New Year – New Gear

A new year brings new beginnings and the yearning for what’s new, the kayaking / fishing world has lots to offer. I continue to do ZERO with technology and electronics and spend my money and time with innovations that keep me safe, catch more fish and make me comfortable.
My first fish of 2024 let me know I’m still following my system and having great results. I quit counting fish and focus on BIG bass. I’ll still occasionally target a mess of crappie or bluegill (fresh fish invited to a fish fry) and catch a few catfish by accident by my style and beliefs stay the same. Here’s few suggestions to make to help you catch more in 2024.

The BITE FD in a new color, now you can take your outdoor adventure by STORM. A new color, storm and a fan favorite the BITE FD is now being offered by Jackson Kayak. A blend of speed and style that has the folks at Caney Fork Outdoors in Silver Point Tennessee excited. https:/cfoutdoors.com The BITE FD is one of the kayaks in our fleet and Debbie like the option to pedal or paddle depending on the waters we’re fishing. The BITE FD is 11 ½ feet long, weighs in at 90 ½ pounds for easy hauling, loading and launching. The weight capacity is 400 pounds and with the rudder system or without tracks “straight as string” and is priced right at $2699.00

Want to BUG a bass? For the Ned rig fishing fans, Ragetail has a new soft plastic that is going to be hot, the Strike King Rage Ned Bug can be rigged on a Ned head, on a sickle head, as a tiny Texas rig on many other ways. I’d recommend a 1/8th ounce head and spinning tackle for the bass bait. A wide variety of colors, this is a great addition to your tackle box wherever fish. For open water, shallow or deep, in and around cover the Ned Bug screams out “bass beware”. Be sure to check out the other soft plastics from Strike King Ragetail. www.ragetail.com

The Yank-Um tackle hair jigs are cold water killers. This old school baits from Wallace Kilpatrick tap into the historical tactic of the original hair jigs with a quality hook and a hand tied bait. These jigs is right at home in clear cold water and cherished by the smallmouth enthusiast all over the south. A wide variety of colors and several choices of weights makes this a must have. Crappie, walleye and others are sure to get “yanked” on these baits. Check out their line of rods and custom color cranking lures.

From Lew’s Fishing the new Mach 2 combo! Normally I wouldn’t recommend rod and reel combos but this one gets my vote. The rod is 7’3” and versatile enough for fishing worms, crankbaits or topwater in any type of water. The split grip and the Dri-Tac handle is comfortable and stays dry. The Lew’s reel comes with the quality you’ve come to expect from Lew’s and is available in right or left-hand retrieve models. Rod and reel sell for $199.00. www.lews.com

We’ve got your back, from Jackson Kayak, the popular Lumbar Seat Support is back. For the all-day comfort paddlers everywhere will experience all day comfort while seated in their Jackson Kayak. Easy to attach and water proof this is a must have for kayakers that want that additional back support and comfort. At $99 this is money well spent.

Pedal, paddle or motorized, fishing for fun or food these choices are great picks for your 2024, new year-new gear.