SO, my landlords recently bought a peddle boat (or paddle boat depending on how you look at it) and said I may use it in the lake whenever I want.  I've used it fishing a few times, and I like it alot.  Moving around is relatively easy, easier than a canoe, I can stand without fear of tipping, and there's enough room for two people to be very comfortable fishing as well.  The thing is, I think it may make too much topwater noise to be conducive to fishing.  I try to be quiet as a mouse when moving around, but that damned paddle-wheel still makes a big ole "flop-flop-flop" noise, which I think in turn spooks the fish.  I can't say my productivity has been better, if anything, its been worse, but I also wonder if I'm on a bad streak since I'm not really catching much when I bank fish either.

Anyone have any opinions or thoughts on these things?  Ever use one for fishing?  Have you noticed any differences between peddle boats and say a trolling motor?  Just wondering...

(BTW, the reason for the peddle boat is that the lake owner's association will not allow motors of any type on the lake... I learned that one the hard way when the DEC showed up after an "annonymous" tip...)

Noise from the peddles smacking the boat will spook fish or atleast alert them that something is near. I have caught tons of fish in a paddle boat just make long casts and give the area some time to cool down. If you need to move a little in an area peddle real slow or bring a paddle. I have even flipped out of one with success. I was kinda in the same situation I was fishing a lake that was private and the owner let me use the boat. The first day I ever used it I caught a 9lb bass on a fluke and brought it back to show the guy. After that he let me use the boat anytime I wanted. Most of the time I would paddle the boat to an area and let the wind drift the boat while I fished. Other areas like floating weeds I would ram the boat in the weeds and then flip or fish the edge.

Sounds good to me. I am 50 so peddling is out of the question,lol. If it works use it. Sure beats dumping $3.00 a gallon in that gas hog outboard jet of mine. I think if it is a small lake the fish will get used to the noise, so don't sweat it. Just back off a little and maybe take a paddle to sneak up on them. Good luck.

how deep is the lake? you could get a push pole and push yourself around like the saltwater angloers do in the flats.