Rosco Caninghi

CANINGHI

Being an avis fisherman I'm always looking for new ways to target fish. Big fish inhabit shallow waters of Moreton Bay. I was looking for a quiet stable fishing platform that I could paddle.

That's when I came across the Caninghi. A unique looking vessel, like a canoe on steroids. It looks stable, ahs plenty of storage, adjustable seating positions, wheels for transport, a depth sounder and an electric motor can be fitted but most importantly it is light & strong and can be very easily paddled.

On the water the Caninghi was very stable, I am a big guy and could move about freely! Casting a rod wasn't a problem at all! Paddling along long distances with camaping gear would be easy.

The Caninghi is the ultimate stealth weapon for fishing the shallow estary, lakes, rivers and dams.

Rosco Basscatcher

BASSCATCHER 500

Before returning to the north coast from Brisbane I spent many hours researching the type of craft most suitable for our needs. The main criteria were:

• No heavy lifting;
• The ability to paddle it;
• Be able to sail it;
• Powered by a small outboard;
• Be comfortable to fish out of

We have over 60km of waterways around the Noosa area, mostly shallow & I believe we now have the ideal craft.

I purchased a Basscatcher 500 from Rosco Canoes with all the accessories, including a galvanised trailer, which Ross organsied for me. The Basscatcher slide off and winches on, as easy as.

The boat comes with two paddles as standard, and paddles well in calm conditions. Upwind in windy condition and waves the high side and flared bow affect the performacne somewhat. That's what the outboards for anyway.

To my greatest joy (being a competitive sailor), just bolt on the outriggers, stand up the twin mast and sail set-up, slot in the rudder and you have a canoe that is a pleasure to sail. The twin set-up has many merits. The helm steers easily and is balanced from 90° to the wind to head downwind. When the front sail is blanketed from the rear sail when running downwind, just pop it out the other side and run goosewinged. Also in heavy conditions, just stow the front mast and keep sailing.

A recent trip to Bjelke-Petersen Dam saw us fishing with little success, but the 360° swivelling comfy chairs meant this was not a problem at all.

If you're looking for a boat that can do it all in protected waterways, I would recommend having a look at the Basscatcher 500.

IAN SKYRING