Growing up in the heart of Kansas, I spent my early years casting lines into local lakes, ponds, and rivers with my dad. From chasing sunfish to wrestling with flathead catfish, fishing was more than just a hobby—it was a bond that shaped my love for the outdoors. As I got older, that passion only grew. I couldn’t get enough of learning new techniques, chasing different species, and fishing in new places. Whether it was fly fishing in mountain streams or targeting sea-run salmon in Alaska, if there was water, I was there.
Everything changed in 2010 when I stumbled upon a kayak at a local garage sale. On a whim, I decided to give kayak fishing a shot, and that decision ignited a fire I didn’t see coming. Suddenly, I was no longer confined to the bank—I could access untouched waters across the Midwest. My love for the sport deepened as I explored new fisheries and, of course, the search for the perfect kayak began. After hunting for a kayak that could handle my 6'5" frame, I found the right fit in a Jackson Kayak—and the possibilities seemed endless.
As I dived deeper into the sport, I found myself competing in local tournaments, making new friends, and discovering even more honey-holes. Along the way, I married my best friend, became a proud father of two, and found ways to share my passion for fishing. I have been able to share my experiences with local kayak shops, help build a Kansas kayak tournament trail, join the board of Kansas Wildscapes (aiding KDWP in key outdoor projects), and start a small non-profit to connect absent-father youth with the outdoors.
Through it all, the thrill of kayak angling never faded. The locations may change, but the excitement of chasing new waters and building lasting friendships is what keeps me coming back.
