Kayaking For Seniors – Best Motor – Episode 6
This episode of kayaking for seniors addresses kayak motor pros and cons.
Hacking Fly
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 …
Kayak Paddle – DIY Kayak Paddle Clips for Kayaks (4)
Regardless of whether you are moving or stationary, you need a place to store your kayak paddle sections. In this version of a paddle holder, I look at using nylon conduit holders. It ended up being a pretty easy way to go, but I have reservations about this really providing a lasting solution. This version …
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Kayak Camping with the EcoFlow RIVER Pro Power Station
We all want to escape from crowds. In a kayak, that means putting in a lot of effort paddling or pedaling. So, that’s where a trolling motor comes in. You can use a trolling motor to extend your reach into unpressured water. The challenge is what do you do when you get there? Your trolling …
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Quick Clinch Knot with Forceps
At the business end, it’s time to tie on a fly; forcing a choice from an almost infinite number of line to hook knot options. Want to start an argument? Ask experienced anglers which knot they prefer! In the end, as Phil Monahan wrote on Orvis.com, correctly tying the knot you learn is more important …
Spring Fishing Tips
By Loyal Brezny of The Hunting Mark Nine Things an Angler Needs To Know. When the fishing season starts in the spring (and I say this because opening dates can vary quite a bit from state to state), there are some things you need to know that are unique to this time of year. During …
Quick Knots with Forceps – Surgeon’s Knot
Before becoming a fly angler, spin fishers only needed to know how to tie a Palomar knot. It worked great whether tying on a hook, swivel or crankbait. Fly fishing … a different story. Just looking beyond the end of the fly line, the fly angler has to figure out how to attach the leader …
Spring Kayak Fishing – Do a Shakedown Cruise!
We are all anxious to get out fishing again when the weather warms up! But, it is wise to just put the kayak in the water and paddle or pedal for an hour or two. Use the trip to confirm everything is in working order, your gear is tuned up, and, most importantly, you start …
Tie Flies? You Need this Free Tool!
Rick Wallace sent me a link to his awesome online search tool that allows the user to search for equivalent hooks across all the different manufacturers. The tool (linked here) is so simple and easy to use! Just enter the brand and model of the hook you would like to use and the tool finds …
Wild Trout Fly Fishing – Protect Your Rod
Problem: After easing your truck to a halt at the trailhead, you take one last swig of lukewarm coffee, jump out and immediately make a fundamental mistake in your anxious anticipation of a great day on the water by rigging up. Unless the stream runs adjacent to the road, reaching the water usually requires a …
Kayak Paddle – DIY Kayak Paddle Clips for Kayaks
What to do with your kayak paddle sections is always a challenge. You can buy two paddle clips for around $26 or you can make this hack for under $5. It relies on using conduit holders you can get from your local hardware store along with a Dollar Store cutting board. Check out the video …
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DIY Weedless Hooks – How to Make a Weedless Hook using EVA Craft Foam
Nothing like a DIY weedless hook to keep the frustration level down when fishing. In this video, I’m making DIY weedless fishing hooks and jigheads. I show how to make a weedless hook using 2mm thick EVA foam. The same DIY weedless approach can be used for how to make a weedless jighead as well …
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Casting on a Tight Stream
Why do fish always shelter in the most challenging spot to cast to? Apparently, they do it to make our life as anglers miserable as opposed to their need to stay alive! The first problem is trying to cast with tight, overhanging cover preventing the normal casting motion. The second is when your casting arm …
Fishing Reel Review – Cadence vs Kastking
Fishing reel review! After 3 seasons, I compare the Cadence CS10 reel vs the KastKing Sharky III. I put both reels through demanding use over the last 3 seasons. There were issues with both reels. Check the short video for details. https://youtu.be/TKbRZ4ZELtQ
Kayak Maintenance – Pre-Season Kayak Care for Spring!
After a long winter, we are all anxious to get back out on the water! But, don’t rush! Take the time to inspect your kayak and do the final tune ups required to set you up for a hard season of fishing. First, be sure you actually finished all the winter maintenance tasks I discussed …
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Hack to Measure Fish – Stay Legal!
What’s the fastest way to measure the length of the fish? Admit it, as anglers we obsess about how big fish are; not only the inherently larger ones that get away but also those we push closer to the camera to make them appear huge. Knowing the length is important for bragging rights and stay …
The Fluorocarbon Leader Rip Off
We are all fans of fluorocarbon line whether using it just as a leader, tippet or main line. But, don’t make the mistake of buying line labeled as leader – you will overpay for what you get. Granted, the line, in this case, labeled as leader is a tad thicker, but not enough to make …
Easy Way to Tie on a Dropper Fly
This tip has two answers. The first, and quickest, is to leave a long tag end of tippet when you tie on the lead fly. Merely tie the dropper at the end of the tag end. However, the problem with this approach lies in changing the dropper without changing the lead fly. Many times, anglers …
Easy Way to Thread Tippet on Small Flies
Most anglers tie flies onto tippet by repeatedly stabbing the tippet directly at the tiny opening in the eye of the hook. There is a more natural way that eliminates frustration, is faster and does not require magnification.
Hatch Chart 101
Typically, experts develop hatch charts through years of observation, and different people may see different things based on when they are on the stream; resulting in small differences.
The Fantastic Forceps
For the new fly angler, the forceps (aka hemostat) is an easily overlooked, critical tool. Do not make a quick purchase of the cheapest thing you can find! Examples of the wrong choices include medical hemostats or a set of needle-nose pliers masquerading in the role.
3 Quick Fly Fishing Tips
Here’s a collection of tips that don’t fit into any category and will make your journey into the sport of fly fishing more straightforward – a few lessons from my personal school of hard knocks.
The Fish Camp
As we roll up on steelhead season, many will head to “fish camps” as a part of that annual ritual. Living out of a true fish camp makes the expedition authentic – here’s the skinny. More filet knives than butter knives You can make anything as long as you can do it in an electric …
How to Break Your Rod… and Other Dumb Stunts
Beyond the standard, broad topics easing your introduction into fly fishing, some things are only learnable on a hit-or-miss basis through the school of hard knocks. This article aims to save you some of the tuition with a few costly personal confessions. Stupid thing #1: I drove to the Conway River in Virginia, and the …
What’s in Your Fly Vest?
With almost three million websites selling hundreds of different brands of fly fishing accessories, it’s not surprising new fly fishers may be a bit confused; as if buying the rod, reel and fly line weren’t bad enough! Let’s cut to the chase – here’s what you really need… and what you don’t.
Fly Fishing Vest Selection
Fly anglers are easy marks for every widget and gadget any expert claims will be the difference between catching enough fish to make their arms sore or being skunked. It’s easy to see who has fallen victim to the siren song – their fly fishing vests are so overloaded they look like a Sherpa hauling gear for an expedition. As always in these articles, let’s get back to basics.
