Work and Kayak Fishing

Do you find it difficult finding time to get out on the water, because of WORK (Weary Overload Recreation Killer?) I know I sure do. I bet you have said to yourself, "If only I could fish for a living. How awesome that would be, getting paid to do what I love." Would it really be as great as we think though? That's what I wanted to find out, so I called the one man who would know, Chad Hoover.

Now in case you don't know who Chad is, he's kind of a big deal in the kayak fishing world. Not only does he own and operate one of the largest kayak fishing gear stores in the country, HOOK1, he also stars in Kayak Bassin TV on WFN and Knot Right Kayak Fishing on NBC Sports. He is literally living the dream that so many of us have, getting paid to fish. Here are his thoughts.

ME: What made you get into kayak fishing, and then want to do it for a living?

CHAD: I got into it because I saw a niche or unique way to fish that really appealed to me. Doing it for a living just kind of happened. I always felt it would happen, but it wasn't something I was trying to achieve in the beginning. 

ME: Are you happy with how it turned out? 

CHAD: ABSOLUTELY! I'm having fun doing what I love. The best part of it all, I get to promote this sport and meet lots of great people along the way. My goal is to unite kayak anglers everywhere. 

ME: Do you have any regrets?

CHAD: Not at all!

ME: What's it like to be so well known, to so many people? Has it changed you in any way?

CHAD: I don't think it has changed me at all. The guy you see on TV cutting up and joking around is who I really am. Sometimes my producer has to reel me in, just so we can film. I've always enjoyed entertaining people, to be honest I like the attention. Now there are times when I would like to just go out and not be recognized, but I knew what I signed up for. I would never pass up the opportunity to talk kayak fishing with anyone and everyone.

ME: Do you ever get burnt out?

CHAD: There are times, sure. It's still work after all. I eat, sleep and breathe kayak fishing. It's the first thing I think about in the morning and it's the last thing I think about at night, I even dream about it. Sometimes, I want a break from it, but that's not really possible. It's also a lot of pressure to film a show, where you have to catch fish and make sure your guests catch fish. No matter the weather or conditions, you need to put fish in the boat. Plus you have to make sure it was all on camera. I love it though, I kind of feed on the pressure.

ME: What advice would you give to those of us who don't fish for a living in regards to juggling work, and fishing? I know it's difficult for me to find time to do both sometimes.

CHAD: First I would ask how much time do you spend watching TV? Then what time do you get up and go to bed? I rarely watch any TV, and I'm up at 5 in the morning and won't see bed until midnight almost every day. You have to find time for what you love to do. It's all about time management. I find the time that most people waste in a given day.

ME: What about family time? How are you able to still find time for them?

CHAD: I bring them with me. I started taking my son out at 18 months old. It's a great way to spend family time together. Again it's all about time management.

ME: Any last thoughts or tips you could share with us?

CHAD: Well, last year I was beginning to not enjoy fishing or the show that much. Kayak fishing for a living or for a television show, is not the same as kayak fishing for fun. Even I find it hard to juggle work and fishing. This year, I decided to enjoy it all more. Now my son and I stay an extra day on location, just to fish together. No cameras, no stress just fishing. You just have to make the time.

Well there you go, straight from the horse's mouth. I hope Chad doesn't mind me calling him a horse. Even if you kayak fish for a living, it can be a challenge to balance work with fishing, but it's doable. Don't forget to check out HOOK1 Kayak Fishing Gear for all your kayak fishing needs.

D.S 

Ambush Xtreme Outdoors

Have you ever wanted to take a hunting or fishing trip of a lifetime, but just didn't know where to go? I know I have. Moving around as much as I have, has always made it difficult to find things to do in the outdoors. Ambush Xtreme Outdoors is solving that problem. 

Their site will include anything and everything there is to do in the outdoors. Be it hunting and fishing or offroading and camping. Ambush Xtreme is dedicated to providing the outdoorsman with an all encompassing guide to all of his or her favorite pastimes. Whether it be hunting lodges, fishing charters, camping, boating, skiing, mudding, canoeing, or even where to find the best frog gigging, they are your one stop shop for all of the most up to date information on all of your favorite outdoor activities. They will be continuously updating their website to bring you the hottest new trends, the best deals and the most all encompassing information for everything outdoors! Also check out their Members section to see how you can get special discounts and offers!

If you are a guide or outfitter contact Raymond at 1-888-406-8682 or raymond@ambushxtremeoutdoors.com to get your business on this site.

D.S

Choctawhatchee Bay Fishing

I've had the pleasure to fish with a few Anglers who are relatively new to Destin inshore fishing, the past few weeks. Aside from catching a fish yourself, there is nothing better than watching someone else catch fish.

This past weekend I fished with a fellow Air Force Veteran, Nick Biersner. The conditions were absolutely perfect. No wind at all, the tide was just starting to creep in and the water was crystal clear. It didn't take long and we were in the fish. Reds were cruising all around us, but they didn't seem to want our bait at first. After some paddling around, Nick hooked up on a nice Jack. Then I hooked up on a small Speck. The bite slowed down, but the marine life was still all around us. We seen several Sting Rays, one being at least 5 foot across, a school of Sheepshead and a large school of Jacks. It wasn't until the wind changed and the water got rough, that Nick was able to hook a nice Speck and a slot Red. We didn't catch a ton of fish, but what an awesome day on the water.

Last week, Matt Rhodes decided to do a little Red fishing without his kayak. Who says you can't catch fish from shore. He was able to hook up on his first ever Red and it was a beauty. Not to be outdone, Ryan McDonald hooked up on a nice 30"+ Red too.

The Red fish bite is definitely picking up here in the Panhandle. I'm headed back out this week to try and get my Bull Red before the season is over. I can't let these guys have all the fun. 

D.S

Product Review: PTL Performance Wicking Shirt

Are you in search of a great long sleeved fishing shirt? Then look no further! Power Team Lures has what you are looking for.

These awesome shirts will keep you cool, even on those hot days on the water. Made from 100% Polyester, with moisture wicking technology that pulls the sweat off your body. They also have stain release, in case you get covered in fish guts and they're odor resistant too. The interlocking material, also resists snagging which is just plain cool. Plus they just look awesome!

The sizes range from Small to 3XL and they run true to size. They even have some for the Lady Anglers out there. All three colors are great, Crush, Silver Bullet and The Royal. I have many fishing shirts, but these are by far the most comfortable ones I have ever owned. At $32.99 they are a great buy, and if you use this CODE you get $5.00 off your first purchase of $20.00 or more.

              

So, if you are looking for some great shirts, that not only look cool, but keep you cool check out the Performance Wicking Shirts from Power Team Lures.

D.S

Which Kayak Should I Buy?

I remember asking that question, just like many others who are wanting to get into the sport. The problem with that question is, that's totally up to you. It's like asking what house or car should I buy. It all depends on what you intend to use it for. What type of fishing you plan to do, what kind of water you will fish etc. Not to mention your budget, which only you know what that is. Only you know your own unique situation.

The best answer I can give on what kayak to get, is to do lots of research and if possible demo as many as you can. What works for me may not work for you. Try different lengths, widths and styles to see what works for you. Set yourself a budget and only look at kayaks in that price range, unless you don't have a price limit. Here is the basic criteria for a fishing kayak, that works for the type of fishing I do.

1. 10'-12' long 30"-33" wide Sit-On-Top (SOT)

2. Adequate storage areas for rods and tackle.

3. Attachment points for electronics and other accessories.

4. Ability to stand easily, so it should be very stable.

There are about a dozen kayaks that fit this criteria. Which is why trying some out to see which one fits you best is extremely important. Try different seat configurations, if possible, see how each one handles in various water conditions. Also, think about how you will transport the kayak and see how easy or difficult it will be. That should help you narrow down your search. 

Let's take this one step further. Person (A) wants to fish primarily open water big lakes or oceans, and person (B) wants to fish smaller lakes and ponds. Well, person (A) should be looking at Sit-On-Top kayaks in the 12'-14' range. These kayaks will be much faster, which allows person (A) to cover more distance. Plus, it just feels more comfortable to be on a bigger kayak in bigger water. Person (B) on the other hand should be looking at Sit-On-Top kayaks in the 10'-12' range. The smaller kayaks allow for more maneuverability, which allows person (B) to get into tighter places to fish.

As you can see, there is no perfect kayak for every situation. A good kayak for fishing rivers and small bodies of water, will not be as effective on big lakes or oceans. There will always be trade offs with any kayak. The hard part is figuring out what you are willing to sacrifice and what you are not.

D.S

Sorry Can't Fish Here

One of the greatest things about fishing from a kayak is, we can fish almost any body of water we see. Almost. Sometimes that fact can lead us into to trouble though.

There is nothing better than dragging your kayak to a secluded pond, that few people know about, and landing a monster Bass. That's exactly what lured some of us into this sport in the first place. Just make sure you can fish there first.

Most bodies of water with a boat launch are public use areas, but as kayak anglers, we can fish areas without boat access.  That fact makes it more difficult to know where you can and can't fish. Which means you must do your research first.

The first thing I like to do when researching a new lake is to simply Google it. You can find out if it's public or private most of the time, and even find the location of boat launches if applicable. There might even be reviews from other anglers telling you where the fish are. On a large lake that can be very helpful.

The next thing I do is get on Google Earth. It enables you to scout possible launch points, parking locations and areas of vegetation on the water. You can even use the ruler tool to estimate how far certain areas are from different launch points. This is extremely helpful to get you as close as possible to where you want to fish. Less paddle time means more fishing time, and that means more fish in the boat.

As responsible kayak anglers, it's our job to make sure we follow all the rules. If you are unsure whether or not you can fish a particular body of water, don't fish it, ask someone first! Also, please help keep public waters open, by practicing "Pack It In Pack It Out."

D.S

Get Outside

I was told to go outside just about every day when I was a kid. If the weather was nice I was expected to do something, anything outside. Not that it was a bad thing, I mean that was before Cable television and the original Nintendo had just been released. Of course I didn't have one.

Luckily at that time, I was living in a small farm town in Southern Indiana. There was plenty to do outside. I rode my bike all over that town, even made trails in the woods. I loved to play "Army Man" in the woods. My friends and I spent most of our time building forts or tree houses in the woods. We also always found ways to get into mischief too. It's a boy thing I think.

A few years later my family and I moved to Dallas Texas, then Lafayette Louisiana and finally Ft. Lauderdale Florida. Eventually as a teenager we moved back to Southern Indiana where I stayed until the Military moved me around some more. In every place though, I spent my time outside. Be it the woods surrounded by timber or the swamps of the Everglades. I found peace and comfort outside.

When I think about all the jobs I've had, most of them have been outside too. Pig farmer, lumberjack, Lawn Care Technician, all outside. What is it about the Outdoors that draws us in? What's the allure of it?

I was blessed to spend three years of my life in Alaska from 2008-2011. Hands down the most beautiful place I have ever been. If that place doesn't make you appreciate the outdoors, nothing will. Towering snow capped mountains, covered with Alaskan Birch and Spruce trees. Rivers and streams that seem untouched by man. Bear, Moose and Bald Eagles everywhere you look. The fishing, wow the fishing was incredible there.

Six Mile Lake Elmendorf AFB, Alaska

Little Susitna River Hatchers Pass, Alaska

Six Mile Lake Elmendorf AFB, Alaska

Six Mile Lake Elmendorf AFB, Alaska

I'm not a real religious guy, but standing near the base of a mountain, in winter, with snow covering everything, you believe. I thanked God for letting me experience such unimaginable beauty. Being there gave me an even stronger appreciation for the Great Outdoors. And I miss it terribly.

Whether you like to hunt, fish, hike or camp, we all do these activities for the same reason. We enjoy being outside. More than likely someone shared their love for the outdoors with you. Maybe a friend or family member. Now we all get the same opportunity to do that for someone else. I shared my Alaskan experience with my wife, and continue to share the outdoors with her. I will take my children outside and share this wonderful world with them too. Life is too short to waste it being cooped up inside all the time. Do something, anything outside, I promise you won't regret it.

D.S

Fall Red Fish Action

Is there anything better than fishing in the Fall? Of course there isn't! I absolutely love fishing in the Fall. Not only is it a much needed break from the hot Florida summer, but it's incredible fishing too. I catch more fish in the Fall, than any other time of the year, and this year has been no exception.

As you'll notice these were caught from a boat rather than a kayak. The reason for this is, all of these trips were spur of the moment right after work. Since my boss has a boat that just needs to be lowered into the water it's just quicker to use the boat. It also allows us to get to those areas that are just too far away to kayak too, which happens to be some of the best Red fish areas.

This 32" Red and the 22" Red on the right were caught off the Eglin grass flats. I was using my Shimano Sienna 2500 on a 7' St. Croix Triumph Medium rod. Spooled with 15 pound braid and 20 pound Fluorocarbon leader. Bait was Berkley's Gulp Jerk Shad, color "New Penny" with 1/4 ounce Jighead.


These little guys were caught near the Coast Guard Station using the same bait and equipment as above. We also caught a few Ladyfish and Bluefish as well.

This healthy 24" Red was caught near the Destin grass flats. As always, the bait and tackle was the same. These Red fish love those Berkley Jerk Shad. Color seems to be very important, because they didn't seem to like the "Camo" or "New Penny Fleck" I tried. Jighead weight, shape or color doesn't seem to matter though. 

I've caught about a dozen more in the 12"-16" range. All in the three locations that I have listed. Just need to find that grass. Trout and flounder seem to really like the Gulps as well. I've caught about half a dozen Trout so far with many more to come I hope. Below is a nice Trout caught near Destin.

I think I'm really starting to enjoy Red fishing more than Bass fishing. Maybe it's because I catch bigger Reds.

D.S

Kayak Review: Wilderness Systems Ride X 115 MAX

I had the pleasure of trying out the new RideX 115 MAX, with the all new Phase 3 AirPro MAX high/low seating system and the removable console. Here are the specs.

Length: 11'6"/ 351 cm

Width: 33"/ 84 cm

Max Capacity: 500 lbs/ 227 kg
Weight: 82 lbs/ 37 kg

                             

Wilderness Systems kayaks are very well built, and the RideX is no exception. It feels very sturdy, the handles are rigid and makes carrying this heavy kayak easier. Of course there are the usual refinements like SlideTrax, Orbix hatches and adjustable foot braces that come standard.

The first thing I noticed about this kayak, it's built for one thing, fishing! This was not the Angler edition, however it was outfitted with flush-mount rod holders and an anchor trolley. Paddling this kayak was what I expected for it's width, a bit slow. It also felt a bit uncomfortable paddling from the elevated position, but I'll get into the new seat shortly. Speed was average as was the maneuverability. It also handled light chop and windy conditions with no problems.

Okay, on to the new stuff.

The removable console is just plain cool. It would really make installing a depth/fish finder very simple. It's extremely easy to take on and off, and can easily house a battery. The integrated transducer mount is also a very nice touch. It keeps the transducer up tight to the kayak and out of the way.

        

Now on to  the new Phase 3 AirPro MAX seat. I don't think their could ever be a more comfortable seat for a kayak. It literally feels like you're sitting in your recliner. The kayak is easy to paddle in the down position, however in the up position, it takes some getting used to. I would recommend a slighter longer paddle if you plan to paddle while in the up position. The adjustments are easy to make on the water, and it makes standing up very easy. I have absolutely no complaints about the AirPro MAX, very well done Wilderness Systems.

The only negatives that I found are more personal preference, rather than manufacturing issues. First thing I don't like is the weight. I car-top my kayak which would be very difficult with the 82 lb RideX. The other issue was just the way it felt paddling from an elevated position. Again, this is just a personal issue, since I have always sat in a tradition kayak seat. I'm sure in time it would feel more natural.

All in all, the RideX 115 MAX is a great kayak for fishing. With the new AirPro MAX seat, you'll be able to fish as long as you like with no numbness in your backside.  So, if you have been thinking of buying a new kayak, take a look at the Ride Series from Wilderness Systems, you won't be disappointed.

Where can you get one of these great kayaks you ask. Well HOOK1 Kayak Fishing Gear of course!

D.S
#HOOK1KFG

Trip planning

T'was the night before the fishing trip, and all through the house, not a creature bait was stirring, not even the Power Team Lures Craw D,oeuvre.

Okay so maybe it's not quite like that. In this article I want to talk about trip planning. In my opinion it's the most important part of any trip, then again I have been accused of thinking and/or planning too much in the past. What can I say, I like to be thorough. 

The first thing I do, is decide where I want to fish. I'm blessed to live in an area that has endless angling opportunities. I can choose to fish a lake, river, bay or even the Gulf of Mexico. Once I've decided where I want to fish, then I need to decide where I will launch from.

A good map or Google Maps/Earth are great ways to find launch points. I try to stay away from boat ramps if possible, so  I look for "Day Use" areas or parking areas with easy access to the water. Luckily the areas I fish allow me to do this.

The next thing I think about is season and weather conditions. Obviously season is extremely important. I need to know what the pattern is so I know what tactics I want to use. Knowing this will help me decide what gear and tackle to bring along. The weather is equally important, as is solunar data. For researching this I use Scout Look. Their App allows me to pick any location and find all the weather data and solunar data I need. I highly recommend downloading the Scout Look App to your smartphone. Knowing the weather also helps with dressing for the conditions and taking any necessary precautions.

Obviously, if you fish the same water regularly, some of this isn't always necessary for each trip. However, when you fish new water I suggest you take the time to research and plan ahead. Planning not only gives you the best shot at catching fish, it also allows you to be safer on the water. 

Be as thorough as you can, to avoid any surprises. On one occasion, I was going to fish a lake I had never been before. I did my research, felt confident I knew what I needed to know, loaded up and headed there. I got to the lake, which was over an hour from my house only to find it wasn't there. I don't mean I got lost or I was mistaken, I mean it was GONE! Apparently this particular lake is known to dry up every five to six years. I didn't do much fishing that day.  As I said do your research and be thorough. It can only help you and make for a more pleasant fishing experience.

D.S

HOOK1 Kayak Fishing Gear

Have you just gotten into kayak fishing and not sure what to do next? Or maybe you've been kayak fishing for awhile now, and realized it's time for an upgrade or some modifications. Well, look no further, HOOK1 Kayak Fishing Gear has anything and everything you need.

HOOK1 has been at the forefront of kayak fishing for over twelve years. The Vice President is none other than Chad Hoover, arguably the man who single-handedly caused this kayak fishing explosion. Chad is a "Rock Star" in the kayak fishing community. Not only is he a published author of Kayak Bass Fishing, but you may know him from Kayak Bassin TV on WFN or Knot Right Kayak Fishing on NBC Sports. If that isn't enough, every employee at HOOK1 is obsessed with kayak angling. They are always there to assist newcomers and veterans with any and all kayak fishing questions.

HOOK1 has three locations, two in Central Tennessee and one in Oklahoma. Their online store carries just about anything you could imagine, relating to kayak fishing. They carry several brands of kayaks, paddlesports gear, fishing gear and equipment, tackle and even hunting gear. Their knowledgeable staff can answer any questions you have about this wonderful sport. They also have an extensive "Field Staff," HOOK1 Team and HOOK1 Crew that can assist you.

Something new that was just created, is the HOOK1 Gear Talk page. This page is a direct link to the HOOK1 "Field Staff" for tips, tricks and advice. HOOK1 is more than just a retail shop, it's made up of over a hundred ambassadors of this great sport.  A "Band of Brothers and Sisters" in the kayak fishing community, that is always willing to help out fellow anglers.  So whether you are new to the sport, a veteran angler or just curious about this whole kayak fishing epidemic, check out HOOK1KFG for all your kayak fishing needs.

D.S
HOOK1 Team Member

Gear Review: CRB Custom Rods

   

With all the options out there, finding the right fishing rod can be a daunting task. Of course, there is no perfect rod for every situation. However, a custom built rod can be pretty darn close.

Building a fishing rod isn't as difficult as you may think. Oh sure, there is some special equipment that is needed, but actually building the rod is very straight forward. Mud Hole makes this even easier by selling complete rod kits with instructions, to guide you through the process. Alas, this post isn't an instructional "How-To," instead it's a review about the CRB Value Spinning/Casting rod kits sold by Mud Hole.

These kits come complete with rod blank, cork grips, deluxe Graphite reel seats and Halide guides with tip top. They also come in an array of colors such as, Blue, Green Orange, Pink, Lime, Yellow, Purple and of course Black. The kit does not include thread, epoxy, thread finish or any of the tools or equipment to build the rod. Mud Hole does sell starter kits that are reasonably priced though, that will get you going quickly and easily.

So lets start with the most important part of any rod, the blank. The CRB Value kits, feature a high quality blank constructed of IM6 Graphite (44 million modules) that guarantee a high-strength low-weight rod. These blanks are all 1-piece construction. The reel seat is also made from high quality Graphite, to ensure many years of abuse. The cork handles are of good quality, and come pre-shaped and ready to install. Finally, the guides are made of Halide, which is the highest grade of aluminum oxide you can get.

These kits come in Lite action 5'6", 6' and 7' lengths, Medium action 6', 6'6", and 7' or Heavy action in 7'. The overall feel of these rods is fantastic. They are well balanced and very lite. If assembled properly they fish extremely well.  The 6'6" versions that I built, cast well and the action is incredible. Obviously, you can design these rods to whatever your taste, which is another great feature.  These rods easily stack up to rods that cost twice as much. I currently have several spinning and casting versions, and they all perform flawlessly. The guides hold up well to braided line too. I currently own a few St. Croix rods as well, but prefer these CRB rods. They actually feel better to use. Maybe that's just because I built them, but they have become my new favorite.

So, if you are looking to buy some high quality rods, and are willing to try your hand at custom building them, try the Value Rod kits from Mud Hole. You won't be disappointed.  The price won't break the bank either.

D.S

   www.mudhole.com

Too Much Paddling, Not Enough Fishing

Do you ever find yourself spending more time paddling from spot to spot then actually fishing? I know I do.

The problem is we are impatient. We're impatient waiting in lines, expecially at the DMV, we're impatient in traffic and we're impatient while fishing. There are a million and one things that cause us to lose our patience, but fishing shouldn't be one of them. Isn't it funny how we say we're going fishing to relax, yet we often get frustrated and impatient?

The best way to avoid this fishing faux pas, is to plan in advance how and where you will be fishing. Do some research before you go, that way you can spend more time fishing instead of searching. The old saying, 90% of the fish are only in 10% of the water. So it stands to reason if you know where the fish are, you shouldn't have to move constantly, right?

Start by asking yourself, what time of year is it? What's the temperature? What moon phase are we in? The answers to these questions should narrow down your search. If it's July with temperatures in the 90's, then you can almost bank on the fish being deep. So there is no real reason to fish the shallow areas. I'm not saying fish won't be shallow, but the percentage of success is higher in the deeper areas in this example.

As kayak anglers, our range is already more limited than those fishing in a boat. We can't just crank up a 250 horsepower Mercury and cut over to the other side of the lake. That could take us hours.  Personally I would rather have my line in the water instead of my paddle. I've never caught a fish with my paddle.  Wouldn't that be something though?

My point is, if you spend all your time overthinking it and relocating, you won't catch any fish. Don't allow yourself to get impatient.  If you did your research and feel confident, that the fish should be where you are, then spend the time there. Instead of moving, try different techniques and presentations. I'm 100% certain you'll catch more fish trying this.  Why so confident you ask? Well if your paddle is in the water and not your line, you have a 0% chance of catching anything. I know that for sure .

D.S

Ardent Reels

Ardent has been the leading designer and manufacturer of freshwater fishing reels and reel care products and accessories since 2003. Made by fishermen for fishermen, the design of every Ardent reel and accessory is the result of input from professional anglers that are members of Team Ardent. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Ardent is proud to be an American owned and operated company. Every Ardent reel is hand assembled and performance tested prior to shipment, and each reel is backed by the industry's best 3-year warranty to ensure years of great performance.

Ardent's Apex series comes in three versions. The Tournament weighs only 6.3 ounces, has 9 ball bearings and a gear ratio of 6.5:1. The Pro weighs 6.3 ounces, has 11 ball bearings and a 7.3:1 gear ratio. Finally the Elite weighs under 6 ounces, has 13 ball bearings and a 6.5:1 gear ratio. Prices range from $100 for the Tournament up to $150 for the Elite. These are by far the best baitcasting reels I have ever used.

Ardent's Horizon series is great for budget minded anglers. With 6.2:1 and 7.0:1 gear ratios to choose from, it should handle any situation. At only $70, it's in a class all by itself. I own several of these fantastic reels and couldn't be happier with them.

Ardent also manufactures two series of spinning reels, with 1000, 2000 and 3000 sizes to choose from. The Forge with a forged aluminum frame & aluminum spool or the Edgewater, with Graphite frame & aluminum spool. You can choose either a Carbon Fiber finish or the ever popular Fishouflage.

Ardent Forge

Ardent Edgewater

Ardent also sells unique NCAA, Military & Fishouflage spinning combos, for those who like a little flair while on the lake.  Along with a full line of Denny Brauer Pro Series rods.

Finally Ardent sells a complete array of reel care products like cleaning kits, line conditioners and Reel Butter grease and oil. Check out all of Ardent's great products at www.ardentreels.com

D.S

Simplify it

The other day, I ran across some old photographs of my childhood.  Several of them were pictures of me fishing.  I looked so proud holding up those little Panfish in one hand and my old fishing pole in the other.  It got me thinking, I only fished with one rod and one reel back then. That's all I had so that's all I used, yet I still caught fish.

Fast forward a bit, to when I was a teenager. Again I had one rod and one reel.  I still remember the reel was an Ultra Lite Shakespeare open-faced reel.  I had a small tackle box with a few plastics, some hooks, bobbers and one crankbait.  I really thought I was something with all that gear.  I caught the biggest Bass of my life with that setup too.

Since then I have accumulated a plethora of gear and tackle.  All in the pursuit of fish.  I have rod and reel setups for Bass fishing, surf fishing, deep sea fishing and inshore fishing.  I even have duplicates of certain setups.  I have a tackle box for freshwater fishing, one for saltwater and a separate kit just for soft plastics. I even have stuff for fly fishing, which I've never done.  My entire garage is dedicated to fishing gear, with rod building supplies and equipment and storage for everything.  

Then I look at my son's fishing equipment. They each have one rod and reel, that's it.  They all have a small tackle box with a few weights, hooks and some small plastics.  Yet they are so proud of the little they have.  It makes me wonder if I could be happy with one rod and reel again.  I doubt it.

Kayak fishing, however, almost forces me to trim down what I fish with. There is no way I could carry everything I think I need for an outing. Instead, I have to decide how I want to fish that day and bring only what I need for that particular trip. I rarely take more than three rods with me.  I bring two baitcasting and one spinning setup. As for tackle I bring whichever tackle box I will need depending on if I'm fishing fresh or salt. There are days where I get so frustrated, because I keep changing lures and having to retie often. Other days though, I enjoy deciding ahead of time what I'm going to use and sticking with it. Those days seem to be more relaxing and remind me of my childhood fishing trips.  

Sometimes I think we all just need to simplify it. Limit our options and make ourselves fish with just a few techniques.  Tie on that spinnerbait and throw it, then throw it again and then again. Let it sink, burn it near the surface or stop and go.  Throw it all over the place spend hours with it instead of minutes. You may not catch anything, but I guarantee you'll get to know that spinnerbait by the end of the day. Which might come in handy on those days fish want that spinnerbait.

D.S

Kayak Fishing vs Family Man

I want to tell you a story, my story. Once upon a time... just kidding.  Seriously though, I can't be the only one who finds it difficult to squeeze time in for fishing.

I am blessed with 4 boys.  Three of which are under 5 and the other is about to start driving. I also have a wonderful wife, who for the past year has been able to stay home with the kids while completing her Bachelors Degree.  

Thankfully my job is not only rewarding, it's fairly flexible too. Most of my weekday consists of work 6-4 sometimes 6-5.  Two nights a week my wife has school, so I'm on "Daddy Duty" until 7pm.  Plus everything else that comes with having children, expecially small ones. Needless to say fishing after work is a rarity for me.  

Saturdays are filled with family fun, "Honey Do" chores, or College Football this time of year. Anything that keeps us all together one day a week.  So that leaves Sunday.  On Sunday mornings my wife and children go to church, which frees me up until noon.  I wonder if I'll regret writing that later?  Oh well, moving on.  

That is my "ME" time, my freedom from responsibility, if only for a few hours.  My wife uses her church time for that, I prefer fishing. For several years I would feel guilty anytime I did something, anything for myself.  I felt bad not using that time to spend with them. Slowly that guilt has faded, not because I don't care, but because my wonderful wife always encourages me to go.  

Being a parent is hard work.  It takes love, dedication, patience, resilience and sacrifice.  In many ways you have to give up who you were, to be a better parent.  However, you still need to take care of you.  Everyone needs a way to relieve stress and just relax.  Fishing does that for me like church does that for my wife.  

It's a delicate balancing act between family and fishing, but I am able to have both.  I also know what's more important, luckily I haven't had to choose.

D.S

Fish finder, useful or distracting?

Until this year, I had never used a Fishfinder. Not that I never wanted one, just never got one. I decided to get an inexpensive one just to see if it would be something I would or could use. Can never have too many tools I suppose.

I bought the Hummingbird 143, installed it and took it out. It took me awhile to figure out the settings and all that, but soon I was seeing fish after fish on the screen. This is awesome I thought! I could see structure, cover, water temp and I knew right where the fish were. However, I found myself spending too much time starring at the screen waiting for an unexpecting fish to swim by. It didn't matter if I was paddling to a spot I knew held fish, if I seen one on the screen, I stopped and casted out.

To date I have not caught one single fish, that I'm aware of, that I have seen on my Fishfinder. Every time I seen a fish or a school of fish swimming near, I have came up empty handed. As the season went on I finally realized that this tool will not, by itself, put more fish in the boat. While I still use it every trip, I now focus on finding the structure or cover where the fish should be. I watch the water temp and depth, but try to ignore every little blip that swims by.

An old fisherman I knew told me once, "You can't catch fish with dry line." Oh how true that is. While gadgets and gizmos are cool, they can also be very distracting. After 20 some years of fishing I finally know the secret to catch more fish.  Keep your line wet. That's it, it's that simple. You can't catch fish on the couch, or at the store buying every fishing lure you can find. You also can't catch fish if you spend your time on the water messing with gadgets the whole time. Well there it is, the biggest secret in fishing revealed. Now get out there and see if I'm wrong.

D.S

Power Team Lures

If you are looking for some great baits for Bass fishing, look no further.  These baits are designed and tested by real fishermen, just like you and me.  100% Made in the USA!  Which these days is very hard to find.  

Power Team Lures offer creatures, craws, grubs, worms, lizards, and jigs.  I have used their 3.5" Texas-Rig Jig in both heavy cover and weighted at the bottom.  Both methods produced bites when nothing else seemed to do the trick.  They also have a product called Hog Tonic that contains 100% Amino Acids, that helps keep Bass on longer.  It really works!   

So if you want some really good baits, made in the US, with great customer service, check out Power Team Lures.  Quickly coming to a bait shop near you.  Use this code http://r.sloyalty.com/r/tMYP9sTpMrZG and save $5.00 on any order of $20.00 or more.
#PowerTeamLures

D.S
#HOOK1KFG

Gear Review: Shimano Sienna FD Reel

If you are like me, spending $100 or more on a reel is a bit out of reach.  With 3 children under the age of 5, I'm not left with a lot of money for fishing gear.  I do however, want quality gear and tackle that is affordable.  Sometimes that is difficult to find though.  Until I stumbled upon this reel.  I needed a reel for inshore fishing, that would stand up to the saltwater and wanted smooth operation.  The price was ideal at $30.00, so I bought the 2500 FD.  My first one worked flawlessly, but sank into the Bay on my kayak disaster.  I immediately bought a replacement and a 4000 FD.  It has a graphite frame and aluminum spool that is approved for saltwater use. As you would expect from any Shimano product, it works flawlessly.  The Sienna comes in 500, 1000, 2500 and 4000 sizes for any application.  Works equally well with Mono or Braid too. So if you are looking for an inexpensive, but quality reel, take a look at the Shimano Sienna series. So far it has been the best reel at this price point I have ever used.  It definitely isn't a Stradic or Sustain, but the price is way more affordable than those options, for those of us that are on a budget.  

D.S
#HOOK1KFG

Kayak comparison

I have had the opportunity to try out several different styles and models of kayaks recently, so I wanted to share my thoughts and experiences on them.  Now I'm not an expert nor am I a Pro Staffer for any brand.  These are just my impressions and opinions on the various choices out there.
  

First up is the very popular and well known Wilderness Systems kayaks.  I have been on several Tarpon 12 in the past and had the chance to try out a 2014 model this past weekend.  The Tarpon 12 is 12' 3" long and 30" wide.  It weighs 67lbs with a weight capacity of 350lbs.  It's one of the most popular kayaks out there and for good reason.  It's fast, comfortable, relatively stable and fairly easy to transport.  Here is my opinion on the Tarpon 12, in the areas that I feel are important.

Fishability:  9 out of 10  The angler edition has flush mount rod holders and a trax system for unlimited accessories. 

Comfort:  9 out of 10 It comes with an adjustable seat that is very comfortable.  Has adjustable foot braces.

Stability:  7 out of 10  At 30" wide this kayak felt pretty stable, but not enough to feel comfortable standing in it.

Speed:  9 out of 10  The Tarpon 12 is very fast for a 12' kayak, and it tracks very straight.

Agility:  8 out of 10  Most 12' kayaks are pretty agile and the Tarpon is no exception.

Portability:  7 out of 10  I found this kayak to be a bit heavy and cumbersome to load on my Jeep Cherokee by myself, but loading in the back of a truck was no issue.

Overall:  49 out of 60  The Wilderness Systems Tarpon 12 is a tried and true kayak.  It's a great option for fishing or pleasure paddling.  The price is also reasonable at just under $1,000.00.

The next kayak I was able to try was the Ocean Kayak Frenzy.  Not really a fishing kayak, but it's a kayak.  The Frenzy is 9' long and 31" wide.  It weighs 44lbs with a weight capacity of  325lbs.  It's not fast, but very stable and extremely easy to transport.

Fishability:  2 out of 10  The Frenzy has no rod holders, but some could be installed.  There isn't much room on this kayak for gear either. 

Comfort:  7 out of 10  You have to buy the seat of you choice.  Does not have adjustable foot braces.

Stability:  9 out of 10  At 30" wide and the design of the hull makes this kayak a very stable platform.

Speed:   5 out of 10  Very slow kayak and doesn't track very well.  It was, however, very easy to paddle.

Agility:  10 out of 10  The Frenzy can turn on a dime, and can get into very tight places.

Portability:  10 out of 10  With it's light weight and small size, the Frenzy was extremely easy to load on my Jeep.

Overall:  43 out of 60  The Ocean Kayak Frenzy is a great little kayak.  Made more for pleasure paddling.  With a price of $450.00, it's a great way to get out on the water with a limited budget.

Next up is my Malibu Mini X.  The Mini X is 9' 3" long and 33" wide.  It weighs 40lbs with a weight capacity of 325lbs.  It's a bit slow, but cuts through the water easily, is super stable and extremely easy to transport.

Fishability:  9 out of 10  The Fish & Dive and/or Recreational versions have flush mount rod holders and the famous X-Wing will fit on the Mini X.  Also the square center hatch can hold a lot of gear with easy access. 

Comfort:  7 out of 10  You have to buy the seat of you choice.  Does not have adjustable foot braces.

Stability:  9 out of 10  At 33" wide this is a very stable kayak.  It's built to stand in which can be done.

Speed:  6 out of 10  Slow compared to longer kayaks, but easy to paddle and tracks fairly well.

Agility:  10 out of 10  The Mini X can turn on a dime, and can get into very tight places.

Portability:  10 out of 10  Very easy to load and unload on my Jeep.

Overall:  51 out of 60  The Malibu Mini X is a fantastic little kayak.  Well suited for fishing or pleasure paddling.  With a price of $580.00, it's very budget friendly.
Finally, the last kayak I had the pleasure to paddle was the Malibu Stealth 12.  The Stealth 12 is 12' 4" long and 33" wide.  It weighs 55lbs with a weight capacity of 450lbs.  It's a very popular kayak for fishing and for good reason.  It's fast, comfortable, very stable and fairly easy to transport.

Fishability:  10 out of 10  The Stealth has 4 flush mount rod holders, a build in live-well and the X-Wing as an option.  Lots of storage with the gator hatch, which is large enough to store rods.

Comfort:  7 out of 10  You have to buy the seat of your choice.  Does have adjustable foot braces and a seat for your little angler to ride with you.

Stability:  9 out of 10  At 33" wide this is a very stable kayak.  Build to stand in which is very doable.

Speed:  8 out of 10  Has the speed needed to get to your fishing hole.  It's width slows it down a bit, but hardly noticeable.

Agility:  8 out of 10  Typical agility for a 12' kayak.

Portability:  8 out of 10  This kayak was fairly easy to load on my Jeep Cherokee by myself.

Overall:  50 out of 60  The Malibu Stealth 12 is a true fishing kayak.  The ability to carry live bait in the live-well and being able to stand makes this kayak a great choice for fishing all bodies of water.  At $900, you get a lot of bang for your buck.

Well there you go.  These are just a few kayaks of the hundreds to choose from.  I know which one of these will be my next purchase.

D.S
#HOOK1KFG