The authors all like to canoe and kayak for the sake of the ride; it is a very fun sport. We all like the trip, however; we mostly do it so we can float fish. With this is mind we tend to float near good fishing areas and typically use equipment built to serve a fisherman. Several of the authors use either a Wilderness Systems fishing model called "The Ride Angler" such as the one shown or a Walden sportsman kayak. There are also a number of other canoes or kayaks that would perform equally fine or better if your needs are different. Paddle North Carolina is a good place to begin if you are interested in kayaking or canoeing in North Carolina. Also, Paddle North Carolina has a very nice link-able map to find outfitters and dealers throughout the state. They can help with your other needs and have some nice links to related sites.

There are several good outfitters in NC that will guide you on a fine trip. The following is a small list that we are personally aware of and can recommend:

Paddle Creek is a full service dealer that acts as a livery on the Neuse river downstream of the Falls Dam in Raleigh. They offer fun day trips of differing length with with their equipment or pickup if you use your own equipment. The trip is over decent fishing water so take your rod. I used this service to test ride several boats before I decided finally decide on purchasing my boat; I know this is very common. They also offer boat sales periodically through the year.

Kayak Accessories Plus is a full service supplier of kayaks and kayak accessories. Kayak Accessories Plus carries a complete line of kayak and rafting gear from such fine brands as Fulton, One Shot, Body Glove and more.

The Great Outdoor Provision CO is also a full service dealer. They offer a broad selection of boats for sell and rent. The GOPC also offers other services including schools at lakes or waters near their address, test ride events, periodic sales, and events and instruction related to kayaking including fly fishing seminars. Their fly fishing seminars are very good. In addition they have a very nice selection of fly fishing equipment and tackle. As an aside, they have been very helpful to my Boy Scout troop and this please me.

Barrier Island Kayaks is an outfitter operating out of Swansboro. They offer trips in what I consider to be the most beautiful area that NC has to offer. BIK offer very good trips, full service shop, a broad variety of boats and related equipment, and other sundries including instruction and seminars. They can outfit you with almost any need that you have in the kayak realm. Their web site is very informative.

Coastal Kayak Outfitters also offer some really fun adventure. Their base of operation is on the waterfront and in good proximity to everything you could need. I do not know their web address.

The Dan River Company (DRC) provides professional livery services on the Dan River. The DRC is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Danbury, North Carolina. It is located approximately one hour from Winston Salem, Martinsville, High Point, Mt. Airy, or Greensboro. The DRC rents canoes and kayaks (sit on tops), or will livery your boat. The Dan is a fine river with good flow and good fish. Contact DRC at: 336-593-BOAT (2628) or Toll Free: 866-DRC-BOAT (372-2628)

Eagle Outfitters (Madison on the Dan) -- Eagle Outfitters is an outfitter along the beautiful Dan between Madison and Eden. This is a very nice boat ride. Eagle Outfitters rents and sells canoes and can outfit whole families and groups. They operate as a shuttle from small tube rides to longer, all day trips. They also offer to take your group to dinner or to clubs after the ride. Primitive camping can be arranged. The Dan is a relaxing river with Class I and II water -- this is easy paddling even for the beginner. Email lindaadams@eagle-falls-outfitters.com or BUCTOFF@AOL.COM. Call (336)427-3088 or their cell (336)613-0647.

Hanging Rock Outdoor Center is the only full service outfitter operating daily on the Dan and Mayo rivers. HROC offers Family and Pet friendly adventures on the Dan and Mayo rivers, they rent a full complement of canoes and kayaks including sit-on-top models, plus they will shuttle your boat. HROC is a full service offering livery, lessons, and they outfit you at their fully stocked whitewater shop. Hanging Rock Outdoor Center has a full line of recreational and whitewater boats from such manufacturers as Dagger, Perception, Bliss-Stick Kayaks plus any gear you would need to ride that new boat.

There are several nice books on kayaking relevant to NC and fishing. They include Coastal Kayaker's Manual, Sea Kayaking, and Kayak Fishing. But here are some hints on picking equipment.

Good info and links:

Wilderness Systems Walden Paddle North Carolina North Carolina Coastal Plain Paddle Trails -- Lots of good information Crystal Coast Canoe & Kayak Club -- A very informative site for the coast

1. The sit-on-top models will be easier to fish from. They will not be as warm and comfortable in the cold but will be more stable and forgiving in the choppy coastal waters.
2. Consider carefully the placement of the fishing package. The layout should be easy to get to but be stable enough such that the surf does not knock off the paddles and tackle.
3. Get a kayak that can easily mount a tackle box or bucket, etc. on the outside.
4. If used primarily for fishing; a vest with some pockets will perform better.

Go to Paddle North Carolina to get more general information of boats, etc. Read up on canoes and kayaks -- then employ an outfitter to show you the ropes and demo any boats you may have decided on. This is the easiest and surest way to determine fit, form, and function. Inquire at the outfitter about available fishing packages if you are getting a boat specifically to fish. Some packages fit better on some boats than other packages. Contact, , us if we can help.