comfortably.

Old Town Saranac 146 Recreational Family Canoe, Green, 14 Feet 6 Inches
  • Old Town's thermoformed polyethylene hull is...
  • Sit comfortably on the contoured bow and stern...
  • Perfect for smaller passengers, the center bench...
  • Use the molded handles on the deck plates to tote...
  • Includes molded-in rod and cupholders; 750-pound...

Best Inflatable: Sea Eagle TC16 Inflatable Travel Canoe Basic Package

Sea Eagle TC16 Inflatable Travel Canoe Basic Package

Key Points at a Glance

  • Inflatable design, but tracks very straight with the skeg
  • Can be inflated in 8 minutes
  • Features strong weight capacity and comfort
  • Adjustable seats with backrests

Dimensions

  • Dimensions: 16′ x 38″ x 15″
  • Deflated: 40″ x 24″ x 16″
  • Weight: 61 lbs
  • Weight Capacity: 913 lbs
  • Max Number of Users: 3

The Details

Sea Eagle TC16 Inflatable Travel Canoe Basic Package

While inflatable canoes may not be traditional, they can sometimes be a lot more convenient than rigid canoes. When it comes to portability, the Sea Eagle TC16 simply cannot be beaten by one of its rigid-hulled counterparts, though it features a steep price point that may drive away some potential buyers.

The Sea Eagle TC16 seeks to combine rigid-hulled performance and durability with the convenience of an inflatable vessel, and it does it rather well. The canoe features three air chambers (floor, port, and starboard), which can be inflated in around eight minutes. The three chambers help retain buoyancy in case one is breached.

Equipped with plastic molds on the bow and stern, the Sea Eagle is more hydrodynamic than most inflatable canoes. This means that it is speedy and handles well on the water.

There are twelve D-rings located throughout the interior of the canoe, allowing you to customize the seating arrangement to your liking.

Durability is often a concern with inflatable canoes, but this one is made out of 1100 reinforced Decitex to ensure that scratches and impacts will be unlikely to damage the hull. The inflatable design also helps make this canoe remarkably stable on the water, making it an excellent choice for beginner canoe anglers.

The adjustable seating is also comfortable, and the canoe features two non-slip deck pads so that you can stand up without fear of slipping into the water. Of course, the main advantage of this canoe is its portability. The TC16 can fit into the trunk of even compact cars, and it only weighs 60 pounds.

While this canoe may not entirely bridge the gap between inflatables and rigid-hulled models, it is certainly one step closer to doing so. If you’re looking for an extremely portable canoe and you don’t mind the premium price tag, the TC16 is highly recommended.


Best Two-Person: Sevylor Ogden 2-Person Canoe Combo

Sevylor Ogden 2-Person Canoe Combo

Key Points at a Glance

  • Made of heavy-duty PVC
  • Quick inflation and deflation
  • Adjustable seats with backrests

Dimensions

  • Dimensions: 10′ 3″ x 33″ 
  • Weight: 26.9lbs
  • Weight Capacity: 355lbs

The Details

Sevylor Ogden 2-Person Canoe Combo

If you’re on a budget and capacity isn’t the main thing that you’re looking for in a fishing canoe, then you may be interested in the Sevylor Ogden. This relatively small inflatable canoe is extremely portable, and it is the most affordable product on this list. It’s another attractive option for beginners on a budget.

When it comes to inflatable canoes, most buyers are concerned with durability. They’re often quite weaker than rigid-hulled models. To counter this weakness, the Ogden features a durable polyester cover that will shrug off scratches, scrapes, and even provide some resistance to puncturing.

The canoe itself is made out of heavy-duty PVC, which is even more resistant to damage than the protective cover. Of course, durability isn’t everything, and this canoe also features adjustable seats, which are surprisingly comfortable. The bow and the stern of this canoe feature bungies that form storage areas for any gear that you bring along.

There are two carry handles on this canoe, making it easier to pull out of the water at the end of a long day, and the Boston valve makes it easier to fully deflate. When packed, the Ogden fits right into the included carry bag, providing additional protection when the canoe is being stored or transported.

The paddles are designed for solo and tandem use, as they can either be combined into a single large paddle or split into two smaller ones. While this inflatable canoe is a little slower than rigid-hulled alternatives, it features superior stability, making it a little less intimidating for inexperienced users.

To improve this model’s safety, it features three air chambers that offer redundant buoyancy in case one of them gets punctured. Don’t let this model’s low price fool you. The Ogden provides you with incredible value for money, and it doesn’t require a car to be transported.

Sevylor Ogden 2-Person Canoe Combo
  • Heavy-duty PVC construction is rugged for lake use
  • Polyester cover provides durable protection from...
  • Multiple air chambers allow another chamber to...
  • Airtight System is guaranteed not to leak
  • Boston Valve is double threaded for easy...

Fishing Canoe Buyer’s Guide

Best Fishing Canoe

Who Should Buy a Fishing Canoe

Fishing canoes are an excellent choice for any angler, especially if they want to stay within a certain budget. While most fishing boats will cost well over $1000, that’s usually the price you can expect to pay for a top of the line fishing canoe outfitted with all of the trimmings. Just throw on a kayak-style fishfinder and you’ll be good to go!

If you often head out on fishing trips with the kids, a canoe can give you the space you need to bring them along and share in the fun. Of course, you can also bring a few buddies out on the water and split some beers while you fish and watch the sunset.

Paradise!

Fishing canoes are great for social anglers. Just watch out for the weight capacity!

Important Features to Consider

Seats

The number and type of seats on your fishing canoe will determine whether or not it’s comfortable to fish with. The best chairs will feature an ergonomic design and come equipped with backrests. Adjustable seats are another advantage, as you’ll be able to personalize them to your liking.

Inflatable or Rigid-Hulled

The two main variants of canoes are inflatable and rigid-hulled. The former tend to be far more portable, though they sacrifice durability and longevity, as well as a good deal of speed. Due to their more hydrodynamic designs, rigid-hulled canoes handle more gracefully in the water and are far more durable, though they will require a car for transport. You can also consider inflatable kayaks and fishing kayaks in your research.

Storage Space

Most fishing canoes should also feature some form of storage space for your equipment or perhaps even a cooler for beverages. These are particularly helpful if you plan on going fishing with a group of people, so the canoe may end up being a little crowded without a spot to store extra gear.

Weight Capacity

Take a close look at the weight capacity of the fishing canoe you are angling for. The weight limits vary pretty significantly, and you don’t want to get a kayak that isn’t capable of supporting the weight you need. This is less important if you’re going to be taking younger kids fishing with you. But if you plan on taking multiple adults with you, you’ll need to pay close attention to the weight limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use a tandem canoe solo?

Whether or not you can use a tandem canoe solo depends on whether it was designed with that application in mind. If it isn’t explicitly stated that you can use a canoe solo, err on the side of caution, as the vessel may be unbalanced with just a single rower, and you may be putting yourself at risk.

How do fishing canoes differ from regular canoes?

The main difference between fishing canoes and more traditional variants is that they’re designed to provide extra stability so that you can fish more easily. This is typically accomplished through the use of a flatter hull cross-section. Some fishing canoes may even feature specialized storage areas for your catch.


Other Products We Looked At:

Sun Dolphin Scout SS Canoe (Green, 14-Feet)

Sun Dolphin Scout SS Canoe (Green, 14-Feet)

This canoe is the SS (square-stern) variant of the Sun Dolphin Scout, the critical difference being that this variant is compatible with a trolling motor, making it suited for fishers. The Scout is equipped with three bench seats, which aren’t quite as comfortable as the contoured ones that we’ve seen on other models, though there is room for three occupants.

The benches also feature molded-in rod holders so that you can have both of your hands-free whenever you need them. Like Sun Dolphin’s other canoes, this rigid-hulled model is made out of Fortiflex polyethylene which is super-dense, improving handling and stability when on the water.

Attaching a trolling motor to the transom of this canoe is relatively simple, even if you’ve never done so before, though keep in mind that this model doesn’t come included with one. Weighing 84 pounds, this is one of the heavier canoes on this list, so you may require some help carrying it down to the water.

While the square stern slightly diminishes the canoe’s handling, most of the time, you won’t notice the difference. We’d argue that the added choice of using a trolling motor is worth the very slight loss in performance. Keep in mind that the max power for the trolling motor is 2 hp.

One of the main reasons why the Scout didn’t make out top five products is because it simply doesn’t offer as many features as its competitors. The canoe lacks cup holders, has no tie-downs for a trolling motor battery, and it doesn’t even come with a cooler. While this wouldn’t be a problem for a basic user, most of these features are helpful for anglers.

Overall, this is a relatively large and affordable canoe that features excellent build quality, but it’s missing a few of the bells and whistles that put the previous products ahead of it.

Key Points at a Glance

  • Features six rod holders
  • Square stern allows installation of trolling motor
  • 765 lbs max capacity
SUNDOLPHIN Scout 14 SS Canoe - Green
SUNDOLPHIN Scout 14 SS Canoe - Green
Optimal stability and tracking; Six built-in rod holder locations; 14-Feet square stern canoe

Lifetime Kodiak 13’ Canoe with 2 Paddles

Lifetime Kodiak 13’ Canoe with 2 Paddles

The final product that we’re going to go over in this guide is the Lifetime Kodiak, a rigid-hulled, 13-foot canoe with room for three occupants. The molded in seats help improve the canoe’s buoyancy, and the bow and stern seats both feature backs so that you can lean back comfortably while you fish.

The canoe is made out of blow-molded HDPE, which is resistant to damage and has been treated to resist UV rays. The hull is also rated for use with electric motors that provide thrust of up to 40 lbs. The Kodiak is also equipped with rod-holders and cup-holders that help make it more user-friendly.

At the bow and stern of this canoe, you’ll find luggage-type handles that make it more comfortable to carry this canoe when you have the aid of someone else. The stern of this canoe features a mounting point for a transom motor, and the skeg wheel makes it easier to move around on land.

Along with this canoe’s durable construction, you’ll also benefit from a five-year manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that you get your money’s worth. The hull of this canoe has been designed with stability in mind, and it doesn’t rock as much as some of the competition when you’re on the water.

The Kodiak features a max capacity of 600 lbs, and it weighs 96 pounds, making it one of the heaviest canoes on this list. We wouldn’t recommend this model for anyone who plans on going solo fishing with their canoe, as it will be nearly impossible to transport alone.

The only assembly required is the installation of the transom mount, so it’s pretty simple to get started with this model. Overall, the Kodiak features a rugged but heavy design, so it’s an excellent choice for those who don’t mind giving up a little bit of portability.

Key Points at a Glance

  • Equipped with rod holders in the center
  • Skeg wheel makes it easy to transport
  • Features a mounting point for a trolling motor

Conclusion

A canoe can be an exciting and affordable way to fish, but you need to have the correct info if you’re going to be sure to find the right one. We hope that we’ve been able to guide you through picking the correct fishing canoe for your needs, and we wish you luck in your future fishing trips.

Sun Dolphin Mackinaw Canoe (Hazelnut, 15'6')
Sun Dolphin Mackinaw Canoe (Hazelnut, 15'6")
Ideal family recreational canoe with comfortable seating for three; Storage compartment and cooler under center seat
Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Guide 147 Recreational Canoe, Red, 14 Feet 7 Inches
Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Guide 147 Recreational Canoe, Red, 14 Feet 7 Inches
Comfortable contoured bow and stern seats; Ash carrying yoke; Black vinyl gunwales; Comfortable carrying handles