5 Tips To Keep Warm During The Winter Season

Winter has the majority if us tucked into bed and dreaming of spawning spring bass. For those that venture out, the winter season can yield outstanding results. The key to winter fishing is being comfortable. When you are comfortable, warm, you can cruise the lake and look for those stubborn and lethargic winter monsters. Todays post focuses on the five things kayak anglers can do to keep warm when the winter season raises her mighty hand.

1. Base Layer: The top layer we prefer the heavyweight 1/2 zip top by Columbia Sportswear. The Omni Heat technology uses your own bodies heat to maximize warmth while wicking away moisture. Columbia has two weights of tights that we prefer either the mid weight or heavyweight depending on temperatures. Base layer has to be tight to your body so that you have maximum opportunity to keep warm.

2. Mid Layer: When deciding on the mid layer decide how you want to look when you roll into the store to buy the morning coffee. We prefer to wear our tactical fishing pants or jeans. The Columbia Sportswear Blood & Guts pant offers comfort and stain fighting material that holds up for an entire fishing season. Up top we roll with a tactical fishing shirt covered by a fleece vest or long sleeve fleece depending on temperatures.

3. 3/4 Layer: This layer is what you should put on once you arrive at the ramp. When fighting the elements you need a quilting effect so that you ensure the insulation is working it’s magic. We have found nothing better to keep you warm than the fleece pant. When you are standing in the wind, cold water or flying across the lake in boat nothing keeps you warmer than fleece.

4. Outer Layer: This is where the rubber meets the road and we prefer the breathable hip wader, Columbia Sportswear Bugaboo Jacket, stocking cap, gloves and boots. This is the performance level that cannot be compromised. The waders allow us to launch and keep us dry if we slip in. When you pair the Bugaboo jacket with it’s element resistant qualities, the hip waders and boots you have an excellent system to keep you warm and dry.

5. Dry Bag: A change of clothes is key will be needed if disaster should find you. A good dry bag offers not only clothes, but a blanket, fire materials and a spare car key. Being prepared will save your life.

Winter is a great time to be out on the water. Some of the years largest fish are caught from January through April. When you decide it’s time to chase winter bass follow the five tips and you will be warm and ready to land the fish of a lifetime.

KEEP LIVING THE ADVENTURE!

What A Year!

It’s hard to believe another year has come and gone! As you get older you begin to think about everything that went into the year that was from new friendships, opportunities and the experiences you had on the water. It’s funny that whenever you take time to reflect you seldom remember the negative. This year was an outstanding year for Kayak Bass Adventures achieving some benchmarks, analyzing setbacks and having a great time navigating the map to Living The Dream!

We would like to think all of our partners that make Kayak Bass Adventures happen; from our product relationships to our production company and to our financial backers that saw the passion and took a shot on us this year. We look forward to continuing our relationship while we navigate the higher roads leading to the summit. We realize that without the support of our friends, partners and backers that we could not do what we do.

THANKS TO:
Mariner-Sails, Xcite Baits, Hobie Fishing, Supernova Fishing Lights, TFO Rods, Plano, Power Pole, Yak Attack, Hydrowave, Smith Optics, Brute Outdoors, Valley, Heroes On The Water, Mystery Tackle Box, Sandlin Homes, EV Photo, Occasionally Genius, Anderson-Hanson-Blanton, Texas Pro Lake Management, Hopkins Outdoors

To all our friends and audience that we met this year thank you guys for your support. Our top priority for 2015 will be to continually produce content that’s worth your time. Looking back it has been a big year and we look forward to what is to come. There is plenty of opportunity out there for those wanting to Live The Adventure!
Happy New Year!

Comfort Is Key

Looking Good = Fishing Good!

You see all types of clothes being worn by the kayak angler, from swim suits to long pants it boils down to personal preference. Living in the south I prefer shorts because i can wear them pretty well thru November. I have sampled many pairs of shorts from board short to Larry Bird style short – short. I have found that the American Fishing Tackle Company or AFTCO for short offers me the best fit and the most comfort.

I stumbled across these shorts due to to the relationship with the Hobie Fishing Team, however, that relationship doesn’t sway my opinion. I have to have quality, style and functionality. The Stealth Fishing Short offers all of that along with outstanding comfort. One of my large issues with shorts is that either they are too baggy or too tight, crotch to long or way to short. Believe me when you on the lake and you spend more time correcting your shorts than mending your line you have a clothing problem. the AFTCO Stealth exceeded my expectations over a long, hard and hot season.

What makes the shorts functional is that they are 95%Nylon Dobby and 5% Spandex. They are also AFLEX 2-way stretch. That helps in a kayak because my shorts seldom get into a bind. The Nylon allows for movement and the spandex along with the AFLEX 2 way all the material to stretch in whatever direction you are moving. These shorts are extremely water resistant so when I am putting in or taking out the water slides right off and drys out in minutes.

Another great feature of the short is that they are stylish. After you have finished on the water you can head straight into the bar, restaurant or church and fit right in. Simply take off your sweat stained T-shirt apply a fresh towel and strap on your Tommy Bahama and you are ready to roll. The detailed stitching brings the patterns out and gives the shorts a style that is outstanding.

Kayak anglers are tough on clothes. I go through numerous shorts and shirts throughout the season. I can say that when I purchased the AFTCO Stealth that they have worn great and haven’t sustained any rips along the inseam or pockets. The reason the pockets are tough is because the short is designed with the reinforced pliers pocket. This pocket allows you needle nose to slide in with out getting in the material and ripping it or gouging your legs. These shorts have become the go to short for Kayak Bass Adventures!

For me looking good is fishing good. Being comfortable on the water allows us additional hours out pursuing our passions for big fish. If you are looking for one of the best pairs of shorts you will ever own check out http://www.aftco.com and let them know that Kayak Bass Adventures sent you! Question of the day are you a shorts guy or a pants guy?

KEEP LIVING THE DREAM!

That Spring Time Fall Feeling!

The fall season has opened up with cold fronts, swinging temperatures and hungry bass! Other than football there is no greeter thing than the fall feed up. Last week we hung out with FLW Pro, James Biggs and were amazed at his tactics for landing big fall bass.

We all know that seasonal patterns play a huge roll in where and how too fish. James Biggs keys on these patterns and samples where the fish should be this time of the year. “It’s time to move shallow and enjoy that spring time fall feeling!” Biggs told me as he cruised a shallow flat waving his cranking rod as it were a magic wand. I replied back, “Spring time Fall feeling?” I was quickly schooled in what this term meant to a FLW touring pro. Here are three quick tips to give you that Spring time Fall feeling.

• Big flat banks with isolated cover produce big fish in the Fall pattern. The most effective way to probe these flats is with the Xcite Baits XB-1, Silent, crankbait.
• Faster is better in the Fall. Speed up the retrieve and look for pockets of bait fish because when you find the bait you find find the bass. You are playing the ultimate reaction strike with fish in a feeding frenzy.
• Be versatile. Should the crankbait bite be nonexistent don’t be afraid to switch gears and go with a brown jig. These fall fronts can knock the bite down for a day or so and if you find yourself caught in this pattern slow down and match the crawfish pattern.

Our day wound up being a combination of the above with a front pressing down the crankbait was the action of the morning producing big fish and then as the front passed through it gave way to an ever so slow jig bite. I learned two things from this trip. First, the pros are pros for a reason. I fished the same bait the same way and over the same spots as James, but at the end of the day James Biggs delivered bigger fish and was on a more consistent bite. Second, listen to the pro. if they tell you to slow down, speed up or get the net heed the warning and do what you are told because it will ut bigger fish on the end of your line. The purpose of a coach is to make you better. For more information on James Biggs feel free to reach out to him on Facebook at James Biggs Fishing. He will be happy to answer questions, share tips or just talk fishing. One last thing, that Spring time Fall feeling is going to be the only fast action you get until next spring so hammer down and get yours this fall. Feel free to share your Fall fishing tips and let us know what is working for you!

KEEP LIVING THE DREAM!

Lighting The Way!

The regulars who read this blog know that I have a massive addition to tackle or anything shiny and new! That is why when I found out about Supernova Fishing Lights I went crazy and had to have them on my Hobie Pro Angler 14. I have also come to know Dez Davis, owner and major domo who leads this, genius, product to the market. There are so many great characteristics about Dez and my favorite is that he can always be counted on to educate, talk and support the kayaking community about his product. Here are some reasons that I feel that Supernova Fishing Lights are the only choice for Kayak Bass Adventures.
The Supernova Fishing Light is different than other LED lights because they are 100% incased and sealed making them submersible and 100% saltwater safe. Simply said they are going to last, last, and last.
The Supernova Fishing Light is easy to install. That is a huge deal for me because I am not a guy who knows his way around anything mechanical. Just ask Shaun Russell. Seriously, these kayak fishing light kits come with plenty of wire so you can reach the hard to get to spots without having to splice. Dez thinks forward with his products and makes them easy to use.
Multiple colors are available and custom kits can be tailored for your personal tastes. I like to use the blue strips because they light up structures at casting distance and the UV qualities work well in lighting up your line so you can see the slightest tick. The green is another favorite because it is bright and attracts baitfish, usually by the thousands. I personally use green for my cockpit strips as they render color the best. White strips are available for tank wells so you can locate gear or an adult beverage while stalking your favorite honey hole.
The biggest reason Kayak Bass Adventures chooses Supernova Fishing Lights is because they are 100% assembled in Texas, USA – Baby. Dez keeps it local and that’s saying something in a market where people are always trying to save a buck and cut costs by importing. The safety aspect is a given. In a kayak in the early morning or late evening you want to be seen and Supernova lights you up! If you looking for a set of the best LED’s on the market you need to check out, http://www.supernovafishinglights.com and tell them Kayak Bass Adventures sent you!

Supernova Fishing Lights – Lighting The Future of Kayak Fishing!

KEEP LIVING THE DREAM!

The Changing Tides

As a freshwater guy I don’t know much about tides, tidal charts, moon phases or anything else that could leave you high and dry and out of the fishing when you hit the salt. However, what I do know about tides is that they change. Change is good and we need to evolve in what we are doing in order to constantly grow. Think of it like this, when Gordon Gecko was walking in with the brick cell phone in the early ninety’s who would have thought that a few decades later we all would have more power in our hands than was on the Apollo 13 trip to the moon. Like I said change is good and evolving is paramount. Here is the new publishing schedule for Kayak Bass Adventures.

The blog will publish three days a week: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday. I feel that there is enough content across the industry to keep it fresh and conversational. Here is a menu of how the days will break out and what will be covered:

• Tuesday: Interviews with people within the fishing community. These could be fellow kayak anglers, FLW Pros, BASS Elite Pros or people in the Outdoor Retail sector.
• Wednesday: I will talk about fashion, gear, new baits or some type of fishing related product. I like fashion!
• Thursday: This will be a free for all with guest hosts, video blog or some sort of wacky life advice.

As you can see there is going to be a ton of action across Kayak Bass Adventures. I feel that the tide is rising for all of kayak fishing and especially kayak bass fishing, so jump on and ride the waves. I look forward to your comments and suggestions. As for tidal reports and conditions on the big water I leave that to my friends at 30 Miles Out and Yak Fish TV.

LIVE THE ADVENTURE!

 

My Smith Optics Help Close Business Deal

Whether you’re in an office, a shop, behind a desk or in the great outdoors one thing lets people know that you are an angler. It took me some time to figure this out and one day on my way into a big meeting my client asks if I fished? I said, yes, how’d you know? He told me that no regular person would have a set of goggles around his neck like that unless he spent some time on the water. After saying this he goes into his brief case and grabbed his. We spent time talking fishing and eventually secured the business. We make statements all the time some are loud and some are subtle. There is no bigger statement you can make than with your eyewear!

Kayak Bass Adventures chooses to wear Smith Optics. Not only are they cool and fashionable, which is extremely important, they are functional on every level. We choose the Smith Optics Chromapop lenses for five tactical reasons:

1. Five times more scratch resistant than a plastic lenses.
2. Lighter than plastic and glass.
3. Anti reflective coating on the back of the lenses preventing sidelight reflections.
4. Smith uses free polarization which does away with the need of having a film or glue on the lenses.
5. Great fits & Large Selection; Very Stylish!

Whether you are inside or outside Smith Optics has a pair of glasses that will fit into whatever you are doing. Don’t forget that you make statements out there. Smith Optics makes a huge statement, with their lifetime warranty. You heard correctly, I said lifetime, for more insight or to find your local Smith Optics dealer check out http://www.SmithOptics.com. These glasses can do it all from helping you find common ground in a business meeting to giving you a comfortable fit, while protecting you from the flying hooks or harmful rays.

LIVE THE ADVENTURE!

In The Beginning

In the beginning there was a kid who wanted to fish. That beginning turned out a determined, knowledgeable and formidable competitor at the highest level of the FLW, the Forest Wood Cup. Before we tell you about the greatness achieved and the single largest contributing bait to his success; let’s take a minute and follow the trail that leads to the top of the world in bass fishing. The professional angler I speak of is James Biggs and we had a chance to catch up during one of his many appearances. During this session he expressed to me exactly where he had come from and where he wants to go in fishing.

James was introduced into fishing by his dad. They loved hitting small ponds and lakes around their home. James told me that from a very early age he wanted to become a pro. I looked at him and said that I had the same feelings and what had propelled him and stopped me? The answer is passion and a thirst for knowledge and the commitment to take it to the next level. When James turned sixteen he began fishing TBF tournaments as a co-angler. According to James it’s amazing what you can learn from the back seat, if you just listen? The drive for knowledge made him understand that you have to be confident in what you are throwing and how you are fishing it. This quote from James summed it up for me “It doesn’t matter if you fish super slow or have the trolling motor up to a hundred miles per hour; fish to your strengths!”
We have all heard the term, Jack of all trades and master of none. To be a pro angler you have to be a master of all. James Biggs is versatile, but it didn’t happen overnight. He told me that growing up he would pick out one technique a year whether it’s cranking, jigging or Carolina rigging you keep fishing it and learning the conditions that are great or not so great for the presentation. James goes on to say that by practicing and learning the modifications on leader size or jig weight you get the confidence that you can force feed a bass the Carolina Rig in two feet of water in forty degree weather. If there was one thing I grabbed from James during our visit it was confidence, confidence and confidence. To be the best you have to believe that you have the knowledge, the knowhow, and the equipment to get the job done. You add extreme confidence to that recipe and you have a champion.
We had a great time rolling back and forth and talking fishing. The things I took away from our visit were have I been studying techniques enough to know they will work? Have I ever been throwing something I had no clue how to fish when cash is on the line? I have many more questions, but times running short. Standby for the next installment where James Biggs tells us about the ups and downs of fishing at the highest levels!

KEEP LIVING THE DREAM!

No Wi-Fi Required

For the last 2 days I have had to live without a wireless signal. I never gave much thought to just how many things need to be connected in order to perform properly. That gave me some thought about just how connected our culture is and how it’s gets to freak out mode when you can’t run your TV, Computer, Social Applications and the list goes on. I had to work it old school the last couple of days and it gave some clarity. The clear vision is that I am spoiled to technology and want my wireless router back, quickly. So as I write this, using bootlegged service from the neighbor, patiently waiting for the UPS truck to pull up. Luckily, my Hobie Pro Angler 14 doesn’t need a signal and so if the router doesn’t arrive today you can find me on the water.

No WiFi Required!

Hobie Pro Angler 17 – Game Changer!

The largest sport fishing show of the year just concluded yesterday. ICAST is the place where all products fishing make there way into the market. Hobie has always made a splash at the ICAST show and this year was no exception. Check out this video and see the world of kayak fishing change before your eyes with the Hobie Pro Angler 17 – tandem.

Look for it in your local Hobie dealers shop by the end of 2014. If you are in the DFW area we hope to have one available for show in October. This is going to take kayak fishing to the next level.