The Value of Being Involved in Your Local Kayak Fishing Community
9-minute read
One of the most rewarding aspects of kayak fishing is the strength of the kayak fishing community, especially when it’s focused locally.
(Photo courtesy of Peter Yeung)
“Locally” can mean more than just in your own town or county, though. It can mean through an organization in your state. Through a tournament or tournament series. For some, it even means going outside their state or country boundaries to find their kayak fishing community.
We thought we’d ask a few members of our ProStaff and Ambassador teams for their thoughts on the benefits of being involved in the local kayak fishing community.
Here’s what they shared with us:
BENDING BRANCHES: Tell us a little about yourself and your involvement in the kayak fishing community:
TYLER THIEDE (Ambassador from Wisconsin, USA): I’m the Northwest Wisconsin Coordinator for Wisconsin Hero Outdoors—a non-profit organization that takes veterans, active military, first responders and their families on various outdoor activities at no charge.
Much of what the organization does, especially in my area, revolves around kayak fishing. This can include individual/small outings or larger events with multiple people and additional activities such as camping.
I'm also known as "the kayak guy" locally, due to the number of fishing kayaks in my backyard. I've talked to locals about the sport, loaned them my kayaks to try it out, and taken them out to show them the ropes.
CHRIS ARNOLD (Ambassador from Nova Scotia, CAN): I'm quite privileged to be the director of the Nova Scotia Kayak Fishing Series, now in its 5th season. This is a grassroots tournament series that's growing in popularity and averaged 25 anglers per tournament last season.
Chris Arnold
I have over 30 years of experience kayak fishing and have plenty of notoriety. I’m known as the "OG" amongst the competitive and recreational kayak fishers on the East Coast.
PETER YEUNG (ProStaffer from Ontario, CAN): I'm a multi-species angler who tries to fish for fun when I can. I've also had the privilege of filming for fishing TV shows like Canadian Sportfishing and Here's The Catch. In addition to my own camera work, I manage social media for various companies and create engaging content for some of the industry's most recognizable brands.
As the director of the Paddle Sport Get Together, I'm proud to lead a kayak fishing event that's both semi-competitive and accessible to anglers of all skill levels. Our event raises funds and hosts a food drive for Ray of Hope Inc.
Throughout my ‘career' in the fishing industry, I've formed lasting partnerships with my favorite brands and explored incredible fishing destinations like Los Cabos, USA, the East and West Coasts of Canada, and the Great Lakes.
DENNIS KIESELHORST (ProStaffer from Germany): I've been a passionate kayak angler for about 15 years now. Unlike where kayak fishing has been heading lately, I'm more of an old-school paddle guy instead of bolting the latest tech and electric motors onto my kayak.
More important than the fishing itself are the adventures that come with it all around the world. Whether it's Europe, the US, Canada, Panama, Mexico or anywhere else—I love to travel, go on kayak fishing adventures, and meet new people and cultures along the way.
ERON DODDS (ProStaffer from Ontario, CAN): I reside in Eastern Ontario, the beautiful Ottawa Valley, 45 minutes west of the capital. Tournament directing live events has been a passion of mine for nearly a decade now. I’ve hosted online events as well, nationwide across Canada, for the past five years with Kayak Bass Canada.
Our Annual Benefit Event for Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario sees over 100 anglers each year. Together we’ve raised well over $100,000 for CHEO in the past four years!
Eron (on the mic) helps present money raised to CHEO
It's an honor to represent and work with many national brands in support of the kayak fishing community while growing the sport.
BRANCHES: What important benefits do kayak anglers get from local involvement, in your experience?
TYLER: Kayak fishing has proven therapeutic benefits. It’s personally benefited my mental health. More importantly, I’ve seen the impact on others I take on the water, whether through Wisconsin Hero Outdoors (WHO) or otherwise. There’s something about being in a kayak, close to the water, getting some exercise, and connecting with others in a relaxed setting.
In my mind, any fish caught is a bonus to the core benefits of the sport. Whether part of an official organization or just taking people out and meeting casually, I find it rewarding.
Kayak fishing builds friendships and communities. I have several friends I wouldn't otherwise have crossed paths with due to kayak fishing. Many of these are people I met through local groups, WHO, social media, or simply running into them at a boat launch.
Tyler Thiede
The sport is great for all walks of life and creates a common hobby that brings these people together. It has the added benefit of either staying casual and relaxed or competitive in tournaments loaded with electronics and gadgets.
I enjoy getting others into the sport. There’s a stigma around kayaking in general—people often don't like kayaks because they’re tippy. When I explain the comfort and stability of fishing kayaks, it opens their eyes. Through my work at WHO or simply talking to people at boat launches, I’ve shown people the versatility of the kayak fishing platform. I know people who use fishing kayaks for casual paddling due to the space, stability and comfort. Others take it to the other end of the spectrum such as fishing tournaments or multi-day camping floats.
Kayak fishing is perfect for kids. Kids love controlling their own destiny. At a young age, both of my kids sat in the back tankwell of my fishing kayaks. When old enough, they can paddle around by themselves and fish. If they get bored, they can just paddle. My 10-year-old son prefers fishing out of his kayak instead of our large boat. We often have kids involved in our WHO events. It gets kids off their devices and into exercise and outdoor skills.
Tyler fishes with his family
Finally, kayak fishing is affordable. In many areas, including here in rural Wisconsin, shore fishing is a popular hobby. It’s easy and inexpensive, but it limits the amount of water you can cover. Local involvement in the sport has allowed me to help people come up with kayak fishing gear set-ups that fit their budget. They can upgrade based on their use and need later. This also helps with the camaraderie—the old kayak and paddle can be a "buddy" setup for friends and family.
CHRIS: There are many benefits for the newcomers who join our NSKFS series and Facebook group, starting with community. Just having a population of people passionate about their sport gives them a sense of belonging and helps their experience be positive.
The benefit of experience shared makes preparation for angling easier too, including safety precautions, kayak setup, terminal tackle and lure selection advice, conditions preparation, paddle selection, trip planning, and having others join you on the water.
I love this sport, and Bending Branches has been there for me for many, many years!
PETER: Being part of a local kayak fishing community is a total game-changer! As the director of Paddle Sport Get Together, I've seen firsthand how it can level up your kayak fishing experience.
Peter Yeung
Here are three major benefits:
1. Affordability. As we all know, the cost of living has increased tremendously, so owning and operating a boat is a luxury not many can afford or justify. The upfront cost of a kayak can be a little expensive at first, but it will pay for itself after a few outings, and you won't have to worry about spending money on maintenance.
2. Accessibility. You can launch your kayak just about anywhere and fish in bodies of water where no boats can go.
3. Conservation. Most kayak anglers catch and release fish. Many of the participants give back to a community, whether it’s raising money and hosting a food drive with an event such as Paddle Sport Get Together. The camaraderie is such a positive vibe.
DENNIS: I spent many years as the Fishing Team Manager at Jackson Kayak and built a huge global network of contacts during that time, which allowed me to see a lot of the world. In 2012, I organized my first kayak fishing meetup, and many more followed over the years. The focus was always on the gathering itself, not on tournaments. It was meant to stay personal and family-like, with most participants joining by personal invitation.
What really matters at these local events is bringing together like-minded people who all share the same deep passion for their hobby. Fishing together, paddling together, BBQing together, celebrating, and just having a great time.
One of the most important things of all is building new friendships that grow stronger over the years and turn into a true win-win for everyone. You learn from each other's experiences, share your own knowledge, plan and go on trips together, and experience real adventures together.
That's what it's all about. Life's too short to sit at home on the couch. Get outside, chase adventures, step out of your comfort zone as often as possible—and share it all with good friends, so one day you'll have tons of great stories to tell your grandkids.
Here’s one of my favorite photos from the past few months—it really captures all of that: friendship, adventure, happiness and a whole lot of fun:
Dennis with his friend Marty
ERON: Here are three benefits kayak anglers experience from local involvement:
- The camaraderie of gathering together with like-minded individuals to share in the passion of kayak fishing while making new—and quite often—lifelong friends.
- Inviting and bringing friends, family and new anglers to experience and enjoy the sport. Many of us have multiple kayaks and paddles available for any and all interested in joining!
- Spending time outdoors, enjoying nature, wildlife and the amazing fisheries we have here in Canada.
Some anglers fish for the competition. Some fish for therapeutic reasons. We all fish for fun. The smiles say it all! Kayak fishing is an environmentally responsible sport that leaves a minimal footprint.
Eron with fishing friends/family
These are some of the reasons I truly enjoy being involved in our local and national kayak fishing community. There's nothing like it. Grab a paddle and come join us!
Our thanks to these team members for their time and photos! Find them or their organizations online: Tyler Thiede • Chris Arnold • Peter Yeung • Dennis Kieselhorst • Eron Dodds
What paddling questions can our friendly Customer Service team help you with? Contact us at 715-755-3405 or bbinfo@bendingbranches.com, or choose our online chat option.
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