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How to Mentally Prepare Yourself for a Fishing Tournament

Success for many is driven by failure. Without defeat, the thrill of victory wouldn't taste so sweet.

If you want to succeed in the world of kayak tournament fishing, you must first be equipped mentally. Mentally prepared to accept the fact that you aren't always going to be the one standing with that giant check or that big bass trophy. That same agony of defeat is something we all can offset by preparation. Being prepared will allow you to compete at your highest level. Through my tournament experiences, I have developed my process of mental preparation. I take steps to help myself be more poised. Steps I would like to share that may hopefully help you be more primed and ready.

Step 1: First and foremost understand that kayak fishing is something most of us do for fun. We all started kayak fishing to catch more fish and see new places. Just because there is money involved does not mean you shouldn't enjoy yourself. If you go into the tournament with pressure on your shoulders, you will likely be extremely disappointed if the results aren't what you expected at the end of the day. Go into each tournament with the same attitude as you would if you were just out of the water fishing for fun. This isn't always easy and everyone wants to do well, but don't let that cloud the real reason for fishing. Embrace the camaraderie with your friends and other anglers. Enjoy the scenery, fish for fun, and I promise the overall experience will be satisfying, regardless the amount of fish you catch.

Step 2: Mental preparation starts way before the tournament. To be completely prepared to fish, you must first be ready to fish. By this, I mean check your gear. Organize the lures you intend to use. Make sure your line is fully spooled on all your reels. Check the eyes on your poles for dirt, cracks, and if any are missing the guide inserts. Always carry extra line and a back up rod and reel. You never know what might happen on the water. A reel seat might break or the bearings go out. One of your rods may break or you lose the tip. Your line becomes tangled and might have to be replaced on the water. If you have a backup plan, then the stress level of such unfortunate events will be less severe.

Step 3: You now have all of your gear in order and I stress that as step 2, so you can have time for step 3. Research and Study: It is very important to learn about the lake or river you will be fishing. There are many resources to help you learn more about that certain body of water, especially if it’s your first time fishing it. The internet is the first tool I use. Google the body of water and read everything you can find. Forage species, depth charts, launch points, take out areas, and any information related to that body of water. The smart phone is also a fantastic resource. Download apps like Google Earth and River App, so you can get a bird's eye view of that certain body of water or keep a watch on rising river levels. Lastly reach out to any of your friends who may have fished that lake or river. It may be frowned upon by many and of course don't ask other competitors for info, but you might know someone that fishes from a bass boat. That friend may help with small pattern details, like color or size. This step will insure you can be mentally ready for tournament day, no matter the weather conditions.

Step 4: Listen to your favorite music before the tournament. On your way to the ramp plug in the iPod or pop in your favorite CD. I will sometimes carry my headphones and listen on the water while I'm paddling to my spot. This is going to release those feel good vibes to keep you calm and ready to do battle.

Step 5: The previous step leads right into step 5. Stay calm on the water. Don't let your emotions get the best of you. You will lose fish and you will have knots fail. I vividly remember my first victory and this step was key in that victory. There was 20 minutes until check in and I really needed to cull my short fish. I set the hook and get the fish in the boat. I thought to myself “YES!” It is the fish I needed to cull. I’m getting anxious, and before I have a chance to get a visible picture, the largemouth does the Houdini off the  hawg trough. I immediately think, “I can still win this thing”. On the next cast I hook up again with the same exact size fish, but this time I stayed calm. I secured the fish on the fish grip and prepared my trough and phone. I took a few deep breathes while the fish was catching hers. I patiently lifted the fish from the water and placed her on the trough and got the picture. I did win that day and I won by the fraction of 1/4 inch. It was kind of unbelievable, but if you stay calm, focused, and composed, good things will happen.

Step 6: Last but not least believe in yourself. Confidence is essential when it comes to fishing. Fish your favorite lure, carry your lucky memento, follow your ritual. Don't bring bananas on your kayak if you have that superstition. This may be one of the most important steps of all.

I hope you can use some of the steps I take in order to be more mentally prepared for tournament day. Whatever the outcome at 3 o’clock, take something away from the tournament. Each and every day on the water is a learning experience. Anything you can learn today will make you a better angler tomorrow.

What You Need For Your First Kayak Fishing Tournament

If you are new to the world of kayak fishing, here are some helpful tips to get you started on the right track. One of the most exciting parts about kayak fishing is participating in tournaments. There are some things that are usually pretty standard regardless of the tournament you are in, but I would just like to stress to everyone reading this to make sure you check your local tournament regulations to be sure you know all the rules so you are not disqualified.

The goal of any fishing tournament is obviously to catch the biggest and best fish. In order to measure the length of the fish you catch you will need a Hawg Trough. We offer these with an option of being pre-lined and floating to make it even easier for you! You simply place your fish on the hawg trough and measure from lip to tail. Again, please check your local rules to make sure you are measuring your fish correctly for your tournament!

In order to show that you have caught the fish during the time constraints of the tournament, you will need an identifier. This is provided by the tournament and you are usually able to access and print this out sometime late the night before. Some tournaments will have meetings the night before or early morning tournament day and may also have them there to pass out. This will need to be visible in every picture you take of the fish you catch. If your identifier is not easily seen your fish will most likely be disqualified. Most kayak fishermen keep this tied up to the center of their kayak so it is readily available when they reel in their monster!

In order to show the fish you caught, you will need to document with a picture. Usually there will be a website you will use to upload your pictures during the tournament. For this reason, camera phones are usually the preferred method for most fishermen in a tournament. People usually upload their pictures in real time so everyone can always check in on the leader board to see where they currently stand.

Any time you head out on the water, safety should be your number one concern. For this, you need to make sure you have a whistle and flashlight with you at all times. This is extremely important if you are in water that has no horsepower restrictions for boaters. You need to be able to let someone know you are there as fast as possible!

Continuing with the safety topic, you want to make sure you always have a  life jacket with you and WEAR IT!!! Especially if you are going to be near any type of rapids or rough waters, you want to make sure you will stay safe if something bad were to happen. Make sure you have a proper fitting jacket to ensure the most safety!

If you are on a body of water without horsepower restrictions, you should also consider a  safety flag. This safety flag will help boaters see you from a distance.

The last thing I recommend is lots of sunscreen and a hat! Even if you think you do not burn, or if it is cloudy out and you think you won't need a hat-think again! You are out on the water and exposed for so many hours, protecting your skin needs to be at the top of your list.

If you are new to kayak fishing, I wish you the best of luck in your first tournament! If you are reading this as a refresher, I hope you continue to have luck as well!

Just to reiterate, make sure you always check your local tournament rules to make sure you follow everything correctly and don't make any mistakes! Enjoy your time on the water.

Fish On!

Tips for Steelhead Fishing in Lake Erie

Now that it is starting to get a little colder around the Great Lakes, it is the perfect time to start fishing for some Steelhead Trout in Lake Erie. Below, I will dive into some tips for using spinning tackle that will hopefully help you reel in a monster Steelhead!

First up is the type of line you should use. You want to make sure you have the lightest line that you can handle. I recommend Seaguar Fluorocarbon 6lb line. You need the line to be extremely light so the Steelhead cannot see it. This line is virtually invisible when it is under the water, making it a perfect choice!

Next, you need very small hooks. It all depends on how much the fish are pressured, but you should typically use a size 12 or 14. In my personal opinion, using red hooks are much better. There are no facts to back this theory up, I personally have just always had better luck using the red hooks!

You should also use very small floats. You want to make sure that everything you are using is not going to cause a big distraction to the fish and throw up a red flag to them! Lake Erie Steelhead Trout are about the most finicky fish that you will come across.

I also highly recommend using size BB sinkers. You do not want anything too big or too heavy on your line so I have found this size to work out great.

You will want a noodle rod about 9 feet in length. This will allow greater flex which allows you to fight the fish on light tackle.

No matter what you choose to do, just always remember to use very, very, very light tackle!

As for bait, stop by the local bait shops and they will guide you to what is working. Emerald shiners, egg sacks, single eggs, wax worms, and mealworms are all effective baits for these fish. If you are in Erie, stop by Trout Run Bait and Tackle and they will give you tips that will give you an edge!

I hope some of this information is helpful to anyone who is going to venture to Lake Erie or somewhere similar for Steelhead fishing!

Fish On!

YakAttack's New Products for 2015

YakAttack is a company that has quickly become synonymous with top quality products. Anyone who is in the kayak fishing world has heard of this company, and many probably have at least one product from them. With the constant growing of the kayak fishing community, YakAttack is continuously expanding their product line to keep up with the growing market. The new product lineup for 2015 is so innovative yet so simple and easy to use.

YakAttack ParkNPole Line and Extension Piece

How many times have you been frustrated that you have this 8 foot pole that is constantly in your way, you have to worry about it being locked down, or get such a headache from the transportation? Well YakAttack has heard the complaints and frustration from its customers and have created this new ParkNPole Link! This gives you the same 8 feet, but now it is conveniently constructed in a 2 piece system. The same durable material is still used so the product isn’t compromised by being made into multiple pieces; it just makes your life easier! It is as simple as screwing the pieces together and you are all ready to go.

For those times when you are in deeper water or have a rougher current, there is also the new ParkNPole Extension Piece. At 46 inches you can now create a 12 foot ParkNPole for your kayak. This extension piece screws in between the other ParkNPole Link pieces to create maximum height.

YakAttack Anchor Trolley System

This trolley system is what everyone has been waiting for! Designed with only its job in mind, you can expect nothing less than the best with this product. Coming in two different models, the Standard Anchor Trolley and the Anchor Trolley HD, you will be able to find whatever you are looking for. Once again, YakAttack has used nothing but the best when it comes to choosing the material for their products. This Anchor Trolley System is made out of a UV stabilized nylon, which makes it extremely durable. Both models come with a long list of standard features, as well as 35 feet of 550 paracord that is made right here in the USA. Extremely easy to install, this system is sure to secure any extra anchor line you may have. The HD model includes all of the same elements as the Standard model, in addition to backing plates and extra pad hooks to ensure the most heavy duty installation.

YakAttack Paddle Holder

When you hook a monster or hit some rough waters, one of the first things to always get lost is your paddle. Even though it is likely the thing you need most in your kayak it always seems to slip away first. With this problem occurring more than anyone would like YakAttack has created an excellent solution, the RotoLoc Paddle Holder! This paddle holder is compatible with GearTrac, Mighty Mounts, and almost any other track systems that may be pre-installed on your kayak. This product is so ingenious the company wanted to make sure it was available to everyone, regardless of your track system. You never again have to worry about your paddle falling into the water, now you simply click it into this paddle holder and relax.

YakAttack Vertical Tie Downs

It seems there are ways to mount and secure almost anything in your kayak nowadays; however, there are still those larger, pesky items that manage to annoy everyone when they start sliding around. The Vertical Tie Downs are compatible with many different types of track systems, and are meant to be used with 1 inch or 1.5 inch flat webbing or bungees. Regardless of your strap choice, all you have to do is loop through the tie down and around something on the item you are trying to secure. This process that is going to give you peace of mind knowing your items are securely strapped to your kayak could not be any easier or faster.

YakAttack Leash Plug Adapter Starter Kit

YakAttack is quickly realizing that their products could help so many more people that just those that use kayaks. With the Leash Plug Adapter Starter Kit, the stand-up paddle board community is now going to be able to use some of the wonderful accessories created by this company. By simply attaching this kit to your paddle leash you will now have the capability to use Screwballs, PanFish Portrait Camera Mounts, and any other type of Mighty Bolt mounted accessory offered.

Expanding their product line is a sure sign that this company is here to stay. Their products are consistently top rated and have proven themselves to be durable and easy to use. When you are out on your kayak, whether it be just for a nice ride on the water or trying to snatch up that monster, you don’t want to waste time looking for something because it slid around or fell out into the water. YakAttack has always been at the top and trying to make their customers trips as smooth as possible so they can enjoy their time out on the water! We hope you enjoy the new 2015 lineup!

Kayak of the Month: Jackson Kayak Coosa HD

What is the Jackson Kayak Coosa HD?

The 2015 Jackson Kayak Coosa HD is one of the best selling kayaks of the lineup this year. It is a great boat for both rivers and small lakes which makes it one of the most versatile boats in its class. The Coosa HD is an upgrade to the ever popular Coosa model with a better hull design for bigger lakes and inshore situations which compliments it’s already “moving water” strong suit. The hull of the Coosa HD is still made to tackle rivers, and the HD will track truer on flat water.  Drew Gregory and the Jackson Kayak's design team have outdone themselves on this boat!

What it comes with:

• Ample storage locations for fishing gear
• Designed for maximum comfort and stability
• Padded flooring for comfort and stealth
• Removable "Coosa Console" = a large flat deck
• YakAttack gear track positions throughout deck
• New Elite Seat 3.0 (movable fore, aft, & high/low positions)
• New Buck Knives “Splizzors” tool
• Multiple rod holding / staging positions for fly, spinning and baitcasting styles
• Transducer savvy scupper (easily fits any Raymarine fish finder)
• Power-Pole Micro Anchor ready base
• Rod tip covers similar to the Big Rig
• Drag chain chute
• Redesigned padded and adjustable foot pegs
• YakAttack Boomstick comes standard
• GoPro base mount
• Lockable hatches
• Standard hard grab handles
• Stand assist strap
• Paddle scoop and stager
• Jackson Kayak Nalgene bottle & sticker

Would you rather watch a walk-through video?

Here you go! This video will give you an in depth look at all of the great Coosa HD features.

Coosa HD Specs:

Max Capacity: 425 lbs
Length: 12'1"
Width: 34"
Weight: 79 lbs (85 w/ Elite Seat)
Front Hatch Length: 10.5"
Seat Type: Elite 3.0

How to Remove a Swallowed Hook

If you are utilizing plastic baits for reeling in bass, you have likely run into the problem where the fish has actually swallowed the hook before it has set.

If you have throat-hook a bass, it may be your natural reaction to simply rip it out of the fish to get it back.

There is a much better and more efficient way to remove the hook however that will help keep both the fish and the hook more intact that an aggressive pull will do.

What You'll Need

-Pliers

-A flashlight (if you have caught the fish at dusk or night)

Locating the Hook

The first step is to open the fishes' jaw and see where exactly the hook has become lodged.

If the hook is slightly into the throat or gullet area where you can still grip it easily, you can simply give it a slight pull and it should become dislodged from the fish.

If you see that the hook is stuck deeper or farther down the throat of the fish, you will need to break out the pliers to properly remove this piece of equipment.

When the hook is sunk in deep on the fish, the first step is to locate which side the hook shank is on. This will help direct you in the successful removal of the hook itself.

Removing the Hook 

Open up the last gill flap on the fish to give yourself a good access point on the base of the hook. With one or two fingers, work the hook back and forth on the hook eye.

This method will help turn the hook back toward the mouth of the fish so you can have a better angle and more hook to work with one removal. When doing this, the hook should be rotating back to the side of the fish to push the barb toward the inside part of the fishes' mouth

Once you have done this, the hook should be freed up enough to where you can take your fingers and simply pull it out of the fishes' throat.

When working on a fish that has a much smaller mouth, this is where you can use your set of needle nose pliers to grab the hook and slowly work it out of the mouth of the fish till it is free.

If you do not want to do the initial step of working the hook free with your fingers on the gill of the fish, simply taking the pliers and slowly working it out away from the side of the mouth of the fish will get the job done.

Follow these simple steps and you can unhook a fish in no time at all.