Quick Update

No new videos but I wanted to update everyone on what I have been up to and what's going on in the near future.  I've been doing a little fishing here and there but nothing intense.  I have pulled out a few small bass but nothing picture worthy for sure!  Water temps are still cold most of the days I manage to get out which has the bite super slow.   Give it a month and it should be hot and heavy for sure!!

Coming up though I will be at the Shank's This runs May 10th and May 11th.  I will be there all day on the 10th to answer any kayak fishing questions as well as questions about Jackson Kayaks and Werner Paddles.  Stop by on Saturday and hang out and test some new kayaks and paddles out!

The following weekend is the meet and greet for Central PA Heroes on the water which will also take place at Shank's Mare Outfitters at 1pm.  If anyone is interested in being a volunteer or a participant as a veteran at these events shoot me an email at centralpa@heroesonthewater.org.

I'll have more updates with videos soon!!

Susky Flats

I recently made it down to the third annual Susquehanna Flats Jamboree.  Man what a great event.  This weekend is all about one thing which is raising money for the local Heroes on the Water Chapters.  There were well over 100 people who showed up to support this.

This is my first time fishing down at the flats and my fishing partner and myself scouted the area out and chose to fish Furnace Bay since it would be sheltered from the wind more than the flats, and we also had some good intel telling us there were bass in that area.  We fished Friday and Saturday in the bay but were unable to find any bass.  However I discovered I really didn't care much about the bass since I found lots of carp and started to hook into them.  I landed 3 total fish but had a lot of other hookups that I did not as well.

As much fun as I had fishing for these carp the best part about this trip though was the people.  I met some awesome people on this trip and spent time with old friends as well.  It was non stop laughter on and off the water.  Next time you see the Werner Paddles rep make sure you ask her about the pair of bald eagles she saw ;).  I'll be back next year for sure!  Enjoy the video and I'll throw some pictures in as well.

Jackson Coosa Walk Through and Rigging

I recently picked up a 2014 Jackson Coosa from Shank's Mare.  I brought it home in a snowstorm and since I wasn't able to get out and fish I took it right into the house for some rigging.  As this is my river boat I kept it fairly simple as this boat is already designed to fish on the river.

From the start Jackson gives you two rod holders a ram tube jr. and a 2007 ram holder that you can screw on the boat with ram balls that are also supplied.  With this already done I had few modifications to make.  Below is a video of what I did to the kayak to get it ready for spring time!

Breaking in the Cuda

Took the brand new Jackson Cuda 14 out for a paddle today.  Weather was decent for December.  No winds, relatively warm at 39 degrees and 38 degree water temp.  The bite was slow but I did manage to land one pig at 19" and lost three others next to the boat.

On to the boat!  The Cuda paddles the same as expected as my last Cuda did.  Some features I really fell in love with on the water is the lumber support, the new center hatch, and my rudder add on this year.  In the old seat I would occasionally get a stiff back after a long day on the water.  I spent 6 hours in the kayak today and had ZERO back issues.  The new center hatch is probably my favorite change to the new cuda.  In the past it was difficult to open both straps on the hatch without crawling up the boat some and I rarely used it on the water.  Today I found myself in the new hatch at least nine or ten times getting things in and out of it.  It was easily the best upgrade that has been done to this boat.  Lastly the rudder, although not new to this year I didn't have one last year and used it alot while drift fishing today.  Here is a short video of the day.  

2014 Jackson Cuda 14

I just picked up my newest kayak the 2014 Jackson Cuda 14 with a rudder in Yellow Jacket.  This is a sweet looking kayak for sure!  This is the replacement for my 2012 Cuda 14 and it surely has some nice feature upgrades.  Check out the video below for a quick overview of before and after I rigged it.  If interested in this boat Shank's Mare Outfitters can order one for you!

Off Season Kayak Fishing Training

Although I kayak fish year round my time on the water significantly slows down in the colder months November through February.   One question I get a lot is what do I do in my time in the winter when I'm NOT on the water.  Well the answer is pretty simple.  I train for the next kayak season!  What do I mean I train?  Well in the "off" season I'm in the gym five days a week preparing my body for next year.  Here is brief breakdown of what I do.

EVERYDAY CARDIO AND CORE
Monday-Chest
Tuesday-Triceps
Wednesday-Back and Biceps
Thursday-Shoulders
Friday-Legs

By no means am I a body builder, or even overly strong.  However I do consider myself in shape and fit.  Now how does this translate to kayak fishing you may ask?  Honestly it translates quite a bit.  Lets start generic and just talk about upper body.  How does training my upper body help?  Several ways!  First it helps me load the kayak!  As most of you know fishing kayaks are NOT light.   I've had kayaks in the 60lb range to the 100lb range.  Obviously the stronger and more in shape you are the easier it will be to load these heavier kayaks.  Sticking with upper body, lets talk about paddling!  I'm not trying to be a "hulk" but it certainly does help with paddling stamina.  The more in shape your upper body is the longer you'll be able to spend on the water.  Your muscles just won't tire as easy!  And if any fishes with me they know I like to spend 8 + hours on the water in the summer time.

Next lets talk about lower body or LEGS!  You don't peddle a Hobie and wonder how legs go into kayaking?  Easy!  Ever heard the saying lift with your legs and not your back?  Strong legs will certainly help you load your kayak on top of your vehicle.  Also I've been known to have some long drags over rough terrain to get to some of those sweet spots of fishing.  I don't want to have to stop every three seconds to take a break.

Nothing to do this off season and kayak is already hung up in the garage for the winter?  Hit the gym, work out at home, stay active.  Whatever fits your lifestyle, any workout is better than no workout at all.  Take some of this down time and prepare yourself for longer days of fishing for next summer!

Cold Weather Kayaking

A recent discussion I've seen all around different forums and social media sites in the kayaking world is cold water safety.  I decided to team up with one of my sponsors at Shank's Mare Outfitters and make a small video session on proper gear in cold water.  After you watch these videos the biggest thing to take away from all of this is do not go out in conditions above your skill level even if you have the newest, best, and most expensive gear.  In cold water conditions mistakes happen and people don't always make it home.  Even I stay off the water from time to time.  This is a topic that we will expand on and have more videos on as well in the future.  In the following videos you will see Kyle, myself, and Devin all discuss parts of this important topic.  Be smart, be safe, and always have fun.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3