[shawnw315]

what type of watercraft is best for fishing the new? ive looked at kayaks and pontoons but cant decide can someone help?

[phg]

It might depend a little on which part of the New you want to float. For the part that flows through NC, though, a 'toon is the best way to go, a raft second, a SOT kayak coming in third, a canoe a close 4th, and a drift boat a distant 5th.

The reason for this ranking is because the New in NC is very shoal-ly. Many, MANY rock formations create a sharp ridge that goes completely across the river. A 'toon or rubber raft can slide over these with minimal disruption. Any fixed hull craft is going to drag, and occasionally need assistance. The maneuverability if a kayak, especially a SOT, gives it some advantage there, but it will still require you to get out occasionally.

Worth also considering, though, is the fact that you can paddle a kayak back upstream to re-fish a stretch of water. A 'toon can be rowed upstream in quiet water, but if there is any significant current, it's pretty much a one-way trip downstream.

[shawnw315]

what about those fishcat pontoons are they too small my price range is around 1000 bucks

[chico]

I use a SOT kayak with very good results on all sections.

[southernfly]

I just floated the New last w/e for 3 days in my FishCat9. No other way to go IMO.
Very stable platform to fish from plus carry all your stuff.
Get the FishCat if you have the opportunity IMHO

SF

[22midge]

Hey the best thing for me on the New River is for southernfly to buy a new FishCat. Be safe

[southernfly]

Originally Posted by 22midge

Hey the best thing for me on the New River is for southernfly to buy a new FishCat. Be safe

How did the ODC fish 22?

[phg]

An 8' to 9' 'toon is perfect for the New. There are only a few places in NC that get up to Cat 3 whitewater, and almost any 'toon can handle that. Most of the New is Cat 1 with short stretches of Cat 2.

[22midge]

great SF I really enjoyed the ride .Be safe

[shawnw315]

thanks guys for the info