Okay I got my first book of many from the library tonight;Canoeing and Camping: by Cliff Jacobson, and read it cover to cover. I have at best novice experience other than paddling aroung the city lake in a canoe. There are numerous paddling skillls listed, since I dont plan on running any rapids which ones should I concentrate on mastering?
Will I be able to adjust the seats or do they come one size fits all from the outfitters?

Lastly has anyone had any luck with small mouths using pork rind baits?

Thanks, Hunter

Hunter,

You will hear alot of talk about what is called the "J" stroke and it is the one that will put the most water under your canoe in the least amount of strokes. I am not familiar with the book you have read but I am sure that this stroke will be covered in it somewhere. Probably the most important part of making good time in a canoe is teamwork between you (and I have assumed you will be in the rear of the canoe) and your partner in the front. It is important to be on the same page with your partner. Both of you must understand who is "driving" and who is "navigating". Comunication is a must. If the guy in the front wants to go a certain way he needs to tell you and vice versa. There is nothing worse than two people paddling toward differnt goals. I always tell my "front" to paddle on one side of the canoe until he gets tired and then to switch sides. Once you master the "j" stroke you will be able to turn the canoe either direction no matter which side your partner is paddling on This will save you alot of switching sides to counter his paddling. This certainly does not apply to situations that require tight manuvering but more to general open water paddling. I have also been with guys that were so incredibly right handed that they would take 20 strokes on their right side and 2 or 3 on their left. Most of the time they don't even realize it. If you get in this situation, tell them. If your goal is to cover ground quickly, don't even try to travel in a STRAIGHT line. Don't worry about a little wobble in your path, you will spend less strokes correcting your path and more simply going forward rather than straight. And lastly, for gosh sakes drag your paddle only as last resort or to apply the "brakes". I'd rather walk than be in a boat with a "paddle dragger". Think ahead, keep your eyes well ahead, and plan your course before it requires drastic action. One good paddle drag will cost you at least 4 or 5 strokes to regain lost momentum. A couple of miles and good comunication and you and your partner will be "old pros).

Good paddling,

Goose6

Thanks for the input. That book did cover the j-stroke, it was the other's it discussed for tight and fast river moves. I think I got the J-stroke down now, I had been practicing on the edge of the tub, but the wife complained the kids were'nt getting clean enough.