There is a local Canoe/Kayak rental in my area and I was thinking about renting one or the other to do some river fishing.

It looks like you have the option of a sit on top kayak as well as a sit down inside kayak.

If you were to have the choice of a kayak or canoe, which one is easier for fishing? Were talking light tackle here....1-3lb Smallies, largemouths and things of that sort. Nothing to large that would pull me all over the river. Waters are roughly 3' average.

Can anyone offer some advice on which is best?

Either will work well. I'd go with the kayak, but I have a few.

JFranco is our Kayakmeister and I would agree with him that the kayak would probably be the better craft for what you want to do. MUCH more stable than a canoe and easier to paddle. Most folks prefer a SOT kayak for fishing for a number of reasons.

The only advantage that a canoe might have is that some (not all) might be lighter than a 'yak and easier to transport if you have to cartop, and canoes offer more inboard storage room. Canoes also might be more comfortable if you have any back problems. BUT, you have to be REAL careful fishing out of a canoe due to the stability issue

For me, I have a heavily outfitted canoe (outriggers, trolling motor, sonar, etc.) but I still eyeball yaks and could end up with one someday.

There's MANY kayakers on this site - fess up guys!

Canoes do transport big items better, and they portage better as well. I can bring a ton of gear along in my big water kayak, though. The kayak takes some getting used to if your more experienced with a canoe. Some sit on top kayaks are MUCH more stable than a canoe, and you can even stand in a few. Try them both out, and see what you like better. Nothing beats seat time.

J Francho - In the 4th picture down, what are those two yellow things hanging off the back of the Freedom Hawk kayak? They look like miniature kayaks.

They are outriggers for stability:

12' 6" sit on top. Weighs approx. 65 lbs and is rated for 400 lbs. Best fishing related investment I've made in a while.

I own a canoe. It works for me, but personal preference is a large part of the equation as well. Although I've never been in a kayak, from what I can see, in a canoe you can have more equipment right in front of you for easy access. For what it's worth, my unscientific observations during my travels are that more folks fish from kayaks than canoes.

BUT, you have to be REAL careful fishing out of a canoe due to the stability issue

Let's not paint with too broad a brush here. My canoe is wide and relatively flat-bottomed and there is very little of a stability issue. That doesn't mean that I am careless, but it would take something really dumb on my part for it to tip. I can fish standing up, but I rarely do because I don't want to take chances, but that's not something you can do in an unstable boat.

There is a local Canoe/Kayak rental in my area and I was thinking about renting one or the other to do some river fishing.

It looks like you have the option of a sit on top kayak as well as a sit down inside kayak.

If you were to have the choice of a kayak or canoe, which one is easier for fishing? Were talking light tackle here....1-3lb Smallies, largemouths and things of that sort. Nothing to large that would pull me all over the river. Waters are roughly 3' average.

Can anyone offer some advice on which is best?

You goin to Morgan's to rent?

actually, were going here.......http://www.littlemiamicanoe.com/new/littleinfo.htm

we have canoed through this place before and enjoyed it. I have never fished while canoeing though.

JFranco is our Kayakmeister and I would agree with him that the kayak would probably be the better craft for what you want to do. MUCH more stable than a canoe and easier to paddle. Most folks prefer a SOT kayak for fishing for a number of reasons.

The only advantage that a canoe might have is that some (not all) might be lighter than a 'yak and easier to transport if you have to cartop, and canoes offer more inboard storage room. Canoes also might be more comfortable if you have any back problems. BUT, you have to be REAL careful fishing out of a canoe due to the stability issue

For me, I have a heavily outfitted canoe (outriggers, trolling motor, sonar, etc.) but I still eyeball yaks and could end up with one someday.

Goose52, is it possible for you to post a picture or two? If so, thanks.

Goose52, is it possible for you to post a picture or two? If so, thanks.

Sure. Note that the canoe is actually propelled "stern-first" when motoring. Since it's a pointed stern canoe, you can run it either way. I sit on what is supposed to be the "front seat" facing aft. This puts my weight more toward the center of the boat for balance. Also, since these photos were taken, I have removed what was originally the "rear seat" and moved the battery farther toward the stern (now the bow) of the boat. Removing the seat and moving the battery gave me better fore & aft balance and the boat now trims out very well (but of course is now a solo-only boat).

I've fished out of both and I prefer kayaks. I'm able to sit off the side of my kayak and fish, I could never have done that on a canoe.

I own both and though I have only owned the kayak for a week or so, I already feel more comfortable in there. Its stable almost to a fault. Similar in initial stability to a jon boat. My canoe is big, heavy and slow. My kayak, while still slow, is light enough that I can load it and unload it myself with ease. I can stand in boat, the canoe however is noticeably tippier. I'll keep both of course, I can fish with a partner, hard to do in the yak.

For someone with back problems/soreness, would a sit-in or sit-on-top kayak be better? Easier to get on and off, etc? What's a good kayak forum to learn more about them, and how to customize them? Thanks.

For someone with back problems/soreness, would a sit-in or sit-on-top kayak be better? Easier to get on and off, etc? What's a good kayak forum to learn more about them, and how to customize them? Thanks.

Sit on top would be easier. One thing to look for would be adjustable footpegs (like the one in the picture) OR molded in footrest "cups" available in some models. Having the ability to keep your legs in a comfortable posistion means everything. Also there are many seating options available, including ones with high back rests.

Thanks.

For someone with back problems/soreness, would a sit-in or sit-on-top kayak be better? Easier to get on and off, etc? What's a good kayak forum to learn more about them, and how to customize them? Thanks.

I've had recurring back problems for more than 25 years - seating position is critical with me as well. One SOT kayak that has intriqued me is the Jackson Coosa that has a two-position (two-height) seat. If I ever get a 'yak to supplement my canoe...it will most likely be the Coosa.

Jackson Coosa - YouTube

IMO Canoe. The Native Ultimate is the only "kayak" that I enjoyed paddling.