I entirely agree that a Wee Lassie would be a good boat for your intended purpose---I must warn you however,that I am a double paddle canoe fanatic. For fishing and general knocking around they can't be beat. The little decks don't add much either to the seaworthyness or the strength of the boat and I leave them off. I don't think these plans call for foot braces but be sure and put some in because any boat that calls for the use of a double paddle is incomplete without them. BTW, if you are going to flyfish from this boat be sure to practice casing sitting down on your lawn---technique is quite different from standing up.