ArticlesExpand your Kayak Fishing Frontiers with Kayak Fishing Magazine, bringing you the latest in Kayak Fishing Features, Kayaks, Equipment, and Lifestyle.http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/articles.feed2024-03-29T00:57:27ZJoomla! 1.5 - Open Source Content Management"Just a Taste" of the THE CRYSTAL COAST2017-03-25T05:00:00Z2017-03-25T05:00:00Zhttp://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/articles/102-current-issue-featured-articles-on-kayak-fishing/2997-the-crystal-coast.htmlAllen Bushnellinfo@kayakfishingmagazine.net<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block; border: 4px outset #ff6347;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/CrystalCoast/1__aalandscape_nc_cropped.jpg" alt="1 aalandscape nc cropped" width="660" height="156" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong> Possibilities! Left to right, you can fish the Gulfstream, surfcast the beach, drift the estuary or target salt marsh creeks.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I flew in to the Outer Banks region of North Carolina from my home in California. On our half-hour drive from the tiny airport to the Crystal Coast I experienced a bit of culture shock. These neighborhoods had no fences! Broad swaths of green lawn connect the well kept family houses. I hadn’t seen such green grass yards in my drought-stricken home state of California for many years. And, the space between the houses was so OPEN. Not sure what this might mean on a sociological level, but the implication I took was “These are good neighbors.” Many of the stately neighborhood houses are built in the Bahamian style, while others display a classic colonial architecture. Toto, we’re not in California anymore.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I have visited near this area before. The back-bay bridges, and low scrub pines on the dunes screening oceanfront homes were reassuringly familiar. I will also admit I was relieved to see four commercial-sized Carrier A/C’s outside our rental beach home. It definitely is NOT a “dry heat” in North Carolina. Humidity can run up to 99%, which means instant sweat. By my lights, air-conditioning is a ‘must’ on the East Coast of the US in summertime. This pad was more like a palace. They call them “Sand Castles” here. (Think four stories, six bedrooms, eight full baths, two kitchens, three big screens and a regulation pool table…..).</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Crystal Coast towns of Beaufort and Morehead City take their history very seriously. Whereas most of the American West remained as frontier and undeveloped prior to the 1850’s, this part of the Eastern US coast has hosted European settlers since 1600. Originally selected for the protected inlet, the Crystal Coast area remains a thriving year-round community while catering to vacationers from around the world. The combination of down-home sensibilities coupled with four-star restaurants plus dozens of available activities makes this area a family vacation paradise.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> <img style="border: 4px outset #ff6347; margin: 5px;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/CrystalCoast/2_aaP5200173_copy.jpg" alt="2 aaP5200173 copy" width="210" height="158" /><img style="border: 4px outset #ff6347; margin: 5px;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/CrystalCoast/3_aaP5200186_copy.jpg" alt="3 aaP5200186 copy" width="210" height="158" /><img style="border: 4px outset #ff6347; margin: 5px;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/CrystalCoast/4__aaP5200188_copy.jpg" alt="4 aaP5200188 copy" width="210" height="158" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">On our first full day, we visited the <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://www.ncaquariums.com"><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>NORTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM AT PINE KNOLL SHORES</strong></span></a> </span> that features over 3000 specimens of local aquatic life. Premier amongst these are the federally protected sea turtles. Seven distinct species of sea turtle grace this area of which the loggerhead and green sea turtles are most likely to nest on the wide sandy beaches. Later that day, we took a water taxi out to <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="https://www.nps.gov/calo/index.htm"><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>CAPE LOOKOUT NATIONAL SEASHORE</strong></span></a></span>, visiting the Lighthouse that has protected mariners from dangerous shoals for nearly 200 years.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">On that short boat ride, we passed the Shackelford Banks, a series of grass-covered sand islands within the estuary. These scattered islets are home to a herd of beautiful wild horses. The mustangs have lived here over 400 years, and are thought to have swum ashore from a Spanish shipwreck in the 1600’s.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I was lucky enough to make contact with Bobby Brewer from <a href="https://www.baldheadedbobby.com"><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;">Baldheaded Bobby Guide Service</span> </strong></a> in nearby Oriental. Bobby specializes in guiding backwater and inshore fishing. As we all know, the best way to fish inlets, estuaries, salt marshes and tidal creeks is by kayak, and Bobby’s mom didn’t raise no fools. Bobby just happens to have a few <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="https://www.oceankayak.com/kayaks/angler_kayaks/prowler_big_game_II/"><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>Ocean Kayak Big Game</strong></span></a> </span> kayaks for clients. The boats come fully set with rod holders, anchor stakes, paddles, PFD’s etc. Bobby also provides all rods reels gear and bait if needed.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> <img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px outset #ff6347;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/CrystalCoast/5__aaP5200219_copy.jpg" alt="5 aaP5200219 copy" width="220" height="165" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px outset #ff6347;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/CrystalCoast/6__aabushy.jpg" alt="6 aabushy" width="165" height="165" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px outset #ff6347;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/CrystalCoast/7__aaP5220223_copy.jpg" alt="7 aaP5220223 copy" width="220" height="165" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This time of summer, there are still some “old drum” (big redfish) feeding in the back creeks, as well as flounder in the creek mouths and estuary. The big prize for this time of year are the cobia. These big croakers (think weakfish, or white sea bass) are in the shallows. Like their cousins, cobia fight HARD, and might be the most delicious eating fish from the saltwater.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Indeed, this area can boast year-round fishing. The mighty Gulf Stream, a warm-water current that travels from the Caribbean up to the North Atlantic comes very close to land along this stretch of coast. This makes for warm water temps and a plethora of gamefish. Summertime fishing features offshore trophies including white and blue marlin, sailfish, bluefin or blackfin tuna, dolphin (AKA dorado, mahi-mahi ) and wahoo. Inshore one can catch ladyfish, flounder, Spanish mackerel and bluefish amongst other species. The treasured “Old Drum” also called Red Drum, Spotted Drum, Spot’s or Redfish can be targeted year-round in this area. Springtime targets the mighty cobia, which can grow to eighty pounds and be caught in shallow waters. Fall and winter fishing highlights striped bass, red drum and speckled trout along the inshore and estuaries.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Sadly, weather conditions were not ideal for our scheduled fishing foray. Storms were threatening and the barometric pressure continued to drop. But, Bobby was game, and so was I. We launched our Ocean Kayak Big Games into the Neuse River near New Bern, and followed the tide out to the salt marshes. Alternately using topwater popping corks, swimbaits and shrimp bait we tried for the red drum backed up into the marshy creeks. Frustrating. We could see the fish and get follows, but no bites. Eventually, I caught one small drum, and one decent flounder on the shrimp bait. Three or four more of either fish would have provided a pretty good dinner. As it was, I practiced catch and release. Let those fish grow up for future forays.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> <img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px outset #ff6347;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/CrystalCoast/8_aaP5220227_copy.jpg" alt="8 aaP5220227 copy" width="193" height="145" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px outset #ff6347;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/CrystalCoast/9__aaP5220224_copy.jpg" alt="9 aaP5220224 copy" width="193" height="145" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px outset #ff6347;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/CrystalCoast/11_aabobby_copy.jpg" alt="11 aabobby copy" width="225" height="145" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As all dedicated anglers know, it’s never a wasted trip. We had a full day to enjoy the isolated beauty of the saltmarsh and were visited by a family of ospreys as well as a few of the fabled wild mustangs from nearby Shackelford Banks. My theory is the low-pressure conditions just put fish off the bite for the day. It happens to the best of us and to the rest of us. I really needed about four more fishing days in the area to capitalize on one of the most potentially prolific fishing locations in the US.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> <img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px outset #ff6347;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/CrystalCoast/12__aastriper_in_kayak_copy.jpg" alt="12 aastriper in kayak copy" width="165" height="165" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px outset #ff6347;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/CrystalCoast/13__aaP5210222_copy.jpg" alt="13 aaP5210222 copy" width="220" height="165" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px outset #ff6347;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/CrystalCoast/14__aaP5210221_copy.jpg" alt="14 aaP5210221 copy" width="220" height="165" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">That’s why I’m looking forward to getting back to the Crystal Coast and bugging Baldheaded Bobby within the next couple years. Pick any five or six days in a row, and I’m almost sure to get three or four good fishing days out of the deal. I also want to get offshore for big game kayak fishing with BB. With his powerboat, we can mothership a couple kayaks out to the deep-sea fishing areas. Add in some surfcasting at sunrise and sunset as a cherry on top. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 5px; border: 4px outset #ff6347;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/CrystalCoast/10__aaTaylor_NC_shot_copy_2.jpg" alt="10 aaTaylor NC shot copy 2" width="440" height="248" /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block; border: 4px outset #ff6347;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/CrystalCoast/1__aalandscape_nc_cropped.jpg" alt="1 aalandscape nc cropped" width="660" height="156" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong> Possibilities! Left to right, you can fish the Gulfstream, surfcast the beach, drift the estuary or target salt marsh creeks.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I flew in to the Outer Banks region of North Carolina from my home in California. On our half-hour drive from the tiny airport to the Crystal Coast I experienced a bit of culture shock. These neighborhoods had no fences! Broad swaths of green lawn connect the well kept family houses. I hadn’t seen such green grass yards in my drought-stricken home state of California for many years. And, the space between the houses was so OPEN. Not sure what this might mean on a sociological level, but the implication I took was “These are good neighbors.” Many of the stately neighborhood houses are built in the Bahamian style, while others display a classic colonial architecture. Toto, we’re not in California anymore.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I have visited near this area before. The back-bay bridges, and low scrub pines on the dunes screening oceanfront homes were reassuringly familiar. I will also admit I was relieved to see four commercial-sized Carrier A/C’s outside our rental beach home. It definitely is NOT a “dry heat” in North Carolina. Humidity can run up to 99%, which means instant sweat. By my lights, air-conditioning is a ‘must’ on the East Coast of the US in summertime. This pad was more like a palace. They call them “Sand Castles” here. (Think four stories, six bedrooms, eight full baths, two kitchens, three big screens and a regulation pool table…..).</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Crystal Coast towns of Beaufort and Morehead City take their history very seriously. Whereas most of the American West remained as frontier and undeveloped prior to the 1850’s, this part of the Eastern US coast has hosted European settlers since 1600. Originally selected for the protected inlet, the Crystal Coast area remains a thriving year-round community while catering to vacationers from around the world. The combination of down-home sensibilities coupled with four-star restaurants plus dozens of available activities makes this area a family vacation paradise.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> <img style="border: 4px outset #ff6347; margin: 5px;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/CrystalCoast/2_aaP5200173_copy.jpg" alt="2 aaP5200173 copy" width="210" height="158" /><img style="border: 4px outset #ff6347; margin: 5px;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/CrystalCoast/3_aaP5200186_copy.jpg" alt="3 aaP5200186 copy" width="210" height="158" /><img style="border: 4px outset #ff6347; margin: 5px;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/CrystalCoast/4__aaP5200188_copy.jpg" alt="4 aaP5200188 copy" width="210" height="158" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">On our first full day, we visited the <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://www.ncaquariums.com"><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>NORTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM AT PINE KNOLL SHORES</strong></span></a> </span> that features over 3000 specimens of local aquatic life. Premier amongst these are the federally protected sea turtles. Seven distinct species of sea turtle grace this area of which the loggerhead and green sea turtles are most likely to nest on the wide sandy beaches. Later that day, we took a water taxi out to <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="https://www.nps.gov/calo/index.htm"><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>CAPE LOOKOUT NATIONAL SEASHORE</strong></span></a></span>, visiting the Lighthouse that has protected mariners from dangerous shoals for nearly 200 years.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">On that short boat ride, we passed the Shackelford Banks, a series of grass-covered sand islands within the estuary. These scattered islets are home to a herd of beautiful wild horses. The mustangs have lived here over 400 years, and are thought to have swum ashore from a Spanish shipwreck in the 1600’s.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I was lucky enough to make contact with Bobby Brewer from <a href="https://www.baldheadedbobby.com"><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;">Baldheaded Bobby Guide Service</span> </strong></a> in nearby Oriental. Bobby specializes in guiding backwater and inshore fishing. As we all know, the best way to fish inlets, estuaries, salt marshes and tidal creeks is by kayak, and Bobby’s mom didn’t raise no fools. Bobby just happens to have a few <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="https://www.oceankayak.com/kayaks/angler_kayaks/prowler_big_game_II/"><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>Ocean Kayak Big Game</strong></span></a> </span> kayaks for clients. The boats come fully set with rod holders, anchor stakes, paddles, PFD’s etc. Bobby also provides all rods reels gear and bait if needed.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> <img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px outset #ff6347;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/CrystalCoast/5__aaP5200219_copy.jpg" alt="5 aaP5200219 copy" width="220" height="165" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px outset #ff6347;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/CrystalCoast/6__aabushy.jpg" alt="6 aabushy" width="165" height="165" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px outset #ff6347;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/CrystalCoast/7__aaP5220223_copy.jpg" alt="7 aaP5220223 copy" width="220" height="165" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This time of summer, there are still some “old drum” (big redfish) feeding in the back creeks, as well as flounder in the creek mouths and estuary. The big prize for this time of year are the cobia. These big croakers (think weakfish, or white sea bass) are in the shallows. Like their cousins, cobia fight HARD, and might be the most delicious eating fish from the saltwater.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Indeed, this area can boast year-round fishing. The mighty Gulf Stream, a warm-water current that travels from the Caribbean up to the North Atlantic comes very close to land along this stretch of coast. This makes for warm water temps and a plethora of gamefish. Summertime fishing features offshore trophies including white and blue marlin, sailfish, bluefin or blackfin tuna, dolphin (AKA dorado, mahi-mahi ) and wahoo. Inshore one can catch ladyfish, flounder, Spanish mackerel and bluefish amongst other species. The treasured “Old Drum” also called Red Drum, Spotted Drum, Spot’s or Redfish can be targeted year-round in this area. Springtime targets the mighty cobia, which can grow to eighty pounds and be caught in shallow waters. Fall and winter fishing highlights striped bass, red drum and speckled trout along the inshore and estuaries.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Sadly, weather conditions were not ideal for our scheduled fishing foray. Storms were threatening and the barometric pressure continued to drop. But, Bobby was game, and so was I. We launched our Ocean Kayak Big Games into the Neuse River near New Bern, and followed the tide out to the salt marshes. Alternately using topwater popping corks, swimbaits and shrimp bait we tried for the red drum backed up into the marshy creeks. Frustrating. We could see the fish and get follows, but no bites. Eventually, I caught one small drum, and one decent flounder on the shrimp bait. Three or four more of either fish would have provided a pretty good dinner. As it was, I practiced catch and release. Let those fish grow up for future forays.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> <img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px outset #ff6347;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/CrystalCoast/8_aaP5220227_copy.jpg" alt="8 aaP5220227 copy" width="193" height="145" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px outset #ff6347;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/CrystalCoast/9__aaP5220224_copy.jpg" alt="9 aaP5220224 copy" width="193" height="145" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px outset #ff6347;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/CrystalCoast/11_aabobby_copy.jpg" alt="11 aabobby copy" width="225" height="145" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As all dedicated anglers know, it’s never a wasted trip. We had a full day to enjoy the isolated beauty of the saltmarsh and were visited by a family of ospreys as well as a few of the fabled wild mustangs from nearby Shackelford Banks. My theory is the low-pressure conditions just put fish off the bite for the day. It happens to the best of us and to the rest of us. I really needed about four more fishing days in the area to capitalize on one of the most potentially prolific fishing locations in the US.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> <img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px outset #ff6347;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/CrystalCoast/12__aastriper_in_kayak_copy.jpg" alt="12 aastriper in kayak copy" width="165" height="165" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px outset #ff6347;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/CrystalCoast/13__aaP5210222_copy.jpg" alt="13 aaP5210222 copy" width="220" height="165" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px outset #ff6347;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/CrystalCoast/14__aaP5210221_copy.jpg" alt="14 aaP5210221 copy" width="220" height="165" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">That’s why I’m looking forward to getting back to the Crystal Coast and bugging Baldheaded Bobby within the next couple years. Pick any five or six days in a row, and I’m almost sure to get three or four good fishing days out of the deal. I also want to get offshore for big game kayak fishing with BB. With his powerboat, we can mothership a couple kayaks out to the deep-sea fishing areas. Add in some surfcasting at sunrise and sunset as a cherry on top. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 5px; border: 4px outset #ff6347;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/CrystalCoast/10__aaTaylor_NC_shot_copy_2.jpg" alt="10 aaTaylor NC shot copy 2" width="440" height="248" /></p>Beauty and the Beast2017-02-06T17:11:48Z2017-02-06T17:11:48Zhttp://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/articles/102-current-issue-featured-articles-on-kayak-fishing/2996-beauty-and-the-beast.htmlAllen Bushnellinfo@kayakfishingmagazine.net<p><img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/BeautyBeast/8__china_camp.JPG" alt="8 china camp" width="440" height="330" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>After those mighty California storms and plenty of rain, Nick and I decided to kick off the new year with some good ol’ sturgeon fishing. We prepared all day Saturday and went out on Sunday 1/15 for our first fishing trip of the year. This wasn’t my first time targeting sturgeon, and I knew I was likely to spend all day on the water and potentially see no action. We slept in a little longer than planned, which was no biggie because Loch Lomond's bait shop doesn't open until 8 am. We waited for Keith Fraser to get there and picked up some live ghost shrimp. Then we headed to the launch.</p>
<p>Getting our gear together took longer than expected. We knew we had a long day ahead of us. The water was as brown as could be, and there was a lot of debris floating. There were a couple of boats where we wanted to go so we distanced ourselves and anchored. The tide was coming in and by the time we got settled, it was close to 10 am. After about two hours of waiting we thought about moving south to fish with a fellow NorCal Kayak Angler, but then I got my first bite. It seemed 'darty' like a striper bite, but you can never be too sure. I waited for him to bite again but he didn't come back. About 10-15 minutes later I decided to put on a livelier bait. Well, it didn't take long for my little friend to return. He inhaled the shrimp and gave me a fun little fight. I caught myself a nice striper and my first fish of 2017. Stoked!</p>
<p>By now it was 12:30ish and high tide was just about to peak. About thirty minutes later I was checking out my striper pictures when in the corner of my eye I see my line go way slack. I quickly grab my pole thinking to myself, “Shit shit shit,” reel the line tight and set the hook. That sends the fish on my line blasting out of the water. Holy shit, it’s a sturgeon!!!</p>
<p>I quick released from my anchor and went for quite a ride. He was pulling me on my Ocean Kayak Trident 13 so fast, but the fight didn't last too long. He was quite acrobatic jumping fully out of the water and surfaced multiple times. After a couple minutes he came up on his side, and Nick came over to help me. I handed the leader to Nick so I could try and grab the tail. I was a little nervous since I wasn’t sure how this new-to-me fish would react, but luckily he was tired and very cooperative.</p>
<p>According to our "at a glance" slot measurer it seemed like it just made it as a keeper. We got out the measuring tape and it looked to be about 41.5 inches. It was a little too close for me to feel super confident keeping, so after getting a couple pictures I revived him and let my buddy swim off into the muck. What a rush!!! SO STOKED!!!</p>
<p>I got back on my anchor and was just as happy as can be. I tossed another shrimp out there even though my day already felt complete. Over the next couple of hours I got a couple bites but didn't hook up. Then at about 3:30 I get a big ass bite. It was like bam and then my line went slack and quickly went tight again.</p>
<p>I set the hook and my reel screamed like I've never experienced before. Like I was in sincere shock, and thought I was about to get spooled right before my eyes. I released from my anchor about to go on a ride of a lifetime. I felt like I'd never get the fish in after all the line he took, but then he started swimming back towards me.</p>
<p>Reel reel reel! He changed directions and pulled me right into Nick and took off heading south. This one was no joke, and I literally thought he would never tire out! He took some epic runs, and I honestly don't know how my reel didn't catch on fire with all the friction. After about 7 minutes I finally saw the head, which was double the size of my first one. He towed me quite a ways and every time I got him up he thrashed like crazy. I grabbed the leader and managed to land him after an 8 or 9 minute fight/sleigh ride. Then I waited for Nick to come help me measure him. He looked to be about 51.5 inches, but trying to measure a fish that big on our kayaks isn’t always easy. We chose to keep him as he fit comfortably within the 40-60 inch slot limit. What a beast that thing was. I couldn't believe it. FREAKIN STOKED!!!!!!</p>
<p>We stayed out a bit longer, but the sun was making its way behind the hill. We called it a day and paddled back to the launch. On land we measured the big guy again and his fork length was exactly 53". It is still so surreal to me that I actually caught a dinosaur. The beast bottomed out our 40-pound scale, and I'm guessing it was about 45 pounds. My personal best fish from the kayak and honestly ever. I've caught lots of leopard sharks but nothing as dense or long as my sturgy! I will never forget this epic day landing my first and second dino and earning a new personal best!! Check out the video of the dino hunt here: <a href="https://youtu.be/FYwe_rcXTR4">https://youtu.be/FYwe_rcXTR4</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p><p><img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/BeautyBeast/8__china_camp.JPG" alt="8 china camp" width="440" height="330" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>After those mighty California storms and plenty of rain, Nick and I decided to kick off the new year with some good ol’ sturgeon fishing. We prepared all day Saturday and went out on Sunday 1/15 for our first fishing trip of the year. This wasn’t my first time targeting sturgeon, and I knew I was likely to spend all day on the water and potentially see no action. We slept in a little longer than planned, which was no biggie because Loch Lomond's bait shop doesn't open until 8 am. We waited for Keith Fraser to get there and picked up some live ghost shrimp. Then we headed to the launch.</p>
<p>Getting our gear together took longer than expected. We knew we had a long day ahead of us. The water was as brown as could be, and there was a lot of debris floating. There were a couple of boats where we wanted to go so we distanced ourselves and anchored. The tide was coming in and by the time we got settled, it was close to 10 am. After about two hours of waiting we thought about moving south to fish with a fellow NorCal Kayak Angler, but then I got my first bite. It seemed 'darty' like a striper bite, but you can never be too sure. I waited for him to bite again but he didn't come back. About 10-15 minutes later I decided to put on a livelier bait. Well, it didn't take long for my little friend to return. He inhaled the shrimp and gave me a fun little fight. I caught myself a nice striper and my first fish of 2017. Stoked!</p>
<p>By now it was 12:30ish and high tide was just about to peak. About thirty minutes later I was checking out my striper pictures when in the corner of my eye I see my line go way slack. I quickly grab my pole thinking to myself, “Shit shit shit,” reel the line tight and set the hook. That sends the fish on my line blasting out of the water. Holy shit, it’s a sturgeon!!!</p>
<p>I quick released from my anchor and went for quite a ride. He was pulling me on my Ocean Kayak Trident 13 so fast, but the fight didn't last too long. He was quite acrobatic jumping fully out of the water and surfaced multiple times. After a couple minutes he came up on his side, and Nick came over to help me. I handed the leader to Nick so I could try and grab the tail. I was a little nervous since I wasn’t sure how this new-to-me fish would react, but luckily he was tired and very cooperative.</p>
<p>According to our "at a glance" slot measurer it seemed like it just made it as a keeper. We got out the measuring tape and it looked to be about 41.5 inches. It was a little too close for me to feel super confident keeping, so after getting a couple pictures I revived him and let my buddy swim off into the muck. What a rush!!! SO STOKED!!!</p>
<p>I got back on my anchor and was just as happy as can be. I tossed another shrimp out there even though my day already felt complete. Over the next couple of hours I got a couple bites but didn't hook up. Then at about 3:30 I get a big ass bite. It was like bam and then my line went slack and quickly went tight again.</p>
<p>I set the hook and my reel screamed like I've never experienced before. Like I was in sincere shock, and thought I was about to get spooled right before my eyes. I released from my anchor about to go on a ride of a lifetime. I felt like I'd never get the fish in after all the line he took, but then he started swimming back towards me.</p>
<p>Reel reel reel! He changed directions and pulled me right into Nick and took off heading south. This one was no joke, and I literally thought he would never tire out! He took some epic runs, and I honestly don't know how my reel didn't catch on fire with all the friction. After about 7 minutes I finally saw the head, which was double the size of my first one. He towed me quite a ways and every time I got him up he thrashed like crazy. I grabbed the leader and managed to land him after an 8 or 9 minute fight/sleigh ride. Then I waited for Nick to come help me measure him. He looked to be about 51.5 inches, but trying to measure a fish that big on our kayaks isn’t always easy. We chose to keep him as he fit comfortably within the 40-60 inch slot limit. What a beast that thing was. I couldn't believe it. FREAKIN STOKED!!!!!!</p>
<p>We stayed out a bit longer, but the sun was making its way behind the hill. We called it a day and paddled back to the launch. On land we measured the big guy again and his fork length was exactly 53". It is still so surreal to me that I actually caught a dinosaur. The beast bottomed out our 40-pound scale, and I'm guessing it was about 45 pounds. My personal best fish from the kayak and honestly ever. I've caught lots of leopard sharks but nothing as dense or long as my sturgy! I will never forget this epic day landing my first and second dino and earning a new personal best!! Check out the video of the dino hunt here: <a href="https://youtu.be/FYwe_rcXTR4">https://youtu.be/FYwe_rcXTR4</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Kayak Crabbing2017-01-04T05:00:00Z2017-01-04T05:00:00Zhttp://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/articles/102-current-issue-featured-articles-on-kayak-fishing/2990-kayak-crabbing.htmlAllen Bushnellinfo@kayakfishingmagazine.net<p><img style="margin: 5px; display: block; border: 6px outset #0099ff;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/KakCrab/hmbcrab1.jpg" alt="hmbcrab1" width="480" height="360" /></p>
<p>Ocean conditions in Northern California can get nasty in the winter. So far in 2016, we’ve had a series of large swells and a few low-pressure situations that have made kayak fishing hazardous at best. With the more severe nearshore conditions, most of our prey species move offshore as well.</p>
<p>What’s a kayak angler to do?</p>
<p> One tasty alternative is to trap the big meaty Dungeness crab. Dungie season opens for sport in November, and quite a few of the NorCalKayakAnglers are chasing these succulent crustaceans. Available from roughly Monterey in the south to Alaska in the north, Dungeness can be found in 30-300 feet of water, usually on flat sand or mud bottoms. Because of the easy harbor launch, and proliferation of crab in shallow water, Princeton Harbor near Half Moon Bay, Calfornia is a favorite destination for kayak crabbers.</p>
<p><img style="margin: 5px; border: 6px outset #0099ff; float: left;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/KakCrab/hmbcrab2.jpg" alt="hmbcrab2" width="220" height="293" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Chet Tep from NCKA made an early season foray in between storms to try his luck. Tep reports, “Saw Nudling's report yesterday keep me excited for some crabs. <br />Launched solo in the dark in HMB. Water was bad, confused swell. Took me sometimes to reach my destination. Dropped three pots and chill. After two hours, I pulled them up. First traps had six keepers, second trap had eight keepers, third trap had six keepers. It hurts a bit to throw jumbos back. Well, at least someone can catch them next. time. All crabs are 6.5" plus. Biggest crab weight 2.44Lb. I was out in 120 FOW. This was a two-hour soak time. <br />Mackerel, squid and chicken are bait of choice.”</p>
<p>Not bad, a two hour soak for limits of Tasty Dungeness!! Minimum size for Dungies caught sportfishing is 5 3/4 inches, and the bag limit is ten per day. So, you can see, Tep scored BIG TIME!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #000080;">For US West-Coasters interested in kayak crabbing, here is a tutorial put together by famed kayak fishing pioneer Chuck Espiritu, back in 2007:</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><strong>EQUIPMENT LIST</strong><img style="margin: 5px; border: 6px outset #0099ff; float: right;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/KakCrab/EspirituCrab.jpg" alt="EspirituCrab" width="400" height="300" /></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">Crab traps (Danielson box, Promar collapsible, or crab rings)</span><br /><span style="color: #000080;">Trap lines & floats</span><br /><span style="color: #000080;">Glow sticks and zip ties for nighttime</span><br /><span style="color: #000080;">½ “ PVC tubes & bungee</span><br /><span style="color: #000080;">Bait jars, cages, or net bags</span><br /><span style="color: #000080;">Crab gauge</span><br /><span style="color: #000080;">Thick gloves</span><br /><span style="color: #000080;">Game bag or burlap sack</span><br /><span style="color: #000080;">Depth Finder</span></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #000080;">CRAB TRAPS</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">There are three basic type of crab traps suitable for kayaking -- the popular Danielson box traps, traditional crab rings, and the collapsible Promar traps. Danielson pots retail for about $30 each. Crab rings go for about $15- 20 and Promar’s collapsible traps sell for about $20 each. They’ll all work well, but traps will usually catch more than the rings because there is less “dining and dashing.” However, one advantage of using rings is that you can carry many more rings than traps. I opt for the best of both worlds by using the Promar collapsible trap. It’s basically a box trap that you can transport collapsed until you’re ready to drop them. Important note – you need to add 4-1/4” rigid escape rings to the Promar traps to make them legal according to CA DFG regs.</span></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #000080;">LINES</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">How much line do you need? I like to use about 10 to 20 feet more feet of line than the actual depth to accommodate tide changes and swell. Too little line and you can loose everything underwater at high tide. Too much line, and you could create a prop hazard for passing boats. It’s a good idea to bring along extra lengths of line so you can add if needed. To facilitate this, all of my lines have trigger clips on the end, so I can quickly connect or disconnect them from my traps as needed. I also bring extra 20 ft lengths of line with loops on one end and trigger clips on the other end. If I encounter deeper water than expected, I can quickly add more line.</span></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #000080;">FLOATS</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">In the past, I used plastic bleach bottles, but I soon discovered that they just took up too much of my limited kayak cargo space. Plus, I learned that a float or buoy that’s too big has a tendency to “walk” your trap around in rough water. Now, I like using small sections of pool noodles as floats. The nice part is that they already come in bright colors, are cheap, and work well as a spool for your line. At night, it’s a good idea to use glow sticks zip tied to your floats for visibility.</span><br /><span style="color: #000080;">HOMEMADE RACK</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">The biggest challenge in using your kayak for crabbing is transporting your traps without accidentally dumping them overboard in the surf or rough water. I came up with simple solution for less than a dollar. I used two 15” pieces ½” PVC tubing stuck into my rear scupper holes to serve as an upright racks to keep my traps from slipping overboard. For additional security you can add bungee cord to strap them down.</span></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #000080;">BAIT</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">Since crabs are scavengers, lots of different baits will work. One of the most popular baits is squid, but since I’m cheap, I just save my salmon and rockfish carcasses in the freezer during the summer. Given a choice, I believe crabs prefer oily fish like salmon or albacore to other types of fish. Some guys like using chicken parts. Last year, during the hunting season, I saved my pheasant carcasses, and I discovered crabs love that too.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">One suggestion that I’ve been meaning to try is pre-packing my bait in bait jars, cages, or net bags prior to freezing. This would make setting up prior to launching much less messy. Plus, frozen baits will retain their potency longer than thawed baits by milking slower.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">DROPPING YOUR TRAPS</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">Unless you know the exact depths and bottom terrain, it’s good idea to have your depth finder onboard. It’ll help you find the nice flat sandy bottoms and avoid snags.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">If you’re targeting Dungeness crabs then sandy bottoms are ideal. If you’re hunting rock crabs then you’ll want to drop you traps closer to rocks and other structure.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">When you find a good drop zone, I’ll paddle up current a bit and begin lowering my trap slowly making sure that it lands right side up. Whatever, you do don’t let go of you line until you feel the bottom and know that you have enough slack line to keep your float above water.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">If I’m using several traps, I like dropping them at least 50 yards apart and letting them soak for a minimum of ½ an hour.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">I sometimes use different baits and soak my traps in different locations to figure out the most productive baits and locations that day.</span></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #000080;">CHECKING YOUR TRAPS</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">When it’s time to pull’em up, I’ll put on my thick neoprene gloves and begin paddling up current to my float, grab it, and begin pulling line up while letting the slack fall back in the water on the down current side to prevent a tangled mess on deck. If all goes well, you’ll have a bunch of crabs to pull out and check for size. Currently, the minimum size for dungies is 5-3/4 inches (4-1/4 for rock crabs) measured from end to end excluding the two points. Most crab gauges have a diagram showing where to place the gauge. But if you still have any doubts, check the DFG regs for current size limits and seasons.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">The safest way to handle crabs is by grabbing them by their two rear-most legs with one hand. If you do it right, it’s unlikely that their claws can reach your fingers. Once I get them out of the trap and know they’re legal, I throw them in my bag immediately. A wet sack or duffle can keep crabs alive for a long time.</span></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #000080;">COOKING CRAB</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">The first thing I do when I get home is to dump the crabs into the sink and start scrubbing them with stiff brush and rinse off any mud off the shell. Then I throw them in a big stock pot and add half a cup of salt, half a liter of water, and half a liter of Sprite, 7-Up, Squirt or similar type of lemon lime soda. Bring the pot to a boil and continue cooking for about 15 to 20 minutes. Turn the heat off and let crabs cool down. If you’re really impatient, you can dunk’em in cold water. Now, you’re ready for a crab feast!</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p><p><img style="margin: 5px; display: block; border: 6px outset #0099ff;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/KakCrab/hmbcrab1.jpg" alt="hmbcrab1" width="480" height="360" /></p>
<p>Ocean conditions in Northern California can get nasty in the winter. So far in 2016, we’ve had a series of large swells and a few low-pressure situations that have made kayak fishing hazardous at best. With the more severe nearshore conditions, most of our prey species move offshore as well.</p>
<p>What’s a kayak angler to do?</p>
<p> One tasty alternative is to trap the big meaty Dungeness crab. Dungie season opens for sport in November, and quite a few of the NorCalKayakAnglers are chasing these succulent crustaceans. Available from roughly Monterey in the south to Alaska in the north, Dungeness can be found in 30-300 feet of water, usually on flat sand or mud bottoms. Because of the easy harbor launch, and proliferation of crab in shallow water, Princeton Harbor near Half Moon Bay, Calfornia is a favorite destination for kayak crabbers.</p>
<p><img style="margin: 5px; border: 6px outset #0099ff; float: left;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/KakCrab/hmbcrab2.jpg" alt="hmbcrab2" width="220" height="293" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Chet Tep from NCKA made an early season foray in between storms to try his luck. Tep reports, “Saw Nudling's report yesterday keep me excited for some crabs. <br />Launched solo in the dark in HMB. Water was bad, confused swell. Took me sometimes to reach my destination. Dropped three pots and chill. After two hours, I pulled them up. First traps had six keepers, second trap had eight keepers, third trap had six keepers. It hurts a bit to throw jumbos back. Well, at least someone can catch them next. time. All crabs are 6.5" plus. Biggest crab weight 2.44Lb. I was out in 120 FOW. This was a two-hour soak time. <br />Mackerel, squid and chicken are bait of choice.”</p>
<p>Not bad, a two hour soak for limits of Tasty Dungeness!! Minimum size for Dungies caught sportfishing is 5 3/4 inches, and the bag limit is ten per day. So, you can see, Tep scored BIG TIME!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #000080;">For US West-Coasters interested in kayak crabbing, here is a tutorial put together by famed kayak fishing pioneer Chuck Espiritu, back in 2007:</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><strong>EQUIPMENT LIST</strong><img style="margin: 5px; border: 6px outset #0099ff; float: right;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/KakCrab/EspirituCrab.jpg" alt="EspirituCrab" width="400" height="300" /></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">Crab traps (Danielson box, Promar collapsible, or crab rings)</span><br /><span style="color: #000080;">Trap lines & floats</span><br /><span style="color: #000080;">Glow sticks and zip ties for nighttime</span><br /><span style="color: #000080;">½ “ PVC tubes & bungee</span><br /><span style="color: #000080;">Bait jars, cages, or net bags</span><br /><span style="color: #000080;">Crab gauge</span><br /><span style="color: #000080;">Thick gloves</span><br /><span style="color: #000080;">Game bag or burlap sack</span><br /><span style="color: #000080;">Depth Finder</span></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #000080;">CRAB TRAPS</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">There are three basic type of crab traps suitable for kayaking -- the popular Danielson box traps, traditional crab rings, and the collapsible Promar traps. Danielson pots retail for about $30 each. Crab rings go for about $15- 20 and Promar’s collapsible traps sell for about $20 each. They’ll all work well, but traps will usually catch more than the rings because there is less “dining and dashing.” However, one advantage of using rings is that you can carry many more rings than traps. I opt for the best of both worlds by using the Promar collapsible trap. It’s basically a box trap that you can transport collapsed until you’re ready to drop them. Important note – you need to add 4-1/4” rigid escape rings to the Promar traps to make them legal according to CA DFG regs.</span></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #000080;">LINES</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">How much line do you need? I like to use about 10 to 20 feet more feet of line than the actual depth to accommodate tide changes and swell. Too little line and you can loose everything underwater at high tide. Too much line, and you could create a prop hazard for passing boats. It’s a good idea to bring along extra lengths of line so you can add if needed. To facilitate this, all of my lines have trigger clips on the end, so I can quickly connect or disconnect them from my traps as needed. I also bring extra 20 ft lengths of line with loops on one end and trigger clips on the other end. If I encounter deeper water than expected, I can quickly add more line.</span></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #000080;">FLOATS</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">In the past, I used plastic bleach bottles, but I soon discovered that they just took up too much of my limited kayak cargo space. Plus, I learned that a float or buoy that’s too big has a tendency to “walk” your trap around in rough water. Now, I like using small sections of pool noodles as floats. The nice part is that they already come in bright colors, are cheap, and work well as a spool for your line. At night, it’s a good idea to use glow sticks zip tied to your floats for visibility.</span><br /><span style="color: #000080;">HOMEMADE RACK</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">The biggest challenge in using your kayak for crabbing is transporting your traps without accidentally dumping them overboard in the surf or rough water. I came up with simple solution for less than a dollar. I used two 15” pieces ½” PVC tubing stuck into my rear scupper holes to serve as an upright racks to keep my traps from slipping overboard. For additional security you can add bungee cord to strap them down.</span></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #000080;">BAIT</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">Since crabs are scavengers, lots of different baits will work. One of the most popular baits is squid, but since I’m cheap, I just save my salmon and rockfish carcasses in the freezer during the summer. Given a choice, I believe crabs prefer oily fish like salmon or albacore to other types of fish. Some guys like using chicken parts. Last year, during the hunting season, I saved my pheasant carcasses, and I discovered crabs love that too.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">One suggestion that I’ve been meaning to try is pre-packing my bait in bait jars, cages, or net bags prior to freezing. This would make setting up prior to launching much less messy. Plus, frozen baits will retain their potency longer than thawed baits by milking slower.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">DROPPING YOUR TRAPS</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">Unless you know the exact depths and bottom terrain, it’s good idea to have your depth finder onboard. It’ll help you find the nice flat sandy bottoms and avoid snags.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">If you’re targeting Dungeness crabs then sandy bottoms are ideal. If you’re hunting rock crabs then you’ll want to drop you traps closer to rocks and other structure.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">When you find a good drop zone, I’ll paddle up current a bit and begin lowering my trap slowly making sure that it lands right side up. Whatever, you do don’t let go of you line until you feel the bottom and know that you have enough slack line to keep your float above water.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">If I’m using several traps, I like dropping them at least 50 yards apart and letting them soak for a minimum of ½ an hour.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">I sometimes use different baits and soak my traps in different locations to figure out the most productive baits and locations that day.</span></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #000080;">CHECKING YOUR TRAPS</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">When it’s time to pull’em up, I’ll put on my thick neoprene gloves and begin paddling up current to my float, grab it, and begin pulling line up while letting the slack fall back in the water on the down current side to prevent a tangled mess on deck. If all goes well, you’ll have a bunch of crabs to pull out and check for size. Currently, the minimum size for dungies is 5-3/4 inches (4-1/4 for rock crabs) measured from end to end excluding the two points. Most crab gauges have a diagram showing where to place the gauge. But if you still have any doubts, check the DFG regs for current size limits and seasons.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">The safest way to handle crabs is by grabbing them by their two rear-most legs with one hand. If you do it right, it’s unlikely that their claws can reach your fingers. Once I get them out of the trap and know they’re legal, I throw them in my bag immediately. A wet sack or duffle can keep crabs alive for a long time.</span></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #000080;">COOKING CRAB</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">The first thing I do when I get home is to dump the crabs into the sink and start scrubbing them with stiff brush and rinse off any mud off the shell. Then I throw them in a big stock pot and add half a cup of salt, half a liter of water, and half a liter of Sprite, 7-Up, Squirt or similar type of lemon lime soda. Bring the pot to a boil and continue cooking for about 15 to 20 minutes. Turn the heat off and let crabs cool down. If you’re really impatient, you can dunk’em in cold water. Now, you’re ready for a crab feast!</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>How To Stay Ready!2016-12-06T17:57:38Z2016-12-06T17:57:38Zhttp://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/articles/102-current-issue-featured-articles-on-kayak-fishing/2991-how-to-stay-ready.htmlAllen Bushnellinfo@kayakfishingmagazine.net<p>In a section of the US best know for its Blues Men, Chris Ritchie From Aurora Missouri is a "Bass Man." Just like the Bluesmen of old, Chris has learned the importance of always, always being ready. Here's he gives us a breakdown while sharing some of the awesome natural beauty of southwest Missouri. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p> </p>
<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J9iyyM1v760" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">We expect to see more of Chris as he shares some big adventures with us in the future!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> <img style="margin: 5px; border: 5px groove #ff6600;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/ChrisRitchie/chrisritchie2.jpg" alt="chrisritchie2" width="400" height="225" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 5px groove #ff6600;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/ChrisRitchie/chrisritchie4.jpg" alt="chrisritchie4" width="337" height="225" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><p>In a section of the US best know for its Blues Men, Chris Ritchie From Aurora Missouri is a "Bass Man." Just like the Bluesmen of old, Chris has learned the importance of always, always being ready. Here's he gives us a breakdown while sharing some of the awesome natural beauty of southwest Missouri. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p> </p>
<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J9iyyM1v760" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">We expect to see more of Chris as he shares some big adventures with us in the future!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> <img style="margin: 5px; border: 5px groove #ff6600;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/ChrisRitchie/chrisritchie2.jpg" alt="chrisritchie2" width="400" height="225" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 5px groove #ff6600;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/ChrisRitchie/chrisritchie4.jpg" alt="chrisritchie4" width="337" height="225" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>GAME CHANGER: PREDATOR PDL2016-07-09T19:24:22Z2016-07-09T19:24:22Zhttp://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/articles/102-current-issue-featured-articles-on-kayak-fishing/2988-game-changer-predator-pdl.htmlAllen Bushnellinfo@kayakfishingmagazine.net<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/predator_pdl/1pedal.jpg" alt="1pedal" width="440" height="289" /></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> <img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/predator_pdl/2pedal.jpg" alt="2pedal" width="400" height="72" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Old Town</strong><strong><sup>®</sup></strong><strong> Introduces Pedal-driven Predator PDL™ </strong><i>Advanced human-powered fishing watercraft offers unrivaled hands-free boat control and fishability, including forward and reverse</i></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Old Town, Maine</strong> (July 8, 2014): For over a century, Old Town<sup>®</sup> Canoes & Kayaks has raised the bar in personal watercraft, offering paddle-driven solutions for passionate anglers and boaters.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">But it isn’t all J-strokes with the iconic Maine, USA-based watercraft builder. Although the company is renowned for its strong boat-building heritage, they’re also a progressive team committed to innovating new watercraft technologies.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FOldTownCanoe%2Fvideos%2F10154301827147603%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Case in point, in 2014 Old Town partnered with Minn Kota® to launch the Predator XL Minn Kota—an “Ultimate Fishing Machine” powered by 45 lbs. of stealth-quiet saltwater-grade power. Media and buyer enthusiasm was palpable, culminating in ICAST’s highest New Product Showcase honors—“Best Boat” and “Best of Show.” Since, the Predator XL Minn Kota has put anglers on fish faster in hard-to-reach waters.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This year, Old Town introduces another paradigm-shifting watercraft after three years in development. Unequivocally, it is the most advanced pedal-driven personal watercraft on Earth—an angling assault vehicle that offers unrivaled hands-free boat control and fishability. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Please help us welcome the newest member to the Old Town Predator family: <strong>Predator PDL</strong>.</p>
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<p><img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/predator_pdl/3pedal.jpg" alt="3pedal" width="440" height="305" /></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">“The Predator PDL completely redefines the pedal-driven fishing kayak category,” said David Hadden, Brand Director for Johnson Outdoors Watercraft. “Our engineers spent over three years building not only the most durable, dependable, fastest, quietest, and easy-to-use pedal-driven mechanism in the industry, but the perfect hull and boat design complement from the ground up. Our goal was to create a Predator that offers the best pedal fishing experience on the planet.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He continues: “Anglers were unanimous. The ultimate pedal boat had to have forward and reverse, which are essential for boat control and pinpoint positioning in wind, current, and around structure.” </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The result is the perfect boat for avid kayak anglers who need forward and reverse dexterity, prefer casting over paddling, yet still want some form of exercise. Similarly, the Predator PDL offers hunters a great way to access waters where motors are restricted.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p><img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/predator_pdl/4pedal.jpg" alt="4pedal" width="160" height="430" /></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The Technology: Old Town PDL Drive™</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">To that end, the Old Town PDL Drive is a brilliant piece of engineering founded on proven technologies in the lifecycle market. The result is an easy to carry, operate and stow system that efficiently converts modest pedaling into maximum propulsion. A 10.3:1 gear ratio means that anglers can reach speeds up to 5.5 mph to reach fishing spots fast and efficiently. A proprietary weedless prop design creates the perfect combination of efficiency, speed, and torque. Additionally, Pedal Drive allows smooth forward and reverse and a small turn radius allow for the ultimate in boat control via one-handed rudder control on the boat itself.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“We also knew the system had to dock, deploy and stow quickly and easily, run in shallow water, but also pivot up quickly for navigating underwater obstacles. That was another considerable engineering hurdle,” said Hadden.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p> <img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/predator_pdl/5pedal.jpg" alt="5pedal" width="440" height="306" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/predator_pdl/5.5pedal.jpg" alt="5.5pedal" width="440" height="174" /></p>
<p> </p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">What Old Town engineers designed is a compact, lightweight and rugged machine, with 16” of draft for navigating skinny waters, and a unique pivot and docking system that allows users to go from parked to peddling (or vice versa) in seconds. This also means anglers can avoid obstacles almost instantaneously and beach the boat virtually anywhere. A mere 21 lbs., the PDL Drive console is easy to transport; it even floats. Padded pedals allow for bare-footed comfort, and a carry handle makes for easy transport.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/predator_pdl/6pedal.jpg" alt="6pedal" width="440" height="91" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Predator PDL specifications</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Length: 13’ 2” </li>
<li>Width: 36"</li>
<li>Weight: 117 lbs. (Pedal Drive: 21 lbs.)</li>
<li>Carrying Capacity: 500 lbs</li>
<li>Predator PDL MSRP $2,799.99</li>
<li>Forward and reverse for exact boat control in wind and current</li>
<li>Smooth, quiet and easy to pedal</li>
<li>Removable pedal drive installs in seconds and tips up instantly for shallow-water docking</li>
<li>Fast and maneuverable, with one-hand-operated rudder steering</li>
<li>Specially-designed hull with generous width for stability and storage</li>
<li>Includes accessory mounting plates, Element Seating System and other standard Predator features</li>
<li>Ease of transport</li>
<li>Low maintenance</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Like other Predator models, the Predator PDL is infinitely customizable with rigging accessories from Cannon<sup>®</sup>, Scotty™, YakAttack<sup>®</sup>, RAM<sup>®</sup>, and more. Launching at ICAST (booth #3647) this month, the Predator PDL will begin shipping to dealers in September 2016.</p>
<p> <img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/predator_pdl/7pedal.jpg" alt="7pedal" width="440" height="294" /></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/predator_pdl/1pedal.jpg" alt="1pedal" width="440" height="289" /></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> <img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/predator_pdl/2pedal.jpg" alt="2pedal" width="400" height="72" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Old Town</strong><strong><sup>®</sup></strong><strong> Introduces Pedal-driven Predator PDL™ </strong><i>Advanced human-powered fishing watercraft offers unrivaled hands-free boat control and fishability, including forward and reverse</i></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Old Town, Maine</strong> (July 8, 2014): For over a century, Old Town<sup>®</sup> Canoes & Kayaks has raised the bar in personal watercraft, offering paddle-driven solutions for passionate anglers and boaters.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">But it isn’t all J-strokes with the iconic Maine, USA-based watercraft builder. Although the company is renowned for its strong boat-building heritage, they’re also a progressive team committed to innovating new watercraft technologies.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FOldTownCanoe%2Fvideos%2F10154301827147603%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
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<td valign="middle">
<p style="text-align: justify;">Case in point, in 2014 Old Town partnered with Minn Kota® to launch the Predator XL Minn Kota—an “Ultimate Fishing Machine” powered by 45 lbs. of stealth-quiet saltwater-grade power. Media and buyer enthusiasm was palpable, culminating in ICAST’s highest New Product Showcase honors—“Best Boat” and “Best of Show.” Since, the Predator XL Minn Kota has put anglers on fish faster in hard-to-reach waters.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This year, Old Town introduces another paradigm-shifting watercraft after three years in development. Unequivocally, it is the most advanced pedal-driven personal watercraft on Earth—an angling assault vehicle that offers unrivaled hands-free boat control and fishability. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Please help us welcome the newest member to the Old Town Predator family: <strong>Predator PDL</strong>.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/predator_pdl/3pedal.jpg" alt="3pedal" width="440" height="305" /></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">“The Predator PDL completely redefines the pedal-driven fishing kayak category,” said David Hadden, Brand Director for Johnson Outdoors Watercraft. “Our engineers spent over three years building not only the most durable, dependable, fastest, quietest, and easy-to-use pedal-driven mechanism in the industry, but the perfect hull and boat design complement from the ground up. Our goal was to create a Predator that offers the best pedal fishing experience on the planet.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He continues: “Anglers were unanimous. The ultimate pedal boat had to have forward and reverse, which are essential for boat control and pinpoint positioning in wind, current, and around structure.” </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The result is the perfect boat for avid kayak anglers who need forward and reverse dexterity, prefer casting over paddling, yet still want some form of exercise. Similarly, the Predator PDL offers hunters a great way to access waters where motors are restricted.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p><img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/predator_pdl/4pedal.jpg" alt="4pedal" width="160" height="430" /></p>
</td>
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<td valign="middle">
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The Technology: Old Town PDL Drive™</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">To that end, the Old Town PDL Drive is a brilliant piece of engineering founded on proven technologies in the lifecycle market. The result is an easy to carry, operate and stow system that efficiently converts modest pedaling into maximum propulsion. A 10.3:1 gear ratio means that anglers can reach speeds up to 5.5 mph to reach fishing spots fast and efficiently. A proprietary weedless prop design creates the perfect combination of efficiency, speed, and torque. Additionally, Pedal Drive allows smooth forward and reverse and a small turn radius allow for the ultimate in boat control via one-handed rudder control on the boat itself.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“We also knew the system had to dock, deploy and stow quickly and easily, run in shallow water, but also pivot up quickly for navigating underwater obstacles. That was another considerable engineering hurdle,” said Hadden.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p> <img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/predator_pdl/5pedal.jpg" alt="5pedal" width="440" height="306" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/predator_pdl/5.5pedal.jpg" alt="5.5pedal" width="440" height="174" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: justify;">What Old Town engineers designed is a compact, lightweight and rugged machine, with 16” of draft for navigating skinny waters, and a unique pivot and docking system that allows users to go from parked to peddling (or vice versa) in seconds. This also means anglers can avoid obstacles almost instantaneously and beach the boat virtually anywhere. A mere 21 lbs., the PDL Drive console is easy to transport; it even floats. Padded pedals allow for bare-footed comfort, and a carry handle makes for easy transport.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/predator_pdl/6pedal.jpg" alt="6pedal" width="440" height="91" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Predator PDL specifications</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Length: 13’ 2” </li>
<li>Width: 36"</li>
<li>Weight: 117 lbs. (Pedal Drive: 21 lbs.)</li>
<li>Carrying Capacity: 500 lbs</li>
<li>Predator PDL MSRP $2,799.99</li>
<li>Forward and reverse for exact boat control in wind and current</li>
<li>Smooth, quiet and easy to pedal</li>
<li>Removable pedal drive installs in seconds and tips up instantly for shallow-water docking</li>
<li>Fast and maneuverable, with one-hand-operated rudder steering</li>
<li>Specially-designed hull with generous width for stability and storage</li>
<li>Includes accessory mounting plates, Element Seating System and other standard Predator features</li>
<li>Ease of transport</li>
<li>Low maintenance</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Like other Predator models, the Predator PDL is infinitely customizable with rigging accessories from Cannon<sup>®</sup>, Scotty™, YakAttack<sup>®</sup>, RAM<sup>®</sup>, and more. Launching at ICAST (booth #3647) this month, the Predator PDL will begin shipping to dealers in September 2016.</p>
<p> <img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/predator_pdl/7pedal.jpg" alt="7pedal" width="440" height="294" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>2016 HOBIE FISHING World Chamionship2016-05-18T00:32:26Z2016-05-18T00:32:26Zhttp://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/articles/102-current-issue-featured-articles-on-kayak-fishing/2138-2016-hobie-fishing-world-chamionship.htmlPaul Lebowitzinfo@kayakfishingmagazine.net<p><span style="color: #000080;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The 2016 Hobie Fishing World Championship is Coming to Louisiana </span> </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><strong>May 11, 2016 by Paul Lebowitz</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br />The 2016 Hobie® Fishing World Championship presented by Rhino-Rack will be contested in… Wait for it… Lafourche Parish, Louisiana! More specifically in the legendary Leeville area, December 4-10. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The kayak-traditional flats targets are on the Catch Photo Release (CPR) menu: brawny redfish, speckled trout, and flounder, comprising the famous inshore slam. The angler with the highest cumulative length over the three-day period will be crowned Hobie Fishing World Champion. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It was inevitable that Hobie’s fishing spectacular, where every one of the 50-some qualified anglers from around the globe is on an identically and lavishly tricked out Mirage® Pro Angler 14, would make its way to the skinny waters of the Gulf Coast. This is the sixth annual Hobie Worlds. A redfish has graced the top of the trophy since the very first one. It was time!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px inset #0099ff;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Hobie_World_2016/2016_HFW_2000_by_Benton_Parrott_3.jpg" alt="2016 HFW 2000 by Benton Parrott 3" width="400" height="267" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The location couldn’t be better. Leeville is hallowed water. Ride the Bull, by far the largest kayak fishing tournament in the world, takes place ten minutes down the road at Grand Isle. It’s home to the Bayou Coast Kayak Fishing Club, one of the most venerable and active in the sport. “There isn’t much there but fishing. There’s only Boudreaux’s Bait Shop and fishing,” says Hobie Fishing’s Keeton Eoff.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br />Local angler Chris Holmes is thrilled with the news. “It’s a chance to show off Louisiana’s great fishery. A chance to show off Louisiana hospitality,” he said, then came to the real payoff. “A lot of fish will be caught. There ought to be some really big bull reds, 40 to 50 inchers.”<br />Did you catch that, prospective international competitors from 20 countries or more? This rodeo offers Cajun sleigh rides… in fin-deep water.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br />Defending Hobie Fishing World Champion Ma Xiaohong of 2015 host nation China is up to the challenge. He says the sleigh rides sound exciting, and looks forward to seeing all the new anglers and old friends.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br />Ma is one of a handful of anglers who have already punched a 2016 Hobie Fishing Worlds ticket. Anglers have to earn their way in through a gauntlet of qualifying events. As of publication, the USA and Canada have four still on offer. The same goes for Europe. Australia is already deep into the country’s qualifying series, with just one more to go.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px inset #0099ff;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Hobie_World_2016/2016_HFW_1280_by_Benton_Parrott_1.jpg" alt="2016 HFW 1280 by Benton Parrott 1" width="400" height="267" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br />United States team captain Benton Parrott is already in on the strength of winning the 2015 IFA Kayak Tour Championship, contested last October in Chalmette, not far from the Fishing Worlds site. He says fishing Louisiana has made his career. “That area is beyond good. Every friend I take says he can’t wait to go back. I promise you, we should all catch good fish,” he says, brimming with confidence for the entire field.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br />Parrott is looking forward to meeting his teammates, the winners of the Jamaica Bay Kayak Fishing Classic (May 12-15), Hobie Bass Open (June 3-5), Border City Classic (June 25-26), and IFA Kayak Fishing Tour, Sarasota (Sept. 11).</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br />Matt Petrie is Parrott’s Australian counterpart. As team captain, he’s already earned his way into the exclusive field. Petrie can’t wait to cast to a tailing redfish. He is well aware that the host nation has won four out of the past five Worlds – the exception was American angler Steve Lessard’s championship in Europe. Australia and the U.S. are knotted up 2-2 in championships. This will be Petrie’s fourth worlds. He’s coming with a game plan.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px inset #0099ff;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Hobie_World_2016/Benton_Parrott_Bull_Red-2000n.jpg" alt="Benton Parrott Bull Red-2000n" width="440" height="245" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br />“It will be a little different to the finesse fishing we do on home waters, but with some tackle upgrading and working as a team, we are up to the challenge. The U.S. team members are in the box seat to take this title, but it wouldn’t surprise me if an Aussie can cause an upset win,” he says.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br />2014 champion Lessard thinks the Aussie’s confidence is warranted. He expects a hotly contested Worlds. “Anyone can win it. A variety of techniques will catch the same fish. Topwater catches redfish and trout. Jigs are effective for all 3 species. A small variety of gear, a light, a medium and a heavy set up cover you for all three. The international anglers will adapt very quickly to our species,” he says.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br />The Hobie Fishing World Championship presented by Rhino-Rack is sponsored by Lowrance, Power-Pole, RAM, Yak-Attack, Hobie Polarized, and Daiwa. Watch the <a href="http://hobiefishingworlds.com">Hobie Fishing Worlds</a> and <a href="http://www.hobiefishing.com">Hobie Fishing</a> websites for frequent updates as the event approaches.</p><p><span style="color: #000080;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The 2016 Hobie Fishing World Championship is Coming to Louisiana </span> </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><strong>May 11, 2016 by Paul Lebowitz</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br />The 2016 Hobie® Fishing World Championship presented by Rhino-Rack will be contested in… Wait for it… Lafourche Parish, Louisiana! More specifically in the legendary Leeville area, December 4-10. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The kayak-traditional flats targets are on the Catch Photo Release (CPR) menu: brawny redfish, speckled trout, and flounder, comprising the famous inshore slam. The angler with the highest cumulative length over the three-day period will be crowned Hobie Fishing World Champion. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It was inevitable that Hobie’s fishing spectacular, where every one of the 50-some qualified anglers from around the globe is on an identically and lavishly tricked out Mirage® Pro Angler 14, would make its way to the skinny waters of the Gulf Coast. This is the sixth annual Hobie Worlds. A redfish has graced the top of the trophy since the very first one. It was time!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px inset #0099ff;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Hobie_World_2016/2016_HFW_2000_by_Benton_Parrott_3.jpg" alt="2016 HFW 2000 by Benton Parrott 3" width="400" height="267" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The location couldn’t be better. Leeville is hallowed water. Ride the Bull, by far the largest kayak fishing tournament in the world, takes place ten minutes down the road at Grand Isle. It’s home to the Bayou Coast Kayak Fishing Club, one of the most venerable and active in the sport. “There isn’t much there but fishing. There’s only Boudreaux’s Bait Shop and fishing,” says Hobie Fishing’s Keeton Eoff.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br />Local angler Chris Holmes is thrilled with the news. “It’s a chance to show off Louisiana’s great fishery. A chance to show off Louisiana hospitality,” he said, then came to the real payoff. “A lot of fish will be caught. There ought to be some really big bull reds, 40 to 50 inchers.”<br />Did you catch that, prospective international competitors from 20 countries or more? This rodeo offers Cajun sleigh rides… in fin-deep water.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br />Defending Hobie Fishing World Champion Ma Xiaohong of 2015 host nation China is up to the challenge. He says the sleigh rides sound exciting, and looks forward to seeing all the new anglers and old friends.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br />Ma is one of a handful of anglers who have already punched a 2016 Hobie Fishing Worlds ticket. Anglers have to earn their way in through a gauntlet of qualifying events. As of publication, the USA and Canada have four still on offer. The same goes for Europe. Australia is already deep into the country’s qualifying series, with just one more to go.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px inset #0099ff;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Hobie_World_2016/2016_HFW_1280_by_Benton_Parrott_1.jpg" alt="2016 HFW 1280 by Benton Parrott 1" width="400" height="267" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br />United States team captain Benton Parrott is already in on the strength of winning the 2015 IFA Kayak Tour Championship, contested last October in Chalmette, not far from the Fishing Worlds site. He says fishing Louisiana has made his career. “That area is beyond good. Every friend I take says he can’t wait to go back. I promise you, we should all catch good fish,” he says, brimming with confidence for the entire field.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br />Parrott is looking forward to meeting his teammates, the winners of the Jamaica Bay Kayak Fishing Classic (May 12-15), Hobie Bass Open (June 3-5), Border City Classic (June 25-26), and IFA Kayak Fishing Tour, Sarasota (Sept. 11).</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br />Matt Petrie is Parrott’s Australian counterpart. As team captain, he’s already earned his way into the exclusive field. Petrie can’t wait to cast to a tailing redfish. He is well aware that the host nation has won four out of the past five Worlds – the exception was American angler Steve Lessard’s championship in Europe. Australia and the U.S. are knotted up 2-2 in championships. This will be Petrie’s fourth worlds. He’s coming with a game plan.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px inset #0099ff;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Hobie_World_2016/Benton_Parrott_Bull_Red-2000n.jpg" alt="Benton Parrott Bull Red-2000n" width="440" height="245" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br />“It will be a little different to the finesse fishing we do on home waters, but with some tackle upgrading and working as a team, we are up to the challenge. The U.S. team members are in the box seat to take this title, but it wouldn’t surprise me if an Aussie can cause an upset win,” he says.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br />2014 champion Lessard thinks the Aussie’s confidence is warranted. He expects a hotly contested Worlds. “Anyone can win it. A variety of techniques will catch the same fish. Topwater catches redfish and trout. Jigs are effective for all 3 species. A small variety of gear, a light, a medium and a heavy set up cover you for all three. The international anglers will adapt very quickly to our species,” he says.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br />The Hobie Fishing World Championship presented by Rhino-Rack is sponsored by Lowrance, Power-Pole, RAM, Yak-Attack, Hobie Polarized, and Daiwa. Watch the <a href="http://hobiefishingworlds.com">Hobie Fishing Worlds</a> and <a href="http://www.hobiefishing.com">Hobie Fishing</a> websites for frequent updates as the event approaches.</p>Torpedo Live Bait Holder2016-05-17T22:57:50Z2016-05-17T22:57:50Zhttp://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/articles/139-kayak-fishing-how-to-articles/2136-torpedo-live-bait-holder.htmlAllen Bushnellinfo@kayakfishingmagazine.net<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px groove #ffcc00;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Torpedo/livebaittorpedo.jpg" alt="livebaittorpedo" width="400" height="268" /></p>
<p>STEALTH KAYAKS NEW ZEALAND has come up with another great idea. The very popular and cleverly designed kayak live bait tube.This live bait tube was designed for keeping live bait while on your kayak.The tube is made from PVC and is easily folded or “sqaushed” so that you can hide it away in any of your hatches and it will not take up too much space.</p>
<p>The ends of the Torpedo are dome shaped with holes to let the water in and out.The shape keeps the torpedo streamlined while it is in the water and you are paddling.The rope ends with stainless snap hooks make it easy to secure anywhere on the side of your kayak.</p>
<p>As long as it is submerged in the water the torpedo does an excellent job at keeping the water fresh and your live bait alive.The top of the torpedo has a velcro flap that opens and closes easily so you can place or remove your live bait into the tube with no hassle.</p>
<p>More info and ordering available at:<a href="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/%20http:/stealthkayaks.co.za"> http://stealthkayaks.co.za</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px groove #ffcc00;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Torpedo/fisha500-tuna.jpg" alt="fisha500-tuna" width="330" height="234" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p><p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px groove #ffcc00;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Torpedo/livebaittorpedo.jpg" alt="livebaittorpedo" width="400" height="268" /></p>
<p>STEALTH KAYAKS NEW ZEALAND has come up with another great idea. The very popular and cleverly designed kayak live bait tube.This live bait tube was designed for keeping live bait while on your kayak.The tube is made from PVC and is easily folded or “sqaushed” so that you can hide it away in any of your hatches and it will not take up too much space.</p>
<p>The ends of the Torpedo are dome shaped with holes to let the water in and out.The shape keeps the torpedo streamlined while it is in the water and you are paddling.The rope ends with stainless snap hooks make it easy to secure anywhere on the side of your kayak.</p>
<p>As long as it is submerged in the water the torpedo does an excellent job at keeping the water fresh and your live bait alive.The top of the torpedo has a velcro flap that opens and closes easily so you can place or remove your live bait into the tube with no hassle.</p>
<p>More info and ordering available at:<a href="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/%20http:/stealthkayaks.co.za"> http://stealthkayaks.co.za</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px groove #ffcc00;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Torpedo/fisha500-tuna.jpg" alt="fisha500-tuna" width="330" height="234" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Durban South Africa2016-04-14T21:06:41Z2016-04-14T21:06:41Zhttp://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/articles/102-current-issue-featured-articles-on-kayak-fishing/2133-roscoe-rautenbach-.htmlAllen Bushnellinfo@kayakfishingmagazine.net<p>Roscoe Rautenbach shares a crisp little video with a nice tuna on the popper....</p>
<p> </p>
<p>{youtube}IaT-LFZO2G8{/youtube}</p><p>Roscoe Rautenbach shares a crisp little video with a nice tuna on the popper....</p>
<p> </p>
<p>{youtube}IaT-LFZO2G8{/youtube}</p>Adder Rock Offshore Challenge2016-04-14T15:01:04Z2016-04-14T15:01:04Zhttp://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/articles/102-current-issue-featured-articles-on-kayak-fishing/2131-rodney.htmlRodney Pacittiinfo@kayakfishingmagazine.net<p><em><strong>Rodney Pacitti shares more good times down under. </strong></em></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;">{youtube}7faqOka2oBA{/youtube}</p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 5px;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Adder_Rokkit/adder.jpg" alt="adder" width="400" height="232" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p><em><strong>Rodney Pacitti shares more good times down under. </strong></em></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;">{youtube}7faqOka2oBA{/youtube}</p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 5px;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Adder_Rokkit/adder.jpg" alt="adder" width="400" height="232" /></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>AFTCO Flathead River Float2016-04-07T18:26:07Z2016-04-07T18:26:07Zhttp://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/articles/102-current-issue-featured-articles-on-kayak-fishing/2130-flathead-river-float.htmlAllen Bushnellinfo@kayakfishingmagazine.net<p><a class="jcepopup" href="http://outofbounds.aftco.com/"><img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block; vertical-align: middle;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Flathead/outboundsAFTCO.jpg" alt="outboundsAFTCO" width="500" height="301" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://outofbounds.aftco.com/">Click for slideshow</a></p>
<p><em>The AFTCO brand is instantly recognized by anglers worldwide. Aftco is the premier supplier of traditional fishing clothing as well as being on the cutting edge of modern materials, design and functionality. While not specifically targeting kayak anglers, they are getting closer and closer. Check out this paddle board trip down Montana's beautiful Flathead River.</em></p>
<p><strong>After months of planning and postponed dates due to wildfires the 2015 Fight to SOAR Montana expedition presented by <a href="http://www.aftco.com/">AFTCO </a>and sponsored by <a href="http://www.optrix.com/">Optrix</a>, <a href="http://www.garmin.com/en-US">Garmin</a>, <a href="https://www.drybags.com/">Watershed</a>, <a href="https://www.southernraft.com/">Southern Raft Supply</a> and <a href="http://www.orvis.com/">Orvis, </a>was finally happening. This trip showcases the wildness and beauty of the South Fork Flathead River and how important the wild and scenic river designation is for our nations rivers. Additionally it brings a unique adventure and inspiration for others to explore and protect these wild places.</strong></p><p><a class="jcepopup" href="http://outofbounds.aftco.com/"><img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block; vertical-align: middle;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Flathead/outboundsAFTCO.jpg" alt="outboundsAFTCO" width="500" height="301" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://outofbounds.aftco.com/">Click for slideshow</a></p>
<p><em>The AFTCO brand is instantly recognized by anglers worldwide. Aftco is the premier supplier of traditional fishing clothing as well as being on the cutting edge of modern materials, design and functionality. While not specifically targeting kayak anglers, they are getting closer and closer. Check out this paddle board trip down Montana's beautiful Flathead River.</em></p>
<p><strong>After months of planning and postponed dates due to wildfires the 2015 Fight to SOAR Montana expedition presented by <a href="http://www.aftco.com/">AFTCO </a>and sponsored by <a href="http://www.optrix.com/">Optrix</a>, <a href="http://www.garmin.com/en-US">Garmin</a>, <a href="https://www.drybags.com/">Watershed</a>, <a href="https://www.southernraft.com/">Southern Raft Supply</a> and <a href="http://www.orvis.com/">Orvis, </a>was finally happening. This trip showcases the wildness and beauty of the South Fork Flathead River and how important the wild and scenic river designation is for our nations rivers. Additionally it brings a unique adventure and inspiration for others to explore and protect these wild places.</strong></p>The other LA2016-02-23T15:24:11Z2016-02-23T15:24:11Zhttp://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/articles/102-current-issue-featured-articles-on-kayak-fishing/2129-the-other-la.htmlAllen Bushnellinfo@kayakfishingmagazine.net<p>Captain Brian Sherman fished with our OK teammate Mike Coneen and John Kumiski the first week of December down in Venice, Louisiana (LA). </p>
<p>Expect to see more from Captain Brian as he is another fanatic, for sure. Man, those redfish look like FUN!</p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"> {youtube}uaoxYVpa6to{/youtube}</p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 1px solid #000000; float: left;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/OtherLA/la_reds.jpg" alt="la reds" width="125" height="94" /></p><p>Captain Brian Sherman fished with our OK teammate Mike Coneen and John Kumiski the first week of December down in Venice, Louisiana (LA). </p>
<p>Expect to see more from Captain Brian as he is another fanatic, for sure. Man, those redfish look like FUN!</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> {youtube}uaoxYVpa6to{/youtube}</p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 1px solid #000000; float: left;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/OtherLA/la_reds.jpg" alt="la reds" width="125" height="94" /></p>Old Town’s “Ultimate Fishing Machine” Giveaway2016-02-22T17:42:02Z2016-02-22T17:42:02Zhttp://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/articles/139-kayak-fishing-how-to-articles/2128-old-towns-ultimate-fishing-machine-giveaway.htmlAllen Bushnellinfo@kayakfishingmagazine.net<table style="width: 580px;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
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<p> <img style="margin: 5px; border: 1px solid #000000;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/oldtowngiveaway/oldtownlogo.jpg" alt="oldtownlogo" width="504" height="91" /></p>
<p><strong>Old Town’s “Ultimate Fishing Machine” </strong><a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/rclick.php?d=jjiXoF3Cf8NfV-NNtAkNpZ5I6BPXMfRf&w=4&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwinapredator.pgtb.me%2Fld6LCM"><strong>Giveaway</strong></a></p>
<p><i>Old Town® celebrates 2016 Bassmaster Classic by giving away Predator XL Minn Kota®</i></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Old Town, ME</strong> (February 22, 2016): Since 1898, the Old Town mission has been to get folks outside and <i>on the water, </i>a commitment that grows stronger year after year. Most recently, Old Town introduced an innovative boat that promises to carry bass anglers into hard-to-reach waters with an unprecedented pro level of fishability and comfort. </p>
<p><img style="margin: 5px;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/oldtowngiveaway/flyeroldtown.jpg" alt="flyeroldtown" width="504" height="577" /></p>
<p>Call it the “The Ultimate Fishing Machine,” <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/rclick.php?d=jjiXoF3Cf8NfV-NNtAkNpZ5I6BPXMfRf&w=4&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oldtowncanoe.com%2Fkayaks%2Fpredator_xl%2F">Old Town’s Predator XL Minn Kota®</a> is a state-of-the-art boat with 45 lbs of incredible Minn Kota® power and features galore! </p>
<p>So, as a gesture of thanks to its loyal customer base and celebration of the 2016 Bassmaster Classic, Old Town is giving away an Old Town Predator XL Minn Kota with all the accessories you’ll need to catch more bass this year!</p>
<p>Like a Humminbird® <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/rclick.php?d=jjiXoF3Cf8NfV-NNtAkNpZ5I6BPXMfRf&w=4&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.humminbird.com%2FProducts%2FHELIX-7-SI-GPS%2F">HELIX 7 SI GPS</a> fish-finder, Cannon® rod holders, Extrasport® Eon Angler PFD, Carlisle® kayak cart, Plano® tackle bag, Frabill® aeration, Wildgame Innovations® AXE™ Pro Wifi action camera, RAM® mounts, and much more!</p>
<p> <img style="margin: 5px;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/oldtowngiveaway/helix.jpg" alt="helix" width="504" height="300" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Entering is simple: Visit <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/rclick.php?d=jjiXoF3Cf8NfV-NNtAkNpZ5I6BPXMfRf&w=4&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FOldTownCanoe"><strong>Old Town’s Facebook page</strong></a>, click on the <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/rclick.php?d=jjiXoF3Cf8NfV-NNtAkNpZ5I6BPXMfRf&w=4&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwinapredator.pgtb.me%2Fld6LCM"><strong>“Win a Predator”</strong></a> App button, fill out the information and hit ENTER. YOU could WIN your very own Old Town Predator XL Minn Kota!</p>
<p>Randomized drawing will take place at approximately 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 6th. Need not be present to win. The Old Town Predator XL Minn Kota and all accessories will be shipped directly to the winner.</p>
<p>JOHNSON OUTDOORS is a leading global outdoor recreation company that turns ideas into adventure with innovative, top-quality products. The company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of award-winning, consumer-preferred brands across four categories: Watercraft, Marine Electronics, Diving and Outdoor Gear. Johnson Outdoors’ familiar brands include, among others: Old Town® Canoes and Kayaks; Ocean Kayak™ and Necky® Kayaks; Carlisle® Paddles; Extrasport® Personal Flotation Devices; Minn Kota® Motors; Cannon® Downriggers; Humminbird® Marine Electronics; LakeMaster® Electronic Charts; SCUBAPRO® and SUBGEAR® Dive Equipment; Silva® Compasses; Jetboil® Outdoor Cooking Systems; and Eureka!® Camping and Hiking Equipment. Visit Johnson Outdoors at <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/rclick.php?d=jjiXoF3Cf8NfV-NNtAkNpZ5I6BPXMfRf&w=4&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.johnsonoutdoors.com">www.johnsonoutdoors.com</a></p>
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<p><strong><img style="margin: 5px; border: 1px solid #000000; float: left;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/oldtowngiveaway/ot.jpg" alt="ot" width="99" height="74" /> </strong></p>
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<p> <img style="margin: 5px; border: 1px solid #000000;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/oldtowngiveaway/oldtownlogo.jpg" alt="oldtownlogo" width="504" height="91" /></p>
<p><strong>Old Town’s “Ultimate Fishing Machine” </strong><a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/rclick.php?d=jjiXoF3Cf8NfV-NNtAkNpZ5I6BPXMfRf&w=4&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwinapredator.pgtb.me%2Fld6LCM"><strong>Giveaway</strong></a></p>
<p><i>Old Town® celebrates 2016 Bassmaster Classic by giving away Predator XL Minn Kota®</i></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Old Town, ME</strong> (February 22, 2016): Since 1898, the Old Town mission has been to get folks outside and <i>on the water, </i>a commitment that grows stronger year after year. Most recently, Old Town introduced an innovative boat that promises to carry bass anglers into hard-to-reach waters with an unprecedented pro level of fishability and comfort. </p>
<p><img style="margin: 5px;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/oldtowngiveaway/flyeroldtown.jpg" alt="flyeroldtown" width="504" height="577" /></p>
<p>Call it the “The Ultimate Fishing Machine,” <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/rclick.php?d=jjiXoF3Cf8NfV-NNtAkNpZ5I6BPXMfRf&w=4&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oldtowncanoe.com%2Fkayaks%2Fpredator_xl%2F">Old Town’s Predator XL Minn Kota®</a> is a state-of-the-art boat with 45 lbs of incredible Minn Kota® power and features galore! </p>
<p>So, as a gesture of thanks to its loyal customer base and celebration of the 2016 Bassmaster Classic, Old Town is giving away an Old Town Predator XL Minn Kota with all the accessories you’ll need to catch more bass this year!</p>
<p>Like a Humminbird® <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/rclick.php?d=jjiXoF3Cf8NfV-NNtAkNpZ5I6BPXMfRf&w=4&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.humminbird.com%2FProducts%2FHELIX-7-SI-GPS%2F">HELIX 7 SI GPS</a> fish-finder, Cannon® rod holders, Extrasport® Eon Angler PFD, Carlisle® kayak cart, Plano® tackle bag, Frabill® aeration, Wildgame Innovations® AXE™ Pro Wifi action camera, RAM® mounts, and much more!</p>
<p> <img style="margin: 5px;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/oldtowngiveaway/helix.jpg" alt="helix" width="504" height="300" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Entering is simple: Visit <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/rclick.php?d=jjiXoF3Cf8NfV-NNtAkNpZ5I6BPXMfRf&w=4&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FOldTownCanoe"><strong>Old Town’s Facebook page</strong></a>, click on the <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/rclick.php?d=jjiXoF3Cf8NfV-NNtAkNpZ5I6BPXMfRf&w=4&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwinapredator.pgtb.me%2Fld6LCM"><strong>“Win a Predator”</strong></a> App button, fill out the information and hit ENTER. YOU could WIN your very own Old Town Predator XL Minn Kota!</p>
<p>Randomized drawing will take place at approximately 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 6th. Need not be present to win. The Old Town Predator XL Minn Kota and all accessories will be shipped directly to the winner.</p>
<p>JOHNSON OUTDOORS is a leading global outdoor recreation company that turns ideas into adventure with innovative, top-quality products. The company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of award-winning, consumer-preferred brands across four categories: Watercraft, Marine Electronics, Diving and Outdoor Gear. Johnson Outdoors’ familiar brands include, among others: Old Town® Canoes and Kayaks; Ocean Kayak™ and Necky® Kayaks; Carlisle® Paddles; Extrasport® Personal Flotation Devices; Minn Kota® Motors; Cannon® Downriggers; Humminbird® Marine Electronics; LakeMaster® Electronic Charts; SCUBAPRO® and SUBGEAR® Dive Equipment; Silva® Compasses; Jetboil® Outdoor Cooking Systems; and Eureka!® Camping and Hiking Equipment. Visit Johnson Outdoors at <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/rclick.php?d=jjiXoF3Cf8NfV-NNtAkNpZ5I6BPXMfRf&w=4&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.johnsonoutdoors.com">www.johnsonoutdoors.com</a></p>
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<p><strong><img style="margin: 5px; border: 1px solid #000000; float: left;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/oldtowngiveaway/ot.jpg" alt="ot" width="99" height="74" /> </strong></p>
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</table>Ultimate Jacket2016-02-12T15:56:36Z2016-02-12T15:56:36Zhttp://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/articles/139-kayak-fishing-how-to-articles/2127-ultimate-jacket.htmlAllen Bushnellinfo@kayakfishingmagazine.net<p style="text-align: justify;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 2px solid #000000; float: right;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Refrigiware/Fishin__copy.jpg" alt="Fishin copy" width="220" height="165" />The folks at Refrigiware provided me an Arctic Duck jacket last fall for review. Problem was, the darn thing is so warm, I had to wait a few months before it got cold enough for me to wear it!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Even in Santa Cruz California it eventually gets cold though. When nighttime temps dropped down to the 20’s in December I started using the Arctic Duck for my favorite wintertime fishing- surfcasting for perch. As long as my upper body is warm, I can surfcast in shorts all winter. If the upper body gets cold, then all bets are off!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I’m more than pleased with the look, fit and performance of this jacket. Love the hood and the Sherpa lining. Pockets are all where they are supposed to be and this style is long enough to cover my vulnerable and expanding beltline. I use this jacket with just a t-shirt beneath. Plenty toasty even waiting for sunrise on the chilly beaches of Monterey Bay. You can tell a lot about the quality of a jacket just by the zipper. The Arctic Duck has a heavy-duty brass zip that projects quality and endurance for long-term use. While this jacket would be appropriate for Ice Road Truckers, it works just great on early-morning beaches, and also is a good snugly when I’m watching NetFlix late at night. Contact Refrigiware directly or find a local retailer <a href="http://www.refrigiwear.com">www.<strong>refrigiwear</strong>.com</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>From RefrigiWear</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 2px solid #000000; float: left;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Refrigiware/Fishin_Porterate__copy.jpg" alt="Fishin Porterate copy" width="220" height="147" />RefrigiWear makes some of the world’s toughest, most dependable garments for protection from the cold. We manufacture it with your warmth, your comfort and your safety in mind—for work, play and everyday use.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For more than 60 years, RefrigiWear has put our garments through some of the harshest working conditions known to man…from freezing temperatures in the food industry to men and women working on pipelines sub-zero conditions.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Comfort, versatility and supreme durability are the main characteristics of RefrigiWear’s® Arctic Duck™ jacket. But these only begin to describe a jacket that has many features that make it perfect for working in cold environments. From its heavy-duty zipper and hood to an array of useful pockets, the Arctic Duck™ jacket is one of the most functional and comfortable you will ever find.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">• 10oz Sherpa pile interior</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">• 120g Sleeve and 80g body insulation</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">• 100% Cotton double-fill Duck with Teflon® coating</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 2px solid #000000; float: right;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Refrigiware/Zipper_Pull_copy.jpg" alt="Zipper Pull copy" width="220" height="147" />• Hood with Sherpa lining</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">• Extended back for draft protection</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">• 2 Chest pockets</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">• 2 Hand warmer pockets</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">• 2 Inside pockets (1 zip, 1 Velcro)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">• Built-in pencil pocket</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">• Inset sleeve cuff</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">• Bi-swing back design for more maneuverability |</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">• YKK brass front zipper</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">• Reinforced brass tacks for durability</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 2px solid #000000; float: right;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Refrigiware/Fishin__copy.jpg" alt="Fishin copy" width="220" height="165" />The folks at Refrigiware provided me an Arctic Duck jacket last fall for review. Problem was, the darn thing is so warm, I had to wait a few months before it got cold enough for me to wear it!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Even in Santa Cruz California it eventually gets cold though. When nighttime temps dropped down to the 20’s in December I started using the Arctic Duck for my favorite wintertime fishing- surfcasting for perch. As long as my upper body is warm, I can surfcast in shorts all winter. If the upper body gets cold, then all bets are off!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I’m more than pleased with the look, fit and performance of this jacket. Love the hood and the Sherpa lining. Pockets are all where they are supposed to be and this style is long enough to cover my vulnerable and expanding beltline. I use this jacket with just a t-shirt beneath. Plenty toasty even waiting for sunrise on the chilly beaches of Monterey Bay. You can tell a lot about the quality of a jacket just by the zipper. The Arctic Duck has a heavy-duty brass zip that projects quality and endurance for long-term use. While this jacket would be appropriate for Ice Road Truckers, it works just great on early-morning beaches, and also is a good snugly when I’m watching NetFlix late at night. Contact Refrigiware directly or find a local retailer <a href="http://www.refrigiwear.com">www.<strong>refrigiwear</strong>.com</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>From RefrigiWear</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 2px solid #000000; float: left;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Refrigiware/Fishin_Porterate__copy.jpg" alt="Fishin Porterate copy" width="220" height="147" />RefrigiWear makes some of the world’s toughest, most dependable garments for protection from the cold. We manufacture it with your warmth, your comfort and your safety in mind—for work, play and everyday use.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For more than 60 years, RefrigiWear has put our garments through some of the harshest working conditions known to man…from freezing temperatures in the food industry to men and women working on pipelines sub-zero conditions.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Comfort, versatility and supreme durability are the main characteristics of RefrigiWear’s® Arctic Duck™ jacket. But these only begin to describe a jacket that has many features that make it perfect for working in cold environments. From its heavy-duty zipper and hood to an array of useful pockets, the Arctic Duck™ jacket is one of the most functional and comfortable you will ever find.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">• 10oz Sherpa pile interior</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">• 120g Sleeve and 80g body insulation</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">• 100% Cotton double-fill Duck with Teflon® coating</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 2px solid #000000; float: right;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Refrigiware/Zipper_Pull_copy.jpg" alt="Zipper Pull copy" width="220" height="147" />• Hood with Sherpa lining</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">• Extended back for draft protection</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">• 2 Chest pockets</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">• 2 Hand warmer pockets</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">• 2 Inside pockets (1 zip, 1 Velcro)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">• Built-in pencil pocket</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">• Inset sleeve cuff</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">• Bi-swing back design for more maneuverability |</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">• YKK brass front zipper</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">• Reinforced brass tacks for durability</p>Kayak Fishing Aloha - RoKKiT KiT Kauai Hawaii2016-02-02T03:03:18Z2016-02-02T03:03:18Zhttp://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/articles/102-current-issue-featured-articles-on-kayak-fishing/2086-kayak-fishing-aloha-rokkit-kit-kauai-hawaii.htmlRodney Pacittiinfo@kayakfishingmagazine.net<p>Two of the top locations that I have always dreamed of fishing from on kayak are South Africa and Hawaii. With the opportunity to go to South Africa being put on hold this year, and time away from work and the family booked in, the stars aligned with the help from the Seasoljahs over in Kauai for the trip of a lifetime. </p>
<p> When you think of places like Hawaii you think of trophy fish for the picking, but you quickly find out that it’s exactly the same as back home… the fish come to those willing to put in the time and learn all the littler details of the area. Theres no doubt there's some big fish there and with the clock ticking you really feel the pressure. Some tough bite days and a bit of wind thrown in, but in the end the week of fishing was a productive one and has left me dreaming of retuning to Kauai and the other islands… The real highlight was finding like mined people from a different part of the world doing the same thing I love to do and getting to share that with them. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">{youtube}NV6tpxMLLx0{/youtube}</p>
<p>Big thanks to my fellow Stealth Kayaks team mates in Hawaii, Jason, Adam and Bobby for putting me up and showing me a good time! It would not have been a trip without you!</p>
<p> Don't forget to Subscribe + Like + Share the pants of this sucker if your into it.</p>
<p> Music: </p>
<p>VJ Memes - Pushin Daisies</p>
<p>Broke for Free - Caught In The Beat</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img style="margin: 5px; border: 1px solid #000000; vertical-align: middle;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Rokkit/Rokkit.jpg" alt="Rokkit" width="120" height="90" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p><p>Two of the top locations that I have always dreamed of fishing from on kayak are South Africa and Hawaii. With the opportunity to go to South Africa being put on hold this year, and time away from work and the family booked in, the stars aligned with the help from the Seasoljahs over in Kauai for the trip of a lifetime. </p>
<p> When you think of places like Hawaii you think of trophy fish for the picking, but you quickly find out that it’s exactly the same as back home… the fish come to those willing to put in the time and learn all the littler details of the area. Theres no doubt there's some big fish there and with the clock ticking you really feel the pressure. Some tough bite days and a bit of wind thrown in, but in the end the week of fishing was a productive one and has left me dreaming of retuning to Kauai and the other islands… The real highlight was finding like mined people from a different part of the world doing the same thing I love to do and getting to share that with them. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">{youtube}NV6tpxMLLx0{/youtube}</p>
<p>Big thanks to my fellow Stealth Kayaks team mates in Hawaii, Jason, Adam and Bobby for putting me up and showing me a good time! It would not have been a trip without you!</p>
<p> Don't forget to Subscribe + Like + Share the pants of this sucker if your into it.</p>
<p> Music: </p>
<p>VJ Memes - Pushin Daisies</p>
<p>Broke for Free - Caught In The Beat</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img style="margin: 5px; border: 1px solid #000000; vertical-align: middle;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Rokkit/Rokkit.jpg" alt="Rokkit" width="120" height="90" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Argentina-Bacota Shark2016-02-01T19:20:22Z2016-02-01T19:20:22Zhttp://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/articles/102-current-issue-featured-articles-on-kayak-fishing/2085-argentina-bacota-shark.htmlLeo Martinezinfo@kayakfishingmagazine.net<p><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px dotted #cc0033; float: right;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/zona_tiburon/zona_tiburon.jpg" alt="zona tiburon" width="220" height="165" />The Bacota shark has a widespread tropical and temperate range including the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian oceans as well as the Medditeranean and Black seas. It is a coastal shark, and can grow as large as 11 feet. These are of the Requiem Shark family, and although classified as "coastal," they prefer habitat at least 100 meters in depth. they are also known as the Copper Shark, New Zealand Whaler, Bronze Whaler, Narrowtooth Shark, and Cocktail Shark.</p>
<p>This video is from Leo Martinez in Argentina, an Extreme Kayak Fishing practioner also involved with shark conservation efforts in Argentina. </p>
<p>Leo submitted with a note: "In this video I managed to capture a female bacota shark of about 3 meters and 140 kg. While it is not the longest shark I've captured, it was undoubtedly the most imposing and fat. I hope you like the video and ask all to share it so that each day ZONA TIBURON will grow!" Follow Leo at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/leozonatiburon">https://www.facebook.com/leozonatiburon</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/leozonatiburon"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">{youtube}J8CNA5xv2nA{/youtube}</p><p><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px dotted #cc0033; float: right;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/zona_tiburon/zona_tiburon.jpg" alt="zona tiburon" width="220" height="165" />The Bacota shark has a widespread tropical and temperate range including the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian oceans as well as the Medditeranean and Black seas. It is a coastal shark, and can grow as large as 11 feet. These are of the Requiem Shark family, and although classified as "coastal," they prefer habitat at least 100 meters in depth. they are also known as the Copper Shark, New Zealand Whaler, Bronze Whaler, Narrowtooth Shark, and Cocktail Shark.</p>
<p>This video is from Leo Martinez in Argentina, an Extreme Kayak Fishing practioner also involved with shark conservation efforts in Argentina. </p>
<p>Leo submitted with a note: "In this video I managed to capture a female bacota shark of about 3 meters and 140 kg. While it is not the longest shark I've captured, it was undoubtedly the most imposing and fat. I hope you like the video and ask all to share it so that each day ZONA TIBURON will grow!" Follow Leo at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/leozonatiburon">https://www.facebook.com/leozonatiburon</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/leozonatiburon"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">{youtube}J8CNA5xv2nA{/youtube}</p>Bass Pro Redemption2015-12-15T19:11:09Z2015-12-15T19:11:09Zhttp://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/articles/102-current-issue-featured-articles-on-kayak-fishing/2004-bass-pro-redemption.htmlAllen Bushnellinfo@kayakfishingmagazine.net<p style="text-align: center;">{youtube}8Pvy4WuCHXE{/youtube}</p>
<p>So, this new guy moves to town. Miles Burghoff. He goes to our local shop, the <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://www.kayakconnection.com/"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Kayak Connection</span></a></span> in Santa Cruz, CA and arranges for his first kayak, an Old Town Predator XL to be shipped to the shop. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px solid #cccc66; float: right;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Sonar/2Sonar.jpg" alt="2Sonar" width="240" height="180" />KC owner Dave Grigsby connected us via email saying, “Miles wandered into the shop yesterday and introduced himself. He's definitely got the fishing part down (he's a past national champ and has hosted a TV show) but he's yet to fish from a kayak. I figured I needed to get him in your camp right away. I've copied you both on this email. More about Miles at <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://www.sonarfishing.com"><span style="color: #0000ff;">sonarfishing.com</span></a></span> and <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://sweetwaterfishingtv.com/"><span style="color: #0000ff;">sweetwaterfishingtv.com</span></a></span>. He's not just a badass angler, he's a really nice guy, too.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Grigsby was correct on both counts. Burghoff coincidentally had just registered on our Kayak Fishing Forum, <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/"><span style="color: #0000ff;">NCKA.org</span></a></span> using his longtime handle, “Sonar.” I was already set to take this guy out for a first kayak fishing adventure and was only more intrigued to learn that he is a real “By God Bass Pro.” </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Besides being on the tournament trail, Sonar has plenty other fishing creds. On the Sweetwater site his bio mentions ““Though Sonar is passionate about tournament bass fishing, his love for other types of fishing hasn’t faded over the years. Since graduating from high school in 2005, he has spent his summers in Southeast Alaska as a fishing guide for the Baranof Wilderness Lodge. He also enjoys spending time exploring rivers and streams in search of various species of trout and salmon. Oh, and if you wondering why his nickname is Sonar- it’s a title his friends gave him because his father, Gary Burghoff, played the character “Radar” on the popular television series MASH.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>No one has ever accused me of being able to catch Largemouth Bass, so I figured a favor might work both ways. I could show him a promising local LMB spot, and maybe he could show me how to catch one. We met at a local pond, a semi-tidal slough that rarely gets fished. One of my charter boat deckhand friends whose real passion is for bass told me years ago "there's fish there." After setting up Sonar’s new Predator, we headed out and worked the Tule reed and pennywort edges of the small lake.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sonar hooked up his first kayak fish before too long. We were both surprised and pleased to see a big, healthy three-pound largemouth take his bait from the Tule edge. Having moved to Santa Cruz for other family reasons, Sonar was overjoyed to learn of a quality fishing spot to keep his chops up was so close to home. He lives about a block away.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px solid #cccc66;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Sonar/3Sonar.jpg" alt="3Sonar" width="180" height="135" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px solid #cccc66;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Sonar/4sonar.jpg" alt="4sonar" width="180" height="135" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px solid #cccc66;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Sonar/5Sonar.jpg" alt="5Sonar" width="180" height="135" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>A couple more hours produced a couple more fish for Sonar, but none for me. But hey, he’s a Pro! And, my wacky-rigged Senko was more like a “Jack-Assey” rig, I guess. Needless to say, I consider the go-out a total success. Sonar took to the kayak like he was made for it, standing and casting from his Predator XL like, well, a pro. I’m looking forward to springtime when I can get him out on the salt for some bigger game, fishing in “my world.” And, I admit I’m going to take my Senko lesson back to this little urban lake soon. Gonna get me one of those big bucketmouths.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px solid #cccc66;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Sonar/1Sonar.jpg" alt="1Sonar" width="330" height="248" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Even the most humble little local pond can provide kayak fishing adventure.</strong></p>
<p> </p><p style="text-align: center;">{youtube}8Pvy4WuCHXE{/youtube}</p>
<p>So, this new guy moves to town. Miles Burghoff. He goes to our local shop, the <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://www.kayakconnection.com/"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Kayak Connection</span></a></span> in Santa Cruz, CA and arranges for his first kayak, an Old Town Predator XL to be shipped to the shop. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px solid #cccc66; float: right;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Sonar/2Sonar.jpg" alt="2Sonar" width="240" height="180" />KC owner Dave Grigsby connected us via email saying, “Miles wandered into the shop yesterday and introduced himself. He's definitely got the fishing part down (he's a past national champ and has hosted a TV show) but he's yet to fish from a kayak. I figured I needed to get him in your camp right away. I've copied you both on this email. More about Miles at <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://www.sonarfishing.com"><span style="color: #0000ff;">sonarfishing.com</span></a></span> and <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://sweetwaterfishingtv.com/"><span style="color: #0000ff;">sweetwaterfishingtv.com</span></a></span>. He's not just a badass angler, he's a really nice guy, too.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Grigsby was correct on both counts. Burghoff coincidentally had just registered on our Kayak Fishing Forum, <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/"><span style="color: #0000ff;">NCKA.org</span></a></span> using his longtime handle, “Sonar.” I was already set to take this guy out for a first kayak fishing adventure and was only more intrigued to learn that he is a real “By God Bass Pro.” </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Besides being on the tournament trail, Sonar has plenty other fishing creds. On the Sweetwater site his bio mentions ““Though Sonar is passionate about tournament bass fishing, his love for other types of fishing hasn’t faded over the years. Since graduating from high school in 2005, he has spent his summers in Southeast Alaska as a fishing guide for the Baranof Wilderness Lodge. He also enjoys spending time exploring rivers and streams in search of various species of trout and salmon. Oh, and if you wondering why his nickname is Sonar- it’s a title his friends gave him because his father, Gary Burghoff, played the character “Radar” on the popular television series MASH.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>No one has ever accused me of being able to catch Largemouth Bass, so I figured a favor might work both ways. I could show him a promising local LMB spot, and maybe he could show me how to catch one. We met at a local pond, a semi-tidal slough that rarely gets fished. One of my charter boat deckhand friends whose real passion is for bass told me years ago "there's fish there." After setting up Sonar’s new Predator, we headed out and worked the Tule reed and pennywort edges of the small lake.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sonar hooked up his first kayak fish before too long. We were both surprised and pleased to see a big, healthy three-pound largemouth take his bait from the Tule edge. Having moved to Santa Cruz for other family reasons, Sonar was overjoyed to learn of a quality fishing spot to keep his chops up was so close to home. He lives about a block away.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px solid #cccc66;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Sonar/3Sonar.jpg" alt="3Sonar" width="180" height="135" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px solid #cccc66;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Sonar/4sonar.jpg" alt="4sonar" width="180" height="135" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px solid #cccc66;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Sonar/5Sonar.jpg" alt="5Sonar" width="180" height="135" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>A couple more hours produced a couple more fish for Sonar, but none for me. But hey, he’s a Pro! And, my wacky-rigged Senko was more like a “Jack-Assey” rig, I guess. Needless to say, I consider the go-out a total success. Sonar took to the kayak like he was made for it, standing and casting from his Predator XL like, well, a pro. I’m looking forward to springtime when I can get him out on the salt for some bigger game, fishing in “my world.” And, I admit I’m going to take my Senko lesson back to this little urban lake soon. Gonna get me one of those big bucketmouths.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px solid #cccc66;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Sonar/1Sonar.jpg" alt="1Sonar" width="330" height="248" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Even the most humble little local pond can provide kayak fishing adventure.</strong></p>
<p> </p>This Guy's got an Eye!2015-12-14T17:12:44Z2015-12-14T17:12:44Zhttp://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/articles/102-current-issue-featured-articles-on-kayak-fishing/2002-this-guys-got-an-eye.htmlMikey Sabadicinfo@kayakfishingmagazine.net<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #003366;"><em>We all take pix of our fish. Some of us take really good pix. Then there are guys like THIS! </em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #003366;"><em>Mikey Sabadic captures the essence and the inspiration for me.</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px ridge #666600;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Sabadic/fishingaug2.jpg" alt="fishingaug2" width="398" height="397" /></p>
<p>Glad you like my photos. I've been getting a lot a positive feedback on all my instagram posts (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/island_life_252/">https://www.instagram.com/island_life_252/</a>). Just trying to show fish and fishing in a way most people don't see it or capture it. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>It's been extra special getting these shots the last year or so since I have had my "little man", Brody,with me. Fishing even before he could walk. Get outside, that's what it's all about.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px ridge #666600;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Sabadic/IMG_5091.JPG" alt="IMG 5091" width="240" height="240" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px ridge #666600;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Sabadic/fishingaug3.jpg" alt="fishingaug3" width="241" height="240" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm 22, and moved from NJ to Kitty Hawk on the Outer Banks of North Carolina USA when I was four. I've been fishing all my life, all kinds of fishing. I've been lucky to have had a chance to fish in Aruba, Venezuela and Costa Rica. I've fished for marlin and tuna. I've fished from the beach and the piers. But, I am really loving the experience and the photos I am getting now. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>After high school, I was expected to go to college, but I just wasn't sure what I wanted to major in, I didn't want to waste time or money so I've held off for now. I work full time as a tour guide on the northern Outer Banks beaches. We have a herd of wild mustangs up there and since its a 4 wheel drive only area, most people opt for a tour rather than take their own vehicles. So when I'm not fishing I'm driving a hummer and telling tourists about our horses (<a href="http://wildhorsetour.com/">wildhorsetour.com</a>).</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px ridge #666600;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Sabadic/IMG_4492.JPG" alt="IMG 4492" width="200" height="200" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px ridge #666600;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Sabadic/mws2.jpg" alt="mws2" width="200" height="200" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px ridge #666600;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Sabadic/popperpike.jpg" alt="popperpike" width="235" height="200" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #003366;"><em>We all take pix of our fish. Some of us take really good pix. Then there are guys like THIS! </em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #003366;"><em>Mikey Sabadic captures the essence and the inspiration for me.</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px ridge #666600;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Sabadic/fishingaug2.jpg" alt="fishingaug2" width="398" height="397" /></p>
<p>Glad you like my photos. I've been getting a lot a positive feedback on all my instagram posts (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/island_life_252/">https://www.instagram.com/island_life_252/</a>). Just trying to show fish and fishing in a way most people don't see it or capture it. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>It's been extra special getting these shots the last year or so since I have had my "little man", Brody,with me. Fishing even before he could walk. Get outside, that's what it's all about.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px ridge #666600;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Sabadic/IMG_5091.JPG" alt="IMG 5091" width="240" height="240" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px ridge #666600;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Sabadic/fishingaug3.jpg" alt="fishingaug3" width="241" height="240" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm 22, and moved from NJ to Kitty Hawk on the Outer Banks of North Carolina USA when I was four. I've been fishing all my life, all kinds of fishing. I've been lucky to have had a chance to fish in Aruba, Venezuela and Costa Rica. I've fished for marlin and tuna. I've fished from the beach and the piers. But, I am really loving the experience and the photos I am getting now. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>After high school, I was expected to go to college, but I just wasn't sure what I wanted to major in, I didn't want to waste time or money so I've held off for now. I work full time as a tour guide on the northern Outer Banks beaches. We have a herd of wild mustangs up there and since its a 4 wheel drive only area, most people opt for a tour rather than take their own vehicles. So when I'm not fishing I'm driving a hummer and telling tourists about our horses (<a href="http://wildhorsetour.com/">wildhorsetour.com</a>).</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px ridge #666600;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Sabadic/IMG_4492.JPG" alt="IMG 4492" width="200" height="200" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px ridge #666600;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Sabadic/mws2.jpg" alt="mws2" width="200" height="200" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px ridge #666600;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Sabadic/popperpike.jpg" alt="popperpike" width="235" height="200" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>#PFD Save a life2015-12-14T16:25:21Z2015-12-14T16:25:21Zhttp://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/articles/102-current-issue-featured-articles-on-kayak-fishing/2001-pfd-save-a-life.htmlChris Castroinfo@kayakfishingmagazine.net<div id="fb-root"> </div>
<div class="fb-video" data-allowfullscreen="1" data-href="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net//NextLevelFishingTV/videos/vb.556590264438588/819766424787636/?type=3">
<div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">
<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/NextLevelFishingTV/videos/819766424787636/"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/NextLevelFishingTV/videos/819766424787636/">#PFD Save a life</a>
<p>#PFD Personal Flotation Device Save a life and *SHARE AWAY*The Fisherman's Journal Railblaza Academy Sports + Outdoors Hooked Up Salt Life Optics</p>
Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NextLevelFishingTV/">Next Level Fishing - Kayak Fishing TV</a> on Thursday, September 17, 2015</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
<p><a href="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/%20https:/www.facebook.com/NextLevelFishingTV/videos/819766424787636/"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></a></p>
<p><strong>Chris Castro from <a id="js_e" href="https://www.facebook.com/NextLevelFishingTV/?fref=photo" data-ft="{"tn":"k"}" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=556590264438588">Next Level Fishing - Kayak Fishing TV</a> shared this vid with us regarding mandatory pfd usage. He is preaching to the choir. I am too. Figured best approach is to just share our chat and show the vid. Castro's got a bunch more with some great fishing. Check out his channel!</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CashStro"><strong>Chris Castro</strong></a></p>
<p>Maybe something suitable for you </p>
<p> #PFD Save a life</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/KayakFishingMagazine"><strong>Kayak Fishing Magazine</strong></a></p>
<p>Sent by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/allen.bushnell">Allen Bushnell</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/allen.bushnell"></a>Thanks Chris! My sentiments exactly. I chastise EVERY time when I see a kayaker with rods and reels not wearing a pfd. Often get this response: "I have a PFD! It's right here! (scowl),” usually in the tankwell, or worse in the front hatch. I will still speak up every time, it's my rule.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/KayakFishingMagazine"><strong>Kayak Fishing Magazine</strong></a></p>
<p>Sent by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/allen.bushnell">Allen Bushnell</a></p>
<p> I'm going to do a little reflective write up on the topic and include your video in the magazine, and of course post a leader on FB. Early next week......Bushy</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CashStro"><strong>Chris Castro</strong></a></p>
<p>Awesome, I hear ya man. It really has become a huge problem at least here in Corpus. I actually just got back from the trip and of the 7 folks fishing the flats only 2 of us wore PFD equipment. All I can do is share an experience and hope it will change a few minds. I appreciate your efforts looking forward to your article!</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>PORTRAIT OF THE AUTHOR CHRIS CASTRO</strong></p>
<p><img style="margin: 5px auto; border: 4px groove #cccc99; vertical-align: middle; display: block;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/PFD/Chris_Castro_Corpus.jpg" alt="Chris Castro Corpus" width="330" height="186" /></p><div id="fb-root"> </div>
<div class="fb-video" data-allowfullscreen="1" data-href="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net//NextLevelFishingTV/videos/vb.556590264438588/819766424787636/?type=3">
<div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">
<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/NextLevelFishingTV/videos/819766424787636/"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/NextLevelFishingTV/videos/819766424787636/">#PFD Save a life</a>
<p>#PFD Personal Flotation Device Save a life and *SHARE AWAY*The Fisherman's Journal Railblaza Academy Sports + Outdoors Hooked Up Salt Life Optics</p>
Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NextLevelFishingTV/">Next Level Fishing - Kayak Fishing TV</a> on Thursday, September 17, 2015</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
<p><a href="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/%20https:/www.facebook.com/NextLevelFishingTV/videos/819766424787636/"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></a></p>
<p><strong>Chris Castro from <a id="js_e" href="https://www.facebook.com/NextLevelFishingTV/?fref=photo" data-ft="{"tn":"k"}" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=556590264438588">Next Level Fishing - Kayak Fishing TV</a> shared this vid with us regarding mandatory pfd usage. He is preaching to the choir. I am too. Figured best approach is to just share our chat and show the vid. Castro's got a bunch more with some great fishing. Check out his channel!</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CashStro"><strong>Chris Castro</strong></a></p>
<p>Maybe something suitable for you </p>
<p> #PFD Save a life</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/KayakFishingMagazine"><strong>Kayak Fishing Magazine</strong></a></p>
<p>Sent by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/allen.bushnell">Allen Bushnell</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/allen.bushnell"></a>Thanks Chris! My sentiments exactly. I chastise EVERY time when I see a kayaker with rods and reels not wearing a pfd. Often get this response: "I have a PFD! It's right here! (scowl),” usually in the tankwell, or worse in the front hatch. I will still speak up every time, it's my rule.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/KayakFishingMagazine"><strong>Kayak Fishing Magazine</strong></a></p>
<p>Sent by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/allen.bushnell">Allen Bushnell</a></p>
<p> I'm going to do a little reflective write up on the topic and include your video in the magazine, and of course post a leader on FB. Early next week......Bushy</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CashStro"><strong>Chris Castro</strong></a></p>
<p>Awesome, I hear ya man. It really has become a huge problem at least here in Corpus. I actually just got back from the trip and of the 7 folks fishing the flats only 2 of us wore PFD equipment. All I can do is share an experience and hope it will change a few minds. I appreciate your efforts looking forward to your article!</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>PORTRAIT OF THE AUTHOR CHRIS CASTRO</strong></p>
<p><img style="margin: 5px auto; border: 4px groove #cccc99; vertical-align: middle; display: block;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/PFD/Chris_Castro_Corpus.jpg" alt="Chris Castro Corpus" width="330" height="186" /></p>Trailers with PURPOSE-Redtide2015-12-14T15:49:56Z2015-12-14T15:49:56Zhttp://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/articles/139-kayak-fishing-how-to-articles/2000-trailers-with-purpose-redtide.htmlJason Mifsud info@kayakfishingmagazine.net<p style="text-align: justify;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 2px solid #000000; float: right;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/RedtideTrailer/RedTide2.2.jpg" alt="RedTide2.2" width="200" height="133" />Introducing the ultimate in kayak transportation, <a href="http://redtide.com.au">REDTIDE TRAILERS</a>, where practical meets easy with <em>style</em>. Designed and assembled in Melbourne, Australia.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">When I initially started to fish from a kayak, transportation was never easy. It even discouraged me at times. When I finally customized my first trailer, I was able to transport my kayak with its accessories safely and easily. A water tank and hose facility allowed me to hose down my kayak and accessories. I also included a nice size esky for my catch and LED lighting for low light conditions. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">At home after fishing, I simply unhooked the trailer and went inside to relax. Many people were intrigued with the custom trailer I designed. Everywhere I went, they loved the idea and the concept. This in turn inspired me to develop this idea further so that the general fishing kayak community could benefit. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 2px solid #000000; float: left;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/RedtideTrailer/RedTide3.jpg" alt="RedTide3" width="300" height="200" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">These trailers will suit all different budgets and needs. You can start at an entry level trailer with the option of upgrading at any time you please. The base chassis provides all provisions to go from the most basic to the top of the line. It’s as easy and as it gets with this purposefully built trailer. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I’ve had a fantastic response from the general kayaking community Australia wide, and met some amazing people who genuinely share a love for kayak fishing and the lifestyle it comes with. I’m extremley motivated to be working in this upcoming industry and feel blessed to be doing something I simply love. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://redtide.com.au">REDTIDE TRAILERS</a> will be the leading brand in fishing kayak transportation. Let’s continue to promote and enjoy a different and very exciting element to fishing.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p><img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/RedtideTrailer/Banner-new-slogan-2.jpg" alt="Banner-new-slogan-2" width="600" height="124" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 2px solid #000000; float: right;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/RedtideTrailer/RedTide2.2.jpg" alt="RedTide2.2" width="200" height="133" />Introducing the ultimate in kayak transportation, <a href="http://redtide.com.au">REDTIDE TRAILERS</a>, where practical meets easy with <em>style</em>. Designed and assembled in Melbourne, Australia.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">When I initially started to fish from a kayak, transportation was never easy. It even discouraged me at times. When I finally customized my first trailer, I was able to transport my kayak with its accessories safely and easily. A water tank and hose facility allowed me to hose down my kayak and accessories. I also included a nice size esky for my catch and LED lighting for low light conditions. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">At home after fishing, I simply unhooked the trailer and went inside to relax. Many people were intrigued with the custom trailer I designed. Everywhere I went, they loved the idea and the concept. This in turn inspired me to develop this idea further so that the general fishing kayak community could benefit. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 2px solid #000000; float: left;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/RedtideTrailer/RedTide3.jpg" alt="RedTide3" width="300" height="200" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">These trailers will suit all different budgets and needs. You can start at an entry level trailer with the option of upgrading at any time you please. The base chassis provides all provisions to go from the most basic to the top of the line. It’s as easy and as it gets with this purposefully built trailer. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I’ve had a fantastic response from the general kayaking community Australia wide, and met some amazing people who genuinely share a love for kayak fishing and the lifestyle it comes with. I’m extremley motivated to be working in this upcoming industry and feel blessed to be doing something I simply love. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://redtide.com.au">REDTIDE TRAILERS</a> will be the leading brand in fishing kayak transportation. Let’s continue to promote and enjoy a different and very exciting element to fishing.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p><img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/RedtideTrailer/Banner-new-slogan-2.jpg" alt="Banner-new-slogan-2" width="600" height="124" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>Hobie Bass Open2015-11-11T03:29:48Z2015-11-11T03:29:48Zhttp://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/articles/110-tournaments/1999-hobie-bass-open.htmlAllen Bushnellinfo@kayakfishingmagazine.net<p><strong><img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/hobieopen/hobie.jpg" alt="hobie" width="150" height="150" /> 2016 Hobie® Bass Open Announced Today</strong></p>
<p align="center"><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>OCEANSIDE, California – November 10, 2015 - </strong>Hobie announces that the third annual Hobie Bass Open, presented by Kentucky Lake Convention Visitor’s Bureau, will take place at Kentucky Dam Village State Park, June 4-5, 2016. The Open will be one of a series of U.S. and Canadian qualifying events for the 2016 Hobie Fishing Worlds Vl. The first place winner will not only take home the crown, cash and prizes but will also be invited, along with the second place winner, to join Team USA at the World’s next fall.</p>
<p>The event is a catch, photograph and release (CPR) tournament where anglers measure and photograph their top three bass during each of the two days, to be scored by total aggregate length. Eligible species include largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass on human powered kayaks. Anglers are invited to register for the event by logging onto <a href="http://hobiefishing.com/bassopen">http://hobiefishing.com/bassopen</a> .</p>
<p>A Hobie Fun Fest consumer event will be held simultaneously off the Kentucky Dam beach. Hobie invites all competitors as well as the general public to bring their family and friends and join in the festivities that will be held Saturday and Sunday, June 4-5. Fun seekers will have the opportunity to demo Hobie Islands, kayaks and SUP’s.</p>
<p>The complete schedule of qualifying events together with a date and location for the World’s Vl will be announced over the next few months and posted on HobieFishing.com. </p>
<p><i>Since 1950, Hobie has been in the business of shaping a unique lifestyle based around fun, water, and innovative quality products. From their headquarters in Oceanside, California, Hobie Cat Company manufactures, distributes, and markets an impressive collection of eco-sensitive watercraft worldwide, with subsidiaries; Hobie Cat Australasia, in Huskisson, NSW, Australia and Hobie Cat Europe, in Toulon, France and independent distributors; Hobie Kayak Europe and Hobie Cat Brasil. These products include an ever-expanding line of recreation and racing sailboats, pedal-driven and paddle sit-on-top recreation and fishing kayaks, inflatable kayaks, fishing boats and stand-up paddleboards, plus a complementary array of parts and accessories.</i></p>
<p> </p>
<p><i><img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/hobieopen/2016_Hobie_Bass_Open_Flyer.jpg" alt="2016 Hobie Bass Open Flyer" width="400" height="618" /></i></p>
<p> </p>
<p><i>Since 1950, Hobie has been in the business of shaping a unique lifestyle based around fun, water, and innovative quality products. From their headquarters in Oceanside, California, Hobie Cat Company manufactures, distributes, and markets an impressive collection of eco-sensitive watercraft worldwide, with subsidiaries; Hobie Cat Australasia, in Huskisson, NSW, Australia and Hobie Cat Europe, in Toulon, France and independent distributors; Hobie Kayak Europe and Hobie Cat Brasil. These products include an ever-expanding line of recreation and racing sailboats, pedal-driven and paddle sit-on-top recreation and fishing kayaks, inflatable kayaks, fishing boats and stand-up paddleboards, plus a complementary array of parts and accessories.</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p align="center"><strong> </strong></p><p><strong><img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/hobieopen/hobie.jpg" alt="hobie" width="150" height="150" /> 2016 Hobie® Bass Open Announced Today</strong></p>
<p align="center"><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>OCEANSIDE, California – November 10, 2015 - </strong>Hobie announces that the third annual Hobie Bass Open, presented by Kentucky Lake Convention Visitor’s Bureau, will take place at Kentucky Dam Village State Park, June 4-5, 2016. The Open will be one of a series of U.S. and Canadian qualifying events for the 2016 Hobie Fishing Worlds Vl. The first place winner will not only take home the crown, cash and prizes but will also be invited, along with the second place winner, to join Team USA at the World’s next fall.</p>
<p>The event is a catch, photograph and release (CPR) tournament where anglers measure and photograph their top three bass during each of the two days, to be scored by total aggregate length. Eligible species include largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass on human powered kayaks. Anglers are invited to register for the event by logging onto <a href="http://hobiefishing.com/bassopen">http://hobiefishing.com/bassopen</a> .</p>
<p>A Hobie Fun Fest consumer event will be held simultaneously off the Kentucky Dam beach. Hobie invites all competitors as well as the general public to bring their family and friends and join in the festivities that will be held Saturday and Sunday, June 4-5. Fun seekers will have the opportunity to demo Hobie Islands, kayaks and SUP’s.</p>
<p>The complete schedule of qualifying events together with a date and location for the World’s Vl will be announced over the next few months and posted on HobieFishing.com. </p>
<p><i>Since 1950, Hobie has been in the business of shaping a unique lifestyle based around fun, water, and innovative quality products. From their headquarters in Oceanside, California, Hobie Cat Company manufactures, distributes, and markets an impressive collection of eco-sensitive watercraft worldwide, with subsidiaries; Hobie Cat Australasia, in Huskisson, NSW, Australia and Hobie Cat Europe, in Toulon, France and independent distributors; Hobie Kayak Europe and Hobie Cat Brasil. These products include an ever-expanding line of recreation and racing sailboats, pedal-driven and paddle sit-on-top recreation and fishing kayaks, inflatable kayaks, fishing boats and stand-up paddleboards, plus a complementary array of parts and accessories.</i></p>
<p> </p>
<p><i><img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/hobieopen/2016_Hobie_Bass_Open_Flyer.jpg" alt="2016 Hobie Bass Open Flyer" width="400" height="618" /></i></p>
<p> </p>
<p><i>Since 1950, Hobie has been in the business of shaping a unique lifestyle based around fun, water, and innovative quality products. From their headquarters in Oceanside, California, Hobie Cat Company manufactures, distributes, and markets an impressive collection of eco-sensitive watercraft worldwide, with subsidiaries; Hobie Cat Australasia, in Huskisson, NSW, Australia and Hobie Cat Europe, in Toulon, France and independent distributors; Hobie Kayak Europe and Hobie Cat Brasil. These products include an ever-expanding line of recreation and racing sailboats, pedal-driven and paddle sit-on-top recreation and fishing kayaks, inflatable kayaks, fishing boats and stand-up paddleboards, plus a complementary array of parts and accessories.</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p align="center"><strong> </strong></p>Swiss Army Knife Reinevented!2015-11-10T23:59:20Z2015-11-10T23:59:20Zhttp://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/articles/139-kayak-fishing-how-to-articles/1998-swissknife.htmlAllen Bushnellinfo@kayakfishingmagazine.net<p><span style="color: #808080;"><em><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">You don't have to be McGiver for these knives to come in handy. Now we are seeing the Swiss Army Knife for the new millenium! </span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #808080;"><em><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Personally, I don't know if I buy into the idea of this knife presenting itself with "playful micschief," but I bet it would do well in my tackle box working as an unusually atractive multi-tool. And, I would likely forego the "Husky-Eye Blue" color. Swiss Army knife can only be one color. RED. Right?</span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Delémont, October 21, 2015</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <strong>A</strong><strong> legend reborn:</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>SWIZA reinvents the Swiss Knife</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong><img style="margin: 5px;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/SwissArmy/SWIZA_SwissKnife_Black_copy_copy.jpg" alt="SWIZA SwissKnife Black copy copy" width="360" height="360" /></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Switzerland has a new knife! The legendary Swiss Knife has been given a redesign for the first time in decades. </strong>The result is a unique creation manufactured and assembled in the Jura, restoring the status of the local cutlery industry. It is unveiled today as a world exclusive in Lausanne and Zurich by SWIZA, a brand with a history spanning over 110 years and an established reputation in watchmaking circles. The new Swiss knife successfully couples the contemporary design conceived by a Zurich-based company with a number of technical innovations; note particularly the blade-locking system and easier access to the tools for both right- and left-handers. The knife is available in four Jura-inspired colors: Bright Red, Husky Eye Blue, Snow White and Graphite Black.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="margin: 5px; float: right;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/SwissArmy/swisscolors2.jpg" alt="swisscolors2" width="200" height="272" /></strong></p>
<p><strong style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Manufacturing </strong><strong style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">expertise </strong><strong style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">from </strong><strong style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">the </strong><strong style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Jura, </strong><strong style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">design </strong><strong style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">flair </strong><strong style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">from </strong><strong style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Zurich. </strong><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The tradition of cutlery-making is part of the Jura’s industrial history and SWIZA is proud to give it a new lease on life with consummate style. The brainchild of the brand’s executive team based in Delémont and designed by estragon, a product design company in Zurich. The new knife was prototyped and is being produced in the Swiss canton of Jura by specialists accomplished in the expertise and high quality standards inherent in the “Swiss-made” epithet, the pocket knife represents time-honored tradition and modernity in perfect synthesis.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Ingenious </strong><strong>and </strong><strong>indispensable</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The sense of playful mischief in the knife’s bold curves, materials, and colors has immediate appeal. Meanwhile the ergonomic shape of the handle offers an intuitive grip facilitated by an extremely durable non-slip texture. The curved shape enables direct access to the tools, which are perforated for easy opening. The Swiss Cross—symbol of the brand—is ingeniously built into the handle and is far more than an identifying feature: it guarantees the user greater safety with a blade-lock system unprecedented in a knife of this size.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/SwissArmy/classicswiss2.jpg" alt="classicswiss2" width="180" height="468" /></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Up </strong><strong style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">to </strong><strong style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">eleven </strong><strong style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">functions </strong><strong style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">in </strong><strong style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">total</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">In addition to the extra-robust blade manufactured of stainless steel 440 and hardened to </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">57 HRc, other practical and cleverly designed tools make this knife an essential everyday companion. There is a five-turn sommelier cork screw, a flat-head and a Phillips screwdriver, a punch and an awl with a perfect cutting edge. Some styles also include a universal bottle opener, a can opener and tweezers with beveled tips for the utmost precision. The knife is available in four versions offering four to six tools to meet the individual needs of every user.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Swiza:</strong><strong>a </strong><strong>brand </strong><strong>on </strong><strong>the </strong><strong>up</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">With Peter Hug and Florian Lachat at the helm, 2015 marks the start of a new chapter for SWIZA. The Jura-based company has a new identity on the strength of which it has launched two new business lines with a comprehensive collection of wristwatches and luggage. Swiza was founded in 1904 and to date has focused on developing and producing watch movements, alarm clocks and table clocks. Now its sights are set firmly on the future and several more versions of its new knife are in the pipeline. All will be revealed soon.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span>www.<strong>swiza</strong>.com/</p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: #808080;"><em><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">You don't have to be McGiver for these knives to come in handy. Now we are seeing the Swiss Army Knife for the new millenium! </span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #808080;"><em><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Personally, I don't know if I buy into the idea of this knife presenting itself with "playful micschief," but I bet it would do well in my tackle box working as an unusually atractive multi-tool. And, I would likely forego the "Husky-Eye Blue" color. Swiss Army knife can only be one color. RED. Right?</span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Delémont, October 21, 2015</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <strong>A</strong><strong> legend reborn:</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>SWIZA reinvents the Swiss Knife</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong><img style="margin: 5px;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/SwissArmy/SWIZA_SwissKnife_Black_copy_copy.jpg" alt="SWIZA SwissKnife Black copy copy" width="360" height="360" /></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Switzerland has a new knife! The legendary Swiss Knife has been given a redesign for the first time in decades. </strong>The result is a unique creation manufactured and assembled in the Jura, restoring the status of the local cutlery industry. It is unveiled today as a world exclusive in Lausanne and Zurich by SWIZA, a brand with a history spanning over 110 years and an established reputation in watchmaking circles. The new Swiss knife successfully couples the contemporary design conceived by a Zurich-based company with a number of technical innovations; note particularly the blade-locking system and easier access to the tools for both right- and left-handers. The knife is available in four Jura-inspired colors: Bright Red, Husky Eye Blue, Snow White and Graphite Black.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="margin: 5px; float: right;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/SwissArmy/swisscolors2.jpg" alt="swisscolors2" width="200" height="272" /></strong></p>
<p><strong style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Manufacturing </strong><strong style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">expertise </strong><strong style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">from </strong><strong style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">the </strong><strong style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Jura, </strong><strong style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">design </strong><strong style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">flair </strong><strong style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">from </strong><strong style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Zurich. </strong><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The tradition of cutlery-making is part of the Jura’s industrial history and SWIZA is proud to give it a new lease on life with consummate style. The brainchild of the brand’s executive team based in Delémont and designed by estragon, a product design company in Zurich. The new knife was prototyped and is being produced in the Swiss canton of Jura by specialists accomplished in the expertise and high quality standards inherent in the “Swiss-made” epithet, the pocket knife represents time-honored tradition and modernity in perfect synthesis.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Ingenious </strong><strong>and </strong><strong>indispensable</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The sense of playful mischief in the knife’s bold curves, materials, and colors has immediate appeal. Meanwhile the ergonomic shape of the handle offers an intuitive grip facilitated by an extremely durable non-slip texture. The curved shape enables direct access to the tools, which are perforated for easy opening. The Swiss Cross—symbol of the brand—is ingeniously built into the handle and is far more than an identifying feature: it guarantees the user greater safety with a blade-lock system unprecedented in a knife of this size.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/SwissArmy/classicswiss2.jpg" alt="classicswiss2" width="180" height="468" /></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Up </strong><strong style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">to </strong><strong style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">eleven </strong><strong style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">functions </strong><strong style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">in </strong><strong style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">total</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">In addition to the extra-robust blade manufactured of stainless steel 440 and hardened to </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">57 HRc, other practical and cleverly designed tools make this knife an essential everyday companion. There is a five-turn sommelier cork screw, a flat-head and a Phillips screwdriver, a punch and an awl with a perfect cutting edge. Some styles also include a universal bottle opener, a can opener and tweezers with beveled tips for the utmost precision. The knife is available in four versions offering four to six tools to meet the individual needs of every user.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Swiza:</strong><strong>a </strong><strong>brand </strong><strong>on </strong><strong>the </strong><strong>up</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">With Peter Hug and Florian Lachat at the helm, 2015 marks the start of a new chapter for SWIZA. The Jura-based company has a new identity on the strength of which it has launched two new business lines with a comprehensive collection of wristwatches and luggage. Swiza was founded in 1904 and to date has focused on developing and producing watch movements, alarm clocks and table clocks. Now its sights are set firmly on the future and several more versions of its new knife are in the pipeline. All will be revealed soon.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span>www.<strong>swiza</strong>.com/</p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p>Annie Are You OK2015-11-10T23:01:45Z2015-11-10T23:01:45Zhttp://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/articles/102-current-issue-featured-articles-on-kayak-fishing/1996-annie-are-you-ok.htmlAnnie Nagel info@kayakfishingmagazine.net<p><span style="color: #3366ff;"><em><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 2px solid #660000; float: right;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/AnnieOK_/8.__AnnieOK_triumph.jpg" alt="8. AnnieOK triumph" width="200" height="267" /></span></em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="color: #3366ff;"><em><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Annie Nagel is a relatively new kayak angler in Northern California. Her forums handle is "Annie Are You OK." which devolves from some Michael Jackson song, they tell me. Season is winding down here in NorCal but along with winter comes spawning ling cod. Annie shares this story of her "Personal Best" lingcod caught on a recent Sonoma Coast weekend. Famous around the world for it's wine grapes, Sonoma County also boasts some of the best fishing along its cliffs and rocky shorelines. Annie is also the newest member of the Ocean Kayaks Kayak Fishing Team, and we're confident she will do her sponsor proud in the coming years. We might have to start calling her "Annie you ARE OK!"</span></em></span></p>
<p>My boyfriend, Nick Chatelain, and I went out to Ocean Cove on Friday 10/23 and camped with a couple of friends. I couldn’t wait to finally fish the ocean after weekends and weekends of rough seas. I am pretty competitive with Nick, and I have been chasing lingzilla all season trying to catch up to his best three he got this year, weighing in at 17, 18, and 20 pounds. When we woke up in the morning, I noticed how quiet it was, and it put a smile on my face knowing there was little swell and no wind. We walked out to look at the ocean, and the conditions were ideal. We met up our friends Chad, Steve, Ben, Adam, Dustin, Kiel, Justin, and Junior.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 2px solid #660000;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/AnnieOK_/1._AnnieOK_beer.JPG" alt="1. AnnieOK beer" width="200" height="150" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 2px solid #660000;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/AnnieOK_/2._AnnieOK_net.JPG" alt="2. AnnieOK net" width="200" height="150" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 2px solid #660000;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/AnnieOK_/3._AnnieOK_net2.JPG" alt="3. AnnieOK net2" width="200" height="150" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I borrowed a friend’s Ocean Kayak Trident 13 and really enjoyed paddling out on it. I couldn’t wait to get my line in the water. We started fishing deep and I caught my first ling of the day in about 100 feet of water. That little guy fought so hard. It was a nice 27" ling and was my favorite shade of blue so I kept him. I caught a couple more lings in the meantime and released them. We paddled to a different spot and fished shallower.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">When Adam told me we were at the spot, I dropped down and instantly got hit. I reel up a little bit and ‘zzzzzz’ my line starts peeling like crazy!!! I reel and reel and it was just a constant battle. I definitely knew this was bigger than any ling I had caught before! I did not want to lose it, but I was expecting to. My medium action spinning rod was so bent- it was awesome! I was getting so tired of reeling this big feller up and my arms were feeling the burn I finally got it up where I could see and it was freakin’ massive. I tried to keep calm, but on the inside I was going crazy.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 2px solid #660000;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/AnnieOK_/4._AnnieOK_cliopped.JPG" alt="4. AnnieOK cliopped" width="200" height="150" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 2px solid #660000;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/AnnieOK_/5._AnnieOK_INtheBox.JPG" alt="5. AnnieOK INtheBox" width="200" height="150" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 2px solid #660000;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/AnnieOK_/6._AnnieOK__Heehee.JPG" alt="6. AnnieOK Heehee" width="200" height="150" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I grabbed my net and luckily for me it went as smoothly as it possibly could have gone. Once in the net and still completely under water the ling tried to take one last run and realized she wasn't going anywhere. I got her into my lap, and then I made sure she wasn't going anywhere. I was still worried that she would find a way out of my net and back into the ocean. I finally got my ling secured on my game clip and I was so proud and beyond stoked! Adam was right there to capture the huge smile on my face! I must say my PB ling was well worth the wait.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 2px solid #660000;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/AnnieOK_/7._AnnieOK_cooler.JPG" alt="7. AnnieOK cooler" width="200" height="150" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 2px solid #660000;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/AnnieOK_/7._AnnieOK_trio.jpg" alt="7. AnnieOK trio" width="200" height="150" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 2px solid #660000;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/AnnieOK_/_AnnieOK__Hoisted.JPG" alt=" AnnieOK Hoisted" width="200" height="150" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I caught some more lings and rockfish as the day went on, but just ended up keeping the two from the morning. When we got in, the guys bbq’d up some dogs and my favorite teriyaki pork skewers. I pranced around the parking lot with my fish showing it off to everyone and took lots of pictures. I was so proud of my catch! I had hella fun fishing the Sonoma coast with some of my favorite fishing buddies! It was a great weekend filled with good times, lots of laughs, and a much-needed dose of adrenaline! </p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p> </p><p><span style="color: #3366ff;"><em><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 2px solid #660000; float: right;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/AnnieOK_/8.__AnnieOK_triumph.jpg" alt="8. AnnieOK triumph" width="200" height="267" /></span></em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="color: #3366ff;"><em><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Annie Nagel is a relatively new kayak angler in Northern California. Her forums handle is "Annie Are You OK." which devolves from some Michael Jackson song, they tell me. Season is winding down here in NorCal but along with winter comes spawning ling cod. Annie shares this story of her "Personal Best" lingcod caught on a recent Sonoma Coast weekend. Famous around the world for it's wine grapes, Sonoma County also boasts some of the best fishing along its cliffs and rocky shorelines. Annie is also the newest member of the Ocean Kayaks Kayak Fishing Team, and we're confident she will do her sponsor proud in the coming years. We might have to start calling her "Annie you ARE OK!"</span></em></span></p>
<p>My boyfriend, Nick Chatelain, and I went out to Ocean Cove on Friday 10/23 and camped with a couple of friends. I couldn’t wait to finally fish the ocean after weekends and weekends of rough seas. I am pretty competitive with Nick, and I have been chasing lingzilla all season trying to catch up to his best three he got this year, weighing in at 17, 18, and 20 pounds. When we woke up in the morning, I noticed how quiet it was, and it put a smile on my face knowing there was little swell and no wind. We walked out to look at the ocean, and the conditions were ideal. We met up our friends Chad, Steve, Ben, Adam, Dustin, Kiel, Justin, and Junior.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 2px solid #660000;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/AnnieOK_/1._AnnieOK_beer.JPG" alt="1. AnnieOK beer" width="200" height="150" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 2px solid #660000;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/AnnieOK_/2._AnnieOK_net.JPG" alt="2. AnnieOK net" width="200" height="150" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 2px solid #660000;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/AnnieOK_/3._AnnieOK_net2.JPG" alt="3. AnnieOK net2" width="200" height="150" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I borrowed a friend’s Ocean Kayak Trident 13 and really enjoyed paddling out on it. I couldn’t wait to get my line in the water. We started fishing deep and I caught my first ling of the day in about 100 feet of water. That little guy fought so hard. It was a nice 27" ling and was my favorite shade of blue so I kept him. I caught a couple more lings in the meantime and released them. We paddled to a different spot and fished shallower.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">When Adam told me we were at the spot, I dropped down and instantly got hit. I reel up a little bit and ‘zzzzzz’ my line starts peeling like crazy!!! I reel and reel and it was just a constant battle. I definitely knew this was bigger than any ling I had caught before! I did not want to lose it, but I was expecting to. My medium action spinning rod was so bent- it was awesome! I was getting so tired of reeling this big feller up and my arms were feeling the burn I finally got it up where I could see and it was freakin’ massive. I tried to keep calm, but on the inside I was going crazy.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 2px solid #660000;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/AnnieOK_/4._AnnieOK_cliopped.JPG" alt="4. AnnieOK cliopped" width="200" height="150" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 2px solid #660000;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/AnnieOK_/5._AnnieOK_INtheBox.JPG" alt="5. AnnieOK INtheBox" width="200" height="150" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 2px solid #660000;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/AnnieOK_/6._AnnieOK__Heehee.JPG" alt="6. AnnieOK Heehee" width="200" height="150" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I grabbed my net and luckily for me it went as smoothly as it possibly could have gone. Once in the net and still completely under water the ling tried to take one last run and realized she wasn't going anywhere. I got her into my lap, and then I made sure she wasn't going anywhere. I was still worried that she would find a way out of my net and back into the ocean. I finally got my ling secured on my game clip and I was so proud and beyond stoked! Adam was right there to capture the huge smile on my face! I must say my PB ling was well worth the wait.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 2px solid #660000;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/AnnieOK_/7._AnnieOK_cooler.JPG" alt="7. AnnieOK cooler" width="200" height="150" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 2px solid #660000;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/AnnieOK_/7._AnnieOK_trio.jpg" alt="7. AnnieOK trio" width="200" height="150" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 2px solid #660000;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/AnnieOK_/_AnnieOK__Hoisted.JPG" alt=" AnnieOK Hoisted" width="200" height="150" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I caught some more lings and rockfish as the day went on, but just ended up keeping the two from the morning. When we got in, the guys bbq’d up some dogs and my favorite teriyaki pork skewers. I pranced around the parking lot with my fish showing it off to everyone and took lots of pictures. I was so proud of my catch! I had hella fun fishing the Sonoma coast with some of my favorite fishing buddies! It was a great weekend filled with good times, lots of laughs, and a much-needed dose of adrenaline! </p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p> </p>Opelu 32015-10-14T02:16:13Z2015-10-14T02:16:13Zhttp://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/articles/102-current-issue-featured-articles-on-kayak-fishing/1995-opelu-3.htmlDave Elgas (Boogie-D)info@kayakfishingmagazine.net<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #999999;"><em>Dave Elgas (Boogie-D) is a longtime friend of KFM, and is now featured on Discovery's Pacific Warriors series. Here's part 3 of 4 on live bait fishing from Boogie.</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Aloha KFM. It sure is amazing how time flies by. Over the holiday season I began a 4 part series of articles on how to get better at kayak fishing. We discussed personal safety, the importance of a fish finder for finding live bait, and how to catch live bait. In this month’s issue I will go over how to store live bait on a kayak and in next month’s issue I will go over how to rig live bait for catching fish.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px ridge #6666cc; float: right;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Opelu3/100_1666.jpg" alt="100 1666" width="300" height="225" />It is always good to talk about kayak fishing safety. There has been a lot of debate about the laws governing the use of a PFD or Personal Flotation Device. The coast guard only requires that kayakers have them on board just like a boat. PFD’s don’t have to be worn all the times. However I advocate the use of a PFD at all times while kayak fishing. I wear mine all the time and I keep it fully loaded with safety items like my cell phone, and VHF radio. Many of my sponsors will not accept photos of me kayak fishing without a life vest on. I just finished my yearly CPR, AED, and First Aid training. This year we watched a lot of footage of people getting struck down with cardiac arrest, heart attack, and stroke. I don’t care who you are or how healthy you appear, no one can predict cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest affects all ages, all races, and all health types. Cardiac arrest can happen to the fittest of all athletes. For this reason alone I advocate wearing a PFD at all time while kayak fishing. Again this is my opinion and we all know what those are like. The coast guard only requires that you carry a life vest while kayak fishing. Personal safety is a personal choice. My personal choice is to know my limits, know the weather and the fishing grounds, have a backup plan, let someone know I went fishing, train for emergencies, wear a fully equipped life vest at all times, carry a cell phone, VHF radio, GPS, and flares. Someday I will get me and EBIRP too. I take my safety seriously and I hope you do to.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Ok back to kayak fishing. Perhaps between all the holiday hustle you were able to get out and do some kayak fishing. Maybe you got to practice finding and catching opelu. One thing for certain is that when you finally do get a full line of opelu on the side of your kayak your next thought will be “now what”. Keeping that fresh caught bait alive and healthy is a very important aspect of kayak fishing. Beside my fish finder, my live well is the next important piece of equipment on my kayak for catching fish. There are many ways to make a live well. Probably the easiest way to get going is with a bait tube.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px ridge #6666cc; float: left;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Opelu3/DSCF1758.JPG" alt="DSCF1758" width="300" height="225" />A bait tube is a simple and cheap way to make a live well. All of the bait tube parts can be purchased at your local hardware store. A bait tube consists of a plastic pipe with caps on either end that when dragged by a kayak will allow water to flow through it. Finding the right size pipe is important. A bait tube that is too wide in circumference will allow the opelu to turn around within the bait tube. If the opelu become stuck while being trolled backwards they will quickly die. You will want a bait tube that won’t allow the bait to turn around. As long as the baits can face forward and there is water flowing over them they will live for a while. A bait tube will create drag and resistance when paddling a kayak so you need to think about how to minimize drag. Certain types of plastic pipes will float and this is helpful. I have seen angers attach floats to the tube for more buoyancy. Some will attach a funnel to the front of the tube to make it sleeker in the water. Another component of the bait tube is the door or hatch to remove the bait from the tube. A door can be made on the side of the bait tube with stainless steel hinges. Others kayakers will use the cap to get the opelu in and out of the tube. The important things to remember when making your own bait tube it to minimize drag, make sure the opelu can’t turn around and get stuck, and have a good system in place to add and remove opelu from the tube.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Another easy method for a live well is a floating bait cage. These are inexpensive to purchase through bass pro and cabela’s. A bait cage is about the size of a Frisbee and has a floating top and a sinking bottom with a net around the perimeter. These bait cages stow pretty well on a kayak and quickly deploy. Opelu will live in these types of lives well for a while however the down fall is that the bait cages do not troll at all. So when using a bait cage you must remain in the same location as where you caught the bait.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">More and more experienced kayak anglers are going with custom built fiberglass live wells. Some of these fiber glass live wells are actually glassed inside of the kayak hull. Others use fiberglass to perfectly fill the space on top of the kayak tank well to maximize the amount of bait they can store. These fiberglass live wells can be formed up with card board and duct tape. After the fiber glass has cured then the card board is sanded off. With a bit of time and effort a very good live well can be made out of fiberglass.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px ridge #6666cc; float: right;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Opelu3/Micahs_First_Ulua.jpg" alt="Micahs First Ulua" width="300" height="225" />There are many kayak live wells for purchase on the market. Shimano has a kayak live well that will fit into just about any kayak. On the internet there are several companies that now make kayak live wells out of pet food containers. Hobie also makes a really nice live well. Windward Boats is the local Hobie dealer on Oahu and they carry Kayak live wells and Kayak fishing accessories from Hobie. Here in the islands many kayak anglers will make their own live wells out of a cooler. A good live well can be made with a cooler, bilge pump, battery, and some simple plumbing. For my live well I use a Coleman stackable cooler. I got this from ebay with free shipping to the islands. I find the Coleman stackable to be the perfect size for my kayak. I pair the cooler with a 350 GPH bilge pump and a battery from interstate batteries in Waipahu. My live well will hold about a dozen of fresh opelu and keep them frisky. The battery is probably the most important aspect of a live well. You will want a battery that has the power to keep the live well water flowing all day. There is nothing worse than catching bait early in the morning and then watching them die in the afternoon because the battery has no more power. Interstate batteries handles all my battery needs and I can’t thank them enough for keeping me powered up. Interstate has a great selection of batteries to choose from. They also sell the battery chargers that you will need to recharge after a long day of fishing. Interstate Batteries offers solar panels too that can be used to shine more life into kayak batteries.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Inevitably opelu will die while you’re tying to keep them alive. Not a problem fresh opelu are good to eat. More importantly they can be used as dead baits while you look for the live bait ball on your next kayak fishing trip. I have a special opelu cooler that I use for dead baits on my <img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px ridge #6666cc; float: left;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Opelu3/Shark_Attack_028.jpg" alt="Shark Attack 028" width="300" height="225" />kayak. Dead opelu in the live well will kill other opelu so it is best to remove them right away when you see them dying. I put the dead ones in my opelu cooler along with some brine. When I get home after a day of kayak fishing I take good care of my dead baits. Sometimes I will eat a few if the catch was good. Often I will pat them dry and salt them before sealing them up in the freezer for the next kayak fishing trip. Dead opelu have caught me a lot of fish too and are a good way to start the day.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In conclusion, live bait can help you catch more fish on a kayak. A fish finder and a live well are two very important tools for catching fish on a kayak. When you have a good live well loaded up with live bait you can productively work the grounds for bigger predators. To me it’s one of the best feelings ever to see my live well full of fresh bait. There have been a very few times that I did not catch something with a live well full of fresh bait but it does happen. Safety is your choice so choose well. Time on the water is the best teacher. Get out and fish more. Respect the ocean and the fishing traditions of the ancient Hawaiians. Next month I will discuss how to rig opelu for catching big predator fish. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Until then tight lines and Aloha, David “Boogie-D” Elgas. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Mahalo to: Windward Boats, Hobie, Garmin, Interstate Batteries, Yak Attack, Kokatat, Werner, and Penn.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #999999;"><em>Dave Elgas (Boogie-D) is a longtime friend of KFM, and is now featured on Discovery's Pacific Warriors series. Here's part 3 of 4 on live bait fishing from Boogie.</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Aloha KFM. It sure is amazing how time flies by. Over the holiday season I began a 4 part series of articles on how to get better at kayak fishing. We discussed personal safety, the importance of a fish finder for finding live bait, and how to catch live bait. In this month’s issue I will go over how to store live bait on a kayak and in next month’s issue I will go over how to rig live bait for catching fish.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px ridge #6666cc; float: right;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Opelu3/100_1666.jpg" alt="100 1666" width="300" height="225" />It is always good to talk about kayak fishing safety. There has been a lot of debate about the laws governing the use of a PFD or Personal Flotation Device. The coast guard only requires that kayakers have them on board just like a boat. PFD’s don’t have to be worn all the times. However I advocate the use of a PFD at all times while kayak fishing. I wear mine all the time and I keep it fully loaded with safety items like my cell phone, and VHF radio. Many of my sponsors will not accept photos of me kayak fishing without a life vest on. I just finished my yearly CPR, AED, and First Aid training. This year we watched a lot of footage of people getting struck down with cardiac arrest, heart attack, and stroke. I don’t care who you are or how healthy you appear, no one can predict cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest affects all ages, all races, and all health types. Cardiac arrest can happen to the fittest of all athletes. For this reason alone I advocate wearing a PFD at all time while kayak fishing. Again this is my opinion and we all know what those are like. The coast guard only requires that you carry a life vest while kayak fishing. Personal safety is a personal choice. My personal choice is to know my limits, know the weather and the fishing grounds, have a backup plan, let someone know I went fishing, train for emergencies, wear a fully equipped life vest at all times, carry a cell phone, VHF radio, GPS, and flares. Someday I will get me and EBIRP too. I take my safety seriously and I hope you do to.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Ok back to kayak fishing. Perhaps between all the holiday hustle you were able to get out and do some kayak fishing. Maybe you got to practice finding and catching opelu. One thing for certain is that when you finally do get a full line of opelu on the side of your kayak your next thought will be “now what”. Keeping that fresh caught bait alive and healthy is a very important aspect of kayak fishing. Beside my fish finder, my live well is the next important piece of equipment on my kayak for catching fish. There are many ways to make a live well. Probably the easiest way to get going is with a bait tube.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px ridge #6666cc; float: left;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Opelu3/DSCF1758.JPG" alt="DSCF1758" width="300" height="225" />A bait tube is a simple and cheap way to make a live well. All of the bait tube parts can be purchased at your local hardware store. A bait tube consists of a plastic pipe with caps on either end that when dragged by a kayak will allow water to flow through it. Finding the right size pipe is important. A bait tube that is too wide in circumference will allow the opelu to turn around within the bait tube. If the opelu become stuck while being trolled backwards they will quickly die. You will want a bait tube that won’t allow the bait to turn around. As long as the baits can face forward and there is water flowing over them they will live for a while. A bait tube will create drag and resistance when paddling a kayak so you need to think about how to minimize drag. Certain types of plastic pipes will float and this is helpful. I have seen angers attach floats to the tube for more buoyancy. Some will attach a funnel to the front of the tube to make it sleeker in the water. Another component of the bait tube is the door or hatch to remove the bait from the tube. A door can be made on the side of the bait tube with stainless steel hinges. Others kayakers will use the cap to get the opelu in and out of the tube. The important things to remember when making your own bait tube it to minimize drag, make sure the opelu can’t turn around and get stuck, and have a good system in place to add and remove opelu from the tube.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Another easy method for a live well is a floating bait cage. These are inexpensive to purchase through bass pro and cabela’s. A bait cage is about the size of a Frisbee and has a floating top and a sinking bottom with a net around the perimeter. These bait cages stow pretty well on a kayak and quickly deploy. Opelu will live in these types of lives well for a while however the down fall is that the bait cages do not troll at all. So when using a bait cage you must remain in the same location as where you caught the bait.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">More and more experienced kayak anglers are going with custom built fiberglass live wells. Some of these fiber glass live wells are actually glassed inside of the kayak hull. Others use fiberglass to perfectly fill the space on top of the kayak tank well to maximize the amount of bait they can store. These fiberglass live wells can be formed up with card board and duct tape. After the fiber glass has cured then the card board is sanded off. With a bit of time and effort a very good live well can be made out of fiberglass.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px ridge #6666cc; float: right;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Opelu3/Micahs_First_Ulua.jpg" alt="Micahs First Ulua" width="300" height="225" />There are many kayak live wells for purchase on the market. Shimano has a kayak live well that will fit into just about any kayak. On the internet there are several companies that now make kayak live wells out of pet food containers. Hobie also makes a really nice live well. Windward Boats is the local Hobie dealer on Oahu and they carry Kayak live wells and Kayak fishing accessories from Hobie. Here in the islands many kayak anglers will make their own live wells out of a cooler. A good live well can be made with a cooler, bilge pump, battery, and some simple plumbing. For my live well I use a Coleman stackable cooler. I got this from ebay with free shipping to the islands. I find the Coleman stackable to be the perfect size for my kayak. I pair the cooler with a 350 GPH bilge pump and a battery from interstate batteries in Waipahu. My live well will hold about a dozen of fresh opelu and keep them frisky. The battery is probably the most important aspect of a live well. You will want a battery that has the power to keep the live well water flowing all day. There is nothing worse than catching bait early in the morning and then watching them die in the afternoon because the battery has no more power. Interstate batteries handles all my battery needs and I can’t thank them enough for keeping me powered up. Interstate has a great selection of batteries to choose from. They also sell the battery chargers that you will need to recharge after a long day of fishing. Interstate Batteries offers solar panels too that can be used to shine more life into kayak batteries.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Inevitably opelu will die while you’re tying to keep them alive. Not a problem fresh opelu are good to eat. More importantly they can be used as dead baits while you look for the live bait ball on your next kayak fishing trip. I have a special opelu cooler that I use for dead baits on my <img style="margin: 5px; border: 4px ridge #6666cc; float: left;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/Opelu3/Shark_Attack_028.jpg" alt="Shark Attack 028" width="300" height="225" />kayak. Dead opelu in the live well will kill other opelu so it is best to remove them right away when you see them dying. I put the dead ones in my opelu cooler along with some brine. When I get home after a day of kayak fishing I take good care of my dead baits. Sometimes I will eat a few if the catch was good. Often I will pat them dry and salt them before sealing them up in the freezer for the next kayak fishing trip. Dead opelu have caught me a lot of fish too and are a good way to start the day.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In conclusion, live bait can help you catch more fish on a kayak. A fish finder and a live well are two very important tools for catching fish on a kayak. When you have a good live well loaded up with live bait you can productively work the grounds for bigger predators. To me it’s one of the best feelings ever to see my live well full of fresh bait. There have been a very few times that I did not catch something with a live well full of fresh bait but it does happen. Safety is your choice so choose well. Time on the water is the best teacher. Get out and fish more. Respect the ocean and the fishing traditions of the ancient Hawaiians. Next month I will discuss how to rig opelu for catching big predator fish. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Until then tight lines and Aloha, David “Boogie-D” Elgas. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Mahalo to: Windward Boats, Hobie, Garmin, Interstate Batteries, Yak Attack, Kokatat, Werner, and Penn.</p>Master Hull Welding2015-10-14T02:01:57Z2015-10-14T02:01:57Zhttp://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/articles/139-kayak-fishing-how-to-articles/1994-master-hull-welding.htmlDave Bradfieldinfo@kayakfishingmagazine.net<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Plastic Welding a Leaky Hobie</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Lately, I've been noticing more water in my little Hobie Sport when I get off the water, almost a quart or so through this past summer. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">On Saturday of Labor Day weekend, as I was returning through some larger swells and wind at Trinidad, CA, it felt like my little kayak was not performing properly. It felt sluggish with a tendency to roll in the waves. I made a push to get behind the shelter of the head rock, pulled the hatch, and noticed quite a bit of water sloshing around in the hold, more than I have ever seen, so I offloaded some gear with my buddies and beat a hasty retreat to the launch point. After landing I bailed out more than half a gallon of water! <span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>NOT GOOD.</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px solid #666633; float: right;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/WeldBradfield/2.5waterfix.jpg" alt="2.5waterfix" width="200" height="150" /></strong></span> That was twice as much as I had seen on previous trips. When I got home I rinsed and dried the exterior of the hull, put it up on some chairs and poured in 3 gallons of water to look for leaks, and found them quickly!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The water was beading up at the rear of the mirage drive housing where the drive fits through the hull. When I looked at the same location on the inside of the hull I could see two cracks radiating out at that same spot.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I called my Hobie dealer in LA and he said yes, cracks near the mirage drive have been a design problem in the past and it's very difficult to fix. Even though my boat is out of warranty he would check with Hobie to see if they would do some sort of warranty on it. Meanwhile, at my request, he recommended a temporary fix that might get me through Labor Day weekend using a 3M adhesive.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I tried that, and tested it in Stone Lagoon the next day. The adhesive held as long as I "paddled" but when I engaged the pedals it started leaking so much that the boat was not usable for any length of time.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">When I got back to LA I learned from my dealer that my kayak was way beyond it’s 2 year hull warranty. Since I’ve had the kayak for five years the best he could do was a “replacement” hull for $818. It would be a “new” 2014 hull. I would use my existing seat, mirage drive, and paddles. I investigated upgrading to a new Outback, but that turned out to be beyond my current means so I ordered the replacement hull.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px solid #666633;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/WeldBradfield/6pressurizepump.jpg" alt="6pressurizepump" width="240" height="135" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px solid #666633;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/WeldBradfield/4leakfind2.jpg" alt="4leakfind2" width="240" height="135" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">However, at my dealer’s suggestion, I contacted a plastic welder named Wes Ogle in LA. Wes was formerly with Cobra Kayaks and has been “in the industry” for years. Though retired, he still does kayak plastic weld repairs out of his home. My goal was to see if the old hull was repairable for use as a 2<sup>nd</sup> kayak mostly on Stone Lagoon or other such waters.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I took the cracked hull to Wes to evaluate, to see if a repair was possible. After looking it over he said he’d try to repair the cracks from the outside because he couldn’t get his welding tool inside the hull in the confined area near the mirage drive.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">So, he sealed the larger holes in my kayak using some foam rubber stoppers. These were the holes I had drilled for my fish finder cables. Then he used an air pump, the kind to inflate an air mattress, to pressurize the interior of the hull.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px solid #666633;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/WeldBradfield/8dremel.jpg" alt="8dremel" width="120" height="213" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px solid #666633;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/WeldBradfield/9dremel2.jpg" alt="9dremel2" width="120" height="213" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px solid #666633;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/WeldBradfield/10.3weldgun2.jpg" alt="10.3weldgun2" width="379" height="213" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Next, he sprayed soapy water on the suspect regions of the hull and found the cracks, just like finding holes in a tire or an inner tube. Once he located the cracks, he used a grinder to grind out the cracked area providing a cavity for a bead of plastic weld material in the cracked region. At this point I realized he’s done this many times before! This guy’s a true pro!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Next, he used the plastic welding tool to lay down a bead-like layer into the region that was "carved out".</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">You can see the two beads in the welded cracks. (See picture.)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px solid #666633;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/WeldBradfield/12weld3.jpg" alt="12weld3" width="220" height="124" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px solid #666633;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/WeldBradfield/13weld4.jpg" alt="13weld4" width="220" height="124" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px solid #666633;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/WeldBradfield/11weld2.jpg" alt="11weld2" width="220" height="124" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Then he used the grinder to trim the beads to make them flush on the outside.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Next, he used some plastic "dust" -- small particles -- and a standard solder iron to fill the cracks on the inside of the hull. He warned me that this technique did not structurally addressing these cracks and that I should keep an eye on this spot as I continued to use the boat. And, that was it! I was there about 2 hours. He asked for $50, I paid him $60. I thought it was extremely reasonable!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Well, I just had to try it out, so I took the kayak to Cabrillo Beach that afternoon. It was 4:30 when I got on the water. There were no initial leaks as I paddled around the ramp, so I decided to give it the acid test, two hours of straight pedaling all around the harbor. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Around dusk, after pedaling non-stop for two hours, I opened the hatch and there was no water in the hull, save that that dripped in when I opened the hatch. Less than a spoonful! </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">So it now appears I’m the proud owner of two Hobie sport hulls, a "new" 2014 replacement hull and the repaired, 2010 hull. At this point I only have one mirage drive, and one seat, but I’ll be in the market to outfit this second boat.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px solid #666633;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/WeldBradfield/14powder.jpg" alt="14powder" width="320" height="180" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px solid #666633;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/WeldBradfield/15bradfieldling.jpg" alt="15bradfieldling" width="240" height="180" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I’ll heed Wes’s warning. I won’t use this repaired hull on long excursions in the ocean or even long excursions away from the launch point. And I I’ll always take a sponge and a bilge pump. But, it’s kind of nice to have two hulls to use now.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">If you want to contact Wes in LA for kayak plastic welding, I can give him the highest recommendation. This is the number he provided. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Wes Ogle (310) 536 - 6545</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Plastic Welding a Leaky Hobie</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Lately, I've been noticing more water in my little Hobie Sport when I get off the water, almost a quart or so through this past summer. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">On Saturday of Labor Day weekend, as I was returning through some larger swells and wind at Trinidad, CA, it felt like my little kayak was not performing properly. It felt sluggish with a tendency to roll in the waves. I made a push to get behind the shelter of the head rock, pulled the hatch, and noticed quite a bit of water sloshing around in the hold, more than I have ever seen, so I offloaded some gear with my buddies and beat a hasty retreat to the launch point. After landing I bailed out more than half a gallon of water! <span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>NOT GOOD.</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px solid #666633; float: right;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/WeldBradfield/2.5waterfix.jpg" alt="2.5waterfix" width="200" height="150" /></strong></span> That was twice as much as I had seen on previous trips. When I got home I rinsed and dried the exterior of the hull, put it up on some chairs and poured in 3 gallons of water to look for leaks, and found them quickly!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The water was beading up at the rear of the mirage drive housing where the drive fits through the hull. When I looked at the same location on the inside of the hull I could see two cracks radiating out at that same spot.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I called my Hobie dealer in LA and he said yes, cracks near the mirage drive have been a design problem in the past and it's very difficult to fix. Even though my boat is out of warranty he would check with Hobie to see if they would do some sort of warranty on it. Meanwhile, at my request, he recommended a temporary fix that might get me through Labor Day weekend using a 3M adhesive.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I tried that, and tested it in Stone Lagoon the next day. The adhesive held as long as I "paddled" but when I engaged the pedals it started leaking so much that the boat was not usable for any length of time.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">When I got back to LA I learned from my dealer that my kayak was way beyond it’s 2 year hull warranty. Since I’ve had the kayak for five years the best he could do was a “replacement” hull for $818. It would be a “new” 2014 hull. I would use my existing seat, mirage drive, and paddles. I investigated upgrading to a new Outback, but that turned out to be beyond my current means so I ordered the replacement hull.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px solid #666633;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/WeldBradfield/6pressurizepump.jpg" alt="6pressurizepump" width="240" height="135" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px solid #666633;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/WeldBradfield/4leakfind2.jpg" alt="4leakfind2" width="240" height="135" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">However, at my dealer’s suggestion, I contacted a plastic welder named Wes Ogle in LA. Wes was formerly with Cobra Kayaks and has been “in the industry” for years. Though retired, he still does kayak plastic weld repairs out of his home. My goal was to see if the old hull was repairable for use as a 2<sup>nd</sup> kayak mostly on Stone Lagoon or other such waters.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I took the cracked hull to Wes to evaluate, to see if a repair was possible. After looking it over he said he’d try to repair the cracks from the outside because he couldn’t get his welding tool inside the hull in the confined area near the mirage drive.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">So, he sealed the larger holes in my kayak using some foam rubber stoppers. These were the holes I had drilled for my fish finder cables. Then he used an air pump, the kind to inflate an air mattress, to pressurize the interior of the hull.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px solid #666633;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/WeldBradfield/8dremel.jpg" alt="8dremel" width="120" height="213" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px solid #666633;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/WeldBradfield/9dremel2.jpg" alt="9dremel2" width="120" height="213" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px solid #666633;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/WeldBradfield/10.3weldgun2.jpg" alt="10.3weldgun2" width="379" height="213" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Next, he sprayed soapy water on the suspect regions of the hull and found the cracks, just like finding holes in a tire or an inner tube. Once he located the cracks, he used a grinder to grind out the cracked area providing a cavity for a bead of plastic weld material in the cracked region. At this point I realized he’s done this many times before! This guy’s a true pro!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Next, he used the plastic welding tool to lay down a bead-like layer into the region that was "carved out".</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">You can see the two beads in the welded cracks. (See picture.)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px solid #666633;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/WeldBradfield/12weld3.jpg" alt="12weld3" width="220" height="124" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px solid #666633;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/WeldBradfield/13weld4.jpg" alt="13weld4" width="220" height="124" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px solid #666633;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/WeldBradfield/11weld2.jpg" alt="11weld2" width="220" height="124" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Then he used the grinder to trim the beads to make them flush on the outside.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Next, he used some plastic "dust" -- small particles -- and a standard solder iron to fill the cracks on the inside of the hull. He warned me that this technique did not structurally addressing these cracks and that I should keep an eye on this spot as I continued to use the boat. And, that was it! I was there about 2 hours. He asked for $50, I paid him $60. I thought it was extremely reasonable!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Well, I just had to try it out, so I took the kayak to Cabrillo Beach that afternoon. It was 4:30 when I got on the water. There were no initial leaks as I paddled around the ramp, so I decided to give it the acid test, two hours of straight pedaling all around the harbor. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Around dusk, after pedaling non-stop for two hours, I opened the hatch and there was no water in the hull, save that that dripped in when I opened the hatch. Less than a spoonful! </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">So it now appears I’m the proud owner of two Hobie sport hulls, a "new" 2014 replacement hull and the repaired, 2010 hull. At this point I only have one mirage drive, and one seat, but I’ll be in the market to outfit this second boat.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px solid #666633;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/WeldBradfield/14powder.jpg" alt="14powder" width="320" height="180" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px solid #666633;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/WeldBradfield/15bradfieldling.jpg" alt="15bradfieldling" width="240" height="180" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I’ll heed Wes’s warning. I won’t use this repaired hull on long excursions in the ocean or even long excursions away from the launch point. And I I’ll always take a sponge and a bilge pump. But, it’s kind of nice to have two hulls to use now.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">If you want to contact Wes in LA for kayak plastic welding, I can give him the highest recommendation. This is the number he provided. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Wes Ogle (310) 536 - 6545</p>THRESHER DAY2015-10-14T01:03:01Z2015-10-14T01:03:01Zhttp://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/articles/102-current-issue-featured-articles-on-kayak-fishing/1993-thresher-day.htmlKeith Nguyen info@kayakfishingmagazine.net<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #999999;"><em>Keith Nguyen and Dan Cao met up with other Nor-Cal Kayak Anglers for a special summer bite off Muir Beach, just north of San Francisco Bay. They were rewarded with one of the BEST fishing days of the summer!</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px double #183fdc; float: left;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/MuirThreshers/Keith_Thresher.jpeg" alt="Keith Thresher" width="360" height="269" /><span style="font-size: 12pt;">By all accounts, day one was a success compared to the rest of the season. We were stoked and hoped the action would continue on Sunday. We arrived back at the launch before daybreak and launched in total darkness. We meet up with multiple kayakers and Mr. Salmon himself (LoletaEric- Eric Stockwell) showed up for a cameo.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As the sun rose and gave way to blue light we got on a feeding frenzy early in 40 feet of water. Signs looked great!! But, there was not much action under the bait.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As the bait scattered, I worked an area under a kelp bed that had stacks of bait. I passed the bait, and immediately my pole gets SLAMMED big time!! And goes Bendo directly into the water. My reel peels off about 75 feet of line erratically before I could stop it. It was evident the fish was BIG and from experience, most likely a Thresher shark.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">After 30 minutes of towing, I see the outline of my friend Mr. Thresher. I call over the radio for some assistance and after 20 minutes of maneuvering we dispatched the fish and secured it on my yak.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px double #183fdc;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/MuirThreshers/Keith_landed.jpg" alt="Keith landed" width="220" height="124" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px double #183fdc;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/MuirThreshers/Cao_bendo.jpg" alt="Cao bendo" width="220" height="124" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px double #183fdc;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/MuirThreshers/Cowman_Bendo.jpg" alt="Cowman Bendo" width="220" height="124" /></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The remainder of the morning was slow and cold. We got rained on multiple times but at 10 a.m. the bite started to pick up again. As the bait started to cluster the bites started coming on pretty fast.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px double #183fdc;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/MuirThreshers/Cowmanthresher.jpg" alt="Cowmanthresher" width="101" height="180" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px double #183fdc;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/MuirThreshers/Amazed_Beachgoers.jpg" alt="Amazed Beachgoers" width="320" height="180" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px double #183fdc;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/MuirThreshers/Keith_and_Cowman.jpg" alt="Keith and Cowman" width="320" height="180" /></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Tim, Won, and multiple other kayakers got thresher hits, but all broke off to fight another day. Multiple COHO’s (Silver Salmon- no take allowed in California) were released and a few kings were caught. We ended the day getting rained on but overall were pretty satisfied with the eventful weekend. We had some BBQ thresher fillets, ManDogs and Chicken wings on the grill to end it all off.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Life is Good – Keith.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #999999;"><em>Keith Nguyen and Dan Cao met up with other Nor-Cal Kayak Anglers for a special summer bite off Muir Beach, just north of San Francisco Bay. They were rewarded with one of the BEST fishing days of the summer!</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px double #183fdc; float: left;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/MuirThreshers/Keith_Thresher.jpeg" alt="Keith Thresher" width="360" height="269" /><span style="font-size: 12pt;">By all accounts, day one was a success compared to the rest of the season. We were stoked and hoped the action would continue on Sunday. We arrived back at the launch before daybreak and launched in total darkness. We meet up with multiple kayakers and Mr. Salmon himself (LoletaEric- Eric Stockwell) showed up for a cameo.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As the sun rose and gave way to blue light we got on a feeding frenzy early in 40 feet of water. Signs looked great!! But, there was not much action under the bait.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As the bait scattered, I worked an area under a kelp bed that had stacks of bait. I passed the bait, and immediately my pole gets SLAMMED big time!! And goes Bendo directly into the water. My reel peels off about 75 feet of line erratically before I could stop it. It was evident the fish was BIG and from experience, most likely a Thresher shark.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">After 30 minutes of towing, I see the outline of my friend Mr. Thresher. I call over the radio for some assistance and after 20 minutes of maneuvering we dispatched the fish and secured it on my yak.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px double #183fdc;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/MuirThreshers/Keith_landed.jpg" alt="Keith landed" width="220" height="124" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px double #183fdc;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/MuirThreshers/Cao_bendo.jpg" alt="Cao bendo" width="220" height="124" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px double #183fdc;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/MuirThreshers/Cowman_Bendo.jpg" alt="Cowman Bendo" width="220" height="124" /></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The remainder of the morning was slow and cold. We got rained on multiple times but at 10 a.m. the bite started to pick up again. As the bait started to cluster the bites started coming on pretty fast.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px double #183fdc;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/MuirThreshers/Cowmanthresher.jpg" alt="Cowmanthresher" width="101" height="180" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px double #183fdc;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/MuirThreshers/Amazed_Beachgoers.jpg" alt="Amazed Beachgoers" width="320" height="180" /><img style="margin: 5px; border: 3px double #183fdc;" src="http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/1images/MuirThreshers/Keith_and_Cowman.jpg" alt="Keith and Cowman" width="320" height="180" /></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Tim, Won, and multiple other kayakers got thresher hits, but all broke off to fight another day. Multiple COHO’s (Silver Salmon- no take allowed in California) were released and a few kings were caught. We ended the day getting rained on but overall were pretty satisfied with the eventful weekend. We had some BBQ thresher fillets, ManDogs and Chicken wings on the grill to end it all off.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Life is Good – Keith.</span></p>