It also pisses me off when you see these cliques out on the water that will make fun of your fishing kayak if it isn't a certain brand. F that bro we're just blessed to be out on the water catching fish

Great video. I started with a lifetime and now have an Old Town Sportsman 106. I absolutely love it. It’s my 3rd year in this boat and I wouldn’t trade it. I have the same PFD company you do and I never go out without it on me. I also bought a bend and branches paddle and love it. All this was on your recommendation. You’re the man thanks. I love this sport!!!

I’ve owned a bass boat for 40+ years. I also have a Pelican pontoon bass boat. I recently caught some fish on vacation and my wife really enjoyed it so we bought 2 Kayaks this week. There are a lot of small lakes and rivers in my area and some of them can’t be accessed with either of my boats. Light weight was a big factor for me and I don’t see myself getting a peddle or electric powered kayak since I think my other boats are better fishing platforms where they are useable. I took up fly fishing 2 years ago and it’s not going to replace my other techniques. Sometimes fly fishing is the best way to catch a fish and I’m thinking that sometimes a Kayak is the best boat to fish with.

Very good video, for me I actually love paddling. Yes I’m limited to how far I can go but that’s part of the challenge to me. Just like I love traditional archery over compound

I completely agree. I bought an Old Town 120 paddle kayak 2years ago. I knew I was putting a motor on it anyway so I didn’t worry about the pedal kayak. I bought the Bending Branches paddle when I bought my kayak. I love my setup. I’m a big guy also , so stability was crucial to me. You helped me choose my kayak. Thank you for all your advice 👍🏾😂

Awesome video Chad! On your fishing PFD video, make sure folks understand that while pockets are handy, they can flat sure affect reentry if something goes wrong. It was especially an eye opening thing on my latest reentry video with the inflatables! Keep up the great work brother!

Most fun I’ve had fishing in a kayak was on a lifetime hydros 85, hooking into a 4lb large mouth and it dragging me in that little kayak halfway across the pond 😂

I demo’d/rented several kayaks before buying one. It helped me decide which one to buy.

I agree with everything in your video I am guilty of buying a cheap pfd and paddle and eventually went back and rebought

Great video, I'd say the first thing you'd need is a baseline of physical fitness. Aka being able to paddle when you need to. Especially with all of the weight people add on their fishing rig.

Great logic. People may not agree with your opinions but your reasoning gives everyone a way to think and make their own decisions

Those 3 NEEDS are spot on! Especially splurging/investing a bit in a quality motor (PADDLE!).

Thanks Chad...always helps our sport to go over the basics. All the 'other stuff' I believe causes folks to shy away as the thought is they can't kayak fish without it.

Great video. Fully agree with the simplicity of starting. Anchor Wizard is the one product I wish I got when I first started. Have purchased 3 thus far. Other than that spend the money on fishing tackle and learn your needs for kayaking before dropping money on products you really don’t need. Like most of us in this sport I’m sure you all have products laying around the house that you don’t even use anymore.

You nailed it! I was thinking what are the 3 things I need and it was a Kayak, Paddle, and PFD. Also, sweat dripping down your butt crack was TMI....lol.

I'm surprised you didn't get a PFD from the US Navy too since you retired from there lol. Navy Vet here too.

Crescent Kayaks make quality fishing kayaks. Tracking and ease of paddling is amazing. I went from a Lifetime 10 foot to a Crescent LiteTackle. I use a kayak leash. You don't want the paddle drifting away if it falls over. My Crescent will most likely be my last kayak, they're that good.

maybe i dont get out enough... but my $60 amazon/wontiago carbon paddle is just as nice as the $200 werner tybee i had with my old kayak. either paddle is miles better than the aluminum paddle that came with my boat though.

I started with a Tarpon 140, and a pair of Sundolphin Jouney 10SS kayaks 5 years ago. Both kayaks were decent. The Tarpon was only 29 inches wide so it was fast. Tracked well even without the rudder. The Sundolphin was not as unstable as folks made it out to be. Wondering if they were near or over the weight limits. Sold those and got a NuCanoe Flint. That thing was a barge loaded. Sold it and went to a canoe for a while. I still have the 17 ft canoe. Paddles well and I can walk down the center or stand up and paddle. A few weeks ago, I got the Tamarack Pro. So far its pretty good. I can stand up in it. It feels shaky so I don't stand very long. I still use my $20 full size PFD, and my large net I got in case I get a large catfish ,musky, or pike. I went with a 10 ft paddle kayak cause the 17 ft canoe weighs about 85 pounds. The kayak is 57 pounds. Much easier to load on the trailer after a day of paddling. I have a utility trailer so I have to pick up the paddle craft at the beginning and ending of the trip. I do not have a fish finder or anything electronic.

Chad I can’t agree with your more on necessity. How ever I do give my buddies crap for having a radio and or AC on their motorcycle. To me that’s not what riding is about, but to each his own.

That Bending Branches Angler Pro is worth every single dollar.

10:41 I would like to add, try to buy a kayak and these accessories at your local kayak dealer too! Aside from them sharing expert knowledge about kayaks, they also may have deals in store that aren’t online to get you in the kayak you want. Lastly, most will allow you to demo a kayak too.

Great content Chad!

A paddle with a hook retrieve also makes a huge difference for us that still get snagged on stuff.

1. $400 Lifetime Tamarack Pro 2. Angler PFD 3. high end Walmart paddle 4. Yakattack safety flag. 5. 4 month entry to the Knukelhed series

Love the video! Especially the comment at the end 🤣

For PFD, auto inflate vs comfort of the mesh back vs the full back like in the bluestorm. Comfort in the heat as well, I want something that I won't take off because I'm getting too hot or uncomfortable. I know myself, I'll take it off if I get really uncomfortable. Then inevitably I'll take a spill and struggle to get back in my kayak. Also how useful are the pockets and attach points for fishing specifically and how is the zipper quality as we know zippers are a common failure point.

Having bought 3 fishing kayaks in 1 year the Bonafide is definitely worth it. My first was a lifetime Tamarack pro, too wobbly to stand felt real off balance. 2nd was a pelican catchmode 110 and it was like paddling a barge through the water standability was great but construction quality felt lesser than a walmart kayak. Since purchasing a Bonafide SS107 I cant really find anything I dislike about it. I motorized my Bonafide with a newport vessels 36lb thrust and it moves pretty good. Comfy seat plenty of foot room I can stand up and walk to the front of my kayak and fish off the front. Im also pretty small guy. If your upper end of 5ft I would go RS117 or the bigger SS.

Would I be better suited to mount my anchor wizard on the bow or stern? I usually fish rivers, might take my kayak on some smaller lakes. I usually try and go up stream so I have the current to help me back to the car when I am done fishing/tired. I like to anchor at a spot for a few minutes/break it down and move up.

ALL that information was very interesting and important..... well, maybe except for the sweat waterfall buttcrack info...lol. Thanks Chad.. good info..!

I so agree! The difference in a Cheapie and a decent Carbon Fiber paddle, is night and day and well worth the added cost!!! Your a fool if you dont have a good PFD and you wear it!

Man, I really need to consider an anchor wizard. Been wanting to do some offshore fishing. I’ve always wanted an Xi3 for spotlock but maybe all I need is an anchor wizard.

Yooo. 100% on the PFD! Hands down get a comfortable and quality PFD. And a compelling case for the quality paddle! I still say if you have a pedal drive or motor, get a cheap paddle 🤷🏽‍♂️

Spot on advice.

Great informative video.

Great video. I’ve been fishing out of a Moken 12.5 for 3 years. Would I like something a little bigger and better, absolutely! But right now I’m still on the water and catching tanks and being competitive.

I always look at the weight of a paddle and how and what it's made of I also look at the weight of the kayak also a lot of places I go you cant carry a 100 + kayak easy even with a cart

Hi Chad. Another great video with lots of great info. Have you looked at the NRS Raku Fishing PFD? I think its a similar idea as the Blue Storm Kinetic. It has floatation along the whole back but its a lot thinner and more spread out than some of the other PFDs they sell for whitewater etc.

Been trying to find a PFD that doesn't ride up to my neck, I have a big of a belly so its a bit frustrating.

Awesome video!

Great video and advice but question Why doesn’t anyone ever talk about old town kayaks or Hobie kayaks in this sport?

Wish I'd seen this before I bought my sit in yak. Paid $500+ and it is heavy to paddle in a river. Lesson learned. But, I don't go out but 2 or 3 times in a year, so I keep it. Would like to stabilize it for lake use as the boat wakes are scary.

Another great video Chad. In regards to the PFD, I wear mine all the time, but it is about time for me to replace it. I fish in central Florida, and it gets pretty hot. Do you think there is an advantage from one PDF to another in how well it dissipates body heat? Also, I clean mine by hand from time to time, so one thing you may consider for your video is how easy is it to clean.

getting done!!

I'm forever going to be a banker bass man.. lol can't afford anything at the moment...

All great points. What mic did you use?

Just let us know when the Anchor wizard is available, been watching for months on it and the Sasquatch bar.

Hey Chad how come no one mentions Pelican kayaks for entry level fishing kayaks. I’ve been running a catch 100 for almost 10 years now. From creeks to rivers to lakes and ponds this thing has served me very well. Also I got into this thing for 525 with a Magellan carbon paddle.

Super job! If ya werent sweating it wouldnt be do much fun. Lol

Ummm your three recommendations PLUS a Fishing Rod & Reel. I recommend you splurge on your setup with quality lines and hooks. Once you learn to kayak fish AND catch fish then splurge on the rest. But quality fishing gear will help you to catch fish and feel your purchase is worth it. Finally, do NOT leave a fiberglass paddle in the sun for extended periods 🤬 once the sun breaks it down and you start itching from the fiberglass handle resting on your legs, rubbing your arms, and getting in your hands you will understand🤷‍♂️

I’m not trying to be Mr. Obvious BUT if I’m “kayak fishing” won’t the #1 be a kayak and #2 be the fishing rod and reel?😂😂 great video anyways Chad.

Chad, what is the name of the seat cushion for a kayak?

Where can i get KBF hats and stickers?

Why no NRS Raku?

Kayak PFD questions to address: 1. What should you tether to the PFD versus to a side pouch in the Kayak? 2. Which items kept on the vest versus in the vest pockets?

I wish the net was also retractable

I just watched the video you talked about before this one and i feel you parially missed what the bearded dude said. He starts with dont start with a 200 to 300 dollar paddle. He recommend stay around 100 but then says he still only has his 20 dollar one. But in the end you guys sound like youre really on the same page.

Why do kayak fisherman avoid auto pfds? I use it and its perfect.

The only 3 things is just that, kayak, paddle, and PFD!!

Geez, why didn’t you make this video 8 months ago and send it to me? 😅 Great info, as usual!

👍

Hey Chad! I’m trying to sell my kayak, how would you recommend selling it?

I'm getting the Magellan pro angler 600$

kayaks are starting to replace small jonboats

For me: 1. Paddle 2. 2 Fishing poles. 3. Cooler with some drinks and snacks. Everything else is just clutter.

why don't you talk about Native watercraft. It's a great kayak I'm surprised you talk about them. Unless you don't know much about them, then i could understand why.

No Gene, fluke master has to much crap on his kayak. He got a $10,000 kayak or more.

you forgot "fishing pole"

Having multiple graphs and transducers on a kayak is stupid, get a boat !!! And I fish from a kayak

Not sure if it's just me but my experience with bending branches hasn't been that great. Got the angler pro Versa-loc with fiberglass blades and one of the blades has a significant glue squeeze out left behind and the other side looks to have been over ground and has a bright white spot on the other blade. Contacted support and it's coming up on 6 busidays without so much as a peep. Highly disappointed for the price I paid I feel like I got a cosmetic blemish. I'd expect near perfection for the price tag. Thus far I wouldn't reccomend this company to anyone who has ocd or expects a return email in a reasonable time frame.

you also NEED some kind of fishing gear to go fishing, you can't kayak fish without a pole or at least some line and a hook, cmon now, and you don't NEED a pfd

Chad has saved me with great advise NRS Straps < Different VID NRS PFD Wilderness Cart Carbon Fiber Shaft Paddle (BB Paddle next Year)

I’ve owned a bass boat for 40+ years. I also have a Pelican pontoon bass boat. I recently caught some fish on vacation and my wife really enjoyed it so we bought 2 Kayaks this week. There are a lot of small lakes and rivers in my area and some of them can’t be accessed with either of my boats. Light weight was a big factor for me and I don’t see myself getting a peddle or electric powered kayak since I think my other boats are better fishing platforms where they are useable. I took up fly fishing 2 years ago and it’s not going to replace my other techniques. Sometimes fly fishing is the best way to catch a fish and I’m thinking that sometimes a Kayak is the best boat to fish with. I bought a Cresent CK1. 11ft sit on top 60lbs 400lb weight capacity.