How to improve Kayak Trolling Motor Speed
If you want to know how to go fast in a kayak, it all comes down to science.
Hacking Fly
Easy PVC Kayak Hacks – Oscillating Tool Blades Review
I use my oscillating multi-tool all the time – not only for the kayak hacks I show on this channel but also for various projects around the house.
DIY Removable Kayak Tool Storage – Cheap Fishing Tool Organizer!
You need quick access to your fishing tools on your fishing kayak.
Avoid Concrete Boat Ramp Damage with the VEVOR Kayak Trailer Dolly
Don’t destroy your valuable kayak on concrete boat launches!
Rigging a Fishing Kayak: Updated Best Hack Ever!
Kayak rigging for fishing is fun when the kayak hack is quick, simple and very useable
Caught Shark on FishBites!
My fishing buddy caught a nice Bonnethead Shark on FishBites and a #1 size hook!
Emergency Battery Power Bank – Goldenmate 100Ah Trolling Motor Battery
If you use a trolling motor while kayak fishing, you already have an emergency power supply for home and other uses.
YakHacker – Heavy Duty Kayak Cart Review and Test
The YakHacker heavy duty kayak cart is sturdy, has wide wheels, and begged me to test it in mud!
Piscifun Carbon X II vs Piscifun Carbon X – Episode 5 of 5 on the Piscifun line of Spinnning Reels
The Piscifun Carbon X II is the spinning reel priced $20 more than the Piscifun Carbon X in the Piscifun line of spinning reels.
Piscifun Captain vs Piscifun Carbon X – Episode 4 of 5 on the Piscifun line of Spinnning Reels
The Piscifun Captain is the spinning reel priced $5 more than the Piscifun Carbon X in the Piscifun line of spinning reels.
Piscifun Carbon X vs Piscifun Viper X – Episode 3 of 5 on the Piscifun line of Spinnning Reels
The Piscifun Carbon X is the spinning reel priced $20 more than the Piscifun Viper X in the Piscifun line of spinning reels.
Portable Kayak Cart – Vevor Kayak Cart Review
The Vevor heavy duty kayak cart not only pushes the entry price into a very inexpensive range, but this model is a portable kayak cart that can be totally disassembled to store in a milk crate or inside your fishing kayak.
Piscifun Viper X vs Piscifun Flame – Episode 2 of 5 on the Piscifun line of Spinnning Reels
The Vevor heavy duty kayak cart not only pushes the entry price into a very inexpensive range, but this model is a portable kayak cart that can be totally disassembled to store in a milk crate or inside your fishing kayak.
Piscifun Flame – Any Good for only $23? – Episode 1 of 5 on the Piscifun line of Spinnning Reels
The Piscifun Flame is the entry level spinning reel of the Piscifun line of spinning reels. I take a look at it and do tests on the drag, line spooling, and see how the design supports long distance casting.
2023 Inshore Recon using my Deeper Chirp Portable Sonar
I use my Deeper Sonar (fishfinder) to locate the new channels.
How To Throw A LARGE Frisbee Cast Net – PLUSINNO Cast Net with Aluminum Frisbee
I simplify how to throw a frisbee cast net with ONE simple, but critical, tip.
Are Expensive Fishing Rods Worth It – Unusual T-Zack Rod Sensitivity Test – Episode 2
Are expensive fishing rods worth it from a sensitivity perspective
Real World Performance Difference Between Fishing Rods – T-Zack Rods – Episode 1
What is the difference between fishing rods at different price points?
Handy Kayak Tool Organizer / Kayak Tool Caddy
Create a kayak tool organizer or kayak tool caddy to overcome the limited tackle storage space on a fishing kayak.
PacMotor Review – On the Water!
The PacMotor kayak trolling motor is a unique dual motor upgrade to a traditional trolling motor.
Kayaking For Seniors – Emergency Rescue Beacon Options – Episode 9
You need a personal rescue beacon that is designed as a waterproof search and rescue beacon
Kayaking for Seniors – How to Fit a PFD – Episode 8
An important topic when looking at kayaking for seniors and beginners is how to fit a PFD.
Kayaking For Seniors – How to Pick the Best PFD – Episode 7
The next topic regarding kayaking for seniors is selecting the best PFD for kayaking.
Kayaking For Seniors – Best Motor – Episode 6
This episode of kayaking for seniors addresses kayak motor pros and cons.
Kayaking For Seniors – Transporting Your Kayak – Episode 5
I show the easy way to transport a kayak by yourself on an SUV and a truck bed.
Kayaking For Seniors – Kayak Cart for Seniors – Episode 4
Picking a kayak cart for seniors involves a few easy steps.
Kayaking For Seniors – Best Kayak Paddle – Episode 3
Among the important kayak tips for senior citizens is buying the right paddle.
Easy DIY Kayak Lumbar Seat Support Tutorial
I discuss an easy DIY kayak lumbar support idea to improve your kayak experience.
Kayak Grip Anchor – DIY Brush Anchor vs Product Test
If you use your kayak on lakes or rivers, you migh have a need to quickly anchor to a tree using a kayak grip anchor..
Kayaking For Seniors – Kayak Seats Compared – Episode 2
Kayaking for seniors is becoming more popular – we are older and beat up, so the kayak seat becomes important.
Worst DIY Kayak Mods – The Most Dangerous DIY Mod!
There are hundreds of great DIY kayak mods and kayak hacks. But this one you see all over YouTube is a leading candidate for the worst DIY kayak mods.
Kayaking For Seniors – Picking the Best Kayak – Episode 1
Kayaking for seniors is popular. The first question a senior citizen asks is, “what is the best kayak for a senior beginner?”
Rigging a Fishing Kayak: An Unusual Pro Tip!
Kayak rigging for fishing is fun when the kayak hack is quick, simple and very useable! Here is one of my best setup tips – no secrets on my ideas! You will not understand how you could kayak fish without this special purpose DIY rod holder. Among my best mods – cheap and suitable for …
Kayak Self Rescue Techniques – Kayak Ladder Rescue and Flip Line
Kayak self rescue techniques are easy to learn and the kayak self rescue ladder rescue is an easy DIY that can double as a stand up assist strap as well as a flip line for fishing kayak self recovery.
DUCT Tape for DIY Dripless Kayak Paddle, Canoe or SUP
Duct tape works to create a dripless kayak paddle – also for canoe, and SUP – why use anything else!
Sinking Kayak – Kayak Buoyancy Aid Tested!
A sinking kayak is everyone’s worst nightmare, and I examine a DIY kayak buoyancy aid that might assist as part of your kayak recovery techniques.
Fishing Kayak Setup DIY – Gear Head Track Adapter – Priceless!
Awesome gear head track adapter for pennies!
Best Wacky Rig Setup (Option 1) – DOLLAR STORE! Woo Hoo!!
The best wacky rig setup is another Dollar Store fishing idea!
Loading a Kayak on a Truck – Heavy Kayak Loading Tips
Loading a kayak on a truck is hard without these heavy kayak loading tips. How to load a kayak on truck is pretty simple if you add a few DIY hacks to make it easier to grab the heavy kayak in addition to using the right technique at a boat launch. Follow these tips to …
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Test – Fish cooler bag vs dollar store mylar bag for kayak fishing dollar store fishing challenge
Commercially produced fish cooler bags (as well as other fishing tackle) cost a pretty penny! Will a $1 mylar bag from the Dollar Store perform just as well?
How to Mount Umbrella on Kayak for Shade while Fishing to Stay Cool on Kayak
Install a shade umbrella using PVC either strapped to your seat or on a PVC gear head adapter.
Kayak Fishing in Rough Water – Kayak Safety Tip for Boat Wake
When kayak fishing, calm water can instantly become rough water when a large boat wake or a frantically driven bass boat wake slams into your fishing kayak. I was taught this kayak safety tip for dealing with rough water created by boat wakes – check it out to avoid being able to post a kayak …
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Gamakatsu Hook vs Cheap Bulk Fishing Hook Test and Review
Surprising results on this Gamakatsu hooks vs. eBay bulk fishing hooks test and review to see if the Gamakatsu fishing hooks are worth the money
Fishing Kayak Setup Ideas – 30 more Kayak Modifications for Fishing
Here are 30 more fishing kayak setup ideas
Easy Trick to tie on Dropper Fly when Fly Fishing
Learn this simple trick – allowing you to tie a dropper fly on in seconds!
Best Way to Throw a Cast Net – detailed step-by-step
figured out the easy and best way to throw a cast net after watching a lot of videos and got some throwing cast net instructions from a few guides.
Fishing line guide repair without rod building equipment
How to repair your rod without rod building equipment.
34 Easy Kayak Modifications for Fishing
Check out these 34 fishing kayak setup ideas that show many fishing kayak accessories as well as the fishing kayak modifications I made to optimize my Jackson Coosa FD setup and you can apply these to your fishing kayak as well; proving fishing kayak mods do not have to be complicated or costly. https://youtu.be/wdGJ2TQr50s
Best Way To Keep Fish Fresh on Kayak
If you are going to harvest a fish while kayak fishing, this is the best way to keep fish fresh on kayak. While I never would keep any freshwater fish, I do harvest one redfish periodically. Rather than keep the fish on a stringer, I harvest the fish by bleeding them out and then follow …
Fishing for Red Drum in NC – Mid-Tide & Close to Launch Site
We changed up our approach to fishing for red drum in NC by fishing close to the launch at mid-tide. Funny how you can skip the close in spots to push for distance when looking for reds. We were out in the middle of the tide cycle and scored some good redfish in spots we …
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IMPROVED! Kayak Outdoor Storage Rack
I show my improved kayak storage rack DIY solution. If you have a heavy kayak you need to add this improvement to your DIY kayak storage rack – especially if you do kayak storage outside with little room to maneuver. Affiliate link to kayak cover: https://amzn.to/3w3KAkl https://youtu.be/kB7Lf9JB7Gg
How To Stay Cool While Fishing – Cooling Head Fan Test
As summer rages, how to stay cool while kayak fishing becomes really important. I picked up a cheap head cooling fan at Walmart and did a test to see if I should include it in my hot weather fishing gear. I was surprised at its ability to address the issue of how to stay cool …
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Easy one person method to load kayak on SUV without scratching
SUVs have a high profile, and some kayaks are pretty dang heavy. My fishing buddy, Dick, came up with this straightforward way to load his kayak on top of his SUV by himself. All you need is a rubberized rug remnant. My buddy is using a Malone rack – https://amzn.to/2AHbQLo More ways to transport kayaks: …
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Rainproof Cover for Kayak DIY Mod – NO SCUM SPOTS!
Any rainproof cover for kayak will have an issue if there are low spots that hold water when you put your kayak in storage outside.
Kayak Outdoor Storage Ideas – 2 Considerations
Here are some considerations around storing your kayak outside.
Kayak Scupper Plugs – Make or Buy?
Should you make or buy kayak scupper plugs? DIY is always fun, but sometimes it is not worth it.
Fishing Kayak Setup – Step 14b – Foam Golf Ball Scupper Plugs
I show the ultra cheap way to make DIY scupper plugs using a foam golf balls.
Fishing Kayak Setup – Step 14a – DIY Kayak Scupper Plugs
Need dry kayak gear storage as part of your fishing kayak setup? Make DIY kayak scupper plugs
Fishing Kayak Setup – Step 13 – Dripless Kayak Paddle
A key part of comfort while kayaking is staying dry! Here is a hack to create a dripless paddle for pennies.
Fishing Kayak Setup – Step 12 – Kayak Tool Organizer
A kayak tool caddy is a handy part of fishing kayak setup when you need quick access to your kayak accessories.
Fishing Kayak Setup – Step 11 – Kayak Safety Equipment – Self Rescue
Look at how the stand up assist strap can be used for fishing kayak self rescue as well as a kayak rescue ladder.
Fishing Kayak Setup – Step 10 – DIY PVC Rod Holder vs Store Bought
The next step in fishing kayak setup is to create fishing kayak rod holders.
Fishing Kayak Setup – Step 9 – DIY Kayak Gear Track
Don’t buy expensive Yakattack gear track as part of your budget fishing kayak setup. DIY kayak gear track works great and costs much less. You need kayak gear track to install kayak gear track accessories like rod holders or anything using the Scotty gear track mount. This video shows the DIY kayak track install – …
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Fishing Kayak Setup – Step 8 – Kayak Anchor Retrieval System
You need to consider the entire kayak anchor retrieval system as you do your budget fishing kayak setup.
Fishing Kayak Setup – Step 7c – Kayak Repair Plastic
Whoops… you need to do some kayak hole repair after installing kayak accessories in the wrong place while doing your fishing kayak setup. Kayak repair plastic is very easy and DIY kayak repair is possible for a kayak hole patch. I show how to do plastic kayak welding without the proper tools – good in a pinch – but you really should get the proper kayak welding tools.
Fishing Kayak Setup – Step 7b – DIY Anchor Trolley for Kayak
Your budget fishing kayak setup must include a kayak anchor trolley system.
Fishing Kayak Setup – Step 7a – Kayak Anchor Trolley System
Your budget fishing kayak setup must include a kayak anchor trolley system. The kayak anchor trolley install is very simple.
Fishing Kayak Setup – Step 6 – Kayak Accessories Installation – Kayak Well Nuts vs Rivets
The first step in kayak accessories installation as part of your fishing kayak setup is to decide between kayak rivets or screws or to use kayak well nuts.
Fishing Kayak Setup – Step 5 – The Shakedown Trip
Before getting into fishing kayak mods, the next step in basic fishing kayak setup is to take the bare bones fishing kayak out on a trip.
Ebike Beach Cruiser – Magicycle Fat Tire Cruiser
I take my ebike beach cruiser out for a test in the rough, soft sand around Fort Fisher, North Carolina. I need my beach ebike to get me fishing in a remote location. After running the Magicycle ($100/$250 discount code below) electric beach cruiser through its paces in the soft, mush, and hard sand, I …
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Fishing Kayak Setup Step 4 – Fishing Kayak Paddles
Getting the right fishing kayak paddles is an important part of your budget fishing kayak setup. Don’t make my mistake!
Fishing Kayak Setup – Step 3 – Fishing Kayak Seat Upgrade
Basic kayak fishing setup needs to consider comfort! If your fishing kayak does not have a raised kayak seat, then this fishing kayak seat upgrade DIY is a no-brainer. The great thing about this kayak seat DIY is it is CHEAP. No complex kayak seat modifications are required! And cheap is an important part of any budget fishing kayak setup!
Fishing Kayak Setup – Step 2 – Cheap DIY Kayak Cart
The second step in fishing kayak setup is being able to transport the kayak and for that you need a great kayak cart build. But, your DIY kayak cart does not have to cost a fortune! I show how to build your own kayak cart out of scraps! I believe this is the cheapest kayak cart you can make. Bottom line is you cannot do fishing kayak mods unless you can get your fishing kayak to the water!
Kayak Setup From Scratch!
Winter is a great time to buy a used kayak. Here is my step by step recommended process to buy a good used kayak and set it up for fishing! Link to Complete Playlist https://youtu.be/iZ4BhPvagX4 Want to jump ahead? Here are a few links: Kayak Scupper Plugs – Make or Buy? Fishing Kayak Setup – …
Reading Trout Water (Part 1)
Recall the old saying, “10% of the water holds 90% of the fish.” Finding the magic 10% is made easier through understanding the basic structure of a stream.
Inshore Fly Fishing 101
Here’s everything you need to know about getting starting fly fishing inshore.
Forceps Knots – The Kreh Loop
Using forceps to quickly tie a Kreh Loop Knot Since the clinch knot is a direct line-to-fly connection, the line may impart some unnatural motion to the fly. If you prefer having the fly swing independently of the line, use a loop knot. The most natural loop knot to learn and fastest to tie using …
Matching the Hatch Basics
It probably happened right after you picked out your first fly rod. The fly shop owner or your buddy immediately ushered you to a huge display case of flies; hundreds of them captured and prisoners in tiny compartments with confusing names like Royal Wulff, Chernobyl Ant, Mister Rapidan or Adams. “Don’t worry,” he said as …
Packing Heat! Hot Flies!
Not concealed weapons, but something infinitely more important and precious – hot flies! Just as a pistol requires a unique size holster, different flies require storage containers with specific characteristics as well as an overall organization strategy.
Filling Your Fly Box for the First Time
There they sit, quietly organized in small cubbyholes, full of muted promise. But is that fly designed to catch more anglers than trout?
Fly Type Basics (Part 2)
Part 2 of fly fishing fly types. This post covers emergers, midges, worms, and poppers.
Fly Type Basics (Part 1)
Before I took up fly fishing, I knew about black flies, horse flies, tsetse flies and vaguely remembered nymphs from Greek mythology. Fly fishing flies? Well, here is part 1 of the basics.
Fishing Bike Build – For Beach or Trail
With hard packed sand at low tide making it easy for a beach bike ride, I did a beach bike build to move quickly with my bike fishing rod carrier and accessories. I use a milk crate on a bike fishing rack with saddlebags for my bike fishing bag.
All about Floatants for Fly Fishing
Floatant? Trout feed below the surface 80% of the time and that statistic should push the rational trout angler to fish exclusively with nymphs to catch more fish. However, the excitement of a trout slurping a dry fly on the surface is compelling and is the visual pot of gold at a rainbow ending in a sparkling pool high in the mountains.
Solving Slipping Shot on Tippet (Part 2)
As hard it is for a new fly angler to achieve the perfect cast to the right position and manage the movement of the fly through the sweet spot with a drag free drift, nothing will make you want to scream at the sky more than seeing that all the shot slipped down the tippet to nestle up against your fly and ruined the entire presentation.
Using Split Shot for Fly Fishing (Part 1)
What’s more important? The split shot or the nymph? If you cannot get the nymph to the proper depth, the fish will ignore it.
Tips on Tippet
As a fly angler, you’ve already learned what tippet is. You know, it’s the stuff that breaks when you have a beautiful fish on. Thankfully, once you learn the ins and outs of matching the right type and size to your conditions, you will lose fewer fish.
South Fork Holston River Trout Fishing – Virginia!
Check out my recent trip to the South Fork Holston River trout fishing in the Virginia Special Regulation Trout Area above the Buller Dam. Fishing the South Holston River up here is an isolated experience that requires a bit of effort to reach. If you enjoy fly fishing Virginia trout, you should take the time to fish here.
Fly Line Basics
Been using the fly line that came with the packaged starter kit you either purchased or were given? Thinking about upgrading? While everyone has an opinion on whether the fly line or the fly rod is the most critical piece of gear to improve on-stream performance, I agree with the fly liners. I believe a …
Kayak Trolling Motor – PWM Fail!
Using a Pulse Width Modulator (PWM) is an excellent part of a kayak trolling motor setup. I installed one and it failed after a few months – check out what I found.
All About “Bobbers” (Indicators)
Bobbers? Yes, that’s what a normal person would call an “indicator.” Indicator is the fancy term fly anglers use to discuss the appliance that floats on top of the water… yeah… bobber. Unlike for bait fishing, fly angling has many different types. Here’s the rundown.
Tenkara Tips
A cane pole? Hardly! If you fish small mountain streams, stuffing a Tenkara rod into your backpack instantly levels the playing field and puts the new fly guy on equal footing with the most experienced fly angler.
Cheap Tenkara Fly Fishing
I discover a cheap Tenkara rod that performs just as well as the expensive versions. In this cheap Tenkara rod review,
Two Blade vs 3 Blade Trolling Motor Prop
Your kayak trolling motor came with a 2 blade prop. Is it worth paying the money to upgrade to a 3 blade propeller?
Pick the Right Fly Fishing Reel
Considering the rod, line, and reel, the reel is the least important part of your fly-fishing outfit. Right? A good rod provides power to punch out a well-executed cast facilitated by a smooth, supple matched line. All the reel does is hold the line. Not so fast! While you may not need some elements of …
Kayak Paddle – DIY Kayak Paddle Clips for Kayaks (5)
Regardless of whether you are moving or stationary, you need a place to store your kayak paddle sections, so make this quick DIY kayak paddle holder out of PVC without having to melt anything to get the kayak paddle to fit. It uses PVC pipe to facilitate kayak paddle storage when you are not using …
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Rod Basics – Action vs Power vs Price
“If you know how many fly rods you have, you don’t have enough” was the simple, telling comment Dick Sherwood, my fly fishing mentor, made as he helped me pick out my first real fly rod at Bass Pro in Arundel Mills, Maryland. At the time, the truth (and warning) of this statement went in …