Lake superior can make a person feel insignificant, and fisherman in small boats know this better than anyone. Sometimes superior even challenges freighters and ore ships. Yet many years ago canoes provided transportation on the Great Lakes.
If you’re careful, you can use a canoe or small inland boat on Lake superior. Although the Lake sometimes gets as rough as an ocean, on many days it is calm enough for a small boat. If you respect the Lake and know the limitations of your boat you can have a good day of fishing. Only a fool takes chances on Lake superior because as the sailors say Lake superior never gives up her dead.
Although small boat anglers can venture very far offshore, they do have some advantages over anglers and larger boats. You can launch a small craft just about anywhere and find access to the Lake, particularly helpful during the winter when launch ramps are closed. You can fish in shallow water with less likelihood of spooking wary fish or damaging and expensive boat. Another advantage is you can use your in land fishing gear. Trolling from a small boat makes an excellent starting point for fisherman who wish to get serious about Lake superior fishing, you can learn the ropes before choosing in purchasing a larger fishing rig. You can even outfit your 14 and 16 foot boats with down rigorous, planar boards, and other trolling gear.
Not just any small boat will do for fishing on the big Lake. Flat bottomed boats such as John boats are designed for shallow streams and marshes not for trolling on the world’s largest Lake. And this is definitely not the place to try out a cheap motor you just picked up at a garage sale.
The point is that you want to use reliable gear suited to big water. A 14 foot V. Hull aluminum boat will get you a round, but a 16 footer is even better. Make sure you use a reliable outboard that starts every time. Bring a small outboard or electric trolling motor for backup. Often on the big Lake there’ll be no one around to tow you to shore if you have engine trouble.
You are required by law to have a life preserver for everyone on board, but you would be very foolish to go out without them. matter what the weather looks like when you leave, always bring rain gear and warm clothing. An emergency kit with tools a flashlight, rope and even flares would be a good idea. Also make sure you remember your compass, because the fog can get very thick.
If you are thinking about fishing from a canoe or small boat, only go all during the calmest weather and stay close to shore. Even when calm, the Lake has swell that can tip unwary boaters. It only takes a small breeze to bring up a nasty chop on the big Lake. Sea kayaks, although not designed for fishing, make a better choice for paddlers, because they are very sea worthy and very fun to paddle. See kayaks can also handle rougher water then a conventional canoe.
