tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4183047300684066382024-03-13T12:54:25.416-05:00Small Craft FishermanA blog dedicated to my passion for fishing from small craft. Those not interested in fishing will find underlying messages about enjoying life, family, and friends.Small Craft Fishermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06782520720595240282noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418304730068406638.post-86905364855161197582020-06-03T16:29:00.001-05:002020-06-03T16:30:42.810-05:00Feelfree Moken 12.5 V2 (2020 Model) Review<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWsJOK0F0EFM_FUB-aa2ZNRnSrfxnHMQIS4xUGaXEJOoIuvC7A1um8p6s2GtrPFLcoJojKyM_un2ThUg8fqERucA_IvfqIyClAL4reawc1e5z5TYlC3t4gubU2sLBuzjQXeRy6SXaLJjQ/s1600/20200419_065131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWsJOK0F0EFM_FUB-aa2ZNRnSrfxnHMQIS4xUGaXEJOoIuvC7A1um8p6s2GtrPFLcoJojKyM_un2ThUg8fqERucA_IvfqIyClAL4reawc1e5z5TYlC3t4gubU2sLBuzjQXeRy6SXaLJjQ/s320/20200419_065131.jpg" width="320" /></a>First of all, apologies to my regular readers for my significant lack of writings lately. Being a dad, husband, volunteer EMT, kayak fishing guide, kayak sales business owner, and custom open water/ice rod builder has been quite time consuming. I truly miss my writing and plan to pick it back up more regularly this year. I figured no better time to start than when I fell back in love with the sport of kayak fishing. This happened after going back to where I started the sport I love with a plastic boat, a couple rods, a paddle, and a couple tackle trays.<br />
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Don't get me wrong, I love all of my kayaks. My Feelfree Dorado is a fishing machine. Perfect for anything except narrow rivers with fast current. My Feelfree Lures are perfect for almost anything (a tad slow for really big water but Overdrive pedal system fixes that). But this season I found myself borrowing my wife's original Feelfree Moken 12.5 kayak and her Bending Branches Angler Pro Plus. It was something about the lighter weight, the simplicity of the boat/paddle combo, and the speed I could get out of the time-tested hull design. One thing kept me from making it my main boat. The seat - I found it very comfortable for a strap-in seat. However, I have chronic back issues and my knees are bad from years of soccer/snowboarding/skateboarding in my youth. I could only go a couple hours and had difficulty standing from the deck.</div>
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Fast forward to just before iCast 2019 when rumblings of an updated Moken 12.5 started making their way around the Interwebs and social medias. I felt like Ralphie from a Christmas story and my message to Santa of "I want a Feelfree Moken 12.5 with a comfortable seat, standing deck, and sonar pod without compromising tracking and paddle-ability!" got through just before he said "You are crazy, no such thing can happen!" and kicked me in the face as I went down the slide of disappointment..... My wish was coming true. The beautifully capable paddling hull of the Moken 12.5 with an aging fat guy friendly seat and standing deck. Plus the bonus of the Feelfree sonar pod so I can toss my sonar on it if desired...... Pinch me.</div>
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Jump to iCast 2019. I had a refresh complex on the various pages covering kayaks at iCast. I was drooling over my keyboard at work like my dogs drool over a steak........ It was everything I hoped. Pod, standing deck, adjustable stadium seat, Beavertail rudder, wheel in the keel, same hull, not a lot more weight. I immediately emailed the guys at Feelfree HQ to get "dibs" on one.</div>
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Jumping to the day it finally arrived with a load of customer boats. Just like Ralphie anticipating his Red Rider BB Gun, I ran out of the house to meet the freight driver. I eagerly pulled the customer kayaks off the truck and inspected the labels to find the one I anticipated. Then, I found it. It was the right size and length. My wife smirked like Ralphie's dad, knowing I had been waiting for this. I pulled out my pocket knife and had it torn open in record time. IT. WAS. BEAUTIFUL! (but it wasn't Italian and I wouldn't shoot my eye out with it.</div>
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So.....here it is.....my comprehensive review of the new Feelfree Moken 12.5 V2. I have been sitting on this review for a while so I could get significant time on the water with it so you can see my impressions progress:</div>
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<b>Initial Impressions: </b><br />
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<b>Hull: </b>I laid it side-by side with the old Moken 12.5 upside down. The hulls are indeed the same (except for the hole for the sonar pod on the new one). <br /></div>
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<b>Deck: </b>Love the simplicity of the deck. It is open and flat for standing. But instead of a large standing platform it has two deck mats for standing spots. This makes the deck a easier to clean while still being comfortable/quiet. <br /><br /><b>Seat: </b> I was reluctant in accepting a non-Gravity Seat in this boat. But a dry run on dry land and I was satisfied. The placement of the curve on the back is great lumbar support and it is a bolted together, light, fully removable seat that can be used on the boat or on the beach/shore.<br /><br /><b>Storage: </b>Having a short-bed truck I love in-hull storage for rods. And I have always LOVED the Moken in-hull storage with front and rear hatches for accessing any goodies that slide around during transport. This was still in the new Moken. Perfect!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1hYRfN2sPNt1jmxtWAB3eOVA4r0ngBnkCQ86vDEHdpkW4TCXyYWPb2-78HuG7gwIurmyqezLZv4TnxolSijsjAv0KQ4DD5SxnelkVvelnFwxXVqi0KrrQWQCL8yNxX-ARB4CfwnNi6b7/s1600/20200306_151001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1hYRfN2sPNt1jmxtWAB3eOVA4r0ngBnkCQ86vDEHdpkW4TCXyYWPb2-78HuG7gwIurmyqezLZv4TnxolSijsjAv0KQ4DD5SxnelkVvelnFwxXVqi0KrrQWQCL8yNxX-ARB4CfwnNi6b7/s200/20200306_151001.jpg" width="200" /></a>The new Moken adds the Sonar Pod. I really did enjoy the big water-tight console in the old 12.5 but didn't like how it impeded with the deck. I know many people liked that cockpit feeling, but I prefer an open deck for standing/line management space.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ct1QnXFIAVQnF31uNdRghK5OdrOL3TPh6x9qbEkD_3dQjGgctsJVUO1-yE9ZyAS4GhXR9yk5Gt_AZvrJztAsyqMclTNr0rJQK7acW5Le0LvnVa9orymQFEStskg-DwNCgJwkmq38w_RE/s1600/20200419_082415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ct1QnXFIAVQnF31uNdRghK5OdrOL3TPh6x9qbEkD_3dQjGgctsJVUO1-yE9ZyAS4GhXR9yk5Gt_AZvrJztAsyqMclTNr0rJQK7acW5Le0LvnVa9orymQFEStskg-DwNCgJwkmq38w_RE/s200/20200419_082415.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKR2tP7hi3Kw2hP6ibtVEvWVN-gg8TIBRe4riwsl_oN0P0hyphenhyphenPFT5D3t3EvV8fNivgHx4rIbQQdAFO4SvORTxLHy9CKaxor7ctiBWIZt978RfcoFdX6RED8D1kYHv8ZiKEFXniTG9WfnbGp/s1600/20200410_152549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKR2tP7hi3Kw2hP6ibtVEvWVN-gg8TIBRe4riwsl_oN0P0hyphenhyphenPFT5D3t3EvV8fNivgHx4rIbQQdAFO4SvORTxLHy9CKaxor7ctiBWIZt978RfcoFdX6RED8D1kYHv8ZiKEFXniTG9WfnbGp/s200/20200410_152549.jpg" width="200" /></a>Also in the storage category, the new Moken adds two rod tip protectors. Given I take my wife's old model Moken 12.5 on rivers, I absolutely love this concept. I limit myself to two rods on rivers. Now I can carry another 1-2 and not have to worry about them sticking up as I float in current around obstacles/brush. But I'm not sure about the straps that it comes with based on my rough trial-run with my typical 6.5' to 7' bass/pike rods....more to come on this.<br /><b><br />Weight: </b>So on paper it is 11 lbs. more than the old version. I expected more weight with a bigger, flat deck designed for standing. But the boat doesn't feel 85 lbs by any stretch. Maybe it is the narrow hull.....maybe it is my use of the Lure 13.5, Tandem, and Dorado as my main boats the last couple years...... I haven't weighed it.....but it feels more like a Lure 11.5 weight-wise when maneuvering it on shore...... But lets be honest - if I were worried about weight I'd drink less beer and eat more salads...... I still have no issues roof topping it with my EZ Recreational Rack.<br /><br /><div>
<b>First Time Out:</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNYwsjp6ohVuyzobgozAgji2kR9pWXnLQ6gPUKwQovBDDinRHp9zJnJge-8lhHveoHeILJsJu2bHvVCnLoafQJVkit2I3mnKXYv9Ua93LP41d2qwLFEw7mmvUVh3lS13Yxz5-KKVmPppP/s1600/20200411_190052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNYwsjp6ohVuyzobgozAgji2kR9pWXnLQ6gPUKwQovBDDinRHp9zJnJge-8lhHveoHeILJsJu2bHvVCnLoafQJVkit2I3mnKXYv9Ua93LP41d2qwLFEw7mmvUVh3lS13Yxz5-KKVmPppP/s200/20200411_190052.jpg" width="150" /></a>Unfortunately, unlike Ralphie, I was unable to use my new toy immediately. Life got in the way. My first time out ended up being on a guided kayak fishing trip on the backwaters of the Mississippi with a great client/customer. I was hesitant in doing this because it was an all-day trip (typically 8-10 hours) and there was a forecast of HEAVY wind. With my back issues, I knew I wouldn't be standing much due to wind and was concerned about comfort. Here are my first-time-out impressions:<br /></div>
<b>Comfort: </b> It isn't a Lure or Dorado with a Gravity Seat. But with chronic back issues - I had no problems floating this thing in the furthest-back high position all day (I didn't try the forward high or middle-low positions). I am 5' 11" and 220 lbs. It felt comfortable. The forward-high position would have likely been too tight (but a solid option if I needed to change my weight distribution if the conditions/load warranted it). The middle-low position would have likely given my knees a problem. But it is a great option for high-wind/heavy chop position to lower the center of gravity if needed. I have no complaints about this seat at all. I was even able to fit a few 3700 trays under the seat for quick access.<br /><br /><b>Stability: </b>The new seat positions do change stability VERY slightly. Obviously, the two high positions will make the boat feel slightly less stable. You are using the same hull with a higher center of gravity. But the low position is close to the old seat/center of gravity.<br /><br />I didn't stand sideways on the rail to relieve myself like I can on the Lure or Dorado. I am well-balanced and am sure I could have managed. But I tend to ease into getting used to new kayaks and opted for the typical carnival-style aim-and-hit-the-scupper-holes method. This said, I was able to stand-and-paddle without issue. I was able to stand and cast, sight-fish, etc. It certainly doesn't have the initial/secondary stability of a Lure or Dorado, but if you have reasonably good balance standing isn't a big issue. I did notice one thing, especially when standing, which leads me to the deck.<br /><b><br />Deck: </b>I am 5'11 and about 220 lbs. My deck is bone dry on the Lure 13.5, Tandem, and Dorado (mostly). But on the Lure 11.5 I do need scupper plugs in the front-most scuppers to keep water out. I typically only use scuppers in the 11.5 when the water is really cold (below 60) and it is worst when standing. It is the same in the Moken 12.5. My feet don't get wet because I'm on the standing pads. But water does come in, so I do have the Feelfree scupper plugs inserted and open to reduce the amount of water that comes in. Not a deal-breaker by any means, but I will have scuppers plugged when I use it in the winter months.<br /><br />I was otherwise completely happy with the deck. It stayed otherwise dry. It has tall ridges to help drain the deck and keep any gear on it dry. It is also wide-open for storage/standing. And, like the old Moken, the two cup holders just behind the seat are functional! (Though you do lose a bottle holder and a cup holder from the old Moken console).<br /><ul>
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<b>Storage: </b>As a guide, I typically used the Lure Tandem or Dorado so I could carry a cooler with bottled water/lunches for my clients plus a few tackle trays with spare tackle for them. I never took the old Moken 12.5 guiding because of my back issues, but also the space. The 12.5 V2 fixes my comfort and space concerns. I am able to easily fit a cooler in the back tankwell, a couple spare rods in the hull, my searchbait rods in the flush mount rod holders, and extra tackle under and behind the seat. I was impressed with the storage on this boat!<br /><br />One storage feature made me go "Hmmmmm".....(the rod tip protectors and straps that come on the new Moken stock). I love the concept. I would have saved myself some rod tips, lures, and energy with these on my river floats in the past. So on the water I placed my main rod (a custom built 6' 6" spinnerbait casting rod) in the rod tip and strap. The placement of the strap is too far forward (my opinion) for a rod over 5' or 5' 6" long. The butt of my rod was hanging low and nearly touching the water. But I was still able to use the rod tip protectors and just seat the butt of my rod under/next to my seat without using the straps without worry. The factory straps would probably be fine, but since I use longer rods I prefer things to be closer to the deck.<br /><br />Other than foregoing the factory straps and placing the butt next to/under the seat, this was an easy fix. The strap is the same one found on the Feelfree Overdrive case. I had some extras laying around (I'm a dealer and about 25% of customers want to keep these shipping cases). I simply installed another set of straps further back closer to the seat. This works perfect for rods over 6'! And I still use the factory ones for securing my stakeout pole or attaching other accessories. By no means is this a deal-breaker - I have customers asking for the tip protector setup custom installed on their Lures and other kayaks. It was just personal preference for me. And as a dealer, I am installing the secondary straps free-of-charge for any customers using longer rods.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDErb4BbzTlMYXGFPVXQsiFloXImo4AdxeaGbRADaF-3RFCPZ7-eo95lukLjSds3LtqmhTObDmTOIwvkQeqJ8OLosEjJzgUJCQwRQP4iVf6qMWmxmYk8ICR57Cf8avitR675L6nCLYObZx/s1600/20200306_164542.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDErb4BbzTlMYXGFPVXQsiFloXImo4AdxeaGbRADaF-3RFCPZ7-eo95lukLjSds3LtqmhTObDmTOIwvkQeqJ8OLosEjJzgUJCQwRQP4iVf6qMWmxmYk8ICR57Cf8avitR675L6nCLYObZx/s200/20200306_164542.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="150" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3Yi0iU5JjtC5bqZCeMEp5sw5VsYLvrjFTaplkeJWCyPxF5dmomtQE7Du25tFmBdcMpVZoVPDuCenGaKYJubyNKagAjTdyAtHfCkawKVSEzkr6Fx7kR4HqUub19jw66lIjUV7Lbegwtb_/s1600/20200401_162212.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3Yi0iU5JjtC5bqZCeMEp5sw5VsYLvrjFTaplkeJWCyPxF5dmomtQE7Du25tFmBdcMpVZoVPDuCenGaKYJubyNKagAjTdyAtHfCkawKVSEzkr6Fx7kR4HqUub19jw66lIjUV7Lbegwtb_/s200/20200401_162212.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /><b>Paddle-ability: </b>As expected, this boat paddles like a dream. The old Moken 12.5 was fast and tracked amazing. The new one does the same. I haven't confirmed this via GPS speed tracking, but I feel like the new one is a TAD slower (slightly heavier boat and sonar pod opening may cause additional drag). But I have not officially tested this, nor do I care because it still paddles with ease. Using a Bending Branches Angler Pro Carbon I can paddle it at about 3.5 MPH (GPS tracked) and get to 5 MPH if I'm pushing it. Well within my expectations for a fishing kayak I can stand in.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ysoUcvg44bThnVP6tehu-bUXFUj9j8bT08OEZ5GZvguVCNss5bVQxDVXT9WGtK-Nc2G3HkUdPFuBgTRZfvz8iyr4Rq4OdWA9E6JjNwpfvgJGEBnooshmjZl5cL-L-YpST_B2cQkU-ZK6/s1600/IMG_4078.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ysoUcvg44bThnVP6tehu-bUXFUj9j8bT08OEZ5GZvguVCNss5bVQxDVXT9WGtK-Nc2G3HkUdPFuBgTRZfvz8iyr4Rq4OdWA9E6JjNwpfvgJGEBnooshmjZl5cL-L-YpST_B2cQkU-ZK6/s320/IMG_4078.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /><b>Gizmos: </b> I say I want to get to my roots of kayak fishing by simplifying things. But lets be real, I love my 7" touchscreen Garmin 73SV sonar. Naturally, I want to mount it in this kayak. And I can do it with ease, just the same as I did in my Lure with the sonar pod. I toss an Energized Outdoors 30ah lithium in the pod that can run for days. Like the Lure, the sonar pod is recessed in the hull. You can drag the boat down the road without damaging the transducer. But it does impede with side imaging. Not a deal-breaker for me, but you will need to shim the transducer down to get side imaging to be effective.<br /><br />With the open hull/hatch I can also run wiring, etc. as I did in my Lure 11.5/13.5. I am able to run my sonar, solar panel, and Garmin VIRB (action camera) on this boat without effort.<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1383lpOa3ZXzLuODIs5PpIGlzHjb-_xEaFkMJhgm5snqH_pG-TrS3jOma4KTM8985G8csVQ5fslszfz39j2x1Ir4EzhXTfgtx9pDktZVlXIG4WSYSvuraiQGbx8LkbzP16UVyyZUCucLr/s1600/20200419_082415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1383lpOa3ZXzLuODIs5PpIGlzHjb-_xEaFkMJhgm5snqH_pG-TrS3jOma4KTM8985G8csVQ5fslszfz39j2x1Ir4EzhXTfgtx9pDktZVlXIG4WSYSvuraiQGbx8LkbzP16UVyyZUCucLr/s200/20200419_082415.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJ7bt0WJGU2seH7_KX2aK2xe_U0IGZg3RNJKPFezUUnp4izexsQgkPp80XniuwzVnvwzmcqyTAHdhs5Ri5FEBOTk8DrT_AMOtP3RpkF6LpsP7BoTjq-WblGDXcH2ZLtNdtq-V-asHz84z/s1600/20200306_151044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJ7bt0WJGU2seH7_KX2aK2xe_U0IGZg3RNJKPFezUUnp4izexsQgkPp80XniuwzVnvwzmcqyTAHdhs5Ri5FEBOTk8DrT_AMOtP3RpkF6LpsP7BoTjq-WblGDXcH2ZLtNdtq-V-asHz84z/s200/20200306_151044.jpg" width="150" /></a><b>Significant Water Time and 9 Months Later....</b>I've had the kayak for 9 months now, and I have used it on everything from swampy backwaters, moving rivers, big lakes, rolling whitecaps, frigid winter water, etc. Here are my follow-ups on this platform.<b><br /></b><b><br />Do I still like it as much as I did when I first got it?</b><br />Absolutely, it is my primary boat. I still love the paddling speed/tracking/simplicity of it.<br /><br /><b>Can the Overdrive Pedals be used in it?</b><br />Naturally, I needed to try this. I removed my Dorado/Lure pedals and dropped them in the Moken 12.5v2. They fit! I didn't want to do a full conversion so I redneck engineered a rope to hold them into the hull for a trial run. Unfortunately, the seat doesn't go far enough back to be able to pedal them. My knees were in my chest and knees bowed out. Also, I didn't get more speed out of the pedals than paddling. This said.....<br /><br />This boat was never intended to be a pedal drive boat. It was made to paddle well, which it absolutely does. It would take significant modifications/redneck engineering to make it work with pedals, but it would impact the balance of the boat and stability (moving the seat up higher on the rails and somehow bolting it down near the rear tankwell.<br /><br />I got this kayak to paddle and reduce complexity. I never expected to pedal it. But I was naturally curious.<br /><br /><b>What Issues Have Come Up?</b><br />None. The boat has been solid. No cracks, breaks, or anything of the sort. The kayak lives on the roof of my truck (it was garaged in the winter between outings).<br /><b><br />What have I changed/added to the boat?</b>A few things:<br /><ul>
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<b>Rod holder straps:</b> I mentioned adding these when I first got it, but wanted to re-iterate it again. I use longer rods so I added rubber straps further back (you could move the factory ones back if you want but I like to strap my stakeout/net in those).<br /><br /><b>Scupper plugs: </b>As mentioned before, due to my weight a bit of water comes in the front scupper holes for me. Not much, and the holes in the Moken are recessed so it mostly just holds in that area. I found putting in the Feelfree scupper plugs with the tops open (so water can still drain out) is perfect. It allows drainage should I get water on the deck but lets little-to-no water in. I actually cut the covers off the set I put in and just leave the bottom part in. Works great and kept dry even in cold water.<br /><br /><b>Anchor trolley: </b>I'm not big on deep water anchoring or trolleys, but glad I put it on the Moken. With the Dorado/Lure I had pedals and could hold my position easier in light currents/wind. Going back to the paddle makes that more challenging at times. So I use the trolley for that. I also use it to run my drag chain on rivers (allowing me to drag it at the back and float at an angle to the shore or float backwards at an angle). I also use it for my fish grips/net when holding a fish for a tournament photo, etc.<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWtjXvQ8TQVqt50_h5-kW_1WMyhkMKnWx52GxQKP0yx_K4_l_KNHvJ_guwLY-I4VFDtiRzn9tJZznOZNkNrSM6yTAjJHjt-fSc1vBUwBLYYuEtZz_FinYItyPFjdNS_64DhxoY0g7Iby62/s1600/20200306_150951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWtjXvQ8TQVqt50_h5-kW_1WMyhkMKnWx52GxQKP0yx_K4_l_KNHvJ_guwLY-I4VFDtiRzn9tJZznOZNkNrSM6yTAjJHjt-fSc1vBUwBLYYuEtZz_FinYItyPFjdNS_64DhxoY0g7Iby62/s200/20200306_150951.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a><b>YakGadget QuickStop: </b>I install these by default on all of my boats now. I fish shallow mostly and use it all the time. It is inexpensive, simple, sold. I use it to hold spots to work an area, or drop it quick when I have a fish on the line when in a tight spot to avoid getting tangled in other obstacles<br /><br /><b>Front and rear Railblaza Starport mounts: </b>These are for my Garmin VIRB action camera, or I can attach the Railblaza lights if I choose to do so.</div>
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<br /><b>USB and power switch on sonar pod: </b>I run a USB extension to power my Garmin VIRB. I got the electronic components from Ice Hole Power <a href="https://www.iceholepower.com/">https://www.iceholepower.com/</a> - great products, prices, and extremely fast shipping.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEM9KAPVRHJVTXOfXAsEJ4CyEUr8Izt3yezdCQ4ME5yJ4zMM0GiRwSDFj-sgGSv3PxEan_6P0vEYj0ocO8QqFrRPrgBe0Gi3i-AC2kS3PIIX6pEw8zywGjLrjlIPw0LbeO_PW3gNVVxva-/s1600/20200601_193842.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEM9KAPVRHJVTXOfXAsEJ4CyEUr8Izt3yezdCQ4ME5yJ4zMM0GiRwSDFj-sgGSv3PxEan_6P0vEYj0ocO8QqFrRPrgBe0Gi3i-AC2kS3PIIX6pEw8zywGjLrjlIPw0LbeO_PW3gNVVxva-/s200/20200601_193842.jpg" width="150" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1lPGpI4dVesFv9aHwNdyvkzlGXyLGFX52cKxRbLv-zKt7ZAdCEu4kNRfdHEIPBNKQvHlW77kkysmR2QLwHBxRZvh-jB-5foMj_XbPbOp8GnfIa7pws4q4cQE77oweqxT1xGhr7kpr7wUH/s1600/20200601_193910.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1lPGpI4dVesFv9aHwNdyvkzlGXyLGFX52cKxRbLv-zKt7ZAdCEu4kNRfdHEIPBNKQvHlW77kkysmR2QLwHBxRZvh-jB-5foMj_XbPbOp8GnfIa7pws4q4cQE77oweqxT1xGhr7kpr7wUH/s200/20200601_193910.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /><b>Front hatch bungee: </b>Some pad eyes and bungee gave me a spot to strap on my hand bilge, attach a bag, etc. A simple mod that is quite handy.</div>
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I hope this review helps those looking into the Moken 12.5v2. It is a solid boat that is a welcome upgrade from the old model. A Swiss Army Knife of kayaks! </div>
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<b>You can buy the Moken directly from Feelfree here: </b></div>
<b style="color: #212121; font-family: Poppins, "Helvetica Neue", "Calibri Light", Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; letter-spacing: 0.3px; white-space: pre;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;"><a href="https://www.feelfreeus.com/collections/fishing-kayaks/products/moken-12-5-v2?ref=vqznc8yzmaq&variant=31999222218891" target="_blank">Feelfree Moken 12.5 Product Page</a></b></div>
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Small Craft Fishermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06782520720595240282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418304730068406638.post-86518940586474446232018-11-15T20:08:00.001-06:002018-11-15T20:08:48.685-06:00Mystery of the Mississippi Part 1I am blessed to be a short drive to the mighty Mississippi River. Pool 4 of the Mississippi is my primary location to take my clients kayak fishing (see my business <a href="http://www.smallcraftoutfitters.com/">www.smallcraftoutfitters.com</a>). It offers a vast variety of species, it is common to see several bald eagles, and other wildlife is abundant there as well. The views can also be breathtaking with the bluffs of Wisconsin. The river changes by the day and brings new challenges and mystery to the adventure. You never know what kind of fish will end up on the end of your line, what the water/beaver dams/other wildlife will allow you to explore. Disclaimer: With this beauty and mystery comes a high level of danger. Currents, barge traffic on the main channel, and a maze of backwaters. These can all get you lost, injured, or worse. If exploring them alone or for the first few times, be sure to be well informed by a guide or local.<br />
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This time of year it is quite cold in Wisconsin and the duck hunters swarm the backwaters I frequent on Pool 4. So Chang of www.cxfishing.com and I try our hand at the top of Pool 4 on the main channel in search for walleye (or anything willing to bite really). The morning starts out with 20+ MPH winds, rain, and some icy precipitation. Temperatures are rising from the mid/high 30s to the low 40s. Terrible conditions for kayaking, or even boat fishing. But with bitter cold and ice looming in our NW Wisconsin future, we forge ahead.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTgc0L3iYvp3v9XLtu7DchTWhaATvTW6KBcms9ulxxQbk0dukpEukcRiButOJ-eFi1-xGg4EBOclxgV3KGtF-o9mP-o3qEIC6SNt60EOdHDpwoC7uzDm61vIrTzo1uWWuZ4ByMla_jhYdE/s1600/20181028_083520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTgc0L3iYvp3v9XLtu7DchTWhaATvTW6KBcms9ulxxQbk0dukpEukcRiButOJ-eFi1-xGg4EBOclxgV3KGtF-o9mP-o3qEIC6SNt60EOdHDpwoC7uzDm61vIrTzo1uWWuZ4ByMla_jhYdE/s320/20181028_083520.jpg" width="320" /></a>Our vehicles sway as the wind pushes our rooftop kayaks and vehicles while making the 45 minute drive to <a href="http://www.evertsfishingresort.com/" target="_blank">Everts Resort</a>, our favorite launch location for winter kayak fishing. A few empty boat trailers linger in the parking lot. The place is usually busy, but the terrible weather seems to thwarting the usual crowds. We get a few crazy looks, and some people stopping with questions (as we usually do when fishing this big of water). A couple parking passes and scoops of minnows from the bait shop later, we are off.<br />
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One of the most deceiving things of the Mississippi river is the current. From shore it is visible but not always easy to perceive. With the recent rain, a shove from the shore told us immediately we were in for a long day as it immediately shoved us downstream. Chang and I drop our pedals and start heading upstream (we always head upstream as not to trap ourselves downstream later in the day). <br />
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As we pedal at our usual pace, the water is moving swiftly around us. We hear the familiar lapping of water on the keel indicating forward motion. The wind is gusting 10-20 MPH in our faces, but it feels good to be on the water. Then reality hits as I catch a glimpse of the boat ramp in my peripheral vision. Though pedaling at a normal pace, the fast current and strong headwinds are pushing us backwards!<br />
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We kick it up a notch while watching the shore. We are finally making progress, though minimal. But we eventually bypass the launch and adjacent dock. Everts is located in a slight bend in the river, so we hold to shore, aiming for the elbow of the curve where the current is noticeably slower and sheltered by the shoreline trees.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFv7bXi2355r3d-sbN14MdUfgE_Itdi24S738pD8y6dLKdCvjsS0AX-e_CI7-_HzXdfOJvYj_e-gyhaZbOocOYg81zgFaGwY2097POuat8Dk-GXv9DvNeS7OpHpQnl4Ev11SCLKXwD35ME/s1600/fullsizeoutput_f9a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFv7bXi2355r3d-sbN14MdUfgE_Itdi24S738pD8y6dLKdCvjsS0AX-e_CI7-_HzXdfOJvYj_e-gyhaZbOocOYg81zgFaGwY2097POuat8Dk-GXv9DvNeS7OpHpQnl4Ev11SCLKXwD35ME/s320/fullsizeoutput_f9a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo By: Chang Lor of www.cxfishing.com </td></tr>
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We finally reach the elbow in the river near a channel marker. The current is still swift, but I can at least prep a rod without losing too much ground. I take this opportunity to quickly put a crawler on one of two Northland Tackle Crawler Hauler rigs I brought and dropped it to the depths below. The current takes the rig away from my kayak while I gently pedal in place. Once satisfied with the trolling distance, I close my bail and increase my pedal rate for gentle forward motion.<br />
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A short time later, my rod bends aggressively. I give it a hookset to be sure and begin to reel, it is moving - fish on! I end up pulling in a nice rock bass, a species I don't often catch. We are hopeful this is a sign of a very active bite.<br />
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Unfortunately, it wasn't. Fast forward a couple hours, we are about a mile upstream. We are pedaling hard to keep a meager forward momentum. If not for the thick woods at the shoreline, landing ashore and dragging the kayaks would likely be faster. The river shows signs of the summer flooding as we progress upstream. I am trolling two crawler haulers in rod holders off the back of my Feelfree Lure 13.5 while I pedal. Every once-in-a-while the rig and bottom bouncer catches on smaller brush, which I assume washed downstream from the summer floods. <br />
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Exhausted from heavy pedaling in the swift current and heavy head winds, Chang and I are nearly out of steam. We round a slight bend and spot our target - the lock and dam delineating Pools 4 and 3 of the Mississippi River. We have fished that area before and done well. That is our goal. We round some walleye boats fishing about 10 yards off shore and aim for a section of rip-rap lining the shore. A perfect spot for bank fishing, lunch, and a break. Then the drag starts screaming on one of the rods I'm trolling.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUUYy4zVNpmNqOMoNzvGBuLj1fxbGw7lUIcgXBCufvW989a2MEeZWJ8zPn4iRHo5jfrIq3opfV59Ftp7QPbwRJCEKIV4K3caVPpdaR7KVZDZodu9bnktg3JW8Mesy2AXLFu-9Jt2J4-c_/s1600/20181028_095915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUUYy4zVNpmNqOMoNzvGBuLj1fxbGw7lUIcgXBCufvW989a2MEeZWJ8zPn4iRHo5jfrIq3opfV59Ftp7QPbwRJCEKIV4K3caVPpdaR7KVZDZodu9bnktg3JW8Mesy2AXLFu-9Jt2J4-c_/s320/20181028_095915.jpg" width="320" /></a>My heart rate increases, my adrenal glands are cautiously optimistic and release just enough adrenaline to make me forget about my exhaustion from fighting the current. I grab my rod out of the rod holder, tighten the drag and set the hook. A solid hookset. The mystery fish at the end of the line is moving! I continue to fight what is surely a massive fish. It continues to intermittently take drag. I don't want to force it and snap the line. I look over my shoulder to see where Chang is and he is pedaling behind me, heading for shore. He has taken notice to my epic battle.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUoXMene-CNQAv7Fw4lloa-b9kBtm1rztUdQGKCZzrsYOfpaZb5txWIYz0mR7hwrPPzW5t4zfJselARO2u-W6BHd7LjZ9nt_1UmK4vlfDq8gyczKkzLpd9e4CliZK0Nu1UjJEkSNL061-/s1600/20181028_134020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUoXMene-CNQAv7Fw4lloa-b9kBtm1rztUdQGKCZzrsYOfpaZb5txWIYz0mR7hwrPPzW5t4zfJselARO2u-W6BHd7LjZ9nt_1UmK4vlfDq8gyczKkzLpd9e4CliZK0Nu1UjJEkSNL061-/s320/20181028_134020.jpg" width="320" /></a>My little burst of adrenaline has worn off and I opt to head to shore to remove the current from the battle. However, I notice Chang's efforts to pedal towards shore become more labored. And my "fish" fights anytime he pedals. Crap.<br />
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Long story short, we do an awkward pedal/paddle effort towards shore to get out of the current because it is carrying us directly towards a couple of walleye boats. We eventually are successful and Chang is able to pull his Feelfree Overdrive out, cut my line, unwrap it, and recover my Crawler Hauler and bottom bouncer without issue. <br />
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Only a few yards from our rip-rap destination, we pull the kayaks ashore. We laugh the situation off, and I toss my remaining Crawler Hauler out from the bank as I prep my meal. But this adventure isn't over yet. The Mississippi never fails to surprise and amaze. Stay tuned for part 2 of this crazy adventure.<br />
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Small Craft Fishermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06782520720595240282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418304730068406638.post-31849037119180780652018-10-10T20:26:00.001-05:002018-10-10T20:30:56.692-05:00Re-Centering to My Happy PlaceLike a jet ski buzzing my bow, the summer was a ride that went by like a blur. It was rough at times, but rewarding. Most importantly, I came out unscathed. Before the snow was even off the ground my garage was filled with kayaks. My business, <a href="http://www.smallcraftoutfitters.com/" target="_blank">Small Craft Outfitters</a>, was in business for its second year. We had exponentially more kayaks and guided kayak fishing trips this year. I feel truly blessed to have had such a good year already! We still aren't out of the red yet, but we will get there. Someday.<br />
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I love bringing my passion of kayak fishing to others through my writing, forums, social media, selling kayaks, and guiding. Between the business adventures, my family, volunteer EMT work, and day job the summer filled up to the brim. As the season wound down, my wife reminded me to be cautious. She doesn't want to see my passion become a job or a grind. I had only gotten out on the water a couple times all season for pleasure. Even then, it seemed I was piggy-backing some kind of business engagement on those trips.<br />
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Fate and/or Mother Nature must have concurred because the temperatures quickly dropped here in Northwest Wisconsin. The boat launches and beaches are barren and the warm summer air captured by the water can be seen succumbing to the crisp fall air as a thick fog in the mornings.<br />
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Fall, my favorite fishing season, brings business to a screeching halt. An opportunity to re-center. Reduce focus on the business and focus on more important aspects of my life. My family, my community, and myself. Fall allows me to slow down, spend more time with my family, open up my weekends to increase my volunteerism with our local Emergency Services, and spend some time on the water with my friends. This is my Happy Place.<br />
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This year finding my happy place didn't come as easily. Between my busy schedule and the odd weather, this year was a tough bite. There were record temps and record flooding that impacted my favorite fisheries. This made my job as a fishing guide much more challenging and, at times, downright frustrating. Last weekend, I was still stuck in that rut as Chang Lor of Cxfishing and I tried to get on a fall bite.<br />
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Our favorite fall spot was saturated with duck boats, our backup spot was limited in launch locations due to maintenance on the reservoir's dam. The water temps were dropping, but a few lingering warm days didn't drop it enough to start the fall bite. With a poor bite and other obligations that day, my enthusiasm and time on the water ended quickly. But I knew it was still there, my Happy Place. I just had to change things up to find it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpsBsB6IcIHd0wVBKq6YyRn9Z8UWt6LQ36RVWZ7qoXQT6K2R4po2VCUDimyjDtE6qmaVD-jqzMQ1QI613ZlTyZ1RZrp7pSibiOkgKMt3Ua5vXWzZmIPVfkiH62mWe8msllbhOY-I8eTk8/s1600/fullsizeoutput_f72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpsBsB6IcIHd0wVBKq6YyRn9Z8UWt6LQ36RVWZ7qoXQT6K2R4po2VCUDimyjDtE6qmaVD-jqzMQ1QI613ZlTyZ1RZrp7pSibiOkgKMt3Ua5vXWzZmIPVfkiH62mWe8msllbhOY-I8eTk8/s320/fullsizeoutput_f72.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo By: Chang Lor of www.cxfishing.com </td></tr>
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Fast forward a week. Temperatures mostly stayed down, confirmed by the heat rising from the river in town every morning. Chang and I opted to visit our main fall spot, and we were glad we did. The bite was good. Still a bit slow, but we were catching quality fish. And they were still fighting hard. I l landed several respectable largemouth bass and Chang caught some pigs, one a shade under 5 lb. But as the afternoon crept up on us, the bite continued to slow. We were both tired. I lost what was likely my personal best bass due to lack of energy to set the hook. We decided to throw in the towel. This was a step in the right direction, but something was still missing for me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTbjr51cIzPaRy20dU4vtEQ1ObBOgsSZxjWdzJl97F1vHvjPh1cSZGV2Sn6HvYa3XFyG2xJn7L1dIIGHFFbPG5DmPsY5VqJyc7VjkYa_fNTt2ikCIKlCIhU4uqaHMl_xVuV_AVKIJkZ0j/s1600/20181006_085007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTbjr51cIzPaRy20dU4vtEQ1ObBOgsSZxjWdzJl97F1vHvjPh1cSZGV2Sn6HvYa3XFyG2xJn7L1dIIGHFFbPG5DmPsY5VqJyc7VjkYa_fNTt2ikCIKlCIhU4uqaHMl_xVuV_AVKIJkZ0j/s320/20181006_085007.jpg" width="320" /></a>That evening, I was chatting with Chang. I had family plans the next day but we decided to sneak out on my home lake for a couple of hours. With the early signs of the fall bite, I was hopeful that trend would continue as the fish fatten up for the bitter cold and ice to come. We made plans to meet at first light the next morning. However, I had to figure out how to get out of the grind or rut of the tough summer bite and go back to what I know and love. That is fall fishing out of a kayak. Simple as that.<br />
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I looked out my window at my truck loaded with my Feelfree Lure 13.5. It has everything. Overdrive pedal drive, a tackle bag equipped with 5 rod holders and 7 - 3700 trays, a cooler, two more rod holders, an ultra-comfortable seat, amazing stability, plenty of deck space, my GoPro mount, a solar panel, the list goes on. People who fish from a kayak know "The Routine". Everyone has a routine for launching and loading. Untying/unloading the kayak, getting the rods out and in their spots in the wide selection of rod holders, putting in the fish finder and/or pedal drive, putting the refreshments in the cooler, spare gear in the hatch, tackle in the storage spots, safety gear within reach, keys/wallet/phone in safe spots, PFD on your back, launch, fish, return, and repeat in reverse. It can be quite the process that in my state of exhaustion sounded.....exhausting. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love my bigger kayaks and would never downsize. However, at that moment, I decided I needed to simplify, exponentially, and come up with a "throw and go" configuration for the next day.<br />
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Enter my newest boat, the 3 Waters GT 105 kayak. Light, fast, surprisingly stable, a sit-in, and MSRP of a meager $399. I had installed rod holders in it for such an occasion. So I went outside, drained/sponged the rain water out, and threw in a few things. My Bending Branches Angler Pro paddle (costs almost as much as the kayak - but worth every penny), a box of Northland Tackle spinner baits, my wading tackle bag with pliers and JBs Fish Sauce scents, my safety gear, and my PFD. It all fit in the hatch and cockpit of the kayak. Satisfied with my decision, I set my alarm and go to bed.<br />
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I wake up 45 minutes past my intended launch time. I had shut off my alarm in my sleep. Jumping out of bed, I grab the cold weather layers I had laid out the night before and head out the door. Normally I will have pre-loaded all of my gear in my truck to save time in the morning. No need, I grab the GT with all of my gear in it, slide it in the truck, and throw one strap around it. This succinct ritual is repeated at the launch. Remove one strap, slide it out, park, and go. A smile hit my face. No worrying about forgetting anything, no heavy gear, just the basics. And it felt great.<br />
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It was a picturesque fall morning. Some wish for 75 degrees and bright blue skies for kayaking. I wish for a day like this. Air temps in the 40s, water temps unknown but well under the point where topwater works (electronics stayed home), overcast skies, and sky warned us of upcoming rain by teasing us with a light drizzle. I knew the fish would be biting and Chang and I would have the lake to ourselves. Only we are crazy enough to fish this lake in these conditions in a reservoir down 3 feet for maintenance. But it paid off.<br />
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I am used to the large, ultra-stable, ultra-comfortable Feelfree Lure lines. That comfort and stability comes at a price, speed. So taking off from the launch with the 3 Waters GT feels like a human propelled plastic rocket. I was across the bay to meet up with Chang in a (relative) blink of an eye. He reports success with decently sized panfish. Due to medical issues last fall, I did not fish. I was determined to get my fall bass bite fix. I pull my spinnerbait rod from the custom installed rod holders like it were my Excalibur and start tossing a 1/2 oz Northland Tackle Reed Runner 2 in Firetiger, my year-round go to lure.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQVk1xnJlZexDidU7pWfoGAh73hhyphenhyphenwwfQolmardPXM4EScNzhEcVQmxZT2JjyewI6An5q7nXRiBlfWmjFThI1xVgXajiIOgeLnceYseK51o5UoGMbQ2qi9wYhe28IB3rrPpfQ_F9uVQ73/s1600/fullsizeoutput_f1c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQVk1xnJlZexDidU7pWfoGAh73hhyphenhyphenwwfQolmardPXM4EScNzhEcVQmxZT2JjyewI6An5q7nXRiBlfWmjFThI1xVgXajiIOgeLnceYseK51o5UoGMbQ2qi9wYhe28IB3rrPpfQ_F9uVQ73/s320/fullsizeoutput_f1c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo By: Chang Lor of www.cxfishing.com </td></tr>
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A few casts later and a fresh application of <a href="http://www.jbsfishsauce.com/" target="_blank">JBs Fishsauce scent</a>, I get a hit. Based on yesterday's bite, the fall bite is just starting. This means a feeding/fighting frenzy. The bass are biting hard and fighting the same. Once the fall bite is peaked and nearing the end, the bass will be like limp noodles after being hooked. Their instinct before ice is to conserve as much energy as possible before the long winter. This fish is doing the same. No beast, but a respectable fish. Chang captures a photo of my first fish in the 3 Waters GT and my first fish in a sit-in kayak!<br />
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Hopeful this quick catch is a sign of things to come, I continue working the bank. The efficient and light design of the GT kayak allows me to use the 1/2 oz dual-blade spinnerbait as a trolling motor. I work the bank in a fan pattern. About 10 yards from shore I cast forward then fan to the right, repeat. This pulls me in a perfect pattern to key ambush spots. This method produces another bass......errrr pike? I am not sure because this fish is taking me for sleigh a ride in this little boat. I'm usually able to tell a pike from a bass, but not in this case.<br />
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As I get pulled around, the kayak leans hard to my right. Unlike other sit-in kayaks I have used, never did I feel like I would tip. I could land a massive pike in this boat without concern. Pushing the sit-in stereotype aside, I continue to reel and see a large flash of silver next to the boat. Then it was gone in an instant. I didn't have a good hook set on this 4+ lb bass. Normally I'd get upset losing a respectable fish. Instead I have a massive smile on my face and laugh it off and continue down the shore.<br />
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A short time later, I catch two respectable bass on back-to-back casts. This is my moment, when I re-discovered my Happy Place. I take a moment to enjoy the crisp gentle breeze, the fall colors on the surrounding trees, the local bald eagle and vultures gliding above the water on their morning hunts, and the silence. Pure silence and calm as I float. I felt a renewed appreciation for this fishery and this sport I love. No pressure to catch fish, no pressure to help others catch fish, no additional rods and pounds of tackle to make me consider constantly switching rods. Just my sit-in, safety gear, and spinnerbaits. Life is good.<br />
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I continue working the stretch of bank in the same manner as before. Though many dinks were caught, I lost count of the number of fish I caught. All within an hour's time. I couldn't have been happier (well, a state record fish may have made me happier - but no complaints). I caught so many fish my spinner bait wire fell apart from repeated bends.<br />
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Due to limited time, I opt to toss the other rod I brought with a Rapala DT 6 as to not waste time tying on another lure. I work the same shoreline in the same manner as I did before and manage to land several more fish. I meet Chang who was slowly working the shoreline for panfish. He reports continued success with pan fish as I continue working the shoreline to the spot where I missed the 4+ lb. bass. Unfortunately, I was unable to get him to bite again.<br />
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I take another moment to breathe in the crisp fall air and enjoy the scenery and solitude of the morning. I stash my rods in the rod holders, and paddle on towards Chang to exchange goodbyes while getting in some exercise via a rigorous paddle across the lake and back to the launch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOdLkHHBIiUZhpOkfRpZTccd-bY3TAf48OdFW2yzd2GHpC-rPsPabz0mpmwzwFHJJEu65jU6e7CsRaF7BoWoAYG0g1bsWez7-U81E_fyZD7xMNI2-cefGzrxfceiiJbqiu9TWSEzbNDcT/s1600/20181010_113000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOdLkHHBIiUZhpOkfRpZTccd-bY3TAf48OdFW2yzd2GHpC-rPsPabz0mpmwzwFHJJEu65jU6e7CsRaF7BoWoAYG0g1bsWez7-U81E_fyZD7xMNI2-cefGzrxfceiiJbqiu9TWSEzbNDcT/s320/20181010_113000.jpg" width="320" /></a>My load-up process is the reverse of my launch and takes a dismal 5 minutes. I take a few extra minutes to reflect on the morning and how successful it was on so many levels. The GT kayak did not disappoint. For a sub-$400 boat it blew me away. It will be stored for the colder weather, but made me appreciate the simplicity it brought me. I decided to get a roof rack for my truck on which I can keep my wife's Feelfree Moken 12.5. Also a fast boat, but the sit-in design makes it more cold-water friendly. It will reside on the top of my truck unless I opt to do an all day float with my Feelfree Lure 13.5.<br />
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This fall, I will continue to find my Happy Place so the thick ice of the winter makes my heart grow even fonder for the sport I love over the bitter Wisconsin winter. I learned this year the importance of re-centering your soul by re-discovering your happy place before it becomes your grind.<br />
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<br />Small Craft Fishermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06782520720595240282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418304730068406638.post-64236490119947567832018-03-07T16:06:00.002-06:002018-03-07T16:10:54.582-06:00Hypersketchy and HypothermicFirst of all, I'd like to apologize to my regular readers for the silence. I was going to school to become an EMT while dealing with some family health issues over the fall/winter. I am back, and it feels good to be writing again! My first big outing of 2018 was exactly what I needed to resurrect my writing. A day kayak fishing with my good friend Chang of www.cxfishing.com!<br />
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It is March in Wisconsin. Temperatures range from -10 to 45. We can see 50+ degree swings in a day. The robins and geese are returning from the south, bald eagles and ravens enjoying feasts of the roadkill previously frozen under feet of snow. Wisconsinites are out in t-shirts and shorts, anxiously awaiting warm-weather activities.<br />
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When this happens you'll find a majority of Wisconsinites doing things the rest of the country would deem "crazy". We wear shorts, we grill (though we never actually stop doing that all winter), we take convertibles out (top down), motorcycles will be spotted on the road, we'll still ice fish though it is rapidly melting, and we'll hit any open water we can for some walleye. Chang and I took it to another level.<br />
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The plans started early in the week when the weather was melting the snow and reports showed temperatures maintaining 40s during the day. We'd launch at <a href="http://www.evertsfishingresort.com/" target="_blank">Everts Resort</a> in Hager City Wisconsin. We had tested out the <a href="http://www.feelfreeus.com/" target="_blank">FeelFree Overdrive</a> pedal system there in January. Just below the dam between the Mississippi River Pools 3 and 4, they have open water all year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBfD2-JpZglfCUge8Dg1_bnRUsRZgPskezL5P3FfckYhbxQtC8EO6RGj5LkGiM3BycKRZ0eJar8xv4_5LMyMNX7HeYjlRBxZYwXUr6Q-vKLV1ciSpo_YjoWCNWdNRGUt-F55sNWoa6wBV/s1600/20180302_153548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBfD2-JpZglfCUge8Dg1_bnRUsRZgPskezL5P3FfckYhbxQtC8EO6RGj5LkGiM3BycKRZ0eJar8xv4_5LMyMNX7HeYjlRBxZYwXUr6Q-vKLV1ciSpo_YjoWCNWdNRGUt-F55sNWoa6wBV/s320/20180302_153548.jpg" width="320" /></a>Saturday morning arrives, I am loaded and ready to go. Chang is borrowing a <a href="http://www.smallcraftoutfitters.com/" target="_blank">Small Craft Outfitters</a> kayak with a rudder because he is awaiting delivery of his pedal drive and rudder system for his. He does, however, have a brand new<a href="http://www.bendingbranches.com/" target="_blank"> Bending Branches Angler Pro in Raptor Green</a> to propel him up the Mississippi. Having just finished the Madison Fishing Expo in Madison, WI I moved mine from my show-friendly-shorter Lure 11.5 to my 13.5 for some extra space.<br />
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A 45 minute drive put us at Everts around 10 AM. The parking lot was loaded, staff were there shuttling people out to the road for overflow parking with their UTV. The driver pulls up as we are unloading the kayaks and says, "You guys are &*!$ crazy.". He couldn't believe we are planning to go up by the dam with the big boats. But we are used to pushing the limits and prepared for the challenge. <b><u>This said, DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME. These conditions were VERY dangerous. Without proper experience and equipment the outcome would have been fatal.</u></b><br />
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A short time later, our kayaks are rigged up and ready to go. We are impressed with the relatively short rig time as the new equipment tends to throw off our rigging routine the first couple times in the year. Leveraging (pun fully intended) the FeelFree wheel-in-the-keel of our Lures, we maneuver the kayaks near the top of the launch. I manage to maneuver my truck and kayak trailer between others in the parking lot, negating the need for a shuttle. After checking the drain plug for the third time on each kayak in these hypothermic conditions, we launch.<br />
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Chang is equipped with my Garmin Striker sonar and confirms the water temp at 36 degrees. The wind is blowing HARD upstream at about 10-20 MPH. My USGS scouting of the river flow at Red Wing, MN is confirmed. There is nearly no current downstream. Waves are about 1-3' with white caps making paddling dangerous. My longer 13.5 is getting tossed around a bit because it is longer than the gaps in waves and gets twisted between them at times. To add fuel to this watery fire, there are hundreds of boats chasing walleye. They vary from jon boats to $80,000 fully setup brand-new walleye boats. This boat traffic adds to the waves by clashing with them. I feel like I'm riding a mechanical bull. Except there is no pad below me, just 20 feet of certain hypothermia in the form of the Mississippi River. Nonetheless we, continue on.<br />
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It is approximately a 1.5 mile paddle to the dam. About halfway there, the wind is in our favor. However, the random thrashing waves makes navigation difficult. But eventually, we learn the kayaks blow sideways upstream well in the wind. Not recommended in this heavy chop, but our experience and kayaks can handle it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-b2Ta1FSJeV60vDu3fH3MnFwrsgYZuspZoRnuDAY6_HqTvzMJm0q-dKHxKOxp_O4JvLfY3W3FS40rvkQUo8fqkMvKm3P294nTWQddvvZqMLuGDisACs35UtbDF7a7GsjbWcntF_hx795/s1600/IMG_0864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-b2Ta1FSJeV60vDu3fH3MnFwrsgYZuspZoRnuDAY6_HqTvzMJm0q-dKHxKOxp_O4JvLfY3W3FS40rvkQUo8fqkMvKm3P294nTWQddvvZqMLuGDisACs35UtbDF7a7GsjbWcntF_hx795/s320/IMG_0864.JPG" width="320" /></a>After some drifting, jigging, dragging without success we can see the dam and 150+ boats in the small area below the dam. We continue to drift upstream and the boat traffic is crazy. I've kayak fished Castle Rock Lake in Central Wisconsin, so I've experienced boat traffic and chop before. But this was a whole new level. Hundreds of boats in a small space, some of which are weaving between other boats at high rates of speed. The wind is whipping up the Mississippi valley off the Wisconsin bluffs and increasing the chop.<br />
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After approximately a dozen boats went by buzzing us at high speeds, Chang said he was going to head closer to shore. I concurred. It was getting too crazy for comfort. A local Sheriff boat was patrolling the area, but that wouldn't be helpful if a 5,000 pound boat going 40+ MPH t-boned us. We got closer to shore and continued our float upstream thanks to the wind, and shortly thereafter came upon a slightly calmer section of water. Then a kayaker's dream in a mess of boats. Shallow water! <br />
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Chang and I use the shallow area as solace from the chaos experienced over the last hour or so. I use this as an opportunity to inhale a sandwich while working the holes in the area. With the rocks and debris in the holes, snags became common. But we'll take snags over the boat chaos. We each missed a few bites. The fish kept robbing my minnows. This being my first real open water fishing trip this year, I left some tackle (stinger hooks included) at home. Oh well, I enjoyed the float, the company, and getting my line wet.<br />
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In the frigid water, fish were conserving energy, not the topwater blowups or spinnerbait slams Chang and I are accustomed to. Thus, when I glance up to see what Chang is up to I didn't think anything of his rod bending over without the typical flick of a fish on. Until I seen the surface break.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLj9oi7ToWO6kHBIkCx3FcpHH1J0aX2bmHeG11Qeq_vdy_CIKcQ5hOW0Xd0dKuPB0L0b3LeyEKGbMyzBrCHE8a1Ul-Gw0ObUQMe-HGf6fU_HrvuUxCTpRALdIpoSHAvFtwKEXK4wneUZpT/s1600/20180303_135747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLj9oi7ToWO6kHBIkCx3FcpHH1J0aX2bmHeG11Qeq_vdy_CIKcQ5hOW0Xd0dKuPB0L0b3LeyEKGbMyzBrCHE8a1Ul-Gw0ObUQMe-HGf6fU_HrvuUxCTpRALdIpoSHAvFtwKEXK4wneUZpT/s320/20180303_135747.jpg" width="320" /></a>Anyone that has fished with Chang and I know we like to hollar when we catch something, it is muscle memory adding to the excitement of the catch. I try to hold back, but the other boats take notice to my excitement and start flocking around us like a group of ravens on fresh roadkill in May.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_lRlVfyGYnMXnXswCcRMS7Cz-yxnbovVni_BVPyMd0Ujj4eT3K-ReVVPtz88MRXIMwgnquI5apRmjZ2X0IPHlTmBel1eJqbVxEOIXA81ba7-NQ-Q4N7KUDyUMY5uQbGQFYcxQFNM8QU8P/s1600/IMG_20180304_125522_712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_lRlVfyGYnMXnXswCcRMS7Cz-yxnbovVni_BVPyMd0Ujj4eT3K-ReVVPtz88MRXIMwgnquI5apRmjZ2X0IPHlTmBel1eJqbVxEOIXA81ba7-NQ-Q4N7KUDyUMY5uQbGQFYcxQFNM8QU8P/s320/IMG_20180304_125522_712.jpg" width="320" /></a>A few moments later, Chang lands a nice eater size walleye! A quick use of the ruler on the shaft of our <a href="http://www.bendingbranches.com/" target="_blank">Bending Branches paddle</a> has it just under 17". The nearest boat looks and asks for details on how Chang caught it, a sign of a slow bite. A short time later Chang manages to land another fish. This time a Smallmouth Bass measuring 18". It is a beautiful light brown in the post-winter water with the tiger stripes radiating from its head. A beautiful fish, a female loaded with eggs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnULk8G49S0SZZMEHy4FWo65i_4g3YnBWmSS61mRkMfI462zJyBHfYTBDFUPDReBpFK8FUq7jmG1YIQvjG7_J6fyQt6lGD4JRp9ClGl9H0KRh3KYJ-dtNYyulSU-XgrhIAP9ZlrLElCRx/s1600/20180303_154737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnULk8G49S0SZZMEHy4FWo65i_4g3YnBWmSS61mRkMfI462zJyBHfYTBDFUPDReBpFK8FUq7jmG1YIQvjG7_J6fyQt6lGD4JRp9ClGl9H0KRh3KYJ-dtNYyulSU-XgrhIAP9ZlrLElCRx/s320/20180303_154737.jpg" width="320" /></a>We end up working our way through the parking lot of boats to the furthest point we can fish by the dam (DNR has a sign up about 50 yards from the dam that says we can't get closer until May). I temporarily land the kayak for a bio break (urinating in a kayak with multiple layers in hypothermic conditions is exponentially more difficult than it is in the summer). We then decide to make our way back into the strong headwind (though slightly better than the morning) back to the launch. This is when I discover the beauty of the new pedal drive system from Feelfree. I'm able to pedal into the current more efficiently than paddle.<br />
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A not-so-short time later we are entering the dock area of Everts Resort. We have grown accustomed to hundreds of looks and photos from boaters thinking we were nuts. A group of walleye fisherman in a beautiful walleye boat idle near us and ask how we did. We tell them it was slow, but we caught a couple. They asked, "Was it a little rough out there for ya today?". I smile and say, "Oh yeah". But we made it, we had fun, and will live to fish another day.... We'll be back, next time in safer conditions and more fish. Even so, I wouldn't trade my kayak for the most expensive of fishing boats. I've never been so at peace or caught bigger fish in my life.<br />
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<br />Small Craft Fishermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06782520720595240282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418304730068406638.post-53926096070138771982017-07-13T22:17:00.002-05:002022-07-22T15:50:56.992-05:00A(nother) Plea - It CAN Happen to You!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was a beautiful day for a river float. Hot, sunny, slight breeze, and the Red Cedar River was finally back to normal/safe levels after a raining June. Our friend and other Small Craft Outfitters Guide, Chang Lor of <a href="http://www.cxfishing.com/">www.cxfishing.com</a>, planned a fishing float. My wife opted to come along, looking to get a relaxing day sans children (they were beachin' with my parents for the weekend).<br />
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The night before we prepared the coolers, food (Chang and I eat a lot better when the wife comes and makes good food), water, etc. The fleet of <a href="http://www.feelfreeus.com/" target="_blank">Feelfree</a> Lures for Chang and I (and a Feelfree Moken for the wife) are on the trailer. Rods are prepared with river tackle, and our Bending Branches paddles are at the ready in the back of the Jeep. Kayak anglers and gear are impatiently waiting for the next day.<br />
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Morning arrives, we enthusiastically hook up the trailer, jump in the Jeep, and head towards the meet spot while sucking down some caffeine. My wife stands back as Chang and I go through the familiar unload/rig ritual performed dozens of times this year. When finished, she stays with the gear while we drop the Jeep and trailer at the takeout. A short time later we are floating.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmif025UJgY5NQw_M9A2h5-N9tBxoQno9E7dq714gAa8MVVtY1TuBi-bAw7ekZMjvLn73gs_NGUxYdSzRt_ESkqiQZSjIK1D-k1Eq_tSXi0kamHxceYhQ-lpJrliyuzJpr9oJNTS8Fqe-/s1600/IMG_20170708_144117449.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmif025UJgY5NQw_M9A2h5-N9tBxoQno9E7dq714gAa8MVVtY1TuBi-bAw7ekZMjvLn73gs_NGUxYdSzRt_ESkqiQZSjIK1D-k1Eq_tSXi0kamHxceYhQ-lpJrliyuzJpr9oJNTS8Fqe-/s320/IMG_20170708_144117449.jpg" width="320" /></a>We take our time, stopping at sandbars for food and to cool off. It is a beautiful day, so the fishing is slow. But we all manage to land a fish or two. I was proud because my wife caught her first walleye on a <a href="http://www.powerteamlures.com/" target="_blank">PowerTeam Lures 4.5" Grub</a> soaked in <a href="http://www.jbsfishsauce.com/" target="_blank">JBs Fishsauce</a>! She even handled the fish by herself and gave it a safe release. <br />
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We get near the end of the float in this beautiful area of the river. To the left is a steep sand bank 100'+ tall. On the right bars of smooth river rock and sand. We stop to enjoy the scenery, chat to some canoe anglers about our kayaks, then sit and chat. <br />
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I am not a religious person, but believe everything happens for a reason. For some reason Chang, Stacy, and I just sat there chatting about random things. I don't know why. Maybe it was because we were (finally) on no time crunch. Maybe it was the beautiful day or the beauty of this sandy s-curve area. Maybe it was to be there for what happened next.<br />
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After talking for a while, we seen a group of river tubers come around the corner and hang up on one of the branches on the opposite side of the river. We had passed several tubers who were enjoying this nice day earlier. We continued talking and noticed them stop in an odd spot in the swift current opposite us. A hazardous piece of the river that claimed a new pole of Chang's (and nearly me) last year. We assumed it was some people messing around. A short time later, Stacy said, "I think those people need help.".<br />
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I look over and there is a couple down the sandbar about 20 yards running for their canoe, they are going to go help the tubers calling out in distress. Knowing the canoe will be difficult to hold in the dangerous current, I jump in my wife's Feelfree Moken and grab my <a href="http://www.bendingbranches.com/" target="_blank">Bending Branches Angler Pro</a> paddle. The Moken is narrower than my Lure and much easier to paddle. It was my best chance of getting to these people and staying there if required. <br />
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Paddling vigorously, but calmly, towards the tubers I call out to ask if they are OK. I can't tell by the scene. They cannot hear me over the sounds of the river surrounding them. Paddling closer I can see they are indeed in need. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDioAPNA-xjmfUlhlzM2qVCSE5yAMaAx80Lg60eHfkFULqwkiztVoVRYBIyoepXy0j9oYNqew8MAwngO6qi-7DYaZTuXj-9GFFEOHLd6jQPNNQ-NBZ98fgrSY5lP7Wn7yX3B6ezHu5MCti/s1600/IMG_1628.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDioAPNA-xjmfUlhlzM2qVCSE5yAMaAx80Lg60eHfkFULqwkiztVoVRYBIyoepXy0j9oYNqew8MAwngO6qi-7DYaZTuXj-9GFFEOHLd6jQPNNQ-NBZ98fgrSY5lP7Wn7yX3B6ezHu5MCti/s320/IMG_1628.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I get closer to assess the situation. It is a family of 5. Two children, girls, about 12 and 15 years of age. The older of the two is in the water, her grandfather holding her up against the current. She was being pulled hard by the current and had ran into a rock or stump when she came off her tube. Her tube is now deflated, caught on a stump just under the water. Their tubes are tied together so the entire group is being held in the strong current with no escape and no life jackets.<br />
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While I'm assessing the situation, Chang was paddling his Feelfree Lure upstream, a difficult task in this fast current. I call out to him and Stacy, who is watching the situation unfold from the bank, calling out any problems she can see. I tell her to grab the spare life jacket we keep in one of the Lures and toss it to me. Chang is able to strong-arm his way upstream and toss the life jacket to me as the current sweeps him away.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdBwpcH_lqGn0bWkcuMhgTxcawTmyzqYiuO0Pmk9qwyPMRWSE8Ecgzx7OQ16eNskfcuWEpXK0Mu2cOTHy0XgNi2A9OT9ADmBpI83DLZWcwTpmI15ik_lU891UEtdc_nEBEsxqun-Svizt/s1600/IMG_1629.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdBwpcH_lqGn0bWkcuMhgTxcawTmyzqYiuO0Pmk9qwyPMRWSE8Ecgzx7OQ16eNskfcuWEpXK0Mu2cOTHy0XgNi2A9OT9ADmBpI83DLZWcwTpmI15ik_lU891UEtdc_nEBEsxqun-Svizt/s320/IMG_1629.jpg" width="320" /></a>Handing the life jacket to the girl in the water, I tell her to put it on. She puts it on backwards, the only way she can right now. But it will do. I try to free the tube from the stump but the current is too strong. I'm holding onto the grandfathers tube while trying to pull on the snagged one. I'm taking water over the side of my kayak. The force of 5 people pulling on it via the current is too strong to free it. The girl with the life jacket had bumped into something hard under water during the incident and was starting to panic about hitting something else if we freed them. <br />
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In an attempt to calm her down, I told her it was my only option and they would be pushed downstream to the corner where Chang and the couple in the Canoe were waiting to catch someone if needed. She was still panicking about hitting something, so I told her to pick up her legs. The water was deep her and that would keep her safe. I knew in my mind a bump, bruise, laceration, or break was better than drowning. And the party was only going to be able to hold onto her in this strong current for so long.<br />
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In addition to extra PFDs, we always carry extra safety gear on our kayaks. Chang, Stacy, and I are all CPR/FirstAid certified. I am also training to be an EMT. We each have a <a href="http://www.stohlquist.com/" target="_blank">Stohlquist</a> SqueezeLock knife on the rail of our kayaks (Chang found out the sheath for them snaps perfectly into the Feelfree track so it is handy). We also carry CPR masks, first aid kits, a Stohlquist throw bag, and other survival gear. Today I'm glad we do.<br />
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The nylon ropes connecting the snagged tube to the rest of the group are openly exposed. I can safely cut them without risking injury to the family. I pull the blade out of the sheath and cut the first rope. There is a brief jolt. Before any nerves can set in with the family, I cut the second rope and they float free down current.<br />
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Looking back, I see Chang and the couple in the canoe on the corner ready to catch them. Since I'm already upstream, I pull the limp tube off the stump and throw it on the deck of the kayak before turning around to check on the family.<br />
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At the corner, they are hanging onto the front of Chang's Lure. He is back paddling, but 5 people against the current is abating his progress. The couple in the canoe had thrown a life jacket to the other young girl in the group just in case she were to fall out. As I was trying to figure out how to get these people to shore, one of the girls is able to touch bottom and walk. I slide over the rail of the kayak and walk to them, grabbing the tubers, allowing Chang to reduce his paddling efforts. I suggest the family come to the sandbar so we can check them out and let them collect themselves (and honestly me too because my adrenaline was on fire in my veins). They thanked us profusely and insisted they were fine. But they were now short one tube. <br />
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I suggested the girl most shooken up (the one stuck in the water) ride on the front of my Lure. I explained the river was too dangerous to go without a craft. Sharp rocks, holes, undercurrents awaited them on the brief float to the takeout. She needed to be out of the water, especially shooken up and possibly injured. The family agreed she should ride with me, I assured them my kayak had room and was plenty stable.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqkH6R_nsa2-v2R88J7-GwbW3s04u3TYH-IFmB6Gza4qnrTZkJ1VEKJM6M2PLLjBvdbMXVPTBVirgb66eBOLowsjKe4dSCUNaVo7r6XBsJtDy78Mah39rbCD-0zXYfBAxeUDmnaAqqc1mR/s1600/IMG_1630.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqkH6R_nsa2-v2R88J7-GwbW3s04u3TYH-IFmB6Gza4qnrTZkJ1VEKJM6M2PLLjBvdbMXVPTBVirgb66eBOLowsjKe4dSCUNaVo7r6XBsJtDy78Mah39rbCD-0zXYfBAxeUDmnaAqqc1mR/s320/IMG_1630.jpg" width="320" /></a>I had her get in the Moken as I pulled her along the shore back to my kayak where Stacy was waiting. I got my tackle cleared off the deck area and had her sit on the front cooler on my Lure 13.5. She tightened the life jacket and we pushed off. Chang and Stacy were going to gather their things and follow behind. I wanted to catch the rest of her family who were floating down river. Unsure of their current state given adrenaline and fighting the current, I pulled my throw back from under the seat. The girl and I rescued their cooler lid before reaching her family who were immediately concerned, asking where she got hit under water and if it still hurt. Luckily it didn't and she was fine.<br />
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I tossed the family the throw bag and tied my end to the handle on my Lure. The current by the takeout can be tricky, so I want to keep the family retrievable just in case. Glad I did.<br />
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We did some chatting with the family on the short float to the takeout. Talked about me training to be an EMT, owning a kayak fishing business, being a guide, etc. The girl riding on my kayak is interested in going into medicine and asked a few questions. The grandfather asked what I recommend for safety on the river.<br />
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I told them I always wear my life jacket. And anyone that comes on trips with us is required to wear one. Even the strongest swimmers are no match for Mother Nature. I don't give people a hard time that don't choose to wear them, but if you are with us we require them (for safety AND insurance reasons). We also have straight blades on us. Which, I explained, is what I used to free them. These are the minimum items I recommend on the river. I told them even if they don't wear it, they should have life jackets with them in case this happens. A river, no matter how shallow or visibly slow, can turn on you quickly. They change constantly. You never know what will happen.<br />
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As we near the launch, we have another situation. The difficult current by the takeout takes them to the opposite side of a small island than I. With some brute force, I was able to verify my kayak was securely tied to the throw bag line, get out, instruct the girl to stay on my kayak, and pull the other family members back around by my kayak. One of the family members was able to get out and help. The rocks here were shallow and jagged. He suggested he walk back to the takeout, but I advised against it. <br />
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At this point Stacy and Chang had passed us and landed, ready to catch the family as we came around the corner. They had sandals on and were able to safely walk on the jagged rocks. The landing was mostly uneventful. As Stacy called their ride back, we chatted. They thanked us profusely, and we insisted we stay with them until they had a ride to make sure they were OK (and honestly it took a while for my adrenaline to wear off). <br />
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Their ride arrived shortly after. They took some business cards, thanked us again, and went on their way. These kind people send us a nice thank you card and a monetary donation. Completely unnecessary, but very much appreciated. We wanted the money to go towards further rescue efforts so it will be donated to our local EMS.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUC_Efi2TzBq3v_kZMsTY2WHjuabBPYfXTvDAhM5SK38YKwFz1PMtmaothWpT_pktDf_3JY7gVNtVt04Y_yeBDC3rQUdDQgntDrGWyOMPORHJ72Ux8kj88X4ti4J-4_vsNAZB9nAnvvPga/s1600/IMG_0335.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUC_Efi2TzBq3v_kZMsTY2WHjuabBPYfXTvDAhM5SK38YKwFz1PMtmaothWpT_pktDf_3JY7gVNtVt04Y_yeBDC3rQUdDQgntDrGWyOMPORHJ72Ux8kj88X4ti4J-4_vsNAZB9nAnvvPga/s320/IMG_0335.JPG" width="240" /></a>I didn't write this article for attention, thanks, etc. It is in my nature to help people and react quickly, calmly. I get that from my father. I wrote this for those who say, "It won't happen to me." and "I'm a good swimmer.". Please, at least have a flotation device within your reach if you don't wear it. Get a nicer life jacket. The inflatable ones and paddling-specific life vests are comfortable and easy to wear.<br />
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I personally want to thank my good friend Chang Lor and my wife Stacy. They kept calm and in critical positions to make this rescue happen without further incident. <br />
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Don't let a beautiful day with your family turn into a tragic day permanently without.<br />
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Small Craft Fishermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06782520720595240282noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418304730068406638.post-44102355472401766842017-07-12T11:30:00.004-05:002017-07-12T12:00:52.772-05:00It Gets Better!?!? - The New Bending Branches Angler Pro!It is no secret, I love my Bending Branches Angler Pro. So much I got a second Pro Plus for paddling my narrower kayaks. I even became a Bending Branches dealer through my new business, Small Craft Outfitters!<br />
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I have my Feelfree Lures and Bending Branches Angler Pros to thank for allowing me to paddle longer and safer. They have saved my life once, and recently were critical in rescuing a family of 5 (another article coming soon on that adventure).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpSqPHxPWNlcKHp5DyxZbjYBRS78RTGqQi30v59KDNgYVmjGLJRUExerqIOhD0pj3cFCMCSSo2dONhXqCAtHW3YxxbG21oHiqIYhbdCYQyGuGX8r9j9ecSvSuumqtSFtxny5DpbVj8r1yg/s1600/IMG_0136_Enhanced.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpSqPHxPWNlcKHp5DyxZbjYBRS78RTGqQi30v59KDNgYVmjGLJRUExerqIOhD0pj3cFCMCSSo2dONhXqCAtHW3YxxbG21oHiqIYhbdCYQyGuGX8r9j9ecSvSuumqtSFtxny5DpbVj8r1yg/s320/IMG_0136_Enhanced.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">A beautiful Wisconsin paddle with a beautiful Wisconsin bass</td></tr>
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I am lucky to live close to Bending Branches HQ in Wisconsin and made a trip to visit and pick up a customer paddle (yes, it is true they make all of the paddles by hand and to-order). I was welcomed by an extremely talented, passionate, and kind group of people. They were enthusiastic about the new paddles, talk to me about my new business, and went as far as asking if there is anything they could help me be successful. I was completely taken back. This is a giant in the industry with amazing values, I'm truly honored to be part of their Regional Ambassador Team and a dealer. As a dealer, people always ask if the Pro is worth the money. I tell them, "Paddle it and see.". This will now hold even truer with this amazing new design!<br />
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I couldn't be happier with my Angler Pro, attention to detail they put into every paddle, and their amazing company values. Until I caught a glimpse of the new Angler Pro.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuf61pTW9KfwBE1lOSkFytG00tAfOp6iKl7iHWr7usRDst_x2oQ6axKbK_FWN0_xG4wY2__U3QbQnLrAQKJI50eKqpQ_JkORKfJ-bKR3EnbUdHADPL1f8rMB6QSqeHD9qecNubKnEcVJ6n/s1600/IMG_20170712_111544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuf61pTW9KfwBE1lOSkFytG00tAfOp6iKl7iHWr7usRDst_x2oQ6axKbK_FWN0_xG4wY2__U3QbQnLrAQKJI50eKqpQ_JkORKfJ-bKR3EnbUdHADPL1f8rMB6QSqeHD9qecNubKnEcVJ6n/s320/IMG_20170712_111544.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Me smiling because of the new Pro paddle.....<br />
oh, and the fish</td></tr>
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First of all, this paddle is stunning. Equipped with a carbon shaft and fiberglass blades, the new patterns are beautiful. I found myself staring at it, the pictures do not do it full justice (I may have drooled a little too). Hold the paddle up to the light and prepare to be amazed, again. The patterns in the blade are unlike anything I've seen before in a paddle. The passion and attention to detail is apparent from the first time you lay your eyes on it. Then, there is the paddling experience.<br />
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I was given an opportunity to paddle the new Pro Plus, and I was blown away. I hit the water with Bill from Bending Branches. We each had our current Angler Pro Plus paddles and the new one. I didn't think it got any better, but it did. And I loved it, couldn't get enough.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98FeLCtDDDL_u6ckI9f6iweZFlLrCKOYTXAnGSJjqqn9FMy_g8QoycWJDJtAItBab0WYx0jBP5IxvDjUku758HUNQKGUgoU2KIi0LFEymbsdB72MNraHko-189C70ALAXnwZLspKJ9ohD/s1600/IMG_0223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98FeLCtDDDL_u6ckI9f6iweZFlLrCKOYTXAnGSJjqqn9FMy_g8QoycWJDJtAItBab0WYx0jBP5IxvDjUku758HUNQKGUgoU2KIi0LFEymbsdB72MNraHko-189C70ALAXnwZLspKJ9ohD/s320/IMG_0223.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">Bill from Bending Branches pushing off a river sandbar</td></tr>
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Anyone who has paddled the Angler Pro knows it slices through the water efficiently, with an amazing amount of ease. The materials and design allow kayak anglers, such as myself, propel the larger fishing kayaks with ease. Without it, my 13 straight hours on the water would not be possible. Well, this new paddle, with adequate caffeine and toiletry supplies, is going to make me want to stay on the water for 24 hours straight.<br />
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I don't know how they did it, but the engineering geniuses at Bending Branches outdid themselves. The new design slices through the water even better than the old model. The best part is the silence and efficiency of the paddle pull. The current Pro is quite quiet (even for paddlers like myself that do not use a "proper" paddling technique), but this new Pro is nearly silent. Very little flutter, no sound of air rolling off the blade on the stroke. I was blown away. I paddled it for a while, fishing rods at the ready. I was so taken back by the beauty and performance of this paddle, I forgot I was there to fish.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPI8I1N3utHzFtmFZ9m4Ig1ACEU-q6jPbEv_uoS_c7Q79LBiSb3NiabC1dcYDsarPIyEUgj_fHmUsOefCNxgBjfM2mEjyrLJlkH6d8FiilTMGa6HbSfag2qxgPgsNJSvxuzyJ5zT4llPXT/s1600/IMG_0262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPI8I1N3utHzFtmFZ9m4Ig1ACEU-q6jPbEv_uoS_c7Q79LBiSb3NiabC1dcYDsarPIyEUgj_fHmUsOefCNxgBjfM2mEjyrLJlkH6d8FiilTMGa6HbSfag2qxgPgsNJSvxuzyJ5zT4llPXT/s320/IMG_0262.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Bill from Bending Branches with his Angler Pro stowed,<br />
using Drew Ross's Pro while Drew experiences the beauty<br />
of the new Pro! Check out Drew's review at his Looknfishy blog:<br />
<a href="https://looknfishy.blogspot.com/2017/07/review-new-bending-branches-angler-pro.html">https://looknfishy.blogspot.com/2017/07/review-new-bending-branches-angler-pro.html</a></td></tr>
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All of this and they somehow managed to reduce the weight AND price on the paddle! My hats are off to the entire team at Bending Branches. I am honored to represent them on multiple levels and can't wait to get my hands on a new pro of my own!<br />
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Along with this major announcement, Bending Branches also announced the new lower weights on their Pro and Ace models. And they take it to the next level with the Bending Branches Angler Pro Carbon - it weighs in at 25.5 oz and is carbon fiber end-to-end! Finally, they also announced the new lower price point of the Angler Classic. These announcements make me excited for the year to come in the kayak industry!<br />
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Specs on the new Angler Series lineup:<br />
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<b>NEW Angler Pro Carbon</b><br />
• $399.95 (Snap) $424.95 (Plus)<br />
• Weight: 25.5 oz<br />
• Full carbon construction from tip-to-tip<br />
• Same blade shape as the Angler Pro, but Compression Molded Carbon<br />
• Available in lengths from 230-260cm in 10cm increments and in the Plus ferrule, 230-245cm or 240-255cm</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<b>Angler Pro</b><br />
• New, lower price points! $299.95 (Snap) $324.95 (Plus)<br />
• New patterns: Dorado, Radiant, and Raptor<br />
• New, lower weight: 28.5 oz<br />
• New, oversized blade shape and profile<br />
• Available in lengths from 230-260cm in 10cm increments and in the Plus ferrule, 230-245cm or 240-255cm</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<b>Angler Ace</b><br />
• New, lower price points! $199.95 (Snap) $224.95 (Plus)<br />
• New, oversized blade shape<br />
• New, lower weight: 30 oz<br />
• Available in lengths from 230-260cm in 10cm increments and in the Plus ferrule, 230-245cm or 240-255cm</div>
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• New, lower price points! $139.95 (Snap) $164.95 (Plus)</div>
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Small Craft Fishermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06782520720595240282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418304730068406638.post-60738860234371703322017-06-14T20:14:00.000-05:002017-06-15T10:10:57.851-05:00All in the FamilyKayak fishing. It brings you closer to the water and nature (figuratively and literally). We love the challenge, the peace, the health benefits, and the thrill of the sleigh ride when we hook a big fish. Something not considered/realized until you join/reach out to the kayak fishing community is the the brotherhood/sisterhood/family of kayak anglers. <br />
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When I joined the kayak fishing community, I expected it to be fun. I never expected to be welcomed with open arms immediately, such an immediate positive response to my writing, being immediately considered a brother to my fellow kayak anglers, or the unparalleled amount of support given. <br />
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I have seen on countless occasions the kayak angler family come together to help others with questions, help locate a fellow angler's stolen kayak, or help fellow anglers in times of tragedy. A time of tragedy is again among our family, and we need your help to bring this sense of family and support to a fellow member of the kayak angling family.<br />
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A very active member of the Mountain State Kayak Anglers, and the kayak fishing community as a whole, was killed in the line of duty. Lt. Aaron Crook, a police officer and Marine Corps Veteran was recently killed in the line of duty. Aaron was only 32 years old and left behind a wife and two young children. The news of this took me back a bit, as a 32 year old father of two young children myself. I can't imagine what that family must be going through. <br />
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Thus, I ask my readers kayak anglers, boat anglers, bank anglers, non-anglers, or whomever you may be, please help this family. The Mountain State Kayak Anglers has gathered with the kayak angling, kayaking, and fishing vendors and communities to arrange a raffle to raise funds to go in a trust for Aaron's children. If you can, please enter the raffle for an amazing cause with a great (growing) list of prizes! Lets show Aaron's family that they are part of the kayak angling family and we got their backs.<br />
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You can enter the raffle here: <a href="https://www.mskawv.com/product-page/aaron-crook-memorial-raffle" target="_blank">https://www.mskawv.com/product-page/aaron-crook-memorial-raffle</a><br />
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Get updates and more information on the fundraiser on the MSKA Facebook page here: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mskawv/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/mskawv/</a><br />
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<img alt="Image may contain: 1 person" height="265" src="https://scontent.feau1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19029659_775097145992282_8920946447953774874_n.jpg?oh=1744b4fe90c2630a9e90a67cf70a5989&oe=59D763A8" width="400" />Small Craft Fishermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06782520720595240282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418304730068406638.post-43319000846736626072017-06-01T19:46:00.000-05:002017-06-01T19:46:16.855-05:00Not Your Grandpa's Inline SpinnerWhen I was a kid, I remember my Great Grandpa telling me stories of fishing for Catfish and Musky on the Fox River in Illinois. Some of the bait would be frowned upon today and would cause an uprising from PETA. But in those times, it was as normal as a night crawler. He used to tell me about some of the old lures they used. Spoons and spinners. Simple, flashy, effective. To this day, though having more advanced engineering, materials, and manufacturing, just as effective. My best fish have been caught on spinners.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEm6SlfFaPn8rGsaEj53g06-hTLO1LERSsu5LVetrv081Vhl1xdi4nFitkJaHvYemK7PQJwQKduxGr3A-0vDEffu2ilX9hhUW61g9fAkifGY8uG0D78y-v1X5Rd7rMKaP4EkeyZpkv4k4/s1600/IMG_0073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEm6SlfFaPn8rGsaEj53g06-hTLO1LERSsu5LVetrv081Vhl1xdi4nFitkJaHvYemK7PQJwQKduxGr3A-0vDEffu2ilX9hhUW61g9fAkifGY8uG0D78y-v1X5Rd7rMKaP4EkeyZpkv4k4/s320/IMG_0073.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I've always loved inline spinners. The ones my Great Grandpa told me about, and we have all seen in magazines and on the interweb, are amazing. Horse hair, a treble hook, a wire, and a hammered-out buffed piece of metal as a spoon. Sure, lure manufacturers made some. But in my Great Grandpa's youth, they didn't have the funds or supply chain to get things instantly. Some made them in their machine sheds on the farm. But they caught fish. Without titanium, electronics, power anchors, topo maps, the Internet, etc.<br />
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Times change, and of course, society (and the fishing industry) changes with it. Sometimes we see throwbacks, like bucktail/horsehair jigs being homemade by MLF/Bassmaster pros. Now manufacturers are making more of those. We've all used the variety of highly effective inline spinners like Mepps or Rooster Tails. But every once-in-a-while, someone takes this time-tested design and changes it just enough to make the fish curious. A hungry, curious, fish seeing an amazing action with a large profile ends up on the deck of my kayak.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3z7X63XjbhdQpkPR0-YvwlI9gxlsJ7VVORhXzu4JyqVnm42Biun4T-zpsSBhvQ-A4zVRPM5pA8zUJCA-fZnmaaS7ngd1h2HgNyzOElA13cJzzQlPw_hXAucP4pXv4Vt9vOc7eaOng7K_/s1600/IMG_20160701_193900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3z7X63XjbhdQpkPR0-YvwlI9gxlsJ7VVORhXzu4JyqVnm42Biun4T-zpsSBhvQ-A4zVRPM5pA8zUJCA-fZnmaaS7ngd1h2HgNyzOElA13cJzzQlPw_hXAucP4pXv4Vt9vOc7eaOng7K_/s320/IMG_20160701_193900.jpg" width="180" /></a>I'm not talking about taking a standard plug, putting a flashy pattern on it, having marketing experts put it in fancy packaging, shipping it with an elaborate display to major retailers, and slapping a $30 price tag on it. I'm talking about taking the effective design of a time-tested lure. Making it stronger. Making it present an amazing life-like action in the water, and fixing the things that make us pass over the older versions when browsing through our tackle boxes. Enter a young man, a fellow Wisconsinite, 7 years of age, who got hooked on (pun intended) making lures and catching fish at the age of 4. He comes up with this dream, now called the <a href="http://www.jamesgangfish.com/store/p1/Lovertail_2_Weedless_inline_spinner.html" target="_blank">Lovertail 2</a>. <br />
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The combination of Alex's amazing sales skills (I have witnessed them first-hand), the build quality, and in-water action of the Lovertail 2 in the water make this lure a hot item. I happened to stumble across these amazing lures for the first time at a small bait shop called Bite-Me Baitshop in Mondovi, WI. The beautiful colors and high-quality components of the lure caught my eye. The owner told me Alex's story and I had to try one of each color. To say the least, I'm glad I did.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7-NSXwcID6FyULZsHRuCvG4b1UZUDGFCvCdQII0tP5e_dd_3RcNXDXbsazGBY1x8jXJVzQxIouLqcpM3or1IRzBvBOCvN1TL4KPOyqELS9M_7BfFXgOSszubAHbO8Z3OyAUIE1wIIFQw/s1600/2016-10-29+11.23.29-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7-NSXwcID6FyULZsHRuCvG4b1UZUDGFCvCdQII0tP5e_dd_3RcNXDXbsazGBY1x8jXJVzQxIouLqcpM3or1IRzBvBOCvN1TL4KPOyqELS9M_7BfFXgOSszubAHbO8Z3OyAUIE1wIIFQw/s320/2016-10-29+11.23.29-1.jpg" width="180" /></a>I've since added several to my collection, and plan to add many more. This year I was extended the honor of being their first pro-staff member. I believed so much in their products, story, and mission that I had been previously promoting them without ask or expectation of anything in return. These are truly amazing lures. Their exploding popularity, expanding to small bait shops around the country, is a testament to that. I often wait to get their latest-and-greatest lure because they fly off the shelves so quickly!<br />
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Initial glance at the Lovertail 2 and you may think its just another spinner. I assure you it isn't. These lures are hand-made by Alex, his dad, and friends/family. They have only the highest quality components. The skirts are top quality, landing me countless bass and pike with zero signs of wear. And unlike the inline spinners of old, they are weedless without affecting hookup ratio. The weedless design actually adds to the action of this lure.<br />
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Why do I believe in these lures so much? The photo evidence is in this article. Alex is a lure design genius with the support of an amazing family. He is doing what he loves at an early age. He creates highly effective, high-quality lures, and he and his family are some of the nicest people you ever meet. They are doin' it right. Add <a href="http://www.jbsfishsauce.com/" target="_blank">JBs FishSauce</a> to their lures and you've got a deadly combination! Check out James Gang Fishing Lures at <a href="http://www.jamesgangfish.com/">http://www.jamesgangfish.com</a>!<br />
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<br />Small Craft Fishermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06782520720595240282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418304730068406638.post-12519172774999808882017-05-31T21:11:00.002-05:002017-05-31T21:11:46.470-05:00Wisconsin Fishing Opener 2017 Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After a rough start to the 2017 Wisconsin fishing season in <a href="http://www.smallcraftfisherman.com/2017/05/wisconsin-opener-2017-part-1.html" target="_blank">Part 1 of this story</a>, I was out to redeem myself. My good buddy Chang Lor of www.cxfishing.com suggested we start at a big lake then move to a body of water connecting two large lakes in Western Wisconsin. A bit sore from the previous day, I'm running late and tell them to launch sans me. I arrive at the launch on the big lake, go through my rigging exercise, and hit the water.</div>
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Eventually I merge with my fellow yakers and we hit a small area of the water. Chang manages to haul in some bass. I'm targeting crappie once I see the size of the slabs spawning in the shallows. To make a long story short, the big crappie won't bite on anything. They have other things on their mind. I do eventually landing a few nice ones. A bit later, we try the big water, but it is fruitless. We opt to head to the smaller water. Chang tells us stories of the amazing vegetation there, making it a frog heaven. </div>
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I am closer to the launch, and slower to load up than the others, so I begin the paddle in. A couple dozen heads of pan fisherman in aluminum boats turn as I paddle by in awe of my Feelfree Lure. A short time later, I go through the land, load, and go process. I opt to keep it simple for the next stop using only two rods.</div>
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After a short pit-stop for lunch and to fix Chang's brake light, we are at our destination. On an old gravel road in an area that could have been used to film the movie Deliverance. Nonetheless, we begin unloading whilst choking down our lunch and the clouds of dust we kicked up.</div>
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We launch in a small area. The launch looks promising, a dirt launch for small craft. The swamp surrounding smells of dirty diapers left in a gym locker. Most would be repulsed and leave. We comment on the stench, but understand this means cover for fish.</div>
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We go our separate ways in the open water. I'm dreaming of topwater, so I'm watching my Garmin Striker's temperature reading like a hawk looking for roadkill. It is still below 60, so I start with my search bait, a Northland Tackle Reed Runner. I manage a few weak hits, but overall am fruitless. Meanwhile, one of our buddies is landing bass non-stop on a rubber worm. </div>
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At a loss in this odd water, I throw on some plastics. But by this time, his plastic bite slowed and the weather is changing. Frustrated, I go for broke. My Garmin reads water temps just above 60. Good enough for me.</div>
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I toss a Whopper Plopper 130 in Perch pattern alongside a few patches of floating vegetation. The water depth is about 4-5 feet, with thick vegetation below. The skies clear blue and the sun bright. Other than the less-than-ideal water temps, a recipe for topwater. Probably looked like a kid moving their controller while playing Mario Kart as I maneuvered the Whopper Plopper between the floating vegetation patches. Then it hits! </div>
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First topwater of the year! Its a dink, about 12", but I celebrate as if I just got my personal best. First topwater of the year! I eagerly tie a frog on my other rod. I only brought two rods. Luckily one is my frogging rod, but I left my topwater ones in the rod tube. But I make do with my spinnerbait rod as my Plopper rod. I continue to work the area of patchy floating vegetation. I'm getting hits, but they are short and weak. I drool as the water temps continue to climb.</div>
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Getting frustrated with all the short hits, I decide to venture on. My co-yakkers are long gone. I spot the Lime Camo of Chang's Feelfree Lure in the distance and head that way. While en route, I come across a small bay. The wind is blowing all the floating vegetation into the bay. I give my frog a toss, again getting short hits. Though the vegetation is helping the sun heat the water quicker than the other areas. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3oe0gzVTTj5WDbkzOCmO5a4Bz3GY3PEvZRSzBrpjMsb1shyphenhyphen_Ia7a3dnlvi6LzrYM-Sx48B73-XDOMUxB6x1sVtWQfbSv9z4J319vnnn19jZpyag4j_lWgfJ9HG_Gw75FtnW6BklhM1-H/s1600/IMG_20170507_160813846_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3oe0gzVTTj5WDbkzOCmO5a4Bz3GY3PEvZRSzBrpjMsb1shyphenhyphen_Ia7a3dnlvi6LzrYM-Sx48B73-XDOMUxB6x1sVtWQfbSv9z4J319vnnn19jZpyag4j_lWgfJ9HG_Gw75FtnW6BklhM1-H/s320/IMG_20170507_160813846_HDR.jpg" width="179" /></a>I head across to the other shoreline to chat with my buddies. I let them know of my topwater success, they excitedly tie on topwater lures. I suggest they follow me to the bay because the water on this side of the lake is still below 60. They continue working the same shoreline, I head directly for the algae-filled bay with the determination of an Olympian on my face. I'm going to get a fish via frog before I call it a day.<br /><br />My efforts start slow. I miss a few big hits in the brush near the bay. Growing frustrated, I move within casting distance of the algae. A short time later, I get my first solid frog hit. But I was so excited, I set the hook too early and missed it. But alas, the next cast, I landed my first frog fish of the season! I excitedly continue tossing my River2Sea Spittin' Wa frog lathered in JBs FishSauce, trying to figure out the retrieval pattern they want today.<br /><br />After landing another fish shortly thereafter, I find they prefer the slow roll retrieval. I land a few more fish, but the bite suddenly stops. I need to change it up, they are onto me. I tie a Livetarget mouse onto my spinnerbait rod. I long for my backup frog rod with 50lb braid, but this will do. I land a few more fish on the mouse until it is stolen by what I assume was a large pike. I silently curse myself for leaving my topwater rods behind and tie a smaller River2Sea frog on without the popper cup. The popper is beginning to spook them. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0zSLTSxS4R0BT-xRD7n9W3abwSkiTX8Oy7jd8M7-nZmD7WVTMTRPNwA8Zmjz7EXgIEz27qmx3RPJ0djMa5-UlpgZLONkh0j7UXzGevvlSHGP3_5wnawjhbZ3zO3VGTDQSmlPVDArVZOp/s1600/IMG_20170507_170600432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0zSLTSxS4R0BT-xRD7n9W3abwSkiTX8Oy7jd8M7-nZmD7WVTMTRPNwA8Zmjz7EXgIEz27qmx3RPJ0djMa5-UlpgZLONkh0j7UXzGevvlSHGP3_5wnawjhbZ3zO3VGTDQSmlPVDArVZOp/s320/IMG_20170507_170600432.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />As I finish tying on the smaller frog, I notice my Garmin reporting a water temperature of 68 degrees! Yes! I manage several more bass, a few of them respectable, all of them a blast to catch. Blue skies, warm temps, floating in my kayak, catching nice fish on frogs, with the smell of muck and algae around me. I'm in my happy place. <br /><br />After a while, and a few more fish, I have a problem. Albeit a good one, disappointing nonetheless. After a full day fishing the day prior, a full day today with a move between, and the number of fish landed this evening, I'm exhausted. I miss several fish. I try to blame the bite, but realize it is my inability to set the hook. My hands and forearms are aching. I take a moment to look around, enjoy the beautiful day, and decide to call it a day. <br /><br />After taking a moment to enjoy the beautiful view of my kayak covered in algae and muck (a sign of a great day froggin'), I put away my rods, clean up my deck filled with lure candidates, lower my seat, and casually begin paddling in Chang's assumed direction.<br /></div>
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I hadn't wandered terribly far from the swampy launch, so I take my time paddling. Enjoying the the scenery of this small body of water connecting two large lakes, I appreciate the day. A beautiful day, filled with great scenery, with good friends, ends with catching fish to the point of exhaustion. This is what it is all about. <br /><br />Chang and I rendezvous and chat as we paddle towards the stinking swamp launch awaiting us. We both agree it was an amazing day on the water, no matter our level of success.<br /></div>
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<br />Small Craft Fishermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06782520720595240282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418304730068406638.post-1982255936855221972017-05-15T19:36:00.001-05:002017-05-15T19:36:56.051-05:00Wisconsin Opener 2017 Part 1It has been a long Wisconsin spring. We had a wide range of weather and temperatures. Anything from 20 degrees to 80, sunshine to snowfall. This has made the bite difficult to lock down. Early in the season the pike bite was hot on spinners during their spawn. The temps rose and I was able to boat over 40 bass and a nice 4.5lb bass in one day on <a href="https://www.powerteamlures.com/" target="_blank">PowerTeam Lures</a> Grubs and the <a href="http://www.jamesgangfish.com/store/p1/Lovertail_2_Weedless_inline_spinner.html" target="_blank">James Gang Fishing Lovertail2</a> both covered in <a href="http://jbsfishsauce.com/" target="_blank">JBs Fishsauce</a>. The two weeks following were slow when the water temperatures dropped back into the 40s with the cold temps. I was able to coax a few bites, but not the hot pre-spawn bite while temps were on the rise. The first weekend in May, Wisconsin Fishing Opener, a sacred day to some (myself included), was no different. <br />
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I'm still in winter sleep mode, my mind still sleeping late to avoid the bitter cold mornings from the Wisconsin winter. To avoid side affects (severe irritability) I ease into my summer up-and-at-em-for-fishing sleep schedule by waking up at dawn. This allows me time to get up, gather my things, get to my home reservoir, and get on the water before sunrise. This also allows me to beat most to the water. This opening morning, my brother-in-law is also joining me for his first time kayak fishing. He is now using the first boat that started my Small Craft adventures, his dad's 12 foot flat bottom jon boat with an old MinnKota. A fine fishing machine, but no <a href="http://www.feelfreeus.com/" target="_blank">Feelfree Lure</a>. <br />
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We arrive at the reservoir, unload his mighty steed, a Feelfree Lure 11.5. Instead of a MinnKota older than he, his boat will be propelled with a <a href="http://www.bendingbranches.com/" target="_blank">Bending Branches Angler Ace</a>. An efficient, light, paddle to make his adventure easier. It also has a lure retriever built into the blade, which is a key feature for someone I've previously called "The Snagmaster". We finish our rigging and start rolling the kayaks towards the water.<br />
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A short time later we are paddling towards the dam. We always target the areas accessible by larger boats first. Once they begin to flock after sunup and warmer air temperatures, we retreat to the shallows where they can't go. I watch the temperature on my Garmin Striker like a hawk, hoping for that magical number, 60. Typically topwater starts working when temps raise above that magical number. <br />
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While paddling to our destination, we are spooking several panfish. Unsure of the bass bite this early in the reservoir, we brought our ultralight gear as a backup. We toss small Rooster Tails out and my brother-in-law quickly starts pulling them in. Though not massive, still fun and immediately gets the skunk off of the trip.<br />
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A short time later, we carry on to our planned location. Our efforts using various spinners along the dam are futile. We opt to try the other side of the lake. The sun hits it first, and the wind is starting to pick up, perhaps the water temps and shelter from the wind will help. <br />
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We arrive at our destination, deciding to toss the Rooster Tails again we begin hauling in several panfish, both Bluegill and Crappie. We catch two nice "eater" Bluegill and I toss them in my Lure 13.5's cooler. The panfish bite slowly dwindles, so we try our hand at the shallows without success.<br />
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At this point, we both caught bass. The biggest approximately 4". We are glad to have been successful with panfish, but we know the caliber bass in this reservoir. We are disappointed not to have been able to snag into some, so we mix it up and move to a bay on the opposite side of the lake. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcsAMn1wX72kdbA1AVPOy81KbMHS0SLxVr8dnyoAKtwTV_41FA24y8hsGbjvFAB1k5sECRFiXo2CbIEDdFjKWyGg6jDvj3yWBED86eoQqziAffWgJzc6eVGSNpBzmuq6ywKroDElfCYoL/s1600/IMG_20170506_184245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcsAMn1wX72kdbA1AVPOy81KbMHS0SLxVr8dnyoAKtwTV_41FA24y8hsGbjvFAB1k5sECRFiXo2CbIEDdFjKWyGg6jDvj3yWBED86eoQqziAffWgJzc6eVGSNpBzmuq6ywKroDElfCYoL/s320/IMG_20170506_184245.jpg" width="320" /></a>At this point, it is 10 AM. The sun is up, causing us to have already shed some layers previously worn to abate the chill of 38 degree morning. To make a long story short, we were nearly skunked on good bass until my brother-in-law managed to pull out a nice largemouth. His first on a Feelfree Lure, or any kayak for that matter. His smile said it all. <br />
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The stability, comfort, portability, and other features of the Lure made him like it. Catching a nice bass in the kayak made him fall in love. The sport of kayak fishing is exploding because of this. There is nothing like being one with the water, your gear, your "home" in the seat and on the deck of a kayak. Then you feel that first tug of a large fish. But this time it is different. This time, your vessel is smaller. It tilts ever so slightly during the bite, rocks gently during the hookset, and starts moving towards the fish during the fight. There is nothing like it, and that is why we love it. That is why I do it, why I share these experiences with you, and why I started a business to bring people this joy in the sport.<br />
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<br />Small Craft Fishermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06782520720595240282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418304730068406638.post-61400370517912339442017-04-26T19:20:00.001-05:002017-04-26T19:21:46.276-05:00KBF National Championship RecapMan things are finally starting to settle down again. Even though KBF NC was a few weeks ago things are just now beginning to go back to normal, just in time to pack up and head to Michigan in a couple weeks... Any ways the Kayak Bass Fishing National Championship and Open was one heck of a good time! I got to meet so many new people and hang out with some great friends from my personal club, Kayak Bass League. Plus I got to fish one of the best bass fishing lakes in the nation, Kentucky Lake.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Captains Meeting</td></tr>
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In case of the odd chance that you have never heard of Ky Lake...this place is huge. Just think to go from the North end of the lake to Paris, Tn (weigh in location) was over an hour and a half drive....definitely don't want to paddle that! I spent a whole week down there hanging with friends and of course fishing! While practice had its ups and downs, I was having a great time! Throughout the week we had rain, hail, wind and sun causing the bite to be all over the place! Going into the tournament I knew I would need to find a good area to compete with the best.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is one big lake with a lot of water to cover!</td></tr>
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Throughout practice I found many good shallow bite areas that seemed to vanish as soon as they appeared. Being a river system, I knew the bite could change quickly based upon how much current was being created by the dam, but I had no idea how to counteract that. After 4 days of finding a shallow bite and watching it disappear the next day, I went exploring. I found a ramp on my lake map while driving through the country... side note don't try it, its super unsafe but I had no cell service and was super lost... I found an area that looked good when I got there and by looked good I mean there was no one fishing it with white caps rolling straight into the cove, sounds promising right? Well I gave it the good college try, finding a fish on the three secondary points I fished. I knew I had found a diamond in the rough but I still didn't have confidence in the deep bite.<br />
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TOURNAMENT DAY 1<br />
Being as stubborn as I am started at my go to shallow spot to find it was dink city. I caught my limit within 30 minutes, all the fish being from 9-12.5 inches...that's not gonna win anything! I fished it hard till around 11:30 until I realized I needed to do something different. I hauled it back to the ramp and loaded faster than I had ever seen and sped off to my deep spot I had no confidence in. I rolled up and got the yak in the water to realize the wind was even worse. I pulled out my Kistler Mag 2 MH with a 1/4 oz homemade shakeyhead with a june trick worm and went to work. Right away I got on em! I was about to make a run. With only about 2 hours to fish at my new spot I culled my 40ish inch limit into 83 inches. I was on cloud 9 about day one! Plus I had finally gained some confidence in fishing deep!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are some big bass on KY Lake</td></tr>
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TOURNAMENT DAY 2<br />
I started day 2 at my deep cove and immediately started on my favorite secondary point. I knew the weather was going to be windy and overcast till about 10 or 11, helping the deep bite, so I had to get to work quickly. I caught my limit within the first two hours and went to work culling. I finally started to find some nicer fish in the 18 inch range. Unfortunately I did lose a nice one, around 20 inches. As the wind died and the sun came out the deep bite died. I went searching with a jerkbait but couldn't find anything to help me. I ended day 2 with 84.75 inches. I was very happy with this, especially since I hit my area very hard on day 1.<br />
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Next came the results from the weekend. While I didn't cash any checks...one position away...I was very happy with my finish. I ended the national championship in 41st out of 359 anglers and in the open I managed 34th out of 326 anglers. <br />
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This whole week was an amazing time. I was honored to be able to fish in the National Championship and to even be on the playing field with the sports best! I learned a lot and gained valuable deep water fishing experience!<br />
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I also would like to say thank you to all the companies that support me. Kistler Rods helped me feel those light bites in white cap conditions. Pline's 17lb tactical fluorocarbon helped me keep those fish pinned in deep water. My Smith Optics helped keep my eyes protected and helped me see the fish before they saw me when fishing shallow!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08498016133376007353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418304730068406638.post-77992085718784974152017-04-15T20:34:00.003-05:002017-04-15T21:47:14.675-05:00A Plea - Pine River Safety<div style="font-family: "arial",sans-serif; font-size: small;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Photo By: Pine River Trails and Recreation</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">https://www.facebook.com/PineRiverTrailsProject/</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: black;">Pesticides, roadways, pastures, etc. Though inevitable, runoff is a reality in our water ways. I'm not a "hippie" or "tree hugger". I drive a Jeep, love my guns (have a CCW and carry one in my kayak), and do not have a compost pile in my yard. But I'm a realist that loves the outdoors. Runoff happens in our society, a fact of the evolution of society. As an avid outdoorsman, professional kayak fisherman (who fishes tournaments, owns an outfitting company, is a guide, and a mentor to up-and-coming kayak anglers), I understand the importance of preserving our waterways for future generations.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Let alone environmental issues, there are enough waterway issues to make your head spin. Where do we start? We start with responsibility and mitigation. This includes picking up your own garbage, picking up garbage of others you encounter on the water, and respecting the body of water you are on. The last item has become a concerning issue in my hometown of Richland Center, Wisconsin where jet skiers have begun frequenting this narrow river. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">I now reside in Spring Valley, WI (between Menomonie and River Falls) where we are blessed with similar amazing river systems which frequent numerous tourists every year. A motorized pleasure craft on the Red Cedar River or Kinnickinnic river would be obscene (though motorized fishing boats frequent the river without issue). These narrow rivers are a haven for numerous wildlife, one of which is trout. Trout, a draw for tourism, are sensitive to environmental changes. A group of dedicated people in the Richland Center, WI area have gone to great lengths to fix and maintain this habitat which is now in danger of getting reversed. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">When I tell people I kayak and grew up in Richland Center, the instantly say, "I've paddled the Kickapoo! I loved it!". I agree, the Kickapoo provides an amazing waterway for anglers, paddlers, swimmers, campers, etc. But I never hear anything about the Pine. They were finally starting to move the Pine in the right direction to get "on the map" as a paddling destination, jet skiers are now putting that at risk.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">My parents own a large motorized boat, they used to have jet skis which I thoroughly enjoyed on numerous occasions. But there is a place for pleasure craft. That is on larger bodies of waters capable of handling the wakes and traffic. Running a jet ski (or any motorized pleasure craft creating a wake) on a river as narrow as the Pine is reckless and irresponsible. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Should someone encounter a canoe, kayak, tube, or any other watercraft around a blind corner there is a high risk for collision. This is why any fishing boats I encounter on the Red Cedar River are motoring no-wake. Peaceful coexistence. Let alone the human safety issues, there is an ecological impact having pleasure craft on this small river.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">I frequently fish the sloughs of the Mississippi in Nelson, WI. This beautiful area is covered in countless acres of water, beautiful bluffs, and amazing wildlife. It also houses an amazing fishery. You'll find this area filled with a variety of craft: canoe, kayaks, jon boats, fishing boats, large bass boats, air boats, and even hover craft. But even in this large area, the narrow spots of the sloughs are marked no-wake because of the ecological impact of wakes and fast-moving motorized craft.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">The motorized craft in shallow, narrow areas stir up the dirt and cause major erosion in the channel. The wake causes erosion on the shore. Yes, the water naturally erodes the shoreline and channels, but motorized craft exponentially speed this process if proper caution is not given to the area. Let alone the safety issues for the motorized craft running these areas at high speed. This can cause significant damage to the watercraft and/or injury/death to those on it.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">This is not about spoiling someone's fun. Yes, I would love to run a jet ski on the Pine. I thought it was funny the first time I heard of it happening (assuming it was an early season one-time deal to get things ready for the season). But to allow this to continue is irresponsible. Running any motorized craft on that river, other than at no-wake speeds, is like allowing ATV traffic on the Elroy-Sparta bike trails year-round. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">As an avid kayak angler and EMT trainee, I am deeply concerned with this activity which can either be made no-wake or taken to a larger body of water. Watercraft do not have brakes and human-powered craft have limited maneuverability. I don't want to hear of ANYONE (kayaker, canoer, tuber, boater, jet skier) being injured or killed because of these activities.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Thus, as a friend, family member, and native of Richland Center, I ask those partaking in the activity make it no-wake or move to larger water. I ask paddlers to stay off the river until they do. And I call on local DNR and law enforcement to do what is right and make this a no-wake area. I can't imagine responding to an EMS call involving a collision on that small river. And I can't imagine telling a family member they lost a loved one enjoying one of their favorite pass-times whether it be boating, kayaking, jet skiing, canoeing, tubing, or floating down a river with a cooler full of beer in arm floaties.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">My friends, family, and community members in the Richland Center, WI area, please be safe. I know and love some of the people partaking in the jet ski activities. I beg you, please move on from this.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Tyler Thiede</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">A Proud Richland Center Native</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Tyler Thiede</span><br />
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Small Craft Fishermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06782520720595240282noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418304730068406638.post-19825006616581904632017-03-16T22:12:00.000-05:002017-03-16T22:12:08.374-05:00The ItchFor those of us in the north it is inevitable. Winter hits, water turns to ice, and our kayaks are put away to hibernate for the winter along with our souls. This winter, I would open up the shed to sneak a peek and say hello to my Feelfree Lure and Bending Branches Angler Pro whilst they slumbered. A tear would drip from my eye and instantly freeze. Head hanging low, I shut and locked the shed before retreating to the warmth of the house.<br />
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A couple ice fishing trips slightly abated the urge to hit the water. It at least gave me an opportunity to wet a line and land some fish. But the odd weather this winter ranged from dangerously cold to dangerously warm. This made for tough and/or unsafe ice conditions. I was unable to get as much time on the "hard water" as I would have liked. Still, I had to scratch the itch to fish.<br />
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I was able to accomplish this by stocking up for the upcoming season and the first season for <a href="http://www.smallcraftoutfitters.com/" target="_blank">Small Craft Outfitters</a>, my new kayak sales/guide business. Things were looking promising when we hit 60 degrees in February, unheard of in Wisconsin. But, alas, the temperatures again fell, ice conditions were unsafe, and the urge to hit the water continued to grow. <br />
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My good buddy Chang Lor of <a href="http://www.cxfishing.com/" target="_blank">www.cxfishing.com </a>(and a <a href="http://www.smallcraftoutfitters.com/" target="_blank">Small Craft Outfitters Fishing Guide</a>), conspired to do something crazy. We were willing to scoot our kayaks across thin ice to get to open water at a local lake. My wife wasn't thrilled about the adventure, but understood my need to float. <br />
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We reached out to our local kayak fishing buddies (and a new one from "Vikingland" aka Minnesota). They were also willing to do the scoot, but our buddy John from the Wisconsin Kayak Fishing Club found an open body of water part of the Chippewa River system. A much safer option, we chose the longer drive over the sketchy ice scoot.<br />
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Our new friend from Minnesota meets at my house, closest to the unholy "Vikingland". We then drive east, meeting Chang to officially start our official Feelfree Convoy. We meet at John's place while he loaded up his yacht (Hobie PA 14) and then caravan to the launch. We are all smiles. I have to admit, I giggled with joy when pulling into the lot. The snow in the lot was deep enough to hit my rocker panels on my car. But I was going kayak fishing for the first time in months! First time yakin' this year, first time on the water in months, and all but one of us are embarking on the maiden voyage of our kayaks (three of which are <a href="http://www.feelfreeus.com/" target="_blank">Feelfrees</a>).<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HBGebJKOCZs/WL94551Y1pI/AAAAAAACCeQ/xY8Ji78rT9oMwbYdItQVV0huy68L4AHrACPcB/s1600/IMG_20170305_211107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HBGebJKOCZs/WL94551Y1pI/AAAAAAACCeQ/xY8Ji78rT9oMwbYdItQVV0huy68L4AHrACPcB/s320/IMG_20170305_211107.jpg" width="320" /></a>Some of us feel a bit lost. Its been months since we performed our rig-and-launch routines. And we all have new tackle, riggings, and boats. It took a while for us to get our boats to the launch, but eventually were successful, took the first group launch photo of the year. During our rigging and this key photo-op, several people drove through the area staring. A local old-timer stopped, rolled down his window, and hollers, "Whatcha fishin' for!?". I reply, "Whatever is biting.". He chucked and said, "I like that. I have lived here all of my life and have never seen a lineup like that!" referring to us standing like knights in front of our new molded steeds. He wished us well, gave us a friendly wave, and drove off. We unceremoniously mounted our steeds and pushed off. Grinning from ear-to-ear.<br />
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The air temperature was warm, but the skies were cloudy and the wind strong. Strong enough to blow us upstream in this pool of the river. But we were all happy to be floating again. My first real cast of the season was directly into a tree. I underestimated the amazing casting distance my new <a href="http://www.ardentoutdoors.com/" target="_blank">Ardent Apex Elite reel</a>, <a href="http://www.mccainfishing.com/" target="_blank">McCain</a> <a href="http://www.linecutterz.com/" target="_blank">LineCutterz</a> Kayak Series rod, and <a href="http://seaguar.com/" target="_blank">Seaguar Invizix</a> line was capable of. I launched a jerkbait directly into a tree. I grunted in frustration while laughing. I was hoping to get the misfortune out of my system quickly while I was impressed with the performance of my new equipment.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1h6QgxudBuU/WL9453EQZ1I/AAAAAAACCeQ/5tIzAP4XHz02pEYSykCeJIzGAsyMBgXlACPcB/s1600/IMG_8036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1h6QgxudBuU/WL9453EQZ1I/AAAAAAACCeQ/5tIzAP4XHz02pEYSykCeJIzGAsyMBgXlACPcB/s320/IMG_8036.JPG" width="320" /></a>Our group continued to paddle against the wind upstream. We had whitecaps from the wind at our bows. I laughed at them while alternating between my <a href="http://www.powerteamlures.com/" target="_blank">PowerTeam Lures Sick Stick</a>, <a href="http://www.northlandtackle.com/" target="_blank">Northland Tackle</a> Reed Runner Magnum Spinner (hoping for Musky/Pike), and my jerkbait.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CJQGb6DCHLo/WL945_GQ33I/AAAAAAACCeQ/DnrUCgmOUzkt9XGESyPHI7tWEqK0xDSAgCPcB/s1600/IMG_20170305_204208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CJQGb6DCHLo/WL945_GQ33I/AAAAAAACCeQ/DnrUCgmOUzkt9XGESyPHI7tWEqK0xDSAgCPcB/s320/IMG_20170305_204208.jpg" width="240" /></a>I got a few hits on my jerkbait, and a buddy got a few hits on some finesse plastics. Unfortunately, our minds and bodies were more excited than the fish in the 32.5 degree water. Our buddy John, in his new Hobie <br />
PA14 was flippering all over the place with a gigantic smile on his face. We all had smiles. New boats what we were more than pleased with, floating for the first time in months, and in good company.<br />
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In the end we got skunked. It happens, but we didn't care. As we said at the takeout, we would rather get skunked now when we were learning our new gear. We don't want to learn our new gear when we gotta worry about catching fish.<br />
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It was an amazing day, with amazing friends (including one new friend), what more can you ask for given the conditions. Good friends, new friends, floating, and fishing! An amazing day on the water! Stay tuned as this was the last day of bass/pike/a few other species season in Wisconsin for most inland waters. Thus, we hit the Mighty Mississippi soon for some Whatever Bites!<br />
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<br />Small Craft Fishermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06782520720595240282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418304730068406638.post-62143369830306948532017-03-10T17:32:00.000-06:002017-03-10T17:32:07.124-06:00The Best Kayak Fish Finder Battery!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEYCLt9plgLhhghi2z-m-2tlt0EOK2cxjcgCUnfMRnBWUvjb5EFyedvSWUja6lMRewpVVoCQY3QR-OB3sqzmgrzXzndK9Qad_H9F8wr5zcWFO3UO5nbQwk_GuVDXOA9hefDO2z6VgMoo/s1600/battery+showdown+2.0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEYCLt9plgLhhghi2z-m-2tlt0EOK2cxjcgCUnfMRnBWUvjb5EFyedvSWUja6lMRewpVVoCQY3QR-OB3sqzmgrzXzndK9Qad_H9F8wr5zcWFO3UO5nbQwk_GuVDXOA9hefDO2z6VgMoo/s400/battery+showdown+2.0.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">12v 10,000mah Lithium Battery vs. 12v 4amp SLA Battery</td></tr>
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One of the most essential kayak accessories is a fish finder. A fish finder allows you to a lot of knowledge on the water such as depth, water temp, structure, and even fish. Some fish finders also have GPS features that can help keep you safe on the water. These units range from 3-10 inches, I'm sure somebody has gone bigger but not that I have seen...yet. The one trick with these units is on a kayak you need a power source that isn't as big as the yak! Bass boats have the luxury of being able to hold multiple 12v 30-50 amp batteries. In a kayak you need a battery that has a lot of power in a small size. Currently there are two major options for batteries, Sealed lead Acid (SLA) batteries and Lithium batteries.<br />
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Now before we get into talking about the differences between SLA and lithium batteries, a very common question is what battery do I need? What I say is to look at what that the amps per hour that particular unit draws. This is usually estimated at the highest power draw. This number can help give you an estimate of how many amps your battery needs to be. The most common size is usually a 12v 8-10amp battery. This seems to work well with both the smaller and bigger units. Now to the differences in battery type.<br />
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The most common battery in the kayak industry is the SLA battery. The one benefit of a SLA battery is that they are cheap! Great deals for these batteries can be found and your kayak can be wired up for under $50. With that does come some downfalls of SLA batteries. The first downfall is they are big and heavy. One 12v 10amp SLA battery can weigh up to 10lbs per battery. Throwing 3 of three of these into your kayak, depending on the kayak can hurt the carrying capacity of the yak and throw off how the boat is trimmed in the water. The second downfall is that SLA drastically lose power in cold weather. If you fish in cold weather plan on bringing several batteries or not using the electronics. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMXxQyoKAHcWfekTqq3_PB6yXgXyMcjil3diANQ3Djh85Bs_ErUAwf_r4TI6YcqZphT1-0qyiFs-PtYXOnIUN-4bAhlSWjBK3S1N17rBTidz65fnKgcMq5yy-S98ob7B7nH9A_R8M6jQ/s1600/SLA1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMXxQyoKAHcWfekTqq3_PB6yXgXyMcjil3diANQ3Djh85Bs_ErUAwf_r4TI6YcqZphT1-0qyiFs-PtYXOnIUN-4bAhlSWjBK3S1N17rBTidz65fnKgcMq5yy-S98ob7B7nH9A_R8M6jQ/s320/SLA1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">12V 4amp SLA is large, bulky, and heavy</td></tr>
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The final drawback of SLA batteries is their life cycle. Many of these batteries are not deep cycle and aren't meant to be drained till dead. Additionally as a SLA battery loses amps the voltage will drop. For most fish finders when this voltage drops below 12V it is no longer usable until it is recharged. Also don't expect many SLA batteries to last more than a few seasons.<br />
Positive: Lots of power for the money<br />
Negatives: Heavy, not good in cold, short shelf life, and the voltage can drop below 12V<br />
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The new upcoming batteries in the marine industry is Lithium batteries. There are many different kinds that are up and coming such as Lithium Ion, Lithium Iron, and Lithium Phosphorous. Basically they are very similar just different formulas to generate power. The benefits to lithium batteries in kayaks are plenty. The first is that they are very small and lightweight. This crucial when weight is an issue on a kayak. Plus with their small size they can be stashed anywhere. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcj9GCuHM0BUca6B_KD0aNeqxVOijthLHoq0pGNa1A5lFLo4dmgLyh2XMIQK5R1FtU-DYx6vKYuXriLbLZRJvXUecg7B1SgJKqzpLYHyAbL9bhrUmK5D8G1hXc8z80hJ5z9YtuYNmxBI/s1600/lithium+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcj9GCuHM0BUca6B_KD0aNeqxVOijthLHoq0pGNa1A5lFLo4dmgLyh2XMIQK5R1FtU-DYx6vKYuXriLbLZRJvXUecg7B1SgJKqzpLYHyAbL9bhrUmK5D8G1hXc8z80hJ5z9YtuYNmxBI/s320/lithium+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">12V 10,000mah is small, light, and powerful</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00bwMX9ixu7c7b9heQIKAgfRLPJvTZdZ2ZupFXTYQNni8-WPvtMEpWz74GBRRKAOnizeYC50GshAQWr3owuSGuAVRR4BrcnD72bSOyrBlU6-OS3luWPsG6pKEs7iqADVrNV8Jv0RfpI0/s1600/lithium+two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00bwMX9ixu7c7b9heQIKAgfRLPJvTZdZ2ZupFXTYQNni8-WPvtMEpWz74GBRRKAOnizeYC50GshAQWr3owuSGuAVRR4BrcnD72bSOyrBlU6-OS3luWPsG6pKEs7iqADVrNV8Jv0RfpI0/s320/lithium+two.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only around 5 in x 3 in x 1 inch and less than a pound.</td></tr>
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The second is that they provide 12v until the battery is completely depleted meaning you will get 100% performance until the battery dies. The third major benefit is that there is a lot less drain in cold weather compared to SLA. The fourth benefit is that these batteries are good for hundreds to thousands of charges meaning less batteries to be bought. Now for the downsides! The first downside is the price, these batteries are SUPER expensive, meaning a large upfront cost. The second downside is that some lithium batteries have a risk of fire but in recent years companies have taken many safety precautions to prevent this.<br />
Positives: Light, small, all 12V, no cold weather battery loss, and longer shelf life.<br />
Negatives: EXPENSIVE and must take precautions for battery safety<br />
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Now that was a lot! So I am gonna give you my recommendation on what I have been using! I personally use an external laptop battery charging pack that has a 12v output. I have had great success with these. I own two and one will power my Garmin Echomap Chirp 73sv for about 5-6 hours. I found it on amazon and it provides 12v with 10,000ma. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/XTPower-MP-10000-External-10000mAh-included/dp/B00935L44E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1488942282&sr=8-1&keywords=xt+power">here</a>. As long as you can crimp marine connectors you can wire it up! Its super simple, but if you have any questions feel free to ask!<br />
It cost me in total around $120 and has held up through all the abuse I have put it through. Additionally it has usb ports already wired into it for charging my phone and it has a built in draw cut off that keeps the battery from being overdrawn and shorting out. You can find it <br />
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The upfront cost of lithium batteries can be very daunting but if you can swing the fee, there are major rewards with it. <a href="https://www.bioennopower.com/">Bioenno</a> and <a href="https://nocqua.com/">Nocqua</a> that are directly marketed at kayak fisherman. Also don't be afraid to rock a SLA battery if it fits your. They are dirt cheap they get you out on the water. I hope this helps answer any kayak electronic battery questions you might have. If you have any questions shoot a comment below or message me on facebook and I can help in anyway possible! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYoDWAopUgvBgsSkr1NrDlc3o_JspcnXe24hVK7sgAzfrAvv9whBt36SEgxalsnA91I0rkc0xc_dCrTY242AS16P51WhvQkuWnTG9nd2pUrcJZg8L-bh8Jct1NU_5bxD7ntX1rJedxzk/s1600/battery+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYoDWAopUgvBgsSkr1NrDlc3o_JspcnXe24hVK7sgAzfrAvv9whBt36SEgxalsnA91I0rkc0xc_dCrTY242AS16P51WhvQkuWnTG9nd2pUrcJZg8L-bh8Jct1NU_5bxD7ntX1rJedxzk/s320/battery+box.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Battery box, both batteries give me a combined 10-12 hours of power.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuz_Yag0I5jevrGmHTUa0bQUFkzXKO2OJrFYdclGLxJjplB9YBjPClsX6Sru2MnZdr29_NmU1mdmb3PlD8rCdiRldXEtdpeh0DSbpBC4EZa_qGIKN1HJSWf5Lg8RoCbuUmnieOj2qzWxc/s1600/lithium+12v+output.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuz_Yag0I5jevrGmHTUa0bQUFkzXKO2OJrFYdclGLxJjplB9YBjPClsX6Sru2MnZdr29_NmU1mdmb3PlD8rCdiRldXEtdpeh0DSbpBC4EZa_qGIKN1HJSWf5Lg8RoCbuUmnieOj2qzWxc/s320/lithium+12v+output.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">12v output port for powering and 12v input for charging.</td></tr>
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Plus there are many manufacturers such as <br />
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Thanks for reading along and Tight Lines,<br />
<br />
Patrick "Pooti" Tharp<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08498016133376007353noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418304730068406638.post-40650537548388805962017-02-28T18:47:00.000-06:002017-02-28T18:47:54.702-06:00From Bass fishing to BowfishingTwo weekends ago was beyond busy...busy with fishing! With the recent warm weather than we have been having I knew it was time to break the cabin fever. It also meant I finally get to take my brand spankin new Hobie Pro Angler 14 out. I was like a kid in a candy store as I spent all week getting it rigged up for its first voyage.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YFbzl5F_ddMYC3ccRH0U2PA7t39Yn5WcTT5FW4GTcUg-554HwqWn9V_bsP9-m23so6ujaL3mSsoOMeS-3aaoWq9f4f16PQlBKYrDZXYTJkzjSOQiv9YPD8cqHLKi8moQCFriXx5Anlc/s1600/hobie+PA1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YFbzl5F_ddMYC3ccRH0U2PA7t39Yn5WcTT5FW4GTcUg-554HwqWn9V_bsP9-m23so6ujaL3mSsoOMeS-3aaoWq9f4f16PQlBKYrDZXYTJkzjSOQiv9YPD8cqHLKi8moQCFriXx5Anlc/s400/hobie+PA1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ain't she beautiful!</td></tr>
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Now that the pre-excitement stage has been set...to the good stuff! Sunday is when all the adventuring began. I was meeting quite a few KBL members and other area kayak fisherman at Coffeen Lake, a local power plant lake in Southern-Central IL, for a preseason shootout (aka a friendly competition). The day began for me around 3:30 a.m. Even though it's only an hour and a half drive and we were meeting at 6 a.m., I could not sleep any longer! I was so excited to try out my new yak! I paced as the coffee machine slowly but surely poured my caffeinated jolt that would get me to the boat ramp. As I made my drive down their the fog was so bad that I drove the hour and a half with my eyes glued to the 10ft of visibility that I had. As I arrived, I went milled around mingling with all the fellow anglers, but my heart was yearning to put the yak on the water! Once everyone got their we finally pushed off from shore. I adjusted my pedals and finally began taking in my new kayaking experience...HANDS FREE!..believe me, it makes a world of a distance! As the day continued, I began to get to work and put fish in the boat. I managed to catch somewhere between 20-30 fish throughout the day. With my best 5 going 72.5". Most came on a neko rigged Zoom Trick Worm, fished on a Medium Fast Kistler KLX spinning rod, teamed up with 15lb P-line TCB 8 Hi-Vis Braid, with an 8lb Tactical Fluorocarbon leader. A few others came off a shad patterned squarebill and a swing jighead with a Missile Baits Crawfather. While it was a dink fest most of the day, I did managed one nice kicker fish! Plus it gave me a good photo-op to show off the new 2017 jersey.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnk11sQdZ57uHjSHamjKnWdrS_7CMhNGIVrqCxWFlYOnmWoM8nlkFPsnKLZhVqEZZ4HXhyee-DLCAl-S2baxSpDHDkdVVqMYSMYVdtyKw87FLzlCjRMGrbO602iW0poaiSvK-lK82XwUE/s1600/bowfish+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnk11sQdZ57uHjSHamjKnWdrS_7CMhNGIVrqCxWFlYOnmWoM8nlkFPsnKLZhVqEZZ4HXhyee-DLCAl-S2baxSpDHDkdVVqMYSMYVdtyKw87FLzlCjRMGrbO602iW0poaiSvK-lK82XwUE/s400/bowfish+1.jpg" width="225" /></a>As the day came to an end, I expected to go home and relax while grilling out... This soon become a daydream as I got that classic text I always love "bowfishing?". Now there is only one correct way to answer this and that is YES!!! Now I know some don't care for the act of killing carp in the act of pure fun, but in the lakes we go are infested with them, so please don't think any less of me. While I do kill them for fun, my collegiate education in conservation biology knows it's beneficial for the environment. Plus don't knock it until you try it because it's a ton of fun! It was a fun, warm night out there, can't complain when its upper 50's at night in February! We ended up shooting 27 fish between the three of us that went, not a bad night at all! </div>
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As I finally got home around 3am, it ended my 23 hour fishing excursion. While it was one very very long day, it was a great day of fishing. Many bass were caught and many carp were shot, testing both outdoor aspects that I love very much. I can't wait for more days just like this in this coming spring and summer!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08498016133376007353noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418304730068406638.post-74951630602779375782017-02-20T17:05:00.000-06:002017-02-20T17:05:04.457-06:00Making Your Own Path in the Fishing Industry<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinukhyphenhyphenLnQ1uWTbWAz47V6XUJ6spmmNdTxpj_Tr7c0FAZ-1jNCbTN_SAGAh0LKyEF8n2vxtNbUzvcLNcBkUPuoqKJA1aK2qacHoLLRysjho7otG4sy3RvQblWXke3lgG4XDO16rTlWgAsqR/s1600/IamaFishermanSCF.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinukhyphenhyphenLnQ1uWTbWAz47V6XUJ6spmmNdTxpj_Tr7c0FAZ-1jNCbTN_SAGAh0LKyEF8n2vxtNbUzvcLNcBkUPuoqKJA1aK2qacHoLLRysjho7otG4sy3RvQblWXke3lgG4XDO16rTlWgAsqR/s320/IamaFishermanSCF.jpeg" width="240" /></a>The sport of fishing as we know it continues to grow exponentially. Fly fishing, bank fishing, float tubes, jon boats, kayaks, canoes, bass boats, paddle boats, arm floaties, pontoons, mom and dad's speed boat, decked-out bass boats, etc. As the vessels and technologies of each advance, we see the sport continually evolving. Beyond the type of vessel/method you use, our sport has evolved even further. We have tournament fishing, leisure fishing, fishing-when-the-wife/husband-lets-me, guiding, social media fishing. Tournament fishing is spreading like wildfire (in a good way) thanks to technology, such as <a href="http://www.tourneyx.com/" target="_blank">TourneyX</a>. <br />
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The social media fishing scene also evolves constantly. Prostaff applications now ask for your YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, blog, website, and related information. Some choose to use all of these platforms, some focus on one and supplement with another. I focus on the blog/writing and Facebook, using YouTube and Instagram as an additional tool. No matter your path, some find it difficult to find their own path in the sport. I hope my experience helps you find your path.<br />
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In my experience, it is a delicate balance. Diving into too many types can lead to excessive stress and burnout. I am a bass boat/leisure-craft/jon boat fisherman turned kayak fisherman. The kayak is affordable, low maintenance, has endless possibilities, allows me to rooftop on my car. It has also got me on the biggest fish of my life. Last year I wanted it all: a blog, a YouTube channel, Instagram, Facebook, tournaments, guiding, etc., etc., etc.<br />
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When I landed two epic bass over 6 lbs. last fall (epic by Wisconsin standards), I drove hard into the tournament fishing. I was spending every hour after work and on the weekends fishing. It quickly became a job. I personally think there is a fine line between a career, a passion, and a job. I never want to cross any of those lines, especially with my passion. When I pushed one of my types of fishing too hard, my passion started showing signs of a job (exhaustion, lack of interest, etc.). My wife noticed it too.<br />
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This is when I stopped to think what I wanted out of the sport. I love writing, sharing my adventures and knowledge. I love teaching people how to fish. I love the leisure part of fishing. I love tournament fishing, but get stressed if I push it too hard. I thought about my priorities and passion. In what order do I love these things about the sport? I have a stressful day-job (IT Consultant), so the leisure aspect is most important. A close second is writing and teaching others. Third was the competition and tournaments. <br />
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I sat down with my wife and discussed these priorities. She told me, "Don't let your hobby be your job." It was clear my personality, day job, and family life did not cater to hardcore tournament fishing. But thanks to TourneyX and KBF, I can still participate without pushing it too hard.<br />
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If I can find a way to make a career (key word career - not job) out of my hobby, that would be perfect. But balance is key. My wife and I discussed and decided my personality and passion would cater well to a guide/retail business in the industry. I also love writing. I do enjoy the tournaments, but need my passion to focus on the teaching/guiding/writing with the tournaments a bonus. Enter my plan.<br />
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First, I continued sharing my stories through written word here on Small Craft Fisherman. I am privileged to have the following I have. I truly appreciate my readers allowing me to take control of their imagination for a short while, sharing my adventures and knowledge. Secondly, I wanted to start a business. Not an easy feat, and not for everyone. But my day job pays the bills and I am relatively young. Why not give it a shot?<br />
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Enter <a href="http://www.smallcraftfitters.com/" target="_blank">Small Craft Outfitters LLC</a>. I filed for the LLC, the EIN, state licenses, DNR licenses, built a website, social media, etc., etc., etc. I've been blessed to have several top-notch companies in the industry agree to work with me in this adventure. I personally use and fully support all brands we sell. I wouldn't have it any other way. We are starting small out of a home office to keep overhead low, but will be focusing on guided kayak fishing adventures. We will also offer for sale all the products and brands we use for these adventures. It is much easier to sell products we personally stand behind. But I digress.<br />
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The goal of this story is to help you decide what time of fisherman/woman you are. We can't all be Drew Gregory or Chad Hoover with shows/brands/YouTube followings/etc., we can't all be Ike and KVD with a laundry list of tournament wins under our belts, and we can't all be a writer/publisher like Chris Payne from Kayak Bass Fishing Magazine/Kayak Bass Fishing Blog.<br />
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Instead of trying to be like these giants in the industry, find your own way. Just like they did. Stop and think what drives you, what your strengths are, and what works for your current personal situation. If your current situation doesn't allow for you to follow the path you prefer/excel at, draft a plan to get there. As they say, "KBF wasn't build in a day.".....errrr was it Rome..... Anyways, find your own path, follow your own dreams, your own way that works for you and your family. If you don't stress over it and understand what you want you will find success while still enjoying the sport you love. Trying to be like someone else will always lead to stress and burnout. Your passion for the sport will become a job and your overall stress levels in life will skyrocket. <br />
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I am by no means a giant in the industry, nor do I want to be. I just want to do what I love while helping others along the way. If you are considering getting into the blogging, social media, or any aspect of the sport and would like some advice, I am more than happy to help where I can. Drop me a line at tyler@smallcraftfisherman.com. <br />
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Tight lines my friends.<br />
<br />Small Craft Fishermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06782520720595240282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418304730068406638.post-38658301546172000322017-02-08T18:19:00.002-06:002017-02-08T18:19:49.693-06:00The 4 Most Essential Kayak Tools to Never Leave Home Without!Now you probably read that title and thought...only 4?! There are so many more essential items than just 4 and yes I would agree. A couple that came to your mind was probably fishing gear, snacks, bump board, and the dreaded tournament identifier. Now I forget those a lot of the time but they don't make my essential 4 list. To be honest it's more like an essential 10 list but if I had to boil it down to 4, this would be the 4 top items that I would not leave the boat ramp without...side note, this doesn't include the recommended safety precautions (PFD, light when needed, whistle, etc...) those are essential they are mandatory! Now let's get started!<br />
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1. The first essential item on my list is a Sharpie marker. If you ever see me at the ramp I usually have access to about 3 (pocket, in yak, and in the truck). They can be used for many different things out on the water! It is great for last minute additions to your tournament ID and touching up on your bump board. They also work great when coloring faded braided line. I also use a Sharpie to help keep track of fish pictures in tournaments. I keep track of fish in my camera roll by using tally marks on my hand to help me easily identify them after a long day on the water. I've even thought about using it as eye black on sunny days...don't worry I haven't ACTUALLY done it...yet. Mark sure you have a Sharpie with you on the water!<br />
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2. Ziploc baggies take the cake for the number 2 spot. These are awesome in a pinch as they make a MacGyver waterproof safe haven for your keys, phone, wallet, and tournament ID. Now it's probably not the best but if a $0.10 baggie can save my $500 phone, I am all for it! Also I love to use them to pack my lunch and then put all my soft plastic trash in them to ensure I don't pollute the waterways. Make sure to throw a couple in the yak for next time. They take up no room at all and they can save you from a really, really bad day.<br />
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3. Now number 3 was difficult I had two go tos for this one so I will put both and let you decide which one suits your needs. My options were duct tape or zip ties. Personally I favor duct tape since in the event of a hole in your yak, it can serve as a temporary patch job to get you to shore or to the ramp. Also I feel like we have all had that moment when everything is going right until something becomes unattached or just falls off its mount and won't go back on. Thats where the duct tape comes in!<br />
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4. Last but certainly not least is TP or dude wipes (If you haven't check them out you owe it to yourself to do so). Believe me you don't want to be several miles from the ramp and really have to go... Also TP is good for many different first aid uses and dreaded spring allergies.<br />
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Well those essentials probably weren't what you were expecting but I hope they help you next time you are out. No one likes to forget things or have things break but having these 4 things will help your day run much smoothly and they take up very little room! Add these to your gear up list this spring!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08498016133376007353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418304730068406638.post-60076706512244233982017-01-24T17:19:00.000-06:002017-01-24T17:19:19.160-06:00Bait Selection on Unfamiliar Waters<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEm6Wowl_ygqbE7tt5It9yVzGvlVnAS1kMeSp-IGrTHHAPjWz1fPvDBe5iJwfBEs29MXhaPYsrDnY_3YnMDS7xfB0w_6-cpU8SJwOrYn1cFnQrCWq5aHfxSaUBeqUNPCVcxX829yLZII/s1600/Coffeen+lake+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEm6Wowl_ygqbE7tt5It9yVzGvlVnAS1kMeSp-IGrTHHAPjWz1fPvDBe5iJwfBEs29MXhaPYsrDnY_3YnMDS7xfB0w_6-cpU8SJwOrYn1cFnQrCWq5aHfxSaUBeqUNPCVcxX829yLZII/s400/Coffeen+lake+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful January day in IL.<br />
Photo Cred: Jeff Ashmann</td></tr>
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This past weekend, I managed to sneak out on the water on a gorgeous 61 degree day. I have no idea how or why it we had a 61 degree day in January, but I wasn't gonna miss my chance to break the yak out. I met up with a bunch of new friends from Southern IL and we went to a local power plant lake. The fishing wasn't great, we did manage to catch some fish and I got to fish in shorts so I was a happy camper! One thing that I pondered while on the water was how do you determine what bait to throw (slow moving baits). I know everyone has their preferences and confidence baits, but what is the deciding factor when fishing a new lake? Is it the water clarity? Type of cover? Presence of forage? In my opinion that is A LOT to take into account when you are on the water, especially when you have a limited amount of time. Now let me preface, most will start with a reaction type bait to find fish, which I did but I couldn't get fish to commit. This lead me to slow down and begin throwing bottom contact baits and finesse baits. Its no secret that I love finesse baits. To be honest when the bite is tough you will see me jumping for joy as I pick up my spinning rod, while others are grumbling under their breath. What I do different is I power fish it. I can actually cover just as much water with these finesse baits as I can with a reaction bait. Now let's go over how I broke down the water!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to make a pattern happen.</td></tr>
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Now if you read a lot of articles from elite series pros, a lot of them will say to look for bait around the ramp. Whether this could be bluegills, shad, or crawfish. While I have found bait doing that, usually bluegill, sometimes you can not. One thing I have found that is easier is to look up the lake report. Many times you will be able to find a full list of aquatic species that are in that body of water. This can give you a general idea for color selection. Use these natural color hues and modify them with the water clarity. Say you have slightly stained water, I love to throw a lure that combines browns, greens, and blues. This color can match a variety of things, such as a bluegill or crayfish. A quote from Gerald Swindle "These are tiny little creatures with tiny little brains...We give them too much credit and overthink things". This is very much true. If you overthink things it will make things way harder than they should be! I usually will pick two starting colors depending on water clarity, clean water I usually start with green pumpkin/blue and brown/green and muddy water my picks are black/blue and black/red. Picking two starting colors that you think will best match the conditions will help simplify your life and give you a starting point for the hundreds of colors made by manufacturers.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The all magical Neko Rig, great when it's too windy or too deep<br />
for a wacky rig.</td></tr>
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Next up is the body shape. The body shape is just as crucial the color. This past weekend I was fishing right next to my buddy who was throwing a summer craw beaver style bait, while I was throwing a summer craw/brown jig. He caught multiple fish working the same laydowns behind me. While our baits were the same color and had very similar silhouettes in the water, he was catching fish that I was missing. Don't be afraid to keep trying different body shapes. For me this is usually mandated a lot by the type of cover I am fishing. If there are rocks I am usually pulling out a jig. When fishing wood I really like throwing a shakey head. My all terrain vehicle for finding fish is a wacky rig. I fish it fast and I have several ways to rig it to work in all conditions. If I am fishing shallow I will rig it weightless with either a senko or a trick worm. To work the mid depth range 5-10 foot, I will use a trick worm with a nail weight in the head of the worm (Neko rig). This essentially combines a shakey head with a wacky rig worm and can be very deadly! For deeper water 10+ feet or very slow fish (cold front) I will use a wacky rigged worm on a drop shot. <br />
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While these aren't fool proof tips, they have helped me keep the skunk out of the boat countless times. Next time you are out there give this a thought and see if it can help you put a few more fish in your boat!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08498016133376007353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418304730068406638.post-78736496054501529982017-01-14T09:07:00.003-06:002017-01-14T09:13:23.208-06:00Ice, Ice, BabyIt is inevitable in the Great White North. The scorching, humid, summer is followed by the blazing colors of fall, followed by the blistering winter. Said winter makes it difficult to kayak with ice thick enough to drive large vehicles on (though I have seen people attempt it). Thus, we kayak fisherman take this lemon and make lemon vodka. We bust out the shanties and ice poles, fill our flasks with vodka, and fill our ice-free coolers with beer (to keep it from freezing since it is so cold), and head out on the "hard water". <br />
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Hard water is a beast of its own. Specific rods, reels, lures, bait, electronics, and augers to get you a hole through which you wet your line and (hopefully) retrieve some fish. In this area, others had been out sooner. Some die-hards will go out on questionable ice, crawling across with plywood, tied to their buddies with a long rope. Yes, I've kayaked in my fair share of conditions others wouldn't consider. But, for me, ice is too unpredictable. I can use my paddling experience to get me out of sketchy situations with my Bending Branches Angler Pro in my FeelFree Lure. But on ice, I am at the mercy of the ice and if it decides to keep me dry. I wait until it is plenty thick to head out. After a mild start to winter which included blistering cold, snow, rain, melting, and blistering cold again, I was late to hit the ice this year. I got out for my first hard water fishing trip over the new year holiday. <br />
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My first trip was a quick one on my local waters with family. We drilled several holes. After a few hours, we landed many key-chain worthy Perch and a couple keeper bluegill. Though the bite was slow and the fish small, it felt good to get outside, get a line wet, and get some slime on my hands.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4bw7FzAik8RPQb50t9uox3Exot7m8sH47X6yK1UW9ByKQp_OFj4Ep9gT5zWKsr17dTiUmNWQ8VPRkHf-zGZpBUV8WZm5lSiyKJwJ5L2-xFbfrReRIjFApgiXWn1JhYuWQC1NClnSo4IS/s1600/IMG_20170101_171212_011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4bw7FzAik8RPQb50t9uox3Exot7m8sH47X6yK1UW9ByKQp_OFj4Ep9gT5zWKsr17dTiUmNWQ8VPRkHf-zGZpBUV8WZm5lSiyKJwJ5L2-xFbfrReRIjFApgiXWn1JhYuWQC1NClnSo4IS/s320/IMG_20170101_171212_011.jpg" width="256" /></a>The second trip, my daughter came out with me. She took a year on hiatus after stepping knee-deep into one of our ice holes the year prior. Her comment,"Why did you put the holes inside the tent?!?!?!" Now that her foot is bigger, and she understands the "tent" isn't for camping/playing, she was eager to get back out. We landed a few nice fish, and she managed to catch the biggest crappie and bluegill of the day. Though she eventually grew bored, we had a blast fishing and chatting in the "tent".<br />
<br />
The next day, I headed out for a day-long trip with my buddy Chang Lor of www.cxfishing.com. This was his first time ice fishing, ever. I was excited to show him the ropes, and he was excited to try it (though I think he is disappointed there is no topwater bite ice fishing).<br />
<br />
The day was warm (20s), but an incoming snow had it cloudy with high winds. The winds bite through our layers, making time outside the warmth of the shanty difficult. I put a hole in the ice and drop a Panfish Plastics Chigger Fry marinaded in JB's Fish Sauce into the hole. I give Chang his crash-course on reading a flasher sonar and quickly pull a small Perch out of the water. I would have preferred to do some scouting for a prime location, but frostbite was not in my plans for the day. Given the conditions, I setup the shanty quicker than I'd like on one of my usual ice spots and fired up the Mr. Heater. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZnDdCSE19m3xI3t8NhKIxgiG3ws9Sdozs17u3cBSxG2U0edoRSkakkzrRdn9HVEvqXp7pstI_Hpc9Rnu5XHkKCmQqDbz5XXgUxp-5UEPyfFcee_VSdeJDtqTntJcuuoMdFdslnoQH-dn/s1600/IMG_20170102_091257762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZnDdCSE19m3xI3t8NhKIxgiG3ws9Sdozs17u3cBSxG2U0edoRSkakkzrRdn9HVEvqXp7pstI_Hpc9Rnu5XHkKCmQqDbz5XXgUxp-5UEPyfFcee_VSdeJDtqTntJcuuoMdFdslnoQH-dn/s320/IMG_20170102_091257762.jpg" width="180" /></a>In a short time, the shanty is warm and we are marking fish. Chang lands his first fish on ice, a small Perch! It seems he may be hooked (pun fully intended). We are both pulling a variety of Perch, Bluegill, and Crappie out of our holes. Chang had his lure dialed in with a black Panfish Plastics Chigger Fry marinaded in JB's Fish Sauce. I had to switch colors a few times to find another color that worked well (I don't like to fish the same colors in both holes). <br />
<br />
After a few waves of fish (fish will come through in schools at various intervals when ice fishing), we come to a bit of a lull and rig up a tip-down and a whip-up with crappie minnows. During said endeavor I manage to completely lose my feet under me and mess up my back, but forge on. After successfully setting the crappie minnows, we head back into the warmth of the shanty where we land some more fish before another lull in the bite comes.<br />
<br />
We decide to adventure into the bitter wind and do scouting in deeper water armed with the <a href="http://www.panfishplastics.com/" target="_blank">Panfish Plastics Chigger Fry</a>. I apply a layer of <a href="http://www.jbsfishsauce.com/" target="_blank">JBs Fish Sauce</a> to the hook and jig head. I drill a few scouting holes, check the depth and activity with the Vexilar. After repeating this exercise three times before we locate a spot with a large school of fish. We begin jigging but most of the school moves out without biting. We are about to give up when my spring bobber dives quickly. Fish on!<br />
<br />
I start reeling in the unknown fish with the smaller of my ice poles spooled with 2 lb. test. Bluegill put up a great fight, this feels like a bluegill. Yet, it feels larger. My suspicions are confirmed when I get the fish to the hole. It IS a bluegill, the biggest one I've ever caught! As my mouth drops, so does the fish. I let my line go slightly slack, enough for the fish to shake off the hook back into the hole. I quickly dive to the hole, sticking my hand into the icy water. I have saved my fair share of fish this way when ice fishing. But this time, the time it really counted, the fish swims away into the darkness below. At this point I'm disappointed and we are freezing. The fish are gone, this location is about as active as our current one. We opt to head back to the shelter of the shanty and carry on.<br />
<br />
We continue fishing the original spot, catching some nice Bluegill and Crappie. Chang manages to land his first bass on ice and his first for 2017, it is a beast! He sets a goal to best this early-year personal best. I am confident he will do it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBa0zLsWtyYNXXZQxjiOedrn_OVWO-w2Hd2zgezusg5m4LpfyxxC1lXTi_mkH01jcdZth2Ih0cDKbaOcWCLr74pItueogRHbWRSiviPet09MJabMRwzvrxCeDJjOmt478wIr55xBnU4eoR/s1600/IMG_20170102_104230869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBa0zLsWtyYNXXZQxjiOedrn_OVWO-w2Hd2zgezusg5m4LpfyxxC1lXTi_mkH01jcdZth2Ih0cDKbaOcWCLr74pItueogRHbWRSiviPet09MJabMRwzvrxCeDJjOmt478wIr55xBnU4eoR/s320/IMG_20170102_104230869.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
We enjoy a few more hours of fishing then the bite slows. We have 9 keeper panfish and decide to call it a day. We go through my packing ritual and part ways. We plan to hit another location with some monster Pike next time (but on a warmer day when we can run to tip-ups). <br />
<br />
Ice fishing is fun in its own way. Some live and die by it. I live and die by kayak fishing. Ice fishing, however, temporarily satisfies my fishing appetite and fills my freezer with tasty panfish. I look forward to the next trip where we hope to pull some monster Pike and Bass through the ice. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFr1xwmgjca-xM_ZwVDJctcZgikrUznHts5Rg6uYztAXP7yFtj_GL4zgLDZWAnhLHQec4cUeLhY2BUhop4GO4lZX0UHIURKRWmZlPZt0VgyuB_O5Jo3Hv0O2P9dr12dp4KKtUHQiMcGuV/s1600/IMG_7481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFr1xwmgjca-xM_ZwVDJctcZgikrUznHts5Rg6uYztAXP7yFtj_GL4zgLDZWAnhLHQec4cUeLhY2BUhop4GO4lZX0UHIURKRWmZlPZt0VgyuB_O5Jo3Hv0O2P9dr12dp4KKtUHQiMcGuV/s320/IMG_7481.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo By Chang Lor of www.cxfishing.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Small Craft Fishermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06782520720595240282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418304730068406638.post-13173626222979465832017-01-04T18:55:00.000-06:002017-01-04T18:55:41.625-06:00New Year, New MindsetAs 2016 has finally ended and 2017 begins, it bring a new year of possibilities both in fishing and in life. While for some our kayak fishing season has ended, but for others it is starting to heat up as fish will be making their way to beds within the next few months. Whether you are able to fish or not, there is always something to do. Lately I have been cleaning reels, organizing tackle, and replacing rusty hooks. While these tasks might not be as fun as getting on a school of toads, they are crucial tasks that need to be done to ensure proper and efficient use of your time on the water. I would much rather do this stuff now, to allow me to be on the water as soon as everything unthaws!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGWpDweHPSOjfVcVwncrsWl-0sBJr9TyuwvTk5F2wWoJoKSCfbioFMGSlaME1YA-u8OBXKdpPmN27-km19yOPaKpiokZlmfyWKut8H-4CVfW5weZJdaGNygO4fOgwHNTGK4QwLC1AlJQ/s1600/IMG_2948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGWpDweHPSOjfVcVwncrsWl-0sBJr9TyuwvTk5F2wWoJoKSCfbioFMGSlaME1YA-u8OBXKdpPmN27-km19yOPaKpiokZlmfyWKut8H-4CVfW5weZJdaGNygO4fOgwHNTGK4QwLC1AlJQ/s400/IMG_2948.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New PB, 21.5 inches, from 2016!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Now let me preface that I have never been a huge goal type of guy. A lot of times I make decisions as they come to me rather than a long distance goal that I could lose motivation to accomplish. My kayak fishing goal for 2016 was to make the KBF National Championship. While this was my first year in the kayak fishing scene, I was very thankful for the opportunities I have been given and the friends I have made. I look forward to 2017 and the many adventures it holds as I attempt to take a run at the KBF AOY through the KBF Trail and online events.<br />
<br />
Now for what's new in 2017!<br />
<br />
As 2017 begins I reflect back upon everything I did in 2016 and came up with a few major areas that I think I could vastly improve on.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh918KKcrrv6tLy_O1oZEneqAS1JX1b5HJnQ0Dwmc4t3s2iRjrhr38nFF42s2jQlaNBU5iW7diiAN6MAOvwCitUdhUAuHpybrJQueBdFNd6Fnz72gQXzzhCDx8i9fwvuAZ0ChYByO5AHJ4/s1600/IMG_3091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh918KKcrrv6tLy_O1oZEneqAS1JX1b5HJnQ0Dwmc4t3s2iRjrhr38nFF42s2jQlaNBU5iW7diiAN6MAOvwCitUdhUAuHpybrJQueBdFNd6Fnz72gQXzzhCDx8i9fwvuAZ0ChYByO5AHJ4/s320/IMG_3091.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First ever Smallmouth Bass!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li> Don't sweat the small stuff. This is something that use to eat me up when I would go fishing. Even when fun fishing, I would get furious with myself when I would forget stuff. Instead in 2017 I fully intend on making list to make sure I don't leave the essentials at home!</li>
<li>Sticking with your strengths. One thing that I have realized while fishing many live tournament events is that you can't try to do too much. There were many times when I tried to make a bite happen that simply wasn't there. I also tried to fish tactics that I had no previous practice with, when there was money on the line. In 2017 I have a goal of adding more techniques to my strengths during practice and trying new and revolutionary tactics to give me a larger background knowledge when I need it, but when money is on the line I will work on sticking to my guns and doing what I already excel at.</li>
<li>Explore new places. In 2016 I hit the water a lot...I mean a lot a lot. One thing I keep kicking myself about is not exploring new places. I would say 3/4 of my fishing was at one small community lake. Towards the end of the season I started exploring some other creeks and rivers and found some massive fish in them! In 2017, I fully intend on exploring more of these hidden gems in search of some giant bass!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCCGztLXVRPDSOvVmIZ1Rha85AJLiAHWJGrW5AhJlQ4QpglqW-zbk6G2YELoYah-iNNU7pyUQysCG9fv7FEjGaWKeWZk52Dyg2nOILHNCCNw-rO_Lu4KqabBN1DD3zo4C72q1SiNqEvU/s1600/IMG_3467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCCGztLXVRPDSOvVmIZ1Rha85AJLiAHWJGrW5AhJlQ4QpglqW-zbk6G2YELoYah-iNNU7pyUQysCG9fv7FEjGaWKeWZk52Dyg2nOILHNCCNw-rO_Lu4KqabBN1DD3zo4C72q1SiNqEvU/s400/IMG_3467.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't be afraid to take a break from fishing to share some laughs<br />
Photo credit: Jay Randall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
<li>Don't forget to have fun! In lieu of the countless online tournaments you can be in at any given time, it can be over-whelming. Many times you can let your competitive edge get the best of you. I found that in many instances this past summer. No one likes losing a big fish but in the tournament mindset it can make you feel like the world is going to stop turning. Many times you just gotta learn to shake it off and remember that THIS IS SUPPOSE TO BE FUN...better said than done!</li>
</ol>
<br />
Overall 2016 was an amazing fishing year for me! I managed to spend over 100 days on the water, met a ton of amazing new friends, had some high tournament finishes, go the great opportunity to write for this blog, and completed my major 2016 goal of punching my ticket to the KBF National Championship! What more can a guy ask for in their first year of kayak fishing! I have super high hopes for 2017 and will continue to strive to be the best fisherman, friend, and promoter of the sport to anyone I meet along the way! I have big hopes for the 2017 season as I make a run for the 2017 KBF AOY! Follow my journey on here as well as my personal instagram and facebook. Be sure to say hello if you see me at any KBF Trail events! If anyone ever wants to go fishing, drop me a line! I'm really looking to meet new people and fish new places! Good luck to everyone this coming season! I wish you the best of luck ;).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6csPiqGUghyphenhyphentjueiS5LWiLgsJGWbEyBTsd0-b3Lwt0uCc9GC6jb80p6DDYicNR8LaDLWJ2ZP7PJR62NfjOKEXsjaUgT9MLrCHqzo60jb_Av6Cxt3c-KeB1uYFmyJxIXcyboy_4qNZrH0/s1600/IMG_3530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6csPiqGUghyphenhyphentjueiS5LWiLgsJGWbEyBTsd0-b3Lwt0uCc9GC6jb80p6DDYicNR8LaDLWJ2ZP7PJR62NfjOKEXsjaUgT9MLrCHqzo60jb_Av6Cxt3c-KeB1uYFmyJxIXcyboy_4qNZrH0/s640/IMG_3530.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheers to more toads in 2017!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08498016133376007353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418304730068406638.post-30281564726029957882016-12-22T12:24:00.000-06:002016-12-22T12:32:42.662-06:00Pro-Tips on ProStaffProstaff, field staff, ambassador, sponsored, team member, etc. These are all hot, sought after, positions in the exploding kayak fishing, and fishing, industries. I have been blessed to pick up several of these opportunities to officially represent the brands I love. Several have asked me how I do it, so I thought I'd share my experiences here.<br />
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2iQx0-tbQlJqxfT6Qj_XYud_8dUN85iGvM9idI8R2-pUC4rCLf49vgVUYCSzX8bXhJ-TGWGas4hnUEg9hyphenhyphenT-epveKQE0Fu5qVlAqIn8-Tg_1kjXHbAPzp-0rZ7wKnF86ljuSrec7mPM7/s1600/2016-11-05+12.40.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2iQx0-tbQlJqxfT6Qj_XYud_8dUN85iGvM9idI8R2-pUC4rCLf49vgVUYCSzX8bXhJ-TGWGas4hnUEg9hyphenhyphenT-epveKQE0Fu5qVlAqIn8-Tg_1kjXHbAPzp-0rZ7wKnF86ljuSrec7mPM7/s320/2016-11-05+12.40.46.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My FeelFree Lure, Bending Branches<br />
Angler Pro, Ardent Pro reel. No, I<br />
am not sponsored by a wizardry<br />
supplier - the wizard staff was found<br />
in the lake and placed in a rod holder<br />
for good luck (it didn't work).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Definition</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
Each company calls it a different thing, but Prostaff seems to be the most universally used. People often do not understand the meaning of this team. Prostaff is short for Promotional Staff. You are representing the company in different ways in exchange for a discount, sales credit, etc. I personally do not consider myself a professional angler. I am not a professional until I can make a living fishing and not have a day job. Not an easy feat. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Setting Expectations</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
Many people have this image in their head of the grandeur of sponsorship. You are standing on the podium with their fully rigged kayak. Sitting next to Mike Iaconelli, who decided to give a kayak tournament a go. You need a 9lb. bass to pass him for first place. Yours weighs in at 9.1 ounces. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The crowd explodes with cheers, Ike shakes your hand and walks off stage so you can have your moment of glory. Chad Hoover and Joe Haubenreich approach the stage. You are being sprayed with champagne as tears swell in your eyes. Chad and Joe shake your hand, handing you a medal and a check bigger than your kayak. They hoist you up on their shoulders. Mark Zona is pushing reporters aside in an attempt to get the first interview. The sponsors in attendance start thrusting free product and contracts in your arms. Chuck Norris gives you a thumbs-up and a wink from the front row of the VIP section. You are on top of the world.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If any of this sounds close to your expectations of Prostaffing, I am going to bring you back to reality. It is truly an honor to represent these companies, but it is all about hard work, it is a two-way street, and nothing is free.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>The Perks</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
The benefits of being a Prostaff member vary greatly by company. Some tangible perks can include:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Product discounts</li>
<li>Product credit for sales and/or events worked</li>
<li>Free sample/small/marketing items (decals, clothing, samples, etc). Don't expect a free rod/reel or kayak. Though possible, it isn't typical.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Other Prostaff benefits can include:</div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>A profile on their website to help promote your fishing </li>
<li>Promotion of your videos/pictures/accomplishments on their social media</li>
<li>Opportunities for testing new equipment</li>
<li>Inside information on new products</li>
<li>A bigger network in the fishing community with comradary of fellow team member</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>The Requirements</b></div>
</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
Companies have various requirements or expectations for their Prostaff. This varies greatly by company. Some companies require activities, while others recommend it. They can include:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Promotion through your social media channels</li>
<li>Exclusive use of their brand</li>
<li>Wearing their logo on your tournament jerseys</li>
<li>Applying their logo to your boat and/or vehicle </li>
<li>Showing and selling product at trade shows</li>
<li>Participating in various charity, tournament, or community events</li>
<li>Product reviews</li>
<li>Blog posts</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>The Catch</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
Sponsorship is a two-way street. You can get one or more of the perks mentioned above. In return, you are expected to perform one or more of the requirements above. So how are you held to that? Some companies have a contract with various terms, conditions, and duration. Some companies have things they would like you to do, but no contract (Note: if you do nothing for them in this situation, chances are you won't be retained on the team). <u style="font-weight: bold;">READ THE CONTRACT CAREFULLY.</u> Make sure you can meet the requirement(s), Some people aren't willing to use a certain brand exclusively (ie lures). Some people cannot travel and work at trade shows. Be aware of what you are signing up for.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Fine, I get it, but how do I get sponsored??!?!?!?!?!?</b></div>
</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
I get it, you want sponsorship quickly, but it is not a quick process. Here is my (successful) approach to sponsorship.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>1. What is your Angle(r)?</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
Continued advances in fishing technology (and technology in general) has opened up unlimited possibilities for the sport. What do you want your personal "brand" to be? Too much can confuse your audience or become overwhelming to manage. What type of vessel(s) will you use? SUP? Kayak? Canoe? Boat? Pool noodle? Arm floaties? Each type of vessel pulls in different audiences and brands. Trying to do too many (my opinion) makes it hard to focus and can be financially difficult. I personally fell in love with kayak fishing and stuck with that. Though I do use other vessels time-to-time.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There is an important aspect to this point, that is the mechanism(s) you plan to use to promote your personal brand/angle. Are you going to focus on tournament fishing? Are you going to be a "social media" fisherman? Both? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I personally dove into both, which is great. However, I found I needed to balance the two. I'm married, with two young kids, pets, a mortgage, and a day job. When I started getting more serious into tournament fishing I felt obligated to fish. This impacted my personal life and my primary mechanism (this blog and related social media) suffered. I was too tired to write/post. I was too busy to write/post. I would get home after an 8 hour work day and 4 hours on the water, sitting on my laptop catching up with my writing. It wasn't fair to my family.</div>
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My balance is focus on my blog/social media. I still participate in tournaments, but enjoy the competition. I don't let it define how much/when I fish. Everyone's balance will be different. But push too hard and you could get burned out.</div>
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<b>2. Don't Think About It</b></div>
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Most people fish because they enjoy it. So go out and enjoy it. Share your experiences through social media pages/accounts and industry groups. Take pictures/video of the fish you catch, take beautiful scenery pictures with the products you use and love. Share them and tag them on your social media. It will get noticed. But if you focus on getting sponsors, rather than the fishing, your hobby could become a job. Not a career, a job. A job is something you have to do, but don't really love it. A career is a long-term occupation that provides you with financial stability. You (on most days) love of the occupation.</div>
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<b>3. Check the Ego</b></div>
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We have all seen them. The self-proclaimed professionals. They show up to the launch with a wrapped boat/kayak. Or it is loaded with stickers. They are wearing a jersey filled with logos. These may/may not actually be their sponsors. But the walk, act, and talk to everyone like they are the next big thing in fishing. Don't get me wrong, I have plenty of decals and sponsor logos. But I don't let it go to my head. Sure, it turns a lot of heads. But that is the point. You want people to notice the brands you use. I usually fish very early in the morning. The launch is typically barren. But when I land in the afternoon, the launches are filled with various types of people. Every time I land, I get questions about my kayak, my rods/reels, my sonar, etc. I love speaking with people and supporting the brands I'm passionate about, so I always oblige. </div>
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On the water, I get several boats and kayaks come up to me to ask the same. Even if it interrupts my fishing, I am always happy to chat (if I was in a short tournament I would have to politely decline but would give them my email address so we could chat later). I love helping others learn about the brands, industry, and help where I can. This is a great reflection upon the brands I represent. </div>
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<b>4. Be Honest!!!! </b></div>
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Be honest about your accomplishments and credentials. This should not require a detailed explanation. However, credibility is everything here. With social media, you will be caught if lying. Your credibility will be destroyed. It isn't worth it.</div>
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<b>5. No Hail Mary</b></div>
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I made this mistake early on when I tried picking up some sponsors and quickly realized it was not the right way. I was messaging several companies via social media, email, etc. Some of these companies get thousands of requests for sponsorship every day. Chances of you actually getting one to bring you on without a resume to back it up is slim-to-none. I quickly became frustrated and discouraged (hence point 1 above). </div>
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I took a step back and thought about my approach. I was using products from several brands that I truly loved. Rather than throwing a Hail Mary to every company in the industry, I stopped thinking about it, stopped forcing it. I enjoyed my time on the water, using my social media to showcase and promote the brands I personally loved. I tagged them in my posts, participated in their groups, and kept in contact with the company. Eventually things worked out better than I ever expected.</div>
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If you force a sponsorship with a brand/product you haven't used, it will show. Either it will prevent you from getting the sponsorship. Or you may not particularly enjoy the product after you get the sponsorship. I only choose to represent companies I personally use and love. Your promotional expectations just come naturally when you use and love the product.</div>
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<b>6. A Resume, Written More Gooder than ur Txt Msgs lol ;-)</b></div>
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Have a fishing-specific resume. It should include your address/contact information. Many sponsors add team members based on representation in regions. If they don't have staff in your area, your chances of representing them is greater.</div>
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Nobody is perfect. But your resume should be. Your grammar, formatting, spelling should all be perfect. I know my blog posts are not perfect by any means. I constantly find typos, grammatical issues, etc. that I touch up. Resumes are different. There is NO EXCUSE for errors on the relatively brief document. I personally throw out any with errors. Any errors tell me the person doesn't care enough to pay attention to the details.</div>
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Have friends, family, teachers, coworkers, anyone proofread it. And for goodness sake, make sure you know the difference between "your" and "you're" or "there", "their", and "they're"!!!</div>
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<b>7. Be Reasonable and Stay in Touch</b></div>
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I kept in touch with several brand employees while working on sponsorship. I would send an email to introduce myself, tell them why I use/like their product, why I would be honored to represent their company. Don't push it, but ask them what they require/would like to see if I would like to join their team someday. Thank them for their time. Many will respect the inquiry and provide feedback. Keep their contact info handy and stay in touch. Tell them about major milestones (tournament wins, social media following milestones, publications). </div>
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These follow ups show them true interest and update them on your personal brand. I personally wouldn't bring on any team members unless they followed up on their original inquiry. If they only inquire once, they are just throwing up a Hail Mary.</div>
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You don't deserve to represent a brand. You work hard to earn the opportunity.</div>
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<b>8. What About Prostaffing Companies?</b><br />
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There are companies that provide a platform for aspiring Prostaff to build their personal brand and connect with companies seeking staff members. I personally haven't used any of these services, but know people who have and found them helpful. Some companies will ONLY accept staff members via one of these services, which I understand. With the flood of requests, these services help filter requests. Just note you will need to pay various fee(s) to leverage these services. They can be a great platform to start a blog, a fishing network, and augment any social media you may have. </div>
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<b>That is it</b></div>
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The above information and tips is purely based on my experience and opinions. I know of others that have varying opinions. However, I wanted to share mine with anyone curious about next-steps. This approach provided me the opportunity to start working with 5 sponsors this year. </div>
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Getting a sponsorship is not easy. It is hard work, and it isn't for everybody. Some prefer to "just enjoy fishing". That means different things for different people. For me, that is enjoying time on the water while sharing my experiences, and thus promoting the brands I love, with others. For some that is travelling the country entering tournaments. Others it may be sitting in a Jon boat with a container of worms, a cane pole, and a 6-pack of their favorite beverage. To each their own. Be humble and kind, respect others, and everyone's time on the water will be more enjoyable.</div>
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I hope this article was helpful, do not hesitate to comment with any questions, feedback, etc. I am also happy to help anyone with sponsorship questions. You can email me at tyler@smallcraftfisherman.com. I am also happy to share my fishing resume with anyone interested on a good format and appropriate content.</div>
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Be safe, tight lines, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year! </div>
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Small Craft Fishermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06782520720595240282noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418304730068406638.post-64748052058764902672016-12-22T09:44:00.000-06:002016-12-22T09:44:39.766-06:00The Secret to Froggin'In this rat race we call life, there is no hesitation. High-paced, instant gratification, fast delivery, instant answers via Siri or Google, there is no delay. Well, the secret to fishing? Patience, slow-it-down, hesitation. Especially when it comes to frogging. I constantly hear from fellow fisherman, "I hate frogging because I have a hard time with hookups!". Yet they keep at it. Why???? The huge topwater blowups. They are the heroin of the recreational/tournament fishing industry.<br />
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I've read many-a-articles about frog fishing. I, as do many anglers, love the topwater blowups. I've spend hours refining my frog-game. I'm about to share with you the deep-dark secrets of frog fishing. For the real-world. Without lure sponsors. Without a fancy $70,000 bass boat. Pay attention, because I'm revealing my secrets.</div>
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Disclaimer: I am not sponsored by any lure company. My favorite frogs are Lunkerhunt and BoohYah. Why? A balance between production, cost, and hook-up ratio. Let me explain.</div>
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<b>In the Beginning</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9Zfuyl2giKNqPEwFEFlpvvgiGzuQlZMgK-Y3c-8BAQ01FRM73ttEJk1op6nOPlmPtsO-zXhlcbXk6yrwTBXIrUEzJ-4t72PZDB06haC1PkECHxeTcwEJcfemJuI1a1sZftdtKnCDx7Im/s1600/IMG_20160617_181641610_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9Zfuyl2giKNqPEwFEFlpvvgiGzuQlZMgK-Y3c-8BAQ01FRM73ttEJk1op6nOPlmPtsO-zXhlcbXk6yrwTBXIrUEzJ-4t72PZDB06haC1PkECHxeTcwEJcfemJuI1a1sZftdtKnCDx7Im/s320/IMG_20160617_181641610_HDR.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Largemouth Choked a<br />Lunkerhunt Frog</td></tr>
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My froggin' days started like many of yours. A spinning reel with 8lb. mono, and the cheapest frog I could find (brand to remain nameless). My hookup ratio was a joke. But something about this style of fishing hooked me (pun fully intended). It was the picture-perfect topwater blowups. I was determined to make them productive..</div>
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Enter the Lunkerhunt Lunker Frog. It looked real, the price was higher but manageable, and I had upgraded to a baitcaster with 50lb. braid. The recipe for success. Half-a-summer is all it took to perfect my technique with this amazing hollow-body frog.</div>
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The beauty of the Lunkerhunt frog is realism and versatility. Fresh out of the box, it is an ultra-realistic. This is proven by the numerous topwater blowups caused by this amazing lure. However, like many others, I had a hard time with hookups.</div>
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I read, as I do with any new techniques, many-a-articles on froggin'. The suggestions were numerous. Throw this colored frog during specific days of the year in specific water conditions. Throw this-brand frog in these water conditions, etc. A flurry of suggestions tainted by specific situations in specific states for specific anglers. Through hours on the water, I scrapped that entirely and found my own methods.</div>
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<b>Hesitate, then hesitate some more</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_I7j9WvXluTGPVttfBgx00iSX64pvc2Q9u-tP40GjSaD29PBW60onwNHIV6-GFRabXCYPrSmnwHy0vFh8rvKZZmVZRJM36EigdTzqTJBBIQQa4pD0Sm1U3dfxaZCXj-H07WRJC2CmqWV-/s1600/IMG_20160617_215639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_I7j9WvXluTGPVttfBgx00iSX64pvc2Q9u-tP40GjSaD29PBW60onwNHIV6-GFRabXCYPrSmnwHy0vFh8rvKZZmVZRJM36EigdTzqTJBBIQQa4pD0Sm1U3dfxaZCXj-H07WRJC2CmqWV-/s320/IMG_20160617_215639.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Respectable Wisconsin Largemouth<br />courtesy of the Lunkerhunt Frog</td></tr>
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Anyone that have fished for bass topwater know the feeling. That topwater blowup we become addicted to. When it happens, time slows down, like in the movie The Matrix. The water droplets slowly erupt from the calm surface. The topwater lure disappears. The line tightens. The rod bends. Your face slowly explodes with surprise. An eternity seems to pass in the blink of an eye. This is the problem, people usually react too quickly in this scenario. Hesitation is key in this situation, and I'm going to to tell you how to do it.</div>
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The best way to start, as recommended by most anglers, is to keep your rod tip up high while working your frog. This requires you to put your rod tip down, wind the slack, and pull to set the hook. It is a good start. But the most effective way is discipline. I use what I call the 1-2-3 method. When I see that glorious topwater blowup, as the adrenaline surges through my veins, I count to three. In this situation, it isn't a true three seconds. It never is. But it is a long enough hesitation to allow the fish to take the bait. If you are still experiencing hookup issues, increase your count to 5, 7, or whatever it takes. It will seem like an eternity and go against every instinct you have. However, this discipline has exponentially increased my hookup percentage. Having revealed my methods, now onto my favorite frogs.</div>
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<b>The Brands</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQG2R6-YeMtnRLYbAnud-dXMnKMYC8KgRy6GY1_uDOD7qhfZROA78J7st-_9Q6Y1n7u9xNRu1vcwy2mrbkxfOff7p2-PcsfGt0E3fWeytWJex9d4SdEOZHnNvCvigqLzBtCDKwTG5AJtP/s1600/2016-05-26+18.21.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQG2R6-YeMtnRLYbAnud-dXMnKMYC8KgRy6GY1_uDOD7qhfZROA78J7st-_9Q6Y1n7u9xNRu1vcwy2mrbkxfOff7p2-PcsfGt0E3fWeytWJex9d4SdEOZHnNvCvigqLzBtCDKwTG5AJtP/s320/2016-05-26+18.21.45.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Lunkerhunt Choker</td></tr>
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Some give the Lunkerhunt Frog a bad rep because the legs tend to get ripped off. I call this versatility, not damage or a problem. The damaged leg actually increases the motion in the water. I've caught many-a-amazing fish on a Lunkerhunt Frog missing a leg at the knee or body. This configuration actually allows you to slow roll the frog, giving it an attractive wobbling motion on the water surface. This transforms the realistic frog into a realistic injured frog. A deadly motion that has landed me too many fish to count. I am able to make 2-3 Lunkerhunt frogs last an entire frog season. During the summer I fish frogs almost exclusively.<br />
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Lunkerhunt offers various sizes and colors. I use their Lunker Frog, which is the mid-sized one. I plan to try the Combat Frog this next year (bigger lure = bigger fish hopefully). I have had luck with various colors, but tend to stick with the natural colors (dark green/light green).</div>
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The Lunkerhunt Frog's ultra-realism is ultra-effective. In my home reservoir (sparse on pike), it is an unbeatable topwater lure. The same holds true for the Pike infested waters of the Mississippi backwaters I frequent. When the pike are extra-active, I found myself with more damaged Lunkerhunts than usual. I sought a good frog at a lower price point for waters with a high pike population.<br />
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Enter the Booyah Pad Crasher Popping Frog. This beauty took me out of my frog comfort zone slightly since I had honed my Lunkerhunt technique, but proved productive. The popper even allows it to work well in open water. After landing countless Northern Pike with razor-sharp teeth the body has huge gashes in the side but still works. I exclusively used the black color, because it silhouettes nice on sunny days. I do plan to add some natural greens to my arsenal for next year. <b>ProTip:</b> Increase your hookup percentages with these by trimming ~1/2" off the legs. This will cause the fish to strike closer to the hooks if they target the back of the legs.<br />
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<b>My Froggin' Rig</b><br />
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As with anything, everyone has their own opinions on the right rod, reel, and line for froggin'. Since there is no standard upon which rod action are measured, opinions further vary. I am a believer in personal preference, whatever you are comfortable with. I've seen people successfully frog fish (but struggle a bit more) with a spinning setup and 8lb. mono. They increased productivity by switching to a 20-30lb braid.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyiI70R_qKwkzkzhlrzkZf6NCYAQj7N717cPlnKnHEgIn000HITeXRxX4dXjbh8FRACf_7-8Vq6mYOur5pZZr_rJsoN8ZkEWYMSt32xia2BcwFHR2I_pOO79I2b06xlDUltAqfaLIlALB/s1600/IMG_20160617_202043709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyiI70R_qKwkzkzhlrzkZf6NCYAQj7N717cPlnKnHEgIn000HITeXRxX4dXjbh8FRACf_7-8Vq6mYOur5pZZr_rJsoN8ZkEWYMSt32xia2BcwFHR2I_pOO79I2b06xlDUltAqfaLIlALB/s320/IMG_20160617_202043709.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice Wisconsin Largemouth and<br />extra vegetation via a<br /> Lunkerhunt Frog</td></tr>
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I personally prefer a baitcaster for the more efficient "winching" the retrieval provides. This last year I used both an Ardent Tournament 6.5:1 and an Ardent Pro 7.3:1. Both worked very well for yanking them out of the weeds. The Pro was nice because the higher gear ratio allowed me to get them to the kayak faster. This can be nice when you have a poor hook set. Next year I am upgrading my frog rig to an Ardent Magnum. This reel has greater line capacity, which will allow for a bigger line diameter. It also has an amazing drag system for battling large fish engulfed in pounds of muck.<br />
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Like with the reel, use whatever you are comfortable with to start. Through trial-and-error, I prefer medium-heavy to heavy action rods. This year I used a medium action rod. It worked well, but didn't have as much backbone as I would have liked for keeping the hook set when the fish was wrapped in weeds. This year I am going to use a McCain Kayak Series BIG Jig rod. This rod is longer with a heavier backbone for punching. Perfect for a reliable hook set when a fish buries itself in thick vegetation during your "hesitation" before the hook set.<br />
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Like I mentioned before, I have seen people haul in fish via frog on 8lb. mono. Though more difficult, it is possible. I have historically used 50lb. braid. Next year, with the higher line capacity of the Ardent Magnum reel, I plan to upgrade to 65lb. This will provide more strength for horsing the fish out of thick vegetation, and hopefully more resistance to pike damage.<br />
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I hope my real-world tips help you increase your productivity on the highly addictive frog fishing style!</div>
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Small Craft Fishermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06782520720595240282noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418304730068406638.post-1862535890888718882016-12-16T08:59:00.000-06:002016-12-16T08:59:30.595-06:00Jigs: Why buy when you can DIY!Well winter has hit and it has hit hard! Daily highs are barely creeping into the 30's and some days the lows are in the negatives. This brutally cold weather in combination with some of the shortest days of the year is...well...frustrating. It really doesn't help that I don't ice fish or hunt, thus leaving me with the ever growing cabin fever. <br />
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^Does this sound like you??</div>
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If so let me help you! When cabin fever sets in there are two things I do to get me ready for Spring. The first is tying up a whole mess of jigs and the second is putting the reels through a deep clean. Now I am not a big expert on the latter but I can give some help with the jigs.</div>
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Tying jigs is something that I have been doing for a few years now. There is something that can be so rewarding about the process. There is nothing better than tying a new color you thought up and catching fish on it! It's a great feeling knowing that your ingenuity and know how made that and that it actually caught fish! Additionally hand tying jigs have many benefits over their store bought comrades. They allow for whatever color combinations and layering you can dream, the customization can be put on any jighead you desire, you can use real rubber giving a more lifelike action, and being hand tied gives the skirt a tighter fit on the jighead resulting in more flair and fluttering in the water.</div>
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Now let's get started!</div>
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Supplies needed</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the essentials...don't hate on the penguin cookie jar either...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can never have enough skirts!</td></tr>
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<ul>
<li>Jig vise (kits can be found to include everything)</li>
<li>bobbin</li>
<li>small scissors </li>
<li>Thread...ask permission before you go raiding your mother's or wife's button repair kit or they will be wondering where all the brown and green went!</li>
<li>Skirting material can be found in tabs. I usually use 2-3 tabs of silicon with a tab of real rubber.</li>
<li>Jigheads, I pour my own using do it molds but many companies sell painted or unpainted weedless jigheads.</li>
<li>Super glue, I use this to glue in the weedguard after fying the skirt.</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeK8rgbE9iCJmjeiB7_5aTuZB6ltkk6z7eXm-VWscqCdfEcyCDevDNoRUw3OmSGjcGyRIXow67PSdNFiQHYbx4AEHO9V2aihgMKA_FfqPWHfDMnStbBBB03fPHQhgg7BXip-_PLew5wq4/s1600/jigs+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" id="id_20a6_8f29_ebe5_8dc7" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeK8rgbE9iCJmjeiB7_5aTuZB6ltkk6z7eXm-VWscqCdfEcyCDevDNoRUw3OmSGjcGyRIXow67PSdNFiQHYbx4AEHO9V2aihgMKA_FfqPWHfDMnStbBBB03fPHQhgg7BXip-_PLew5wq4/s320/jigs+4.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beginning of a masterpiece.</td></tr>
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I start by adjusting the vise to allow the jighead to fit tightly within the vise. I then add a base wrap of thread to jighead using a cross wrap pattern (allows it to stay wrapped tightly), this base wrap causes friction on the skirt to keep it from twisting. </div>
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After you have the beginning wraps in place, it's time to begin to start planning the colors. Now one thing I have learned with tying jigs is you can go overboard with color very quickly. I try to make 2/3 of my jig a base color (brown, black, green pumpkin, etc.) The other 1/3 is usually my accent color such as blue, chartreuse, orange, etc. Additionally, I prefer to tie my jigs thicker. Skirting material can always been removed but after it's all said and done it can't be added! I also like to layer my jigs, starting with the tabs of real rubber, followed with my base silicon color, and finished with my accents. I have found that this layering pattern allows it to look the most natural in the water and it's the easiest to work with since real rubber can be a pain. In between layers, I prefer 4-5 tight wraps to keep that skirt layer from moving. Additionally, before I pull the wraps tight I make sure the skirt is perfectly spaced around the jighead including enough length behind the hook.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguf096PXnOU7vK97zZwIsWs2iKFCkThpGcwUxVrQF24bbL1FAt-iKtF_c8Damgr2FTir1XSnjfPxHwoOC2ZLnBsAwvxXOzUPPwACDYbRbNbSXmSkYrDp6PL5f2gInv7EdwjNN4YBnxBTE/s1600/jig+tie+layer+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" id="id_a493_37ae_9e06_905" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguf096PXnOU7vK97zZwIsWs2iKFCkThpGcwUxVrQF24bbL1FAt-iKtF_c8Damgr2FTir1XSnjfPxHwoOC2ZLnBsAwvxXOzUPPwACDYbRbNbSXmSkYrDp6PL5f2gInv7EdwjNN4YBnxBTE/s320/jig+tie+layer+1.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Layer 1 adding the rubber materials</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Layer 2 adding the base silicon tabs</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">layer 4 the final accent pieces<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV46w1jhCr3bQfcUmz5OgUVRx7kfcy2EfaH3QC2sqJmPUCuLH8VWpAza3cmcKLvSELlhv7Sr-5xNNceEUIN5uSM190zEKZYlL1tslyOsbPTEO0anh274VixQh1R3yPPg_XLkfv4zntMu4/s1600/jig+layer+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" id="id_c31a_d1f2_e0be_1769" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV46w1jhCr3bQfcUmz5OgUVRx7kfcy2EfaH3QC2sqJmPUCuLH8VWpAza3cmcKLvSELlhv7Sr-5xNNceEUIN5uSM190zEKZYlL1tslyOsbPTEO0anh274VixQh1R3yPPg_XLkfv4zntMu4/s320/jig+layer+3.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Layer 3 adding the beginning accent colors</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0D2To1tW46K4YZaNbza8_KPMchx8yfD3RgRPsC8lxWS_qJzO_SXIllvpwGPNBow00jgfsGt6AYKEYoS2OGYAICLZwpMJVmHyCp6RdGuk30XQKOxkLXZBkv4_800FcQ_Gyfp3OLaaRiUc/s1600/cut+tabs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" id="id_1360_f8f2_8f39_2278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0D2To1tW46K4YZaNbza8_KPMchx8yfD3RgRPsC8lxWS_qJzO_SXIllvpwGPNBow00jgfsGt6AYKEYoS2OGYAICLZwpMJVmHyCp6RdGuk30XQKOxkLXZBkv4_800FcQ_Gyfp3OLaaRiUc/s320/cut+tabs.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Make sure to cut the skirt tabs apart.</td></tr>
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Now that the final layer is added I tie an overhand knot that is cinched tight around the skirts. After this first knot I repeat with 5 more tight wraps followed by two more over hand knots. I then trim the thread and begin cutting the tabs off of the silicon skirts. The rubber skirts must then be pulled apart strip by strip. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IpvOE-EZSpv5ydjwTjTCoAVvd9KXQyBy00rrxPJ8soWRIcMWEPc8CRBVEaD5aR8yYggpuoGxFkcJLtAxlRoJ3-4h2nQjOx_AKzjnQXaHWFa93MP2xWdOLM4UhC_vByve1511u0NmPks/s1600/glue+in+guard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" id="id_15b5_c81c_ad27_a896" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IpvOE-EZSpv5ydjwTjTCoAVvd9KXQyBy00rrxPJ8soWRIcMWEPc8CRBVEaD5aR8yYggpuoGxFkcJLtAxlRoJ3-4h2nQjOx_AKzjnQXaHWFa93MP2xWdOLM4UhC_vByve1511u0NmPks/s320/glue+in+guard.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very close to being done!</td></tr>
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After the skirt is pulled apart, I then trim the skirt to its desired length usually slightly below the bend of the hook. I then glue the weedguard into the jig head. I prefer to use the ultra gel super glue, Loctite and Gorilla glue make a good one! The ultra gel glue sits in the weedguard slot better.<br />
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After the weedguard has been glued I let it sit for about 24 hours and you are done! Next thing to do is go try it out! The best part about all of this is that any little step can be tweaked or modified to fit your needs and wants! It takes a slight initial investment but it makes for a funny hobby when you can't be out on the water. Plus it can drastically help put more fish in your boat! Give it a try this winter!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08498016133376007353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418304730068406638.post-38443761182168708862016-12-05T17:00:00.000-06:002016-12-08T09:04:46.505-06:00The Reel-World Guide to Spinner Baits<div dir="ltr">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrHMOE19LNuD67FQd4RrKmQiCP3itOc2bPwjKKI6MrBL_Fv9fXEqxwORRzNTawD6B-1C4ORjdz0VBZ5OKBEJMBN-KokYi8_-lxnlnFJXCZgZDUXHWZc9VV6VgsPU6tFIOketjk5PUhmQh/s1600/2016-10-15+07.42.14-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrHMOE19LNuD67FQd4RrKmQiCP3itOc2bPwjKKI6MrBL_Fv9fXEqxwORRzNTawD6B-1C4ORjdz0VBZ5OKBEJMBN-KokYi8_-lxnlnFJXCZgZDUXHWZc9VV6VgsPU6tFIOketjk5PUhmQh/s320/2016-10-15+07.42.14-1.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5lb Thick Fall Largemouth on<br />
Northland Tackle Spinner</td></tr>
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Size, brand, blades, colors, material, hooks, trailers, blah, blah, blah. So many opinions and marketing exist in the world of spinner baits, my go-to lure for rivers year-round and fall fishing. Why? Three reasons: they are inexpensive (mostly), effective, and versatile. </div>
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Some say use dark colors in sunlight, bright colors in clear water, dark colors in dark water, and white when the wind is blowing ESE at 5 MPH...... I'm about to give you real world spinner bait experience...my credentials being the fish I've caught on them throughout this post (respectable fish by Wisconsin standards).<br />
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I've used spinner baits for many years. I read all the articles, watched the videos, and scoured the forums. Thus, I was a spinner expert. I was completely wrong. Last year I hit a local river for Small mouth Bass with a family member (yes, a gas powered vessel). This was an awakening and humbling experience. I had just made a trip to Cabela's to get some new cranks and other pricey lures the articles said to get for river smallies. Having been a largemouth lake fisherman I was excited and "prepared" for my first true river adventure. I shared the news with the family member taking me on the trip. He said "Use what you want, but if you get a snag the current is too strong to free it. I just use spinner baits.". OK, fine. My new lures will swim another day. I have a good selection of spinner baits, my fall largemouth go-to.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3z7X63XjbhdQpkPR0-YvwlI9gxlsJ7VVORhXzu4JyqVnm42Biun4T-zpsSBhvQ-A4zVRPM5pA8zUJCA-fZnmaaS7ngd1h2HgNyzOElA13cJzzQlPw_hXAucP4pXv4Vt9vOc7eaOng7K_/s1600/IMG_20160701_193900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3z7X63XjbhdQpkPR0-YvwlI9gxlsJ7VVORhXzu4JyqVnm42Biun4T-zpsSBhvQ-A4zVRPM5pA8zUJCA-fZnmaaS7ngd1h2HgNyzOElA13cJzzQlPw_hXAucP4pXv4Vt9vOc7eaOng7K_/s320/IMG_20160701_193900.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">19.5" Summer Mississippi River<br />
Largemouth on James Gang<br />
Lovertail 2</td></tr>
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We hit the water and I assess the the conditions. The water is muddy and the sky sunny. I recall my memory banks from the articles, forums, and videos. Survey says a black spinner with double blades is going to land the most fish.</div>
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My family member's advice as we launch the boat is "Don't get a snag or a backlash. You'll miss half the float in the strong current.". Ok, fair enough. I've only been using a baitcaster for just over a year but became relatively proficient. I'm ready. A comment was made about my color selection. But no worries, the articles said I made the best decision.</div>
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The river was strong and it took us a long time to motor up the current in the aluminum fishing boat with a 25HP motor. The trolling motor served no purpose other than dodging boulders in the fast current. This wasn't your typical fishing trip, slow and relaxing. The fast current, constant dodging of boulders, and requirement for perfectly executed casts provided a constant feed of adrenaline at all times.</div>
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After the first float, it was apparent my articles and other research were dead wrong. My family member had a bright green spinner bait and I black. I caught one fish and he several. Thus began my awakening and true love for the simple lure meant to mimic bait fish.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">22" Chippewa River Smallie on a Northland Tackle Spinner</td></tr>
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I tie on a bright green spinner and start landing nice river smallies. My largest of the day a 22" beast that gave my baitcaster a run for its money.</div>
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The spinner bait has since been my sole lure on rivers and in the fall. After this experience, I ignored the research previously performed and spent countless hours perfecting my technique, landing me the best fishing season of my life this year.</div>
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<b><u>Brand</u></b></div>
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Many varieties of spinner baits exist of various shapes, sizes, colors, designs and materials. Prices range from $1 to $10-$15. I exclusively use the Northland Tackle spinner baits for non-inline spinners (I am in no way affiliated with them). I find their $2.50-$3 price very reasonable. I've also landed dozens of fish, including large Northern Pike, on them. Sure, a $15 titanium spinner may last longer with the stronger metal, but it won't prevent a snag or a large pike from stealing it. It is more cost effective in the $3 range. And the $1 ones, well, you get what you pay for at that point.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7-NSXwcID6FyULZsHRuCvG4b1UZUDGFCvCdQII0tP5e_dd_3RcNXDXbsazGBY1x8jXJVzQxIouLqcpM3or1IRzBvBOCvN1TL4KPOyqELS9M_7BfFXgOSszubAHbO8Z3OyAUIE1wIIFQw/s1600/2016-10-29+11.23.29-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7-NSXwcID6FyULZsHRuCvG4b1UZUDGFCvCdQII0tP5e_dd_3RcNXDXbsazGBY1x8jXJVzQxIouLqcpM3or1IRzBvBOCvN1TL4KPOyqELS9M_7BfFXgOSszubAHbO8Z3OyAUIE1wIIFQw/s320/2016-10-29+11.23.29-1.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Respectable Northern Pike<br />
on James Gang Lovertail 2</td></tr>
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For inline spinners, I exclusively use the <a href="http://www.jamesgangfish.com/store/p1/Lovertail_2_Weedless_inline_spinner.html" target="_blank">James Gang Fishing Co.</a> LoverTails. They make a bass/pike and musky size. They also make inline buzzbaits. I use these for several reasons. First, they were designed by a local 7-year-old lure design prodigy, Alex Piontek. They are also modular, allowing for hook replacement. You can also swap out the 3.8-4" paddle tail for a paddle tail of your choice depending on the action and color you want. Most importantly, these are extremely high quality. I've landed many fish on them and have yet to lose or break one. They are longer so naturally are protected from pike cutting them free. I had a 45"+ pike bend the thick hook on one this year when it rammed my kayak. I simply bent it back (and can replace the hook if needed). An amazing lure.</div>
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<b><u>Colors</u></b><br />
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As mentioned above, there are many views, parameters, etc. around color selection. I found them to be about 27.6235% accurate. Thus, I have a simple approach. I have three colors at the ready. I start with a bright green color (even better if there are a couple strands of orange in there to contrast). If the bite doesn't happen or slows, I switch to a black and white color, if that doesn't work, black, finally I will tie on a white. I have only made it to white once this year and ended up switching back to the green, which is what ALL of the fish pictured in this article with Northland Tackle in the caption were caught on. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5th of 7 Largemouth Landed within 10 minutes in one<br />
Mississippi backwater hole via Northland Tackle Spinner<br />
Photo By: Chang Lor of www.cxfishing.com</td></tr>
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When I'm in thicker conditions, or the spinner bite is not hot I tie on a <a href="http://www.jamesgangfish.com/store/p1/Lovertail_2_Weedless_inline_spinner.html" target="_blank">James Gang Fishing Co</a>. LoverTail2 with a bluegill colored skirt. Mated with a bright green Kalins paddle tail, or a 4" Havok shad colored paddle, it is deadly. Bass and pike go crazy over it. The weedless design allows it to run through grass beds and through brush. The unique design is unlike other lures fish see regularly, which is why it is my go-to when the bite is otherwise slow.</div>
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<b><u>Size</u></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strong Chippewa Valley River Smallie on<br />
Northland Tackle Spinner<br />
Photo By: Chang Lor of www.cxfishing.com</td></tr>
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Big fish, especially in the fall, won't spend precious calories for a small meal. Thus, I use large spinner baits. I use 1/2 ounce dual-blades (Colorado and Willow combo). These cause more flash and displace more water. <br />
<br />
For the <a href="http://www.jamesgangfish.com/store/p1/Lovertail_2_Weedless_inline_spinner.html" target="_blank">James Gang Fishing Co.</a> inline spiner, I use their bass sized LoverTail2. But have been talking to the owner about mating it with a muskie hook for the bigger pike.</div>
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<b><u>Modification</u></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall Fatty on Northland Tackle Spinner</td></tr>
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I've read about several modification options: turn the skirt inside-out, put on a worm or swimbait trailer, hammer the blades flat, remove the skirt and use a swimbait, name it Bill Dance for good luck (just kidding on the last one). I have tried modifications and they work at times. However, I have found the Northland Tackle spinners work best unmodified. Adding trailers reduce the hookup percentages, the skirt design is strong and provides a nice pulsating action, and the blades have a nice flash in the water (you can feel them if using braid). </div>
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One of my buddies adds a trailer hook if he is having issues with hookups, but I opt to go without. No specific reason other than my hookups haven't been an issue thus far.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.jamesgangfish.com/store/p1/Lovertail_2_Weedless_inline_spinner.html" target="_blank">James Gang Fishing Co. LoverTail2 </a>comes with a paddle tail on the weighted hook. Other than swapping out different colors, I stick with softer 3.8" paddle tails for the best action. The flash of the blade, followed by the pulse of the high-quality skirt, chased by the paddling tail make the action beatiful stock.<br />
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Of course scents are another popular modification. <a href="http://jbsfishsauce.com/">JBs Fish Sauce</a> makes a baitfish scent that adds to the baitfish similation of the spinners. They make scent sticks and pastes that you can rub in the grooves of the spinner's head for a long-lasting scent.</div>
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<b><u>Retrieve Method</u></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5lb. Tanker on Northland Tackle Spinner<br />
Photo By: Chang Lor of www.cxfishing.com</td></tr>
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You'll find several methods out there, many of which I have tried. They include burning it, a retrieve, pause, retrieve, slow roll, slow roll to drag bottom, and many others. My most productive technique has been a mostly steady roll. Every-other-crank or so, I'll give the reel a 1/2 rotation quick flick. This small darting action mimicks the movement of the bait fish while not completely pulling it out of the range of the strike. </div>
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Spinner baits tend to swim higher in the water column. At times, if I want to fish deeper, I will cast the spinner out and let it sink to my desired depth (either I wait for it to hit bottom or do a slow 10-count). The retrieve needs to be slower when doing this to keep the spinner deep, but I've caught several nice deep fish on spinners.</div>
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<b><u>Cast Placement</u></b></div>
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Another topic which has varying techniques of various complexity. Work it on points, ledges with a 43.2354 degree slope, cast it onto the boat ramp while someoene is launching and bounce it off the tire, etc. I have found a simple technique for spinner bait placement. Ambush points. Especially in the fall, the big fish are hiding, waiting to ambush their prey. The big ones aren't going to expend precious calories to attach a lure several feet away when it knows another will likely pass closer.</div>
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Ever since my first river trip where accurate casts were critical, I've become deadly accurate casting spinner baits. Practice often to become confident and accurate in your casting. I have caught my biggest fish not on the retrieve, but when the lure lands in the water precisely on an ambush point. This could be between two rocks, between some stumps, a crack in a rock wall, a pocket on the edge of a weed ledge, or bush hanging into the water. </div>
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When fishing spinner baits, I focus more on casting extactly where they are likely to be waiting rather than where I want to retrieve. About 75% of my nice fish caught on them hit it while it is falling after the cast.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6 lb. Tanker on Northland Tackle Spinner<br />
Photo By: Chang Lor of www.cxfishing.com</td></tr>
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This said, beyond accuracy, stealth is important. Once you become proficient at placing your casts, you have to learn how to land the spinner in the water silently. Not an easy task with the heavy bladed contraption. But I found if I throttle my spool slightly with my thumb, it keeps the line tight during the cast. I sidearm cast to keep the spinner close to the water. Right before it is about to hit the water, I stop the spool with my thumb while dropping my rod tip. This often makes the entry splash unbelievably quiet. <b>Note:</b> I am not able to cast accurately or quietly with a spinning reel, but spend 99% with a baitcaster so haven't taken time to practice.</div>
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<b><u>Rod/Reel/Line</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
Again, many opinions in this area. I have used spinners on a multitude of lines and rods/reels, including an ultralight spinning pole with 6lb mono. I firmly believe it is all about personal preference in this area. Since most Wisconsin waters are stained from farmland runoff and whatnot, I fish exclusively braid (except for finesse). Again, personal preference. I just like horsing the fish into the kayak with a nice spool of 50lb. braid. But here is my current preferred setup for spinners:<br />
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<b>Rod</b><br />
Ardent Denny Brauer Topwater Rod (7' Medium action). <b>Note:</b> I am going to go to a Heavy action Ardent Edge 7' rod next year so it handles pike a bit easier.<br />
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<b>Reel</b><br />
Ardent Apex Pro 7.3:1. This is a nice, strong reel that hauls in anything that bites a spinner with ease. The faster gear ratio is just a personal prefrence. It allows me to pull the fish in faster once hooked. I just slow my retrieve to compensate. <b>Note: </b> I am moving to an Ardent Magnum next year. A bigger reel to allow for heavier line so I can handle pike better next year.<br />
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<b>Line</b><br />
50lb. braid - use your brand of choice. I've tried several and have yet to find one I'm in love with. I'm giving another brand a try this year. <b>Note: </b> I'm moving to 65lb. braid to better handle the pike next year.<br />
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<b><u>What Next?</u></b><br />
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My approach is to keep it simple. Balance lure quality and price. Targeting ambush spots. Simple retrieve. And rod/line/reel selection augmented from personal preference. What are your next steps if you want to build confidence with spinner baits?<br />
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1. Get yourself a bright green, black, and white double-blade spinner bait (I exclusively use Northland Tackle for the reasons mentioned above).<br />
2. Get a bluegill and a white James Gang LoverTail2 here: <a href="http://www.jamesgangfish.com/store/p1/Lovertail_2_Weedless_inline_spinner.html" target="_blank">http://www.jamesgangfish.com/store/p1/Lovertail_2_Weedless_inline_spinner.html </a><br />
3. Grab some JBs Fish Sauce sticks or paste here (<b>note- you can get 10% off your order with code TTF10)</b>: <a href="http://jbsfishsauce.com/" target="_blank">http://jbsfishsauce.com/ </a><br />
4. Be mindful of the pike and other toothy creatures. Depending on your line, consider a steel or fluro leader to mitigate stolen lures.<br />
5. Practice casting accurately and silently until you are confident in your casts.<br />
6. Practice casting accurately and silently until you are confident in your casts.<br />
7. Practice casting accurately and silently until you are confident in your casts.<br />
8. Practice casting accurately and silently until you are confident in your casts.<br />
9. Look for structure where a predator is likely waiting for prey. Use your new casting skills to hit that spot, hesitating for a moment when it hits the water to allow them to grab it on the drop.<br />
10. Keep an open mind and adjust. The above is what works best for me, If you prefer a spinning reel, use it. If you prefer mono or fluro, use it. This is all about proficiency and trial-and-error. <br />
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Thank you for reading, I hope my first true how-to article helps you on the water. My goal was to share my experiences, adding some humor. I also wanted to give you a no-nonsense approach to spinner bait use that doesn't require a complex flow chart, data sheet, and formulas to factor in all conditions. I found my method to be simple, less stressful, and highly effective.<br />
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Please leave a comment if you have any feedback or further questions on my first true how-to! I would like to get feedback. I love teaching others and will likely continue writing with a mixture of my usual shenanigans coupled with how-to articles. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6.5 lb Wisconsin Fall Tank on Northland Tackle Spinner</td></tr>
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Small Craft Fishermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06782520720595240282noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418304730068406638.post-7618721557638293662016-11-24T08:00:00.000-06:002016-11-24T08:00:15.465-06:00What are you thankful for?I have always loved fishing, ever since my dad put the new Zebco 202 in my hand around the age of 7. I remember the times spent in that old olive green boat on the cranberry marshes of central Wisconsin. There was a gap in my fishing for many years. I still went out, but not as often. This was mostly due to where I was living, but also because life was happening (full time job while attending full time college, a baby, etc, etc, etc.).<br />
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Fast forward to four years ago when my family moved 1 mile from an amazing fishery. My father-in-law gave me his 12' flat bottom jon boat to use in the small reservoir. It was a perfect fishing vessel and landed several respectable bass. <br />
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The following year I started getting a bit more serious, spending more time on the water and jumping into a baitcaster. I was having fun, but was spending a lot more time working and doing other things.<br />
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Now fast forward to last winter, when my perspective on everything, especially life, changed.<br />
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It was December 2015, my wife was 8 1/2 months pregnant, expecting our second child any day. She had been having complications throughout the pregnancy and was on her 8th week of full bed rest, which had followed many months of on-again off-again restrictions. Our 5 1/2 year old (she insisted on the 1/2) daughter was excited to have a little brother on the way. My wife had a weekly check-up with her doctor, she went into town while I stayed home with our daughter. She was going to discuss the scheduled induction with her doctor, as we weren't sure if her ever rising blood pressure would hold off for another 5 days. At her appointment they found that her BP had risen to an alarming number and decided that she would be induced that evening rather than waiting. This was not really an alarming decision as the baby was a healthy size and we knew that it would be best for both mom and baby if this was the course we took.<br />
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The process started and all was going very well. Her cousin and his wife came up to help watch our daughter until her parents and brother came up to be there. We were all laughing, taking pictures and discussing how excited we all were to hold this baby boy who she had went through hell to keep in the womb until it became life threatening for her to do so. The labor nurse came in and told us it wouldn't be long now, but then noticed the baby's heartbeat beginning to drop. A normal event in some cases, the nurse said a little re-positioning should move the baby around and help the cord to move to a better position. The baby's heart rate did not increase. The nurse calmly asked one of the other nurses to page the doctor. The next couple hours were a blur.<br />
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During labor, our son's umbilical cord began to make it's way ahead of our his head and became lodged. This cut off his blood and oxygen flow. They had to rush my wife into surgery for an emergency C-Section. Luckily, the surgical team was there already and were able to do it quickly. As I waited in the room, in scrubs, waiting for a nurse to come get me, a million thoughts ran through my head. This wait ended up being 45 minutes. In that 45 minutes I was wondering, is my wife okay? Is my son okay? What are we going to do if he doesn't survive? How will we tell our daughter? What will I do if something happens to my wife? 45 minutes is a long time to ponder such questions. The anxiety just continued to build, until finally someone brought me to her.<br />
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When I was able to visit her in the OR, our son was still being worked on by the doctors. My wife was very upset, he had come out limp and blue. They couldn't detect a breath or heartbeat. I was able to see him between the circle of doctors working on him. Our family doctor was there. She took me into a room and explained the severity of the situation. They resuscitated him for 40 minutes before they were able to get his heartbeat back. It was highly likely he had suffered brain damage, but he would need to be assessed further to determine the extent of such damage. He needed to be transferred to a specialty hospital in Minneapolis. They would normally transport via helicopter, but they couldn't fly in the icy conditions as it was sleeting. An ambulance specially equipped to transport infants was en route to get him from Minneapolis. My wife was not going to be able to be transferred to a hospital near him until the following day so I drove up to spend the night with him because we did not want him to be alone.<br />
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The days that followed were an excruciating roller coaster. For the next 72 hours he had to be on a special cooling blanket. We couldn't hold him or cover him in a blanket as he shivered. He was sedated and connected to many different machines including a 24 hour EEG machine that was monitoring for seizure activity. They were keeping him cold to reduce brain activity which would allow the swelling to go down after what they consider a brain trauma. A few days before Christmas, he had an MRI to officially check the extent of damage done to the brain after being deprived of oxygen during his 40 minutes of resuscitation. Before taking him to the radiology department, my wife was allowed to hold our son for the first time. When he came back from the MRI, I was able to hold him and our daughter was able to meet her brother for the first time. These moments will stay with me forever.<br />
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I don't remember how long we waited that afternoon for those MRI results, but when the Neurologist came in the room, sat down in front of myself, my wife and our mothers, she smiled, shook her head and said "This MRI is your Christmas miracle.". The MRI appeared to be completely normal. She said that if she didn't know better she would believe that they baby lying in front of us was not the baby whose birth story was so traumatic and horrific. A true Christmas miracle that nobody, the doctors included, could believe. Normally in these circumstances the baby would have significant brain damage and resulting disabilities that would last a lifetime. Although they could not guarantee us that he would not have delays later on, the neurologist said that she did not see anything on the scan that would indicate he would have anything but a normal life. Our son was completely healthy, inside and out as if his birth had been a normal and uneventful.<br />
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The next several days would be spent bringing him out of sedation, feeding him for the first time and letting his body adjust to doing everything on it's own. We could only cross our fingers that he would make fast work of this so he could be home for Christmas.<br />
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My wife called me after the doctors made their rounds Christmas Eve morning. Our Christmas wish was being granted and Jackson would be coming home on Christmas Day! I made the hour drive to Minneapolis to pick him and my wife up first thing in the morning while family stayed with our daughter. We brought him home that day and had a Christmas we will never forget.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-XL4f3tryzti9XSCL5m9fv1TTNVv-7soxGfh_WYBlzOBZh_MpTCUiPqXp5BIljvU-_J9Cjq_CckF71smiC067hS4CRaU7ctgRVF5fioxGDoySVc9Ll_jah2zIete98-aSaLxJjp3DdxC/s1600/2016-05-15+16.20.23-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-XL4f3tryzti9XSCL5m9fv1TTNVv-7soxGfh_WYBlzOBZh_MpTCUiPqXp5BIljvU-_J9Cjq_CckF71smiC067hS4CRaU7ctgRVF5fioxGDoySVc9Ll_jah2zIete98-aSaLxJjp3DdxC/s320/2016-05-15+16.20.23-2.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our son Jackson "Jax" enjoying<br />
the comfort of my FeelFree Lure</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Events like this change your perspective on life. From the nurses and doctors that went above and beyond throughout the whole process, saving his life; to the family and friends that helped us in ways they will never know (our friends/neighbors even insisted my daughter and I join them for their family Christmas eve so we weren't alone that evening). Even my employer made an impact by being more than understanding and accommodating of our situation by allowing me to take 8 weeks paid off to care for my recovering wife and fragile son.<br />
<br />
Since then, my appreciation for life, and enjoyment of fishing have increased exponentially. I am taking pleasure in the little things rather than the big things. Prior to this event, a fishing boat was on my wish list but not feasible. Instead, I ordered my FeelFree Lure in February, sight unseen. It was love at first sight and I have never looked back or considered a fishing boat since. Fishing in a kayak brings me closer to nature than a boat ever could. The no maintenance, zero noise, and ability to go anywhere has been the perfect vessel for my new "Smell the Roses" attitude. Every day I'm thankful for my family, my friends, my health, and those amazing days on the water.<br />
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This is my first, and likely, only article that will be mostly off-topic. I wanted to share this event with you so you are able understand the beginnings of Small Craft Fisherman. My passion is kayak fishing, but it was derived from a deep personal revelation. I choose to share my experiences with you through my written word in an attempt to paint the beautiful picture that is kayak fishing. If, in my 7 months of writing, I have brought one smile to one face, or made one reader feel like they were in the kayak with me, I have succeeded. Should you not like my words, I have included my favorite pictures of the season, which offer a visual of the beauty kayak fishing brings to my life. I sincerely thank you for letting me into your life every week by taking you on my amazing adventures and allowing me to share a hobby that started at childhood but truly came alive and morphed into a true passion with one life-altering event.<br />
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I wish you and your families a very happy and healthy holiday season. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbSlvQGABPTupfpUNKKVjsLqcrgDPUrcrOPOVS99Yakznkc4pmVa2mc9B2IYUKBD6E6VU8pwvLpJxS7AFFmQWusxxarh81Amu09rSxXisFZBwALe9mhOyABcL5j58JSDxlQzYQlWlLrTK/s1600/IMG_2508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbSlvQGABPTupfpUNKKVjsLqcrgDPUrcrOPOVS99Yakznkc4pmVa2mc9B2IYUKBD6E6VU8pwvLpJxS7AFFmQWusxxarh81Amu09rSxXisFZBwALe9mhOyABcL5j58JSDxlQzYQlWlLrTK/s320/IMG_2508.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Into the Mystic<br />
Photo By: Mitchell Iverson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4A4shgkRqxlTPccjZDr_uWmYTEIflUL5LKXwJSVL0gI99dls924dqUPhOwcACjO4cBv8AUel7dhtnPPV3Uy8oulFxA5KbYNG37uhK70CJ0IbcwGq-KkN9p8pWQYQS5RrF0iCOdKswUts/s1600/IMG_20160916_105626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4A4shgkRqxlTPccjZDr_uWmYTEIflUL5LKXwJSVL0gI99dls924dqUPhOwcACjO4cBv8AUel7dhtnPPV3Uy8oulFxA5KbYNG37uhK70CJ0IbcwGq-KkN9p8pWQYQS5RrF0iCOdKswUts/s320/IMG_20160916_105626.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Lake<br />
Photo by: Chang Lor of www.cxfishing.com</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVoYxXs3rIWcBwc5Un1goNuEaHb-EdUY24i6CGMFzMqPXl6UL9PVYV675xBWaBQBuOSX8xg18ccqv8C82h8JN8xDgAZvFlZltORxkzFLc5wIOns8uRNhDNqsxzio2xu6Nw6zME9YNv69sS/s1600/2016-05-07+06.24.32-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVoYxXs3rIWcBwc5Un1goNuEaHb-EdUY24i6CGMFzMqPXl6UL9PVYV675xBWaBQBuOSX8xg18ccqv8C82h8JN8xDgAZvFlZltORxkzFLc5wIOns8uRNhDNqsxzio2xu6Nw6zME9YNv69sS/s320/2016-05-07+06.24.32-1.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TourneyTag Sunrise</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpZ4MQZikKZRO8H6oPotmVMebf7YPIFoGLdtxGh-ePiLdpQUKAXGnISKA7eu52DxcqAzzhhTWuaZ4GrK_P_bo2k-ca6Lvs-lezfE8JOSBKGQIqKDKGl9b4CU6FIgwYqNZEpiSdkj5gUJX/s1600/IMG_1523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpZ4MQZikKZRO8H6oPotmVMebf7YPIFoGLdtxGh-ePiLdpQUKAXGnISKA7eu52DxcqAzzhhTWuaZ4GrK_P_bo2k-ca6Lvs-lezfE8JOSBKGQIqKDKGl9b4CU6FIgwYqNZEpiSdkj5gUJX/s320/IMG_1523.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun and stable for the whole family!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3u-oGMVJxGB19bR1_6ojuO7zEOMBfZDUP6Rmfo1ZFls6bI3zw8jJsaRl6ZwpGaCyDE1ZqX-_G3mUd3gpj_y6Ww2aEb-zImrteUb84C82FykNFWNsK4GFh4uzqCEadziutoEfs4RDzv2H9/s1600/IMG_20160617_215456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3u-oGMVJxGB19bR1_6ojuO7zEOMBfZDUP6Rmfo1ZFls6bI3zw8jJsaRl6ZwpGaCyDE1ZqX-_G3mUd3gpj_y6Ww2aEb-zImrteUb84C82FykNFWNsK4GFh4uzqCEadziutoEfs4RDzv2H9/s320/IMG_20160617_215456.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breathtaking summer sunset</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwTRFwDLkRDZ9TBU2CXWfykuygzM7HPiDxkOyb0vlVhDj-yjE_AKoVX4vL5P7xPSvP1oEr05eTGX086Nx0qj2YVP-ANXOcZZdyoBM2zwy4DIa3qvyR7qKMes8_bAfI6dWl1YJ6CW5IyMZ/s1600/2016-07-23+19.45.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwTRFwDLkRDZ9TBU2CXWfykuygzM7HPiDxkOyb0vlVhDj-yjE_AKoVX4vL5P7xPSvP1oEr05eTGX086Nx0qj2YVP-ANXOcZZdyoBM2zwy4DIa3qvyR7qKMes8_bAfI6dWl1YJ6CW5IyMZ/s320/2016-07-23+19.45.14.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking for bass in the summer sunrise</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4yCgtgvrTMd_VeaB9zBvKVvnsB9DM3DhKmhPoKHz7N8RRAG1ky2TTX_ddisf5j1uHWQABTpaIyMF4Rw0jrOrFPoaTVvawsshM9zP83Pd8pG200ByaDTXbVaC1rkC3hH1WpiF6vsH8cOn/s1600/2016-08-21+10.22.55+HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4yCgtgvrTMd_VeaB9zBvKVvnsB9DM3DhKmhPoKHz7N8RRAG1ky2TTX_ddisf5j1uHWQABTpaIyMF4Rw0jrOrFPoaTVvawsshM9zP83Pd8pG200ByaDTXbVaC1rkC3hH1WpiF6vsH8cOn/s320/2016-08-21+10.22.55+HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mississippi tank<br />
Photo by: Chang Lor of www.cxfishing.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUlhx9SV4T16iNW4djIZViKdbBaLwLlXR9kly_DfM1XqJlJDzYbLNlTIOr3uqJbY-zRfkhUWvrQzUCHYM8CVn0CMOJce1slkY99kOv_ahWQoBReCUQI1EcUZ53yAp16_QVY3PPP_LdfZBS/s1600/2016-09-03+07.20.58-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUlhx9SV4T16iNW4djIZViKdbBaLwLlXR9kly_DfM1XqJlJDzYbLNlTIOr3uqJbY-zRfkhUWvrQzUCHYM8CVn0CMOJce1slkY99kOv_ahWQoBReCUQI1EcUZ53yAp16_QVY3PPP_LdfZBS/s320/2016-09-03+07.20.58-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glowing sunrise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvjqVjlwoBY_es_T-smKmzWCxksg183tX5MtHLozb8d-PxBg9Gmlq6xLOVQC3re6GYA8S3mALoJLTQt6sbKo-ns2s1V0XfWGMY8TEXYW1Wmrk-sGC-TYU5d5og7XmEVaiiz46Q379o3Kl/s1600/IMG_6830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvjqVjlwoBY_es_T-smKmzWCxksg183tX5MtHLozb8d-PxBg9Gmlq6xLOVQC3re6GYA8S3mALoJLTQt6sbKo-ns2s1V0XfWGMY8TEXYW1Wmrk-sGC-TYU5d5og7XmEVaiiz46Q379o3Kl/s320/IMG_6830.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wisconsin 6.5lb Largemouth<br />
Photo by: Chang Lor of www.cxfishing.com</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7TPKpFmPAZQoCNQLeLTqpMo5tYtitE4CYIkS6NAt1P8XMeohyphenhyphenwL63-U_3yQE6xyYRTQEoCrFOPg3aypIzuXB5a0T10C6fsJo4rx7dConS-XL0p7QDZJ90mFf-Om-p6AZAaK4OexJdMVo/s1600/2016-10-22+07.59.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7TPKpFmPAZQoCNQLeLTqpMo5tYtitE4CYIkS6NAt1P8XMeohyphenhyphenwL63-U_3yQE6xyYRTQEoCrFOPg3aypIzuXB5a0T10C6fsJo4rx7dConS-XL0p7QDZJ90mFf-Om-p6AZAaK4OexJdMVo/s320/2016-10-22+07.59.33.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glassy Fall Morning</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisW9G3IC91ct8Qr45VdU8xGQlDqWiYQbDbiO6P4uf08J2UdMemugZUgrVk123UY2rlAHa_OQcsguVEO6FdU-3I9XY0eNr5qNH_dA-u43CrrIGrqgpDMtZjAMV4v-bwN2-yEuv4ixK9P0DD/s1600/2016-10-22+07.53.31-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisW9G3IC91ct8Qr45VdU8xGQlDqWiYQbDbiO6P4uf08J2UdMemugZUgrVk123UY2rlAHa_OQcsguVEO6FdU-3I9XY0eNr5qNH_dA-u43CrrIGrqgpDMtZjAMV4v-bwN2-yEuv4ixK9P0DD/s320/2016-10-22+07.53.31-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trees Afire</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6iN_TtmNb_707iLJW2oASraxG8w-JSHiZyy3-lgbFgd3VuArMt_dg0q-yekQavfFtgX0U02dUU914Y3GqaUf35cDt3M4YRta45tSW2NX4-bOlAYRZhv2RmBBM4PlSIkV6QrLERjHl2VrJ/s1600/2016-10-23+08.08.43-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6iN_TtmNb_707iLJW2oASraxG8w-JSHiZyy3-lgbFgd3VuArMt_dg0q-yekQavfFtgX0U02dUU914Y3GqaUf35cDt3M4YRta45tSW2NX4-bOlAYRZhv2RmBBM4PlSIkV6QrLERjHl2VrJ/s320/2016-10-23+08.08.43-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wisconsin Northwoods Fall Sunrise</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuypcIbHG0nhjochlZAzx_ik91YxX7o3Vt5jDfKwjES3Z_80m-pRtUbIldvS-RkEPX7GGpvx6TqP5fXn-BTUTm8cwmzYpr0hmMropMnJBuLKEVP9Rwle_I1WvrOeH3NGIlejQ4PLvHpH4e/s1600/2016-11-05+07.59.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuypcIbHG0nhjochlZAzx_ik91YxX7o3Vt5jDfKwjES3Z_80m-pRtUbIldvS-RkEPX7GGpvx6TqP5fXn-BTUTm8cwmzYpr0hmMropMnJBuLKEVP9Rwle_I1WvrOeH3NGIlejQ4PLvHpH4e/s320/2016-11-05+07.59.45.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unbeatable glassy fall sunrise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir6Gs5s5aeU47-pcj3taJ-ee1gmUIVZdBx41JaON2cWh6qTSmwTjfFa7g5bTX6U3rBMBf9biO3qDgD4mLIUoO3eA6zl3a2uSWbH-ogAa2EVJJwkCPGweNftZD1T8v4hC744Y5qo2nm0vWH/s1600/2016-11-10+18.42.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir6Gs5s5aeU47-pcj3taJ-ee1gmUIVZdBx41JaON2cWh6qTSmwTjfFa7g5bTX6U3rBMBf9biO3qDgD4mLIUoO3eA6zl3a2uSWbH-ogAa2EVJJwkCPGweNftZD1T8v4hC744Y5qo2nm0vWH/s320/2016-11-10+18.42.59.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clear blue fall day, Wizard Staff in back<br />
Photo by: Chang Lor of www.cxfishing.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVd4jXXB6LHYKGREEp6EGLiV5ctkdgzNyYmBoZW5dFT1WAFZtJGsWKCHZdUJRBpwOkBxUChji9AbpuqxINJPBkZ1qwKAtrN5SqzgaX5b22G7dplHz6f6gLQLBodL3Y958wkDryIBguItOQ/s1600/2016-11-12+15.45.07-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVd4jXXB6LHYKGREEp6EGLiV5ctkdgzNyYmBoZW5dFT1WAFZtJGsWKCHZdUJRBpwOkBxUChji9AbpuqxINJPBkZ1qwKAtrN5SqzgaX5b22G7dplHz6f6gLQLBodL3Y958wkDryIBguItOQ/s320/2016-11-12+15.45.07-1.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paddling goodbye to the last kayak<br />
sunset of the season</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Small Craft Fishermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06782520720595240282noreply@blogger.com1