Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

This week I have experienced something that I haven’t experienced in my life, up to this point. The feeling was ridiculous pain, so much so that it hurt to laugh, smile, and talk or express any emotion. This week I found myself in doctor’s offices and dentist chairs and not being myself. Having never experienced that level of pain I was highly concerned. I kept trying to think about what have I done that is causing this? I have changed my life habits by eating cleaner, exercising harder and guarding what goes in. So what gives? Then I figured out it’s not what I have been doing, it’s what I have done in the past that caused this issue.

For many years I used smokeless tobacco and loved every minute of it. It was what I called my pocket idol. I never left home without out and had a melt down when I couldn’t locate it. I seriously would have a minor panic attack if it wasn’t near me. I was a first class addict. Choosing to quit was a great decision and the hardest decision all at the same time. Today, I am glad that it’s behind me; however, the damage has been done.

I love to talk about ways and share tips of how to lead a healthy lifestyle, but sometimes it’s the past that catches up with you. Stop and think a minute and ask yourself do you like doing something that’s not good for and could take you away from the folks who love and care about you the most? Play in your mind all the family vacations, camping and fishing trips that will be lost. You can make major changes but it may be too late! Be proactive about your health and give yourself the best opportunities to be at the top of your game. Look at what you’re doing now that will affect you in 5, 10 or 20 years and ask yourself is it worth it?

Luckily it is not a life threatening condition and I will still be able to pursue all of our common passions: Family, Friends & Kayak Fishing!

KEEP LIVING THE DREAM!

KBA’s Best of 2013!

Where would we be without innovation? This year has been an outstanding year of Innovative products for the Kayak Angler. All of these new products have improved the fishing experiences for those that have used them. These products are ranked in no particular order, so I hope you enjoy Kayak Bass Adventures Best of 2013.

Kayaks:

Hobie Pro Angler 14: In my opinion this is the most outstanding fishing kayak on the market today. The Pro Angler has the size and stability to handle the largest bodies of water. Hobie has provided massive amounts of built in storage, from the front hatch with removable liner to the twist and seal hatch with retractable tackle management system. The crown jewel, for me, is the fully adjustable vantage seating. When you spend hours chasing bass it is helpful to have a seat that supports your back and sits high enough to give you fantastic leverage on fish. Lastly, this kayak offers multiple rod storage so you do not have to constantly retie your baits. The Pro Angler gives you six horizontal rod holders, along two vertical rod holders. For me the best kayak for 2013 is definitely the Hobie Pro Angler 14.

Hobie Outback: When I am not in the Pro Angler 14, I prefer the Hobie Outback. For creeks, rivers or small neighborhood ponds I feel this kayak gives me everything I need to be comfortable. Again, Hobie provides outstanding storage, above and below deck, the comfort of the Mirage drive for hands free fishing and the Lowrance ready mounting system for the fish finder. This kayak is light weight and allows me to handle with ease for loading and unloading.  

Kayak Accessories:

Yak Attack Black Pac:  This great innovation has changed the way I store my tackle and has greatly improved my organization on the water. The Black Pac is more than a milk crate offering you endless opportunities for rigging. A few of my favorite items on my Black Pac are my gear tracks. These allow me to mount my cameras in order to capture awesome video. I also have a spot for fish grips, pliers and marking buoys and the Hawg Trough. Kayak Bass Adventures believes this to be the best accessory of 2013!

Brute Outdoors: Nothing completes a Kayak more than a great cooler. The Brute Box is an outstanding product that offers thick insulated walls for maximum ice retention, two heavy duty cantilever latches, rubber gasket for extra tight seal, grab rails for easy carrying, over sized anti-skid rubber feet and multiple tie-down slots for cooler security. I have had numerous coolers and the Brute Box is for real! The Brute 25 fits perfectly behind your seat and allows for easy access. Lastly, the boxes are true to size, meaning that 25 – means actual 25 quart with room for long necks to stand straight up. The perfect kayak pair will be the Brute Box 25 on board and the Brute 50 back at camp. These are made in America and you will see the difference.

Yak Attack Zooka Tube w/ 8’ Parking Pole: I don’t use an anchor trolley because it doesn’t suit my style of fishing. I move a lot and try to cover max water. When I do need to hold a spot, such as grass, pads or timber I count on the Zooka Tube and 8’ Parking Pole.  I realize the primary function of the Zooka is for rod holding, but I have found it to be an excellent piece of equipment for the bass angler during the spring spawn. The reason I love it is because it is quick and easy to deploy and the 8’ Parking pole is a great weapon to push off gators or snakes that get to close for comfort. If you haven’t tried this application- try it.

Battery Pack & Pelican Case: I like simple and easy. This watertight case along with battery gives you security in knowing that you battery is safe from moisture and from the damage caused from dropping. When you have to charge it is charged in the case. I call this my battery brief case and don’t leave home without it.

Supernova Fishing Lights: These bad boys hit the kayak scene this year and took night fishing to the next level. I currently don’t have a set, but when the kayak goes into dry dock this season you can rest assure that we will be installing a set. I like these because they also go along with safety and being seen. I look forward providing a full report next season. From those that I know that have them, it was their Ah Ha moment for fishing after dark.  Great job Supernova!

Fishing Electronics:

Lowrance Electronics: You can’t go wrong with any of the HDS – Gen 2 series of products, enough said!

Hydrowave Mini: This is one of those products that will have doubters, but I have seen it in action and it’s the real deal. Whether you are a tournament angler or a weekend warrior you will put more fish in the boat when you fire up the Hydrowave.

Fishing Rods:

Temple Fork Outfitters: There is not a more quality, well balanced or greater feeling rod than the TFO GTS rods. These rods are lightweight, extra fast at the tip and have amazing feel. One of the things that make a TFO Rod is the tactical series guide with machined stainless steel inserts that are super-hard chrome anodized then swaged into a chromium- impregnated stainless frame. I say all that to say its tough and saltwater safe. TFO rod blanks are selected by Gary Loomis and engineered to the highest quality. I personally prefer the 7’-3’’ GTS in Medium, Medium Heavy, Heavy and X-tra Heavy. Can’t wait to tell all you guys what is coming down the pipe for 2014!

Outdoor Clothing:

Columbia Sportswear: We are all out in many different elements over the course of the season. I have found that Columbia meets all the challenges. A few things to check out is, anything in the Omni-Heat line as well all their performance fishing gear clothing. It’s highly important that you are comfortable and look sharp, Columbia Sportswear brings it all together.

Well, there it is – The Best of 2013! Hope you guys will check out these products and companies and discover the difference it will make in your fishing experience. There is one great retailer to look to when you are searching for quality kayak angling gear and that is the fine folks at Mariner-Sails. You will not find a more knowledgeable and helpful staff anywhere. Feel free to stop by the showroom or shop on line at www.mariner-kayaks.com.

KEEP LIVING THE DREAM!

 

 

Kayak Bass Adventures Show Open

Many of you know that broadcasting is one of my passions. I want to thank a good friend who worked with KBA on this video. It is our goal to always bring the best quality to you and we are constantly trying to improve. I appreciate all of you for reading and supporting what we are building in the Kayak Bass Fishing Community. We are still working on the finishing touches for the open so stay tuned! 2014, is going to be a great year. Thanks again to Chad Campell with Mediaforce for making this happen.

Plan Ahead For Your Health

Everyone loves to plan that next great adventure. I love looking into the future and putting together good trips that will be fun and memorable. I believe Payne’s Paddle Fish wrote about the excitement and anticipation of a trip, as it draws near. With the New Year upon us and a new fishing season on the horizon let’s dive deeper into ways you can stay at the top of your physical game and improve your health so that you can make the most of your inshore or off shore adventures.

In our last post we listed thirteen ways that you could improve your physical situation with the right nutrition. Today we want to break down numbers one and two. The first thing that you are going to have to get your mind around is changing the way you think about your foods. I believe we said you need to identify the foods that cause you the most problems, whether its candy, soda, popcorn or fast food these have to be pinned down and addressed. Secondly, finding a good replacement for these foods and identify the carbohydrates that will work for your benefit.

When looking for healthy snacks I generally look to uncooked veggies, such as Broccoli, Carrots, Celery, and Green Peppers. I look at these foods as my chips. If I have to have chips I roll with Blue Corn Chips from UTZ Organic. I found these are all natural and great tasting!  Breads and pasta can play a huge roll in weight gain. When you find yourself at restaurant severing bread before meals – stay away. If you can’t stay away from bread or pasta try going with Wheat bread, Wheat crackers or Wheat pasta. These healthy solutions will satisfy your craving while not adding the additional weight. Balance and portion size are key to your success. For more good information and healthy foods click here.

Whether you are planning a life change or a kayak fishing adventure you must prepare yourself and plan for the event. It doesn’t take time to prepare snacks and small meals in advance so that when you are hungry you are not seduced by the foods that lead you down the wrong path. Set up a start date and find friends that will work with you to achieve your goals. I have found that by having a partner to keep you accountable and bounce things off of is the best recipe for success! Should you find yourself needing a group or a way to get started feel free to shoot me a comment and I will hook you up with some good folks that can help you get to where you want to go. This off season commit to a better you and you will see great results during the coming season. Results are measured on your personal satisfaction, energy level and overall wellness. Don’t be the guy or girl that takes good health for granted. You can make a difference in just a few short weeks. As always, whenever you are making drastic change in diet or exercises consult your medical professional.

KEEP LIVING THE DREAM!

Conversation With Gene Eisenmann From Hydrowave

Great visit with Gene! We discuss the new Hydrowave Mini, Kayak Bass Fishing Tournaments, Fitness, FLW & Elite Bass Tour and Much More. Thanks To Shaun Russell For Filming and Doing An Outstanding Job w/ The Sound.