Join host Kurt Smits as he welcomes special guest Vinny Ferrei to the Advanced Kayak Angler podcast. In this episode, they explore the incredible growth of The No Limit Big Bass Power Hour by Native, which has gained immense popularity over the past five years. With nine exciting events held across the country and an affordable entry fee for a national trail, this series has become a favorite among anglers. Tune in to hear Vinny share insights about the current season, the thrilling moments that...
Jul 02, 2025•47 min•Season 3Ep. 37
Join host Armando Solá on this exciting live episode of *The Reel Life* as he welcomes special guest Roy Widgeon from Eastern Virginia and the USA Kayak Fishing Magazine. Together, they dive into the evolution of kayak design and its profound implications for the kayak fishing community. Discover Roy's vision behind his brand and engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the changes shaping the future of kayak tournaments. Are we on the brink of redefining kayak fishing as we know it? Tune ...
Jun 30, 2025•1 hr 10 min
In this exciting episode of the Advanced Kayak Angler, host Kurt Smits welcomes Dylan Rupp, a rising star in the kayak fishing community, fresh off a significant victory in the Kayak Adventure series. Together, they explore the often-overlooked fishing opportunities in Ohio, where Dylan shares his favorite spots and techniques for success. Tune in as they also delve into the features and benefits of Dylan's Osprey Inflatable kayak, discussing how it enhances his fishing experience. With valuable...
Jun 25, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Season 3Ep. 35
Join host Dan Perry in this week’s episode of the Advanced Kayak Angler podcast as he welcomes Joe Drowns to discuss the highly anticipated Native No Limit Big Bass Power Hour at Guntersville. Get the inside scoop on what to expect at this exciting event, filled with opportunities for cash and prizes. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable insights and tips to help you make the most of your fishing experience. Tune in and get ready to reel in ...
Jun 11, 2025•44 min•Season 3Ep. 43
Join host Armando as he welcomes Jeff Malott, co-founder of the Kayak Bass National, for an insightful live discussion on "The Reel Life." In this episode, Jeff opens up about his recent YouTube video, sharing the personal and external factors that led him to step away from kayak fishing—both as a cherished hobby and a competitive tournament angler. Discover the challenges of burnout that he faced and learn about the transformative changes that reignited his passion for the sport. Tune in for an...
Jun 09, 2025•1 hr 10 min
Join us this week on 'The Reel Life' as host Armando Solá sits down with Russell Truitt, the winner of the Texas Bass Nation tournament at Lake O.H. Ivey, and fellow angler Peter Huser. They'll share their incredible experiences competing at this legendary fishing spot. Bring your questions and tune in live for an exciting discussion about tournament fishing strategies, tips, and the thrill of the competition. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, there's something for everyone ...
May 27, 2025•1 hr 28 min
In this episode of the Advanced Kayak Angler, host Kurt Smits welcomes tech-savvy angler Bailey Eigbret to explore the transformative impact of technology on fishing. Discover the latest apps and innovative AI tools that can enhance your fishing experience, from tracking conditions to optimizing your catch strategy. Join us as we dive into practical tips and tricks for integrating these technologies into your fishing routine, ensuring you stay ahead of the game in this ever-evolving sport. Wheth...
May 21, 2025•52 min•Season 3Ep. 31
In this exciting episode of Advanced Kayak Angler, host Kurt Smits sits down with Phil Hunt, the visionary founder of PH Lures, to explore the intricate world of basil wood crank baits. Discover how these stunning lures are not only works of art but also effective tools for landing big fish. Phil shares insights into the craftsmanship behind his baits, the innovative techniques he's implementing in his Indiana warehouse, and an exclusive sneak peek at the new baits and rods set to hit the market...
May 15, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Season 3Ep. 30
Join host Kurt Smits in this enlightening episode of the Advanced Kayak Angler Podcast as he sits down with the renowned kayak angler Derick Brundle. With a wealth of experience fishing from coast to coast, Derick has honed his skills to achieve remarkable consistency in competitive kayak bass fishing. Discover his secrets as he reveals how he utilizes his 18 meticulously chosen rods to adapt to varying conditions and maximize his chances of landing big fish. Delve into Derick's insights on prep...
May 07, 2025•1 hr 4 min
Join us for an exciting episode of Reel Life Live as host Armando Solá sits down with special guest Jessi Diaz (@basspatriot) to dive into the details of the all-new Bonafide XTR130 fishing kayak, featuring the innovative Power Pole Move bow mount trolling motor!
May 05, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 3Ep. 28
Join host Kurt Smits in this exciting episode of the Advanced Kayak Angler as he sits down with Jake Harshman, an experienced guide on the Susquehanna River. Jake shares his remarkable journey of starting a guide service, revealing the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way. Discover the ins and outs of transitioning to a jet boat for enhanced fishing experiences, and learn how Jake identifies the best spots to help his clients reel in their dream catches. Whether you’re an aspiring guid...
May 01, 2025•45 min
This week on the Advanced Kayak Angler, host Dan welcomes Nucanoe Regional Team members Tyler Bean and Matt Gibson for an in-depth conversation about all things Nucanoe. Join them as they explore the brand’s rich history, discuss various kayak models, and highlight the essential accessories that enhance the kayaking experience. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone considering a new kayak. Discover why Nucanoe, a family-ow...
Apr 23, 2025•1 hr 6 min
Join us for an exciting episode of the “Reel Life Show” hosted by Armando! This week, we're thrilled to welcome expert angler Jake Harshman as our special guest. Get ready to dive into the world of spring fishing as Jake shares his top baits and techniques for successfully chasing smallmouth bass. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this live show promises to deliver invaluable tips and tricks to enhance your fishing game. Tune in for an engaging discussion filled with insights, ...
Apr 18, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Season 3Ep. 30
In this enlightening episode of the Advanced Kayak Angler, host Kurt Smits welcomes guests Cody Pather and Marty Hughes to explore the powerful connection between faith and fishing. Join them as they discuss the rise of fellowship groups within the kayak fishing community and share heartfelt stories of camaraderie and shared values that transcend the water. Discover how these gatherings have enriched the kayak fishing experience, fostering friendships and spiritual growth among anglers. Whether ...
Apr 16, 2025•59 min•Season 3Ep. 24
Join host Armando and special guest Jacob Stem for an insightful episode of "Reel Life" as they dive into the art of breaking down a new lake for tournament success! Discover essential research techniques and practical applications to enhance your practice day. Jacob will share expert tips tailored to different seasons and various types of lakes, ensuring you're well-prepared for your next fishing challenge.
Apr 15, 2025•1 hr 38 min•Season 3Ep. 26
In this episode of Advance Kayak Angler, host Kurt Smits dives deep into the crucial topic of kayak safety. With kayak fishing gaining popularity, the risks associated with the sport have also increased, leading to alarming stories of injuries and accidents. This week, Kurt is joined by safety experts Seth Willoughby and Matt Ball, who share their insights on how to stay safe on the water. The trio discusses essential safety gear, emphasizing the importance of wearing a Personal Flotation Device...
Apr 09, 2025•49 min•Season 3Ep. 22
Join us for an exciting live show featuring Jason Wills and Rolando Nandin, the champions of the 3rd stop of the TX B.A.S.S. National Kayak Division! Dive into the captivating world of fishing as they share their winning strategies and experiences on the stunning waters of Lakes Caddo and Bistineau. Discover the unique challenges and breathtaking beauty of these exceptional fisheries in Texas and Louisiana, as they provide insights that can inspire both novice and seasoned anglers. Don't miss th...
Apr 07, 2025•1 hr 32 min•Season 3Ep. 21
The Bassmaster Classic is more than just a premier fishing tournament - it's a massive event with over 200 vendors showcasing the latest and greatest in fishing gear and technology. In this episode, host Kurt Smits is joined by Shaun Boggs, Dean Yoder, and Kyler Branaum - three anglers who have worked the Bassmaster Classic in various capacities. Shaun, Dean, and Kyler share their unique experiences and perspectives on what it's like to be part of the biggest event in professional bass fishing. ...
Apr 03, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 20
In this exciting episode, we dive into the dynamic world of competitive kayak fishing with Steve Owens, the driving force behind the renowned Dugout Bait & Tackle Team. Join us as Steve shares his insights on the unique challenges and triumphs of running one of the most competitive kayak fishing teams in the industry. Discover the journey of how the team evolved, the invaluable support they provide to each angler, and the strategies that have propelled them to success. Whether you're a seaso...
Mar 27, 2025•55 min•Season 3Ep. 19
Don’t miss out on a special live event with one of Texas' premier kayak anglers, **Rolando Nandin**! He’ll be discussing the highlights from the **Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship** at **Lake Fork**. Rolando will delve into key moments and tactics from the tournament and share his predictions on who will clinch the top honor in kayak bass fishing. Get ready for an engaging discussion full of valuable insights!
Mar 21, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 3Ep. 18
In this exciting episode, we delve into the evolution of kayak fishing, a sport that blossomed from the camaraderie of a few passionate anglers pooling their resources into friendly competitions. Join us as we sit down with Dwayne Walley, the visionary behind TourneyX, who transformed this grassroots pastime into a professional arena. Dwayne shares captivating stories about the inception of TourneyX, detailing the challenges and triumphs that shaped its journey. He also reveals his ambitious pla...
Mar 19, 2025•56 min•Season 3Ep. 16
Join us as we welcome Steve Owens, Tournament Organizer for the Bassmaster Kayak Series, for an exclusive preview of the upcoming Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship at Lake Fork. We’ll also have Ryan Lamber and Jeff Malott, hosts of the Kayak Bass National Podcast, discussing the latest trends in fishing kayak designs. Dive into the impact of new tariffs on kayak manufacturers and the recent controversies surrounding communication rules that have put notable tournament anglers in the spotlight...
Mar 15, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Season 3Ep. 16
Join hosts Kurt’s Smits along with Ewing Minor and Jake Harshman in this enlightening episode as they dive into the world of forward facing sonar technology. Often hailed for its groundbreaking capabilities in navigation and exploration, this powerful tool also comes with its fair share of challenges and drawbacks. Ewing and Jake explore the myriad benefits, from enhanced situational awareness to improved safety, while also shedding light on the potential pitfalls, including technical limitation...
Mar 13, 2025•1 hr 17 min
Join us for an exciting conversation with Greg DeMars, author of "Urban Fly Fishing Dallas Fort Worth"! Dive into the passion for fly fishing in the heart of Texas as we explore the best spots to catch a variety of fish right in the city. Tune in to gain insights, share your experiences, and learn why urban fishing is a must-try adventure. After the show, grab your copy of the book to keep the adventure going!
Mar 07, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Season 3Ep. 16
In this exciting episode, we welcome kayak fishing enthusiasts Keith Stevenson, Marty Hughes, and Ethan Jett to dive into the thrilling world of the YakOff Awards. Discover how this unique tournament is revolutionizing the kayak fishing community by fostering connection, creativity, and camaraderie among anglers. We’ll explore the NCAA bracket-style competition where professional kayak anglers face off for the title of YakOff Champion. Join us as we discuss innovative tips to customize your kaya...
Mar 05, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 3Ep. 13
I sit down with Michael Cates, Texas' premier kayak angler! Just days after his thrilling victory on the Lone Star State's toughest trail, Michael shares his strategies and the extreme challenges he faced, including battling freezing temps. Don't miss this chance to learn from the best and bring! #MichaelCates #KayakAngling #TexasFishing
Feb 28, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Join us as we explore the world of batteries for your kayaking adventures! Kyle Koisti from Norsk Lithium will be here to discuss the differences between Lithium-Ion and LiFePO4 batteries, helping you choose the right one for your electronics and motors. Learn how to enhance your kayaking experience by selecting the perfect battery for your needs. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this session is packed with valuable insights.
Feb 21, 2025•49 min•Season 3Ep. 11
In this episode, we dive into the evolving landscape of kayak bass fishing tournaments, where cutting-edge technology like forward-facing sonar and live imaging is becoming increasingly prevalent. But is it really essential to compete, or can traditional skills still lead to success? Join hosts Jordan Marshall and Matthew Scotch, two of the top anglers in the kayak fishing community, as they share their inspiring journeys in both national and regional tournaments. Despite the growing reliance on...
Feb 19, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 10
Dive beneath the surface with renowned biologist Steven Bardin as he tackles the fascinating—and often misunderstood—world of bass. In this episode, we cast a line into the science of bass conservation, exploring how habitat loss, climate change, and human activity threaten these iconic freshwater predators. Steven unpacks the ecological dangers posed by invasive bass species, from outcompeting natives to destabilizing ecosystems, and reveals the hidden risks of hybridization—where interbreeding...
Feb 14, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Season 3Ep. 9
Join us this week as Tennessee kayak angling phenom **Ethan Jett** dives into the strategic mindset behind his tournament triumphs and relentless efficiency on the water. Whether you're a competitive angler or a weekend warrior looking to up your game, Ethan’s data-driven approach to fishing is a game-changer. **Tune in now** and transform how you approach the water—no fancy boat required. *Whether you’re chasing trophies or just more bites*, Ethan’s insights will make your next outing your best...
Feb 03, 2025•1 hr 30 min•Season 3Ep. 8
