Meremac River, St. Louis County, MO. November 21st, 2010: Great maiden voyage of the new Feelfree Atlantis 14 sea kayak!

This is the video from our "maiden voyage"of the new touring/sea kayak I purchased this weekend.  It is a Feelfree Atlantis 14 touring/sea kayak.  I got it at Branson Kayak.  I have known Rodney for a number of years, and it is the spot I picked up my first fishing kayak.  If you are looking for an excellent kayak, the Feelfree Kayak brand is a good way to go.  Branson Kayak is the only distributor in Missouri.  It was worth the drive from St. Louis to Branson

Once I got all the kinks worked out in regards to the rudder and balance, the paddle today was incredible.  It really started to get windy, but fortunately it was on our back heading downstream.  We did about 6 miles or so, and saw wild turkeys and kingfishers.  Ray was throwing a mini spinner, but the fish are seemingly dormant at this time.  Time spent paddeling with friends is always good time spent.  I am exciting about all the possiblities this winter now I have a touring kayak.  This will be the kayak I race on the Missouri River next year....very excited!

Flow (CFS): 700
Gauge Height (ft): 2.2

Paddle ON!

MLT

Lake Sherwood, Warren County July 25th, 2010: Catfish hitting on bass worms!

Needed the net for this one!

I decided to come back to Lake Sherwood after a great day of fishing yesterday (even with the heat).  A front moved through, so it was cooler than yesterday by a little, with more overcast than sunny skies.  This time I launched at the dam and fished the first cove by the lakes largest (and only) island.  I figured I would leave the bottom rig at home and just go for bass, so I had (1) spinning rod and (2) bait caster rods on the kayak.

Two Nice Lake Sherwood Channel Cats

  Tried a lot of different things....started with yesterdays "go to" the red jelly worm with no success.  I brought a tin of Berkly Gulp Alive worms, 7" watermelon and started to cast those.  I caught one very small bass, but did not set the hook hard enough to get into the boat.  About an hour into fishing the shore lines I got a mighty hit.  This happened the minute the worm went about 6" into the water by a log.  This was the first and largest channel catfish. I am glad I had my net in the kayak...this was the first time I have had to use it on a fish.  The water temperature is so warm right now, it really does not surprise me that they are hitting like this.  I have caught many a catfish in the spring on rooster  tails fishing for other species.  I continued around the cove and about 40 min later, caught the second catfish, in the same manner.  I am really glad I came back for round two on Sunday!

fish ON!

MLT

Might I make a suggestion?Life is better from a kayak- check out a great place to get one for yourself!

As some of you are aware, I was able to get a kayak this summer....after going out with my good friend Ray several times to fish, and then renting an Ocean Kayak out in the Outer Banks, NC for a week, I decided to finally get one.

This has been one of the best decisions I have made in a long time....if you are considering getting one, or just want to rent one for a couple of hours, I have just the person for you. My friend Rodney (shown above shaking hands with me) has the coolest outfit in Branson. He is located right across from Table Rock Lake State Park. If you are in the St. Louis area or beyond, take my advice: It is worth the drive!

He has several different fishing kayaks in stock. One brand is Crow Wings and the other is feelfree (that is the type I purchased). You can tell Rodney is passionate about what he does...he can outfit you with everything you need to get started.

Here is his web site:
http://www.kayakbranson.com/

If it is something you are interested in, give him a call and mention my name....I would love to refer as many people to him as possible--It would be excellent to see him grow his Kayak business this year!

Fish ON!

MLT