Hey Folks,

OK, we now have a paddle forum for canoes and kayaks. Kewl!
It's already been mentioned that it's kind of far down on the boards.
"The squeaky wheel get's the grease" is how it works. If we generate
the traffic here, the real estate will improve accordingly. It's all up to us.

What do we want to accomplish with this forum? Why even have a
paddle forum on a fly fishing site? Here is my take. Lots of us fish waters
other than streams or ponds easily accessible from the banks. In many
situations, without a boat you can't even access the waters. Canoes and
kayaks are generally affordable, relatively easy to transport and they do
work for us. Also, they fit the minamalist attitude that lots of us share.
I suggest that we expand our forum to include ALL paddle or rowing type
craft that we have adapted to our fisheries. What works for the pontoon
boats, drift boats, and even the home made prams or dinghys can work
for all of us.

First off, lets identify ourselves. Lets run a thread on what we paddle
and where we fish. Lets list the likes and dislikes of what we paddle.
Kind of a mini review on our respective craft. I've seen numerous posts
in recent years from fence straddlers thinking about combining paddling
with their fly fishing obsession. Knowing what others paddle and their
opinions of their craft might be a great incentive for the new guys.

When we throw the yak or canoe on the rack, lets remember the
camera. Nothing generates enthusiasm like a picture of the one that
didn't illude your fly and perhaps a shot of your favorite waters. Doing
a special trip? Would it make a good article and make the rest of us
green with envy? Take the camera along, write it up and send to
Publisher@flyanglersonline.com for perusal. Got some good tips on
techniques that are working well for you? This is the place for them.
Experiencing problems you need help with? This is the place for that
as well. This forum WILL be exactly what we make it. If you have
suggestions, we're listening. Lets work together to make the Paddling
forum a worthwhile addition to a great site. Warm regards, Jim