Wilberto (Wil) Marrero

Wilberto (Wil) Marrero is a Pennsylvania native with Puerto Rican heritage. Wil spent his years growing up in both Puerto Rico and Pennsylvania.  At the age of 6, he began fishing primarily for bass and peacock bass in the lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and creeks in Puerto Rico. He also fished for tarpons and groupers on the beaches of Puerto Rico. Wil joined the Army after high school in 2001 and was stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC. During this time, he started kayak fishing and it quickly became a passion of his. Kayak fishing allowed him to explore smaller bodies of water like creeks and local ponds, wherever he got stationed around the world. While, Wil was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska, he fished for salmon on the Chena River and its tributaries. He took an occasional trip to Anchorage, Alaska for halibut fishing, as well. Wil was medically retired after 10 and a half years of service and multiple combat tours with the Army. While in retirement, he ignited his passion again for fishing, when he started volunteering with Heroes on the Water, an organization that focuses on PTSD trauma and healing through fishing and kayaking. Their motto is, "Paddle, Fish, Heal" and it was the perfect fit for this time in Wil's life.  Wil fell in love with shallow water fishing, swim bait, and jig fishing techniques. Wil enjoys the many challenges that the shallow waters provide because only a kayak angler could achieve such a feat. Now living in Southern Pennsylvania he focuses on educating veterans, their family members, and first responders on the benefits of kayak fishing and how powerful the connection of the mind with nature can be. He also creates fishing content on social media and competes in local and national tournament trails. He is a member of USA Bassin and a tournament director of the USA Bassin Jackson Kayak Trail Maryland Divisions/Conowingo Trail. For Wil,  being part of the Jackson Kayak Fishing team fills a void that has been missing since retiring from the Army. The strong camaraderie, passion for the brand he loves, and most importantly the feeling of brotherhood that the kayak fishing community provides, make it all feel like home.

"Kayak fishing:

The art of fishing alone/together with those you can call brothers/sisters. Wilberto (Wil) Marrero"

Instagram: @njordr_angler

Facebook: @Fjord Yaker

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