Doing My Part

  What do I mean by this? Well it was time to take part in a wonderful local and national organization, known as" HOW," Hero's on the Water. This non-profit organization helps our wounded military veterans that have suffered from many medical ailments, as well as psychological ones, such as PTSD. HOW  helps heal these veterans in a small way by getting them into the great sport of Kayak fishing. Getting them out of the confines of there homes, and out on the water, with others that may suffer from similar problems. Soon after hearing about this organization, I thought, man this would be a great thing to be a part of, especially being from a family who has had several  family members in the service. After several failed attempts  over the looming months due to a hectic work schedule, I had not been able to make it to a HOW event. One afternoon I had arranged to pick up a HOW shirt  as a gift for my father in law from Tom Vanderheiden the local Director of the Tidewater HOW chapter, as we began to talk, I told Tom that I really wanted to be more involved in the chapter but due to my schedule and all, It just never seemed to work out, Tom suggested, "Well, what do think about doing a video for the chapter? Better yet, a video about Kendall Wallingford and his story and involvement in HOW . Kendall is a disabled vet who now gives back to his brothers in service thru the same organization that once helped him. I told Tom I would be honored to do a film on Kendall and HOW. The not yet titled film will be a artistic, heartfelt view into Kendall's  story, and  HOW, in hopes we can get other vets out to this great organization.  Please stay tuned to our Facebook Page, Yaktastic Adventures for more updates, and a official movie trailer as I get rolling in the coming weeks. Thanks

Creating Memories

 These days and times it's not to hard to get wrapped up in your cellphone, or your Facebook, or even your favorite reality tv show. Don't get me wrong, I love keeping up with friends and family on Facebook, and watching Duck Dynasty, but sometimes it's just nice too shut the phone off, load up the yaks and camping gear, and head to the great outdoors.. We loaded up on a Thursday morning and headed to Lanexa VA. to Ed Allen's campground for a little R&R, and of coarse some feeshin too. This trip was pretty cool, I had the chance to introduce a lot of family and friends to the sport we all know and LOVE "Kayak fishing"I'm sure there were many that had thought, I wonder what all the fuss is about, after seeing all my pictures and posts on Facebook. I will tell you it didn't take long for them come around, they were all smiling ear to ear.  It occurred to me this weekend, especially after seeing the joy and excitement on there faces, that it's important to share your passion for something with others in  hopes they will do the same, so it forever prospers. This weekend  there were many fish caught, many campfire stories told, and  many memories made.  I  put together a short video of the weekends experience that I'd like to share with you all as well!! Hope you enjoy!! Don't forget to check me and Rob Devore out over at YAKTASTIC ADVENTURES on Facebook.  CLICK THE LINK BELOW to view video
http://youtu.be/y9s2NOEIMuQ

Blue Eyes

 As the Mother Natures switches gears the infamous BLUEFISH have arrived in the local inlets here in VB, and for us in-shore anglers it's a sign of the change of seasons, from winter to spring. This time of year can be pretty fun for all anglers, intermediate to the advanced anglers, these blues hit just about anything you throw, and put up a pretty good fight, if you are fortunate enough to nab  a bigger blue, also known as CHOPPER blue, then you have a real fight on your hands, for sure. over my past few trips out I was lucky enough to nab a few of these choppers, with one of them being my personal best 35" just a inch shy of a citation here in VA waters. The last few trips have been productive with blues, trout,flounder and a few slot reds mixed in as well. I hope to  make it over  to the eastern shore Va. in the coming weeks to try my luck for the GIANT REDS that are swimming the shoals, since they evaded me the first go round..

Bed Bass and be GONE

On  this particular trip I was targeting Bass for the Pirates of Lynnhaven monthly club tourney, this tourney is CPR tourney, three biggest bass by length,wins it all!!! My plan of attack for this tourney was to target spawning bass on there beds, ie. the big females. I made my way in and around the shallows only to find a few unoccupied beds and a few angry dink bass. As the day worn on and the sun got high, I switched up my approach to the matted vegetation throwing a 1/4 to 1/2 ounce texas syle rigged Sinkos and worms, and that seemed to be the ticket for me, although the fish were not of much size, I was at least  catching enough to put me on the board. I did in fact hook up with a couple quality fish doing this, only to lose them in the struggles of fishing in this thick matted vegetation, but I still managed to squeak out a 2nd place finish in the tourney with the few dinks I did manage to get to the boat, so all in all it wasn't so bad after all....

Cold....Warm..... Hot.......

 The weather was cold, the water was warm, and the Bite was HOT!!!! I decided to launch at Chesapeake Yachts on Thursday afternoon, and give it a shot. The weather was calling for evening temps in the 30's, and winds from NW 10-15 with a chance of flurries.I know some will say,what the hell you doin fishing in those conditions?? Well I have found that the colder the better when it comes to fishin the ER,especially the Hot Ditch, not just because the discharge is usually running,but there was absolutely NO ONE out on the water, and if you fish this area in the winter, that's a rare site. I managed to catch most of my trout on 1/4 lead and paddle tail saltwater assassins, slowww rolling over drop-offs  and ledges near these warmer water temps of the ditch. I managed 20 or so trout to 23inches and some really cold feet by the end of the nite, man I can't wait to get out of these waders, and into some shorts!!!! SPRING IS ALMOST HERE

Headed South

 

    For the Presidents Day BOONDOGGLE that is, in Merritt island Fla. for a long weekend of socializing, feeeshing, and just a plain ole good time.I arrived friday morning to a already busy  campground  full of boondogglers eager to get the festivities underway.As many asked what's on the agenda for the Boondoggle, well that's the beauty of it, there is no itinerary,no schedule, with the exception of a dinner on saturday night ,which also host raffles and giveaways, just a chance to fish and hang out with like minded people,and have a good time. That's what a Boondoggle is.


  Me being from Virginia this was a chance to fish a fabulous fishery in conditions that i'm not use too, going from fishing murky deeper waters with heavier fishing tackle, to fishing gin clear  shallow water with lighter tackle. there was a bit of a learning  curve for sure,but I was able to figure out a few fish with the help of some of the locals pointing me in the right direction. I encourage everyone to make plans for future Boondoggles,they are held on Columbus day weekend,and Presidents Day weekend, so pack up the wife, and kids, lets  BOONDOGGLE

Another one Down

 2012 that is, It's hard to believe it has come and gone.with a new year here it got me thinking,what would be some goals I'd like to achieve in 2013? Well the #1 thing in my book is learning to fly fish. I have always wanted to give that a try and, this year is the year. As for other goals for the year,I'd like to spend more time on the water, and also explore new areas to fish. The last thing on my 2013 list is to be even more thankful for the opportunities that mother nature blesses us with. let's hope next year will be even better than the last but until then, I'm gonna leave a few images from the last couple months of plunders on he water. Happy New Year