tjulian,

You are new to fly fishing so, don't try to make really long casts using way too much upper body movement. Start with short casts, I mean, you are in a boat so row little closer and make a cast. As you learn the timing of your cast you will be able to extend the cast a little farther, then some more....Take your time and learn to cast. Also, don't have a lot of loose items in the canoe since there is a chance the canoe will tip over, just minimize your potential for loss. As mentioned, a longer rod will help, a 10 or 11 foot rod, but you can cast nicely with a 9 footer as well, if you learn to cast properly. Again as mentioned, sit on a stool or even just on the ground (that is how a person using a tube must cast) and it will greatly help you with your back cast as you will find out really fast just how quickly the back cast can lower and hit the ground or water.

Have fun and catch some fish.

Larry ---sagefisher---