How I got my start in Kayak Fishing

I have been a fisherman for many, many years.  I remember growing up going with my Papa Leo to Melton Hill Lake in Tennessee as we would always go fishing by the bank.  I used a Zebco 33 and always had a bobber and with a worm my papa cultivated on his own.  I used to always wonder how he grew those worms so fat!

Fast forward thirty years later, I now have kids of my own and remember exactly the importance of that one on one time I had with him.  I love all types of fishing, bass and striper fishing, catfish juggling, trout fishing, and we go deep sea fishing multiple times a year.  As long as I have a pole with a hook close by, I will fish whatever!  I have even been know to carry poles in my truck should I see a pond that needs some "hook love"!

My buddy Rodney and I are always thinking of our next fishing adventure.  We started talking about kayaks in 2015 and began researching the many brands out there and their primary functions.  We discovered there are two types of kayaks used for fishermen.  You can get a "sit in" or you can get a "sit on top".  As we began this search for the right kayak for us, we noticed a wide range in pricing.  We did a lot of internet research.  

Jackson Kayak - Big Rig

We purchased our first kayaks after looking at several different manufacturers.  Both Rodney and I purchased a Jackson Kayak.  I purchased the Big Rig and Rodney purchased a Big Tuna (2 seater).  Both kayaks were "sit on" top and were made with fishermen in mind.  Both are about 13 feet long and weigh about 100 pounds.  Both were great boats.


I have had ten stomach surgeries in the last three years and as much as I love kayaking and fishing, the Big Rig for me was just too much to paddle long distances.  We joined a kayak fishing club here in North Georgia and I would look at other kayaks that people were using and how they had them setup.  I discovered the Hobie ProAngler.  Now, a lot of people discount the Hobie models of kayaks mainly due to the price.  Ask anyone who doesn't have Hobie's and they will immediately say - those are too much money!  I say fish in one all day, in the wind and then come back and tell me it's too much money!

Hobie - ProAngler 12

In 2016, I purchased a Hobie ProAngler 12 and discovered that I could fish all day, without being tired.  It was easy for me to stand up and fish, it was easy to maneuver and with my limitations because of my stomach it allowed me to continue doing what I love.


Over the next several weeks, I will be writing blogs on how I have configured my kayak, I will talk about the other kayaks we have (All 10 of them) and why we use different models depending on the type of fishing we are doing.  I will share our fishing stories and adventures.  We have been to multiple states, in the Atlantic Ocean, down rivers and much more.  My goal here at Kayak Fish Life is to help you learn more about kayaks, fishing, and much, much more.  Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us, we love sharing, helping and will tell you how we have done anything you see on our blogs.