Brian Martin aka “Plan B” was one of our top members of the YA Nation with over 850 points earned last month. Like many of us, Brian started out as a bank angler and saw kayak fishing as a budget-friendly alternative to a powerboat. We also find out how he won two kayaks in one month, how an artist works with fire, and a great recipe for your next catch.

Protecting myself from the sun has become one of my top priorities while kayak fishing. Long gone are the days spent on the water with my shirt off trying to get a tan. I try to cover as much of my skin as possible because I hate putting on sunscreen, I’m pretty hairy and the sunscreen gets all matted in there and gross.

And you thought paddling out 10 miles and catching a billfish from your kayak was extreme, how about kayaking in boiling water!  Professional kayakers Pedro Oliva, Chris Korbulic and Ben Stookesberry were in Hawaii filming the latest segment of their Brazilian TV show, “Kaiak”. The expeditions had hoped to film rivers and waterfalls around the island but were ecstatic to find a river of lava!

Growing up alongside a lake in northern Minnesota with a father and brother who love to fish, many people would assume Abe Mathews III has always been a fisherman. In this month’s spotlight interview, we find out how Abe went from a kid who would rather hold a book than a fishing rod to an adult obsessed with kayak fly fishing.

March 15, 2013– Jackson Kayak Welcomes Kayak Fishing Legend Jim Sammons to Team Jackson Kayak

Jackson Kayak announced this morning the signing of Jim Sammons to their kayak fishing team.

Choir teacher, loving husband, musician, and cheese head all describe the subject of this month’s User Spotlight. Racking up an impressive 986 points last month, Spencer Jones showed that he’s not only a kayak fishing addict, but also a hard-core member of the YA Nation.

For this month’s kayak angler spotlight, we talked with Richard Ofner. One of YakAngler’s first Canadian members, Richard was our points leader for December, racking up an impressive 1033 points. Richard is an accomplished tournament angler, Hobie Fishing Team member, and writer. When not kayak fishing, Richard can be found on the hockey rink and soccer field working as a referee and coach.

Chip Gardner acquired over 1000 points last month, and has quickly moved up the ranks. A Kentucky native, “Coosachip” grew up fishing the creeks and small ponds on his parents’ farm. Chip spent five years traveling the world with the U.S. Air Force, but found his way back to Kentucky where he met his wife, Jennifer. Chip enjoys sharing his love for the outdoors with his four step-children: Dillon, Dakota, David, and Laila, and son Gavin.