I am about/thinking to buy a canoe, what should i ask and look for?

It's important to fit the canoe to what you want to do with it. Looking at pictures of it it looks like a good solo fishing canoe, with a fair beam to length ratio. (just means more stable). It will not be as nimble or maneuverable as others but for flat water fishing it should work out fine. Look for gouges in the bottom (it looks looks a poly canoe) make sure the seat mount rivets are all in place, and look for obvious signs of abuse. I think they retail new about $400 so judge the price on it's age and appearance from there. It's a bit heavier than most in it's class but not enough to deter you from buying it. You might want to look at getting a canoe cart to help if you hace any great distance to walks with it. and if you want to stand look online for homemade canoe stabalizers ( outriggers) you can make a set for under $25.00 and they increase the versatility.

ps. they don't normally come with a registration but its not a bad idea to get a bill of sale with the serial # (should be on a small metal plate somewhere obvious)

And have fun

The Old Town Rogue River is a terribly heavy and terribly wide canoe. Depending on the year of production it can be as heavy as 115 lbs! And the stock dimensions of 42" beam make it a tough boat to solo paddle. You will probably have to get a motor to propel it and get a wheeled cart to get it from the car to the water. You will have great difficulties handling and loading it alone.

I truly think there are better canoes for what you are planning to use it for. Look for an Old Town Guide 146 or a Mad River Adventure 14. Both are much lighter, have a narrower beam and are much better for a solo paddler. The Mad River is a great fishing kayak and you can often find used ones for $300 to $400 -- some of the newer models also have the squared stern like the Rogue River for the electric trolling motor attachment. The Adventure 14 was sold by Dlcks sporting goods as the Passage 14 (same boat.)

As far as registration and permits, check the department of natural resources or Fish and Game commission website for the requirements for your home state. In some states they don't require registration or an annual sticker, in some they do.

The first answer is very good. I ask, "Do you know how to canoe?" Don't buy anything until you do. Inquire at the American Canoe Association about schools and classes and clubs.