-- Last Updated: Aug-30-11 5:59 PM EST --
....... about 80 lbs. ballast in bow section if paddling from stern seat does an ok job for light winds , or get behind center thwart on knees although kinda wide , it works ok too .
Just avoid soloing it in stiffer winds cause it will have it's way with you , you'll know when too much is "too" much !!
If calm and no winds I haven't any troubles just paddling from the stern w/o bow ballast though the bow is light and sensitive like that ... long heavier canoe with that much out front of you keeps the wheelie effect to a bare minimum and gets up a good quick speed too with little effort on the paddle .
Agree with D about getting some seat time in with that canoe before heading out into the unknown , and the pfd .
Tandem paddle will be just as you expect w/o surprises . As for fishing from it , sure , same as fishing any otherwise .