Background: Bill Hall is a life-long angler and past President of the Fourth Corner Fly Fishers. Bill tested products for various fly fishing equipment manufacturers in the past, and eagerly undertook the task of evaluating the NuCanoe from a fly fisherman’s perspective. He can be reached for comment or questions at 360.305.0161.

Phase I – Dry Evaluation:

The appearance of the NuCanoe indicates a great deal of potential for this vessel as a fishing platform. The construction of the NuCanoe is incredibly well done. It is solid and rigid for handling, traveling, and stability. The fully equipped weight of 98 pounds is somewhat awkward for one individual to handle. However, this does not detract from the appeal of the NuCanoe as a fishing platform. This canoe would withstand excessive wear and tear, and could be the last purchase a fisherman would need to make for an on-water fishing platform.

In examining the hull design, the bow and stern being higher than the gunwales amidships is very satisfactory. It gives the NuCanoe a semi-drift boat manner of operation. The sealed hull gives the NuCanoe more than adequate flotation with the one large air chamber.

An anchor system is an absolute for lake fishing and should be incorporated into the design of the NuCanoe.

Phase II – On Water Evaluation in Calm Conditions

On March 20, 2007 I load the NuCanoe into the back of my 4Runner, and drove to Fazon Lake for the first “on-water” test. The NuCanoe tracks very well when paddling and moves easily through the water. The speed-to-effort ratio is very good. As a matter of fact, it took very little effort to move the canoe around the lake under calm conditions. The 42” beam gave the canoe more stability than a regular canoe from a sitting, fishing position.

As previously noted, the mild rocker of the NuCanoe provides superior maneuverability. It also helps prevent water from coming in over the bow/stern and or side of the NuCanoe. The design of the NuCanoe allows easy movement through very shallow water as well as quiet, deeper water in the middle of a lake.

My high comfort level with the NuCanoe enabled me to focus on fishing without concern for taking in water or tipping to either side. At no point did I worry about balance or paddling.

The main problem during this phase of testing was the lack of an anchor system. Otherwise, the NuCanoe performed great, and I look forward to further testing under more severe weather conditions.

Phase III – On Water Evaluation in Rough Conditions

The second on-water test came at Pass Lake, a larger body of water than Fazon Lake, under more severe weather conditions. The rain fell hard and the wind kicked up an 6-10 inch chop throughout the lake. Under these conditions, my concern was the functionality of the NuCanoe concerning tracking and paddling against the wind conditions and wave action. This apprehension was quickly reduced as I discovered the NuCanoe did not take on water, and tracked and paddled easily despite the more severe water conditions.

My comfort level for 6 hours on the lake was very satisfactory due to the ample room for legs and body. The seat provided good support. The middleplacement of the seat provided optimal trim for the boat and maximized my comfort. .

The fixed position rod holders are not in an ideal location. They are too far forward of the seat to be easily accessed.

Due to the weight of the NuCanoe, I did not find it easily car-topped. I was, however, able to put it in the back of my SUV for easy transport.

Overall, I am very pleased with what I am able to do in this canoe, and if the recommendations are incorporated, the functionality of the NuCanoe would fit the needs and style of a fly-fisherman.

Phase IV – Stability Testing & Salt Water

In May I went out to Lake Whatcom to demonstrate the NuCanoe to a fishing friend. He was most interested in assessing the stability of the NuCanoe. He thoroughly tested the NuCanoe for stability while sitting, standing, kneeling, leaning overboard, and fishing. He was most impressed, and validated the prior findings in my evaluations.

I took the NuCanoe out to the salt water near Bellingham, WA in June. The wave action was 1 to 1 ½ feet and moderate winds were blowing from the Southwest. The NuCanoe performed equally well as in the Lake tests. Due to nature of the water in the ocean, I did not attempt to stand while fishing.

Although I have not yet tested the NuCanoe on a river, I am confident the NuCaone would perform as well as in other tests. However, with a single passenger, the NuCanoe should be used for transport from one wade fishing spot to another.

Overall Assessment:

I highly recommend the NuCanoe as a fly fishing platform. It paddles easily, tracks well, and is highly maneuverable. The stability of the NuCanoe enables focus to be on fishing, and not on operating the boat or maintaining balance. And the versatility to use the NuCanoe in many different water types and conditions is very beneficial.