CHAD HOOVER EXPLORES UNFISHED WATERS MINUTES FROM HIS HOUSE. “THE BEST PART OF THE
ADVENTURE IS FINDING THE FISHING HOLE.” PHOTOS: HELICONIA PRESS
EASY ACCESS Chad Hoover
The best part of the adventure is finding the fishing hole. Pull off the side of the road. Use a cart to wheel the kayak to the water. During the workweek, I limit my research trips to one hour from the house. On weekends, I will venture up to two hours. I can fish a hole in a couple hours. Warning: do not trespass or break the law.
TARGET SPECIES Largemouth bass
TACKLE BOX
To cover the bases carry a seven-foot, medium-heavy and a seven-foot, six-inch heavy-action baitcaster with matching reel. I also bring a seven-foot light
spinner for finesse fishing. I use my BlackPak like a mod- ular tackle box. I can load it with four tackle trays, each with species-specific rigs and lures. I load a gallon plastic bag with a variety of soft plastics. To save time, I keep the BlackPak loaded and ready to go.
GEAR BAG
Wilderness Systems Commander hybrid is light and easy to carry, drag or wheel to a remote fishing hole. It’s stable for stand-up fishing. I grab the boat, my BlackPak, three rods, a PFD and paddle.
TIME SAVERS
Keep the kayak rigged with seat and crate. Carry the boat upright on the racks.
Host Kayak Bassin’ TV, Wilderness Systems Pro, owner of Hook1 kayak fishing outfitters Home Base: Nashville, Tennessee Local Hole: Oxbow lakes and farm ponds
The biggest bass I ever caught came from an oxbow lake I had never fished. I was driving down the highway when I saw a heron in a tree. I pulled off the road and walked down a little hill to the most beautiful fishing hole complete with cattails and lily pads. I launched the kayak and after a few casts, I hooked in to a real trophy. When I got back to the car, there was a state trooper waiting for me. I asked him to take a picture of me with the fish, but he didn’t share my excitement. I got a ticket for my personal best largemouth.
Keep up with Chad Hoover’s on- and off-water antics at
www.kayakbassinshow.com or stop by Hook1 outside Nashville or online at
www.kayakfishinggear.com.
www.kayakanglermag.com…61
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