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Fishing Team Spotlight: Chad Foster

Chad Foster is coming off the 2019 season hot, as he was crowned the Angler of the Year for his local kayak fishing club, Kayak Anglers of Western PA. He has a great love for kayak fishing, and since he works for the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, he can share his passion with many different people. He truly loves hosting 'Intro to Kayak Fishing' events all around the area! Read on to check out some of his goals for the 2020 season, and learn some of the techniques that crowned him AOY!

1) What is your favorite fishery, and why?
It's a tie! Presque Isle Bay in May & Susquehanna River in October! Both are great Smallmouth Bass fisheries in PA!

2) When it comes to weather, do you prefer warmer days or cooler days, and why?
Cooler overcast days with some rain are my favorite days to fish because I’ve had my best days of catching bass during those conditions!

3) What is your all-time favorite setup (rod, reel, line, bait)?
St. Croix Legend Glass Casting Rod, 13 fishing Concept Z, 12 pound Gamma Edge fluorocarbon Line, Z-Man Jackhammer Chatterbait - 3/8 ounce in Bhite Delight with a Z-Man razor shad trailer.

4) Are you more of a river angler or a lake angler?
Lake, but my 2nd place finish on the KAWPA 2 day classic shows I can fish both!

5) What does preparing for a tournament look like for you? From scouting locations to watching the weather to the baits you’re choosing, etc….let us know!
Being the Tournament Director for KAWPA, I have a lot of responsibilities leading up to a tourney. I watch the weather, water temp, wind, etc. to make sure the tourney safely happens. As far as a tourney angler, I like to pre-fish the area a few weeks before a tourney. Leading up to a few days before the tourney, I’ll scout the waterway with my Torqeedo powered Bonafide SS127. Even though I’m not allowed to use the Torqeedo during KA tourneys, I love to use it to pre-fish waters fast and efficiently. Most tourneys I will have these three setups ready: a Z-Man Jackhammer, a Ned Rig, and a topwater setup.

6) Even though it may depend on the time of year, and what the water looks like, do you have a favorite color to throw no matter what?
For dirty water, I like to use coppertreuse, green pumpkin, or anything dark. For moving baits, I like to use anything flashy, so sometimes I’ll throw a spinnerbait, and a lot of the time, the Z-Man Jackhammer is my go-to. For clear water, anything white works for me.

7) What is one suggestion you have for anyone that is looking just to start getting with kayak fishing?
When you are looking to buy a new fishing kayak, demo demo demo! Kayak Fishing is the fastest-growing segment of outdoor recreational sports. Start small by just getting a good starter fishing kayak, a couple of rod combos, PFD, a few lures, a paddle, and a launch permit. Grab some friends and hit the water! If you like it, you will find yourself upgrading in no time!

8) Besides the obvious (paddle, PFD, rods & reels, baits), what is one thing that you always have on your kayak with you?
If I’m fishing a lake tournament, I don’t leave the shore without the Raymarine Element 9 fish finder! The side vision and down vision helped me win the 2019 KAWPA AOY!

9) Do you have a favorite accessory, and is there any particular reason that is your favorite?
My Torqeedo Ultralight 403AC. It allows me to cover water while fishing in tournaments that allow motors. It also allows me to locate fish while pre-fishing for a KA or nonmotorized event. Lastly, the Torqeedo enables me to spend quality time with my son Aspen while we enjoy time spent fishing from a kayak, no matter how long or short of time that may be!

10) If you are struggling on tournament day, what is something that you do to try and change that?
I call my son! It allows me to focus on the positives with a clear mind. In 2019, I learned just how important mental health is during tournament fishing! It can be the highest of highs and the lowest of lows!

11) What made you want to get into kayak fishing in the first place?
I spent a lot of time kayaking from 2010-2014. I saw a post online in a forum about a local tournament series that was coming to my favorite section on the Allegheny River in September 2014. I had just got an Old Town Predator 13 and invited a friend of mine to fish it with me. My friend took second place, and I took third. Needless to say, I was hooked! I had no idea how much it would save my life over the next five years!

12) What is one of your goals for the 2020 season?
To compete against the best of the best at the Hobie Bass Open Lake Erie in May 2020! My goal is to win the event, but if that doesn’t happen, a top 10 finish is second on my list!

13) Where is your dream fishing spot?
To fish Lake Guntersville for a 10 pound Largemouth Bass!

14) If you could spend a day fishing with anyone, who would it be? (this can be someone you know, a professional angler, anyone!)
From kayaks, it would be my dad! He got me into fishing from a young age! He taught me that you would never have to work a day in your life if you are doing what you love to do! I teach fishing and boating programs for the state of PA, so I know dad was right about that. He just retired in January 2020, so I plan on taking him to Presque Isle Bay, this May, to experience the best Smallmouth Bass fishery in the country!

15) Do you have a favorite technique to use, or are you comfortable with many different ones and switch it up depending on the day/location?
My three favorite techniques are using a Jackhammer chatterbait, using a Ned rig/drop shot, and a Whopper Plopper.

16) You’re coming off the 2019 season as the AOY for KAWPA. Do you feel pressured to come out in the 2020 season and produce the same results, or do you have a completely different mentality going into this upcoming season?
The past five years, I chased the KAWPA AOY trophy! Each year I got a top 10 finish, but couldn’t get over the hump! In 2019, I was blessed to win it after being chased by some great anglers over the last few events. For 2020, my goal is two-fold. I hope to win one of the 5 AOY events for KAWPA as I have finished in the 2nd and 3rd slots several times. My real passion is to teach others about kayak fishing, though! I want others to experience the camaraderie that I have experienced over the past five years! I had no idea how much this sport would change my life in such a short time!

Fishing Team Spotlight: Lee Potter

Lee Potter doesn't consider himself the typical tournament bass fisherman. He runs a small weeknight kayak fishing tournament for the East Tennessee Kayak Anglers club, but that is as far as he goes with tournaments. He is more focused on learning the patterns and puzzles of catching bass and then teaching anyone interested in what he has learned in his time on the water.

1) What is your favorite fishery, and why?
I would have to say that my favorite fishery is a small river here named The Little River. It flows out of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, through farmland, and ends in Fort Loudoun Lake. The reason I like it so much is that it was where I grew up fishing, so I have many memories of fishing there with friends, and I still enjoy it every chance I'm on it.

2) When it comes to weather, do you prefer warmer days or cooler days, and why?
I prefer warmer days in general. The reason is that I prefer to fish with more reaction type baits and topwater baits. These baits typically work better when the fish are shallow.

3) What is your all-time favorite setup (rod, reel, line, bait)?
My favorite rod and reel set up would be a medium-heavy fast-action spinning rod with a 12# test line. My current go-to is an Abu Garcia rod, Okuma reel, and Stren line.

4) Are you more of a river angler or a lake angler?
Although I have spent more time on lakes, I prefer to fish rivers. I am comfortable on either, though.

5) What does preparing for a tournament look like for you? From scouting locations to watch the weather to the baits you’re choosing, etc….let us know!
My tournament prep is pretty straightforward. Basically, I make sure to charge my batteries and have whatever lures I think will work that day. I make almost all of my spinnerbaits, buzz baits, and jigs. Sometimes, I will make a few custom baits tailored to the conditions.

6) Even though it may depend on the time of year, and what the water looks like, do you have a favorite color to throw no matter what?
White. I tend to use more white than any other color in most conditions during any time of year.

7) What is one suggestion you have for anyone that is looking just to start getting with kayak fishing?
Don't get discouraged.  There are no sure things in kayak fishing, from equipment selections to fishing styles or locations, learn what works for you.

8) Besides the obvious (paddle, PFD, rods & reels, baits), what is one thing that you always have on your kayak with you?
Yoda haha. He's my good luck charm. My youngest daughter gave me a Yoda sticker for my first kayak, and I had a great year, so now he's along for the ride every time I go out onto the water.

9) Do you have a favorite accessory, and is there any particular reason that is your favorite?
My Raymarine Dragonfly depth finder. It is my favorite because it has all the info from depths, temps, maps.

10) If you are struggling on tournament day, what is something that you do to try and change that?
Do a complete turnaround in whatever I am doing. Go from big baits to small, shallow water to deep, fast fishing to slow. Most of the time, a simple switch can change results.

11) What made you want to get into kayak fishing in the first place?
My wife bought a small kayak, and one day I thought it would be the perfect thing to take to the river to get through deep spots. We always used to wade in the shallows and get out in deep spots. It worked great, and I have had one ever since.

12) What is one of your goals for the 2020 season?
I want to fish for fun more often. Tournaments are great, but I like to explore new areas and try new things in a relaxed way.

13) Where is your dream fishing spot?
Probably Reelfoot lake. It was formed by an earthquake and is covered in Cyprus trees. It just looks like it would be an awesome place to fish.

14) If you could spend a day fishing with anyone, who would it be? (this can be someone you know, a professional angler, anyone!)
Bill Dance. He is my favorite angler because he catches everything and doesn't limit himself.

15) Do you have a favorite technique to use, or are you comfortable with many different ones and switch it up depending on the day/location?
My favorite technique is flipping a big jig in thick cover, but I am comfortable and confident with about any technique. I always switch it up unless there is a pattern that is producing consistently.

Thank you for reading our blog; we hope you enjoyed it!

Fishing Team Spotlight: Tim Isaacs

Tim Isaacs has been fishing for roughly 60 years, and he has no intention of slowing down any time soon! He first got into kayak fishing in 2016 and hasn't looked back since. Fishing several local club trails and national trails, he has learned what works for many different scenarios. Please take a look at some of Tim's advice for new kayak anglers, his favorite places to fish, and what he is most looking forward to this year after being sidelined with an injury for the last fishing season. 

1) What is your favorite fishery, and why?
Lake Erie for still water and the New River for moving water. No matter what, I love the fight of a smallmouth.

2) When it comes to weather, do you prefer warmer days or cooler days, and why?
I prefer warmer days in the spring and cooler days in the fall. With either one of those scenarios, I think it excites the fish and gets them active.

3) What is your all-time favorite setup (rod, reel, line, bait)?
Spinning rod, usually an AllStar or 13 Fishing paired with a Lew's reel and 15# braid with an 8 or 10# fluorocarbon. Usually, I’m throwing something finesse.

4) Are you more of a river angler or a lake angler?
Lake, but I’m working at getting better on moving water.

5) What does preparing for a tournament look like for you? From scouting locations to watch the weather to the baits you’re choosing, etc….let us know!
I study maps a lot, especially CMAP, Google Earth, and Navionics. I also watch a ton of videos. The weather is something we can’t control, so I have learned that we have to go with it. All of these factors combined will control what baits, color, and presentation I use.

6) Even though it may depend on the time of year and what the water looks like, do you have a favorite color to throw no matter what?
You are correct, and it does depend on all of that. Generally, though, I’ll throw something green pumpkin with purple flake. I think the purple gives the bait that bluegill or brim look.

7) What is one suggestion you have for anyone that is looking just to start getting with kayak fishing?
Make every outing as much fun as you can, and the catching fish part will take care of itself.

8) Besides the obvious (paddle, PFD, rods & reels, baits), what is one thing that you always have on your kayak with you?
My NRS Pilot knife because you never know when you’ll need a knife.

9) Do you have a favorite accessory, and is there any particular reason that is your favorite?
My Lowrance Elite TI7. You have to be aware of your surroundings, so if I don’t have it with me, I feel lost.

10) If you are struggling on tournament day, what is something that you do to try and change that?
I do a variety of things. First, I will slow down. If that doesn’t help, I will change the colors that I'm throwing. If that still isn't working, then I’ll change baits. Lastly, sometimes you just have to move to a new location.

11) What made you want to get into kayak fishing in the first place?
Some very good friends started talking to me about fishing from a kayak since they knew I was a bass boat fisherman. They thought I would be a good fit, and they were absolutely right. I purchased a Native Propel 13.5 peddle drive before I ever even sat in one! I caught three fish that afternoon, and that’s all it took for me to get hooked.

12) What is one of your goals for the 2020 season?
To qualify for all the championships, and to better my finish in the KBF National Championship. But most importantly, stay healthy.

13) Where is your dream fishing spot?
Australia or Brazil. I am hoping to take care of the Australia trip in February of this year, though!

14) If you could spend a day fishing with anyone, who would it be? (this can be someone you know, a professional angler, anyone!)
That would have to be my Dad. He passed in 1999, and he’s the reason I have this fishing bug embedded so deep in my head.

15) Do you have a favorite technique to use, or are you comfortable with many different ones and switch it up depending on the day/location?
I’m pretty much a finesse guy. On occasion, though, I’ll throw something other than a little bait.

16) You were out a lot last year due to surgery; what is one thing you are the most excited about for this upcoming season since you’ll be back on the water?
I’m very excited about all the opportunities for kayak angling this year. With the KBF Trail and Pro Series, the Hobie BOS, and the BASS Nation Kayak Series, it's a great time to be a tournament kayak angler. On top of that, I have been asked to be the Kayak Director for the West Virginia BASS nation, so the opportunities are kind of overwhelming.

Thank you for reading our blog; we hope you enjoyed it!

How to Fish for Gar

You asked for a more in-depth look at the techniques used on Erie Extreme TV, so we've partnered with Dave Lefebre and the rest of the crew to bring you a new segment called In-Depth Look! We're breaking down on the main products and techniques featured in each segment to help diehard fishing fanatics like yourself learn tips and tricks straight from the pros!

Check out this week's In-Depth Look at How to Fish for Gar:

There's no doubt that there are many different tactics and techniques when it comes to catching Gar, but here's a recap of Danny Jones and Dave Lefebre's experience. It's always a toss-up whether you're going to find Gar in shallow or deep water, but one consistent element is that the fish are always schooled together. Often you can actually see their swells on top of the water when they are in big schools.

When the fish are located near the surface, you can get away with using a simple hook and a bobber a few inches above your hook. A Gar's mouth is all bone, making it difficult to properly set the hook. After trial and error with multiple different single and treble hooks, Danny and Dave came to the conclusion that no matter what hook you use, it's inevitable that you'll lose some.

When using live bait to fish for Gar, emerald and golden shiners are a great go-to. Also, a great all-purpose spinning rod and reel will do the trick. Despite Gar's sharp teeth, it's not necessary to use a steel leader. And your shiners are going to be very light, so you'll need to pair your reel with a very light, braided line. Here's a snapshot of the equipment setup Danny and Dave are using in this week's In-Depth Look:
Hook:  VMC Wacky Hook Size #1
Float:  Sport Fisher Weighted Bobber
Reel:  13 Fishing #2000 Creed X
Rod:  13 Fishing 7 ft DEFY Medium Rod
Line:  Sufix Nano Braid 10 lb Camo

Gar move quickly, so you could spend your entire day chasing them around, however, if you stay in one spot and you're using the right bait, the Gar will come right to you. When they finally grab onto your bait, let them run with it before trying to set the hook. Their mouths are very long, so you need to give them time to actually get it down into their mouth, or you won't be able to set the hook. Once you've set the hook, take your time reeling it in; don't rush it because Gar fights really hard and jump high. Be careful when you finally get them in the boat, or to shore, because they have extremely sharp teeth. We recommend wearing gloves at any time handling Gar.

Gar fishing is extremely fun, and something the entire family can do, so get out there and hit the water!

You can utilize discount code ERIEEXTREMETV to receive 20% OFF most of the products featured in this segment. We hope you've enjoyed this week's In-Depth Look! Tight lines and as always, Fish On!

How to Catch Smallmouth Bass

You asked for a more in-depth look at the techniques used on Erie Extreme TV, so we've partnered with Dave Lefebre and the rest of the crew to bring you a new segment called In-Depth Look! We're breaking down on the main products and techniques featured in each segment to help diehard fishing fanatics like yourself learn tips and tricks straight from the pros!

Check out this week's In-Depth Look at How to Catch Small Mouth Bass:

The two best methods to catch smallmouth bass is to 1) utilize a Senko bait on a drop-shot and 2) use a crankbait. Any depth and model crankbait can work, but for the Spring and Fall, Dave recommends using a shallow-running crankbait for the best smallmouth results! Here's a breakdown of Dave's favorite crankbaits:

-Storm Arashi Squarebill
-Rapala Scatter Rap
-Rapala DT4
-Rapala BRAT

Although all four are effective, hands-down Dave's favorite is the BRAT. It's available in two models:  the 03 which dives 3 feet, and the 06 which dives 6 feet. Despite the BRAT being a Balsa bait, it's compact and casts really well. The BRAT is available in a ton of great colors, but Dave is partial to using the Minnow, Craw, and Chartreuse patterns.

The perfect way to fish the BRAT is to make long casts and retrieve the bait at a high speed, so your rod and reel setup is important. Here's a look at Dave's setup when he's fishing the BRAT:
Rod:  13 Fishing Defy Black / 7'1" Cranking Rod / Moderate Action
Reel:  13 Fishing Concept Z Baitcaster / 7.3:1 or the 13 Fishing Origin / 7.3:1
Line:  Sufix Invisiline Fluorocarbon / 10-12 lb test
Terminal Tackle:  VMC Snap / Size #1

Small mouth bass love rocky bottoms, such as points, shallow bars, and even rocky shorelines. This is what makes shallow cranking so effective! Not only is it fun, but it's also a great way to cover a large amount of water. We hope that you've enjoyed these tips and tricks and can use them next time you hit the water!

You can utilize discount code ERIEEXTREMETV to receive 20% OFF most of the products featured in this segment. We hope you've enjoyed this week's In-Depth Look! Tight lines and as always, Fish On!

How to catch Catfish at Lake Erie

You asked for a more in-depth look at the techniques used on Erie Extreme TV, so we've partnered with Dave Lefebre and the rest of the crew to bring you a new segment called In-Depth Look! We're breaking down on the main products and techniques featured in each segment to help diehard fishing fanatics like yourself learn tips and tricks straight from the pros!

Check out this week's In-Depth Look at How to Catch Catfish at Lake Erie:

Channel Catfish are the most popular species of catfish that reside in Lake Erie, and in our opinion, they are the most fun to catch! They spend most of their time in the big lake but come Spring, they make their way into the creeks, which presents the perfect opportunity to catch them from the bank! The best part about catfishing is you don't need a ton of fancy equipment to catch them.

Here's a look at Jon DeMarco's basic catfishing setup:
Rod:  13 Fishing Defy 7ft Medium Spinning Rod
Reel:  Any spinning reel will do the trick, but make sure it's heavy-duty and durable
Line:  Sufix Elite Monofilament - a minimum of 10 lb test
Hook:  VMC Wacky Hook or Circle Hook - #1 or #1/0
Sinker:  South Bend Dipsey Sinker 3/4-1 oz

The Carolina-rig is a great go-to rig for catfishing. Not familiar with the Carolina-rig? It's basically a swivel, then a sinker and then about a 16-inch leader that goes straight to your circle hook. The rig that you use is extremely important, but the MOST important catfishing item is your bait!

Catfish have a very keen sense of smell, so you want a bait that really stinks! Try using chicken liver, shrimp, or hotdogs. To really stink-up your hotdog, try marinating it in some vinegar and garlic. Sound delicious right? Oh, but we're not done. Whatever bait you're using, make sure you leave it sitting out in the sun for at least a day before you go fishing so your bait gets an amplified stink that no catfish can resist!

When you finally hit the water and hook into a catfish, hold on because they're strong. Once you drag that hawg to shore, you'll understand why so many anglers go catfishing for the fun of the sport! We hope that you enjoyed this blog and that some of these tips and tricks help you to successfully catch some of Lake Erie's finest 'whisker bandits.'

You can utilize discount code ERIEEXTREMETV to receive 20% OFF most of the products featured in this segment. We hope you've enjoyed this week's In-Depth Look! Tight lines and as always, Fish On!