YakAttack - CVA HOW Tourney

A little ways off a two lane country road, near the YakAttack and Appomattox River Company's hometown of Farmville, we got together for some kayak bass fishin', pig pickin', camp fire shenanigans, and of course help out the Central Virginia Chapter of Heroes on the Water.

Captain's meeting - 59 registered anglers and many volunteers there to help

The camaraderie at this event was second to none.  With the absence of strong egos and drama, everyone was there for the same reason.  There was no shortage of smiles, jokes, and simple good times with the spirit of competition.  There was also no shortage of amazing food.  Luther Cifers of YakAttack, along with his family provided ribs and ribeyes after the Captain's meeting on Friday and a full pig was pulled on Saturday after the awards ceremony.  The spread they put out was simply amazing and definitely worth more than the entry fee alone. Throw in two huge tables covered in generously donated raffle items and the knowledge that all the proceeds go to help HOW, it's a win-win for everyone.

After helping to unload all the kayaks for the vets, who were expected a few hours later, I launched to an amazing sunrise.

Left:  Phillip Ruckart and son.    Right:  Chuck Wrenn

Doug Gibson

The Jersey Boys

As the morning progressed the wind picked up, making things very challenging.  I was able to scrounge up one little 11" largemouth, before the air horn let me know that the vets were almost at the launch.  Upon meeting up with the other volunteers, I was relieved to know that I was not the only one having a tough time with the fish.  We all switched gears and went into guide mode as the vets got off the van.  

Tina Shank making sure the vet is comfortable and safe  

I paired up with Jerry, who had done this once before and was eager to get on the water.  I didn't ask him, but for someone who uses a walker and obviously has limited mobility while on land, it had to feel pretty darn good to be just like everyone else in a kayak and have that sense of freedom on the water.

Although we didn't catch anything, I know he had a good time...  flirting with Tina, joking around, yelling at his buddies on the water... he wanted to go right back out after lunch!


At the awards ceremony Jim Shank said something that I couldn't help nodding my head to.  We know that the vets get something out of going out on the water. That's why this program exists.  But the volunteers also get something.  Knowing that we're helping and giving back is quite the reward.  


When the veteran gets off the water and thanks you for spending that time with them, it makes you want to keep doing it.  

A big thank you to everyone who made this possible... Tina and Jim Shank, the YakAttack family, all the sponsors and people who donated, and everyone that came out to support the event.  Congrats to all the winners of the tournament.  I had an absolutely amazing time.  It was great to meet new people, put faces to some names, and catch up with good friends.

Buckets & Chains

Last weekend, I guided a friend to his personal best blue catfish. This weekend, I decided to play a little role reversal and called local legend, Forrest Short.  Chain Pickerel remained unchecked on the proverbial list and Forrest's invitation to try his spots stood too long.  The impending cold front, 12 hours away, added a sense of urgency but also a touch of optimism.

I usually do well shortly before a strong cold snap, so I had reason to be excited.  New dad, Justin Mayer and I followed Forrest to the lake he grew up fishing on, with high hopes.  But unfortunately, after four hours, even with signs of promise, we were facing the dreaded skunk.  Shortly before Justin had to get back to his newly acquired parental responsibilities, Forrest found a massive school of 6"-10" crappie in less than two feet of water.



Our attempts at getting them to bite were futile and we ended up snagging a few as our lures grazed their backs.



We got off the water and after Forrest shared some great fishing stories about that lake, Justin took off. Phase two was implemented and I found myself following Forrest to another lake in Yorktown. Within a few minutes of launching, he was showing me how it was done.

I absorbed the knowledge he was generously sharing and it didn't take me long before I got into an altercation with an aggressive pickerel of my own.

Giddy after my chain pickerel devirginization, I adamantly expressed my sincerest gratitude, appreciation and admiration toward my guide.  I always enjoy locating fish on my own, but it was still very sweet to catch a new specie with the help of a friend.  Thank you again, Forrest.



Over the next 4.5 hours, we worked our crankbaits in 4-8 feet of stained water and continued to have ourselves an excellent time.  Well over 20 fish were landed between us with several largemouth bass in the mix.

One of the highlights for the day included a chubby 21" bucketmouth that went a hair over 6.5lbs on my VAC certified scales.  It ties a personal best I set over 7 years ago.

The other highlight was a feisty, acrobatic, and very pretty 23" chain pickerel

I also met fellow Hook1 prostaffer, Marty Mood and a relative newcomer to the area from Wisconsin, Richie Bekolay.  They were off to a late start but quickly got into the fish.  Richie also had a really nice 21.25" bucket (pictures on his blog).

I stuck around a little later than Forrest, but just before I thought about leaving, I got a call.  Apparently the cold front was closer than we thought.  Forrest called to make sure we were on our way in because "it was lookin' like armageddon".  As I was hanging up, it started raining.  Then the wind machine went to full blast.  Within a couple minutes of paddling, we were being pelted by frozen rain, and a few minutes after that our kayaks had a layer of snow on them.  Luckily we weren't too far from where we launched.  I tried to get footage and photos of the madness, but moisture on the lenses made the shots unrecognizable.  As we begged our fingers to finish strapping the kayaks, big fat snowflakes caked our cars.  Then thunder clapped just above our heads.  All three of us looked at each other, then laughed in disbelief.  It quickly went from nice light winds to full on thunder snowstorm insanity.

What a day?!?! 

I got to fish with an angler who I have great respect for... I tried two new places... I tied a personal best bucketmouth that was just an inch short of citation... not only did I catch the new species I was after but lots of them... and one of those was just an inch shy of citation too... and at the end, I actually enjoyed what felt like a joke from mother nature... 

it was as if she was saying...

Late Summer Cold Front Bassin'

There was a time in my life when football took precedence over fishing.  But in the last couple of years, that's changed.  My desire to get on the kayak and feel the water got pretty strong, and my first chance to get out was late Sunday afternoon.  With the winds blowing 20-30kts down in my favorite saltwater spots, I decided to stick close to home.   It definitely felt too early to dust off the waders, but the temperature dropped enough and I had to resort to the chest high breathables and long sleeves. 

I started with a black double colorado blade spinnerbait and got a bunch of short strikes.  Eventually I got one to hook up and landed this feisty little smallmouth bass who was fond of getting airborne.

I switched to a small white grub to find a few sunfish and tried using them to catch flathead catfish.  I found the bream along the bank around some fallen trees, but the catfish were nowhere to be found.  I casted the spinnerbait again as I soaked the baits and hooked up to one more...

It's a little unusual for me not to find any catfish this time of year, but at least I got to tango with a few smallies.  On a side note, I did see some BIG carp.  I went home a little after dark, made some chili, had a beer, checked the scores and called it a good day.