Great Outdoor Blog

Kayak Fishing was the fastest growing outdoor activity in 2011 and the popularity continues to grow. Getting started is easy with the relative low cost of purchasing a kayak in relation to the cost of a motorized craft. And kayak fishing tournaments are a great way to to meet new people and learn more about the sport.

Kayak Fishing Team Member Mike Callahan in his Trident 13 Angler

Most tournaments are “photo catch and release” meaning you will need a digital camera and a means to measure the fish. Below are several resources that provide information on area tournaments. These include the increasingly popular “online tournament” which allow anglers to fish according to his or her schedule and participants can submit their catches online for judging. Probably the most recognized of the online tournaments is the Kayak War series.

Each of our shop locations is staffed with kayak anglers that can provide more details on the sport and offer suggestions as to how you can participate. It is lots of fun and provides a great way to be outdoors.

Click on the links below to find out more about kayak fishing and local tournaments.

North Carolina Kayak Fishing Association

North Carolina Angler Online

Hardcore Kayak Fishing

Carolina Yakfish

River Bassin Forum

Kayak Bass Fishing

Kayak Angler Magazine Online

Kayak Wars

Thanks to Gwen Crabtree for this resource. Gwen is the paddlesports manager at our Charlotte location and a member of the Great Outdoor Provision Co. Kayak Fishing Team. Follow Gwen @CLT_Kayaker.

Casting Notes:
Cause and correction of tailing loops
A tailing loop results when the caster fails to create a stroke with a straight path of the rod tip. The line follows the path of the tip.
To open your loop, the tip of the rod follows a convex path, like a windshield wiper blade. Sometimes you want to open your loop to cast heavy sinking flies and indicators. This permits the fly and indicator to be cast without hitting the line. If you open your loop too much you can reduce the amount of forward energy to the point where the cast will only go a short distance. It’s important to know how to make an open loop because this will also help you learn how to close that loop which creates more effective forward energy transfer in a tighter loop.
So what can cause the rod tip to not travel in a straight path?
When the rod tip travels in a Concave path or a dip. And what causes that?
Stroke too short to put adequate bend (load) in the rod
Improper power application (not evenly accelerating to a stop)
Creep (starting you cast too soon) which results in a short stroke
Pushing rod through the stroke (instead of pulling)
Stopping the stroke too soon
Putting too much power into the forward delivery cast (improper power application)
Same with the double haul (improper power application)

Photo provided by resident angler, Don Horton, in our G'ville shop

Start with the fundamentals:

Beginner Fixes: The best way that I know how to eliminate tailing loops is to teach the “elbow forward” cast. When I teach it, I give them the visual analogy of the Tin Woodsman in the Wizard of Oz. When Dorothy and the Scarecrow find the Tin Woodsman immobilized by rust, he whispers the famous line “Oil Can” to which the scarecrow replies..”oil can what?” The point is for the student to pantomime the tin man, oil the shoulder and leave the elbow and wrist frozen. Hold the rod in a proper grip (thumb on top or key grip), rotate the hand and wrist fully forward and lock the elbow at approximately 90 degrees. Start with 20′ casts lifting the shoulder and arm to a stop on the back cast and then lowering the shoulder and elbow to a stop on the forward cast. This cast eliminates most of the moving parts that can cause casting faults. The student can quickly learn the feel of the rod loading and the line loops rolling out on each cast. Everyone wants to immediately start to cast longer distances and this is OK. Just tell them that when they start to lose their stroke on the longer casts to shorten up and start again at 20 feet.

Experienced Fixes: If you are an experienced caster but maybe you are having trouble making your fly landing first or maybe catching your fly on your own fly line, the elbow forward cast is a good cast to go to. Anytime I am casting for accuracy from 15 – 40 feet, I return to the elbow forward cast. When casting for distance (which I consider is 45 feet plus and which requires shooting line and maybe employing a double haul to increase line speed which in turn increases the load on your rod) a lot of experienced casters start to get the dreaded tailing loop. This is usually caused the the increased application of power in too short of a stroke, erratic power application etc. that causes the rod tip to bend too much and this creates a dip in the rod path which causes a tailing loop. Don’t despair. A technique known as the “drift” will eliminate these tailing loops. I teach it first in pantomime. Practice your back cast stop like you are swatting a horsefly a little behind and above your shoulder (Whack) on the stop. Then immediately allow your back cast to EXTEND 3″ – 6″ further back. Then start your forward stroke. The key on the “drift” is not to rotate it (which would lower the rod tip) but to poke it back on the same rod tip path you had when you stopped and whacked that horsefly. It takes some practice: back-cast HAUL, STOP, DRIFT, begin the forward cast, HAUL, STOP, shoot line, drop rod tip to the water.

FISH ON!

Here are my FFF notes on the elbow forward cast:
“Elbow forward: at the start of the cast the elbow is directly below your hand which is at ear level and slightly forward of your casting shoulder. It is part of the overhand baseball throw which is called a kinetic whip because each body part move in a whip like sequence adding to the overall force. This up- right forearm is also important to accuracy by leading and thus controlling the vertical forward movement of your fly rod and the unrolling of the fly line. Most tournament casters who use this style also offset the back cast slightly to simplify the fly lines path of travel as it changes direction from backward to forward. The arm lifting motion of the back cast is called shoulder flexion. Lowering the elbow on the forward cast is called shoulder extension.”

Get in. Get out. Leave behind nothing but…nothing. That’s the philosophy behind LNT—Leave No Trace—backcountry travel. No one wants to bust their chops to get to the back of beyond only to find half-burned candy bar wrappers and whacked off tree branches. Even at popular campsites it’s just as easy to minimize your impact as it is to trash the woods.

But in its original version, LNT was a downer, a bunch of DON’Ts that read like a middle school principal spelling out the rules for the big spring dance. When it comes to camping, though, we’ve all come a long ways from trenching tools and latrines made of lashed poles. Sure, there’s stuff that still ranks a big NOT. Leaving toilet paper on the ground. Cutting standing trees. But we’ve re-tooled a 21st-century version of LNT into a big list of proactive, positive-outcome-calibrated DOs. Now you can be the change. Leave No Trace. Here’s how to vanish from the wilds:

GET IN. Most North Carolina campers can choose from existing campsites, even in fairly remote areas. Better to bed down on a beaten-down tent pad than wreck an undisturbed site—you can always set up the camp kitchen at a scenic vista nearby. Stick to existing fire circles in heavily used areas. If you go off-rail, remember that good campsites are found, not made. Look for a spot just large enough for the tent. The standard LNT mantra is to forgo the fire, but if you go with the burn, prepare a fire site by shovelling out a layer of soil and surface plants and setting aside. Learn to use a map and compass or a GPS. Flagging tape is so yesteryear.

GET OUT. Before you break camp, burn all wood completely. Kids love this job, so give ‘em a stick and make sure they push every little stub into the fire. Saturate the ashes, then scatter them. If you scraped out a fire pit, replace the sod, and toss leaves and twigs over the spot. Scour the camp for tiny bits of micro-trash. This is another great job for kids—offer an ice-cream-cone reward for whoever can find the most micro-trash, stuff like snippets of foil and paper, egg shell fragments, and sippy-cup straw wrappers. Remove all cordage from trees, even if you didn’t place it there. Naturalize the site before you leave. Rake matted grasses and leaves with a branch. Bring in rocks and sticks to hide your tent site. And the same rule applies no matter how near or far to civilization you camp: Pack it in, pack it out. Yes, that means banana peels, apple cores, egg shells, and cigar butts. If it wasn’t there when Columbus landed—or was it Erik the Red?—remove it.

IN THE MOUNTAINS:
Camp just below ridge tops to keep your tent from being so visible by others—you’ll still have a killer view. Burn smaller sticks and burn all wood completely to avoid leaving burned stubs behind. Use a tent with a tub-style floor; you’ll never dig a drainage trench again.

AT THE COAST:
Always build fires below the high tide line. Camp away from the toe of sand dunes. When fishing with live or cut bait, toss shrimp shells and leftover fish in zippered plastic bags and pack out; raccoons and foxes are attracted to such trash, and then prey on sea turtles. Leave any eggs you find on the sand alone; beach-nesting birds rarely build nests.

ON THE WATER:
Carry dirty dish-cleaning water away from the stream and campsite; the next camper doesn’t want to filter water soiled with your leftover spaghetti noodles. Scatter ashes into a strong current and camouflage the fire site with sand.

THE GOODS:
It’s no surprise that Great Outdoor Provision Co. keeps stock on what it takes to get you into the woods. But we also carry what you need to get out of wilds without giving Mother Nature a bad hair day. Check out these easy-on-the-land ideas the next time you’re headed outside.

P-cord and S-biners
Once upon a time, hanging a lantern or pot-holder was as simple as driving a nail into a tree. What were we thinking? String a length of parachute cord around a tree trunk and slip on a few S-biners to hold whatever needs holding.

Cooking stoves
Instead of a fire, cook on one of our high-performance cookstoves. Our stores stock stoves from the one-person MSR Pocket Rocket (don’t forget to pack out the gas canisters!) to the Primus Atle double burner, almost big enough to handle Kate, her 8 kids, and a couple of “Survivor” rejects.

Gourmet freeze-dried foods
This ain’t your daddy’s stroganoff. Kung Pao Chicken. Pad Thai. Check out our aisle of backcountry grub and you’ll find stuff good enough to serve at your next indoor supper club. (MULEteam members SAVE 10% on foods)

Therm-a-rest Trekker Chair
You could drag a fallen tree down the creek bank for a makeshift camp chair. Or you could not.

And here are three items that will you help you forget that you never started a campfire:

• Stare at the stars instead of a fire with the Miller Planisphere. Dial up the direction you’re looking, and the mysteries of the heavens reveal themselves.
• Load up on some of our many camp-friendly games such as locally made PHD Discs and the Ogo Sport Games.
• Bunk in a North Face Dolomite or a Mountain Hardwear Flip, cushioned with a Therm-a-rest sleeping pad. These rectangular sleeping bags can be doubled up for a bag built for two. Make your own fire.

How to install accessories on a sit-on-top kayak to turn a basic model into an angler model. In this part, I am installing a flush mount rod tube on the back of a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120.

How to mount a Scotty rod holder to the Harmony Slide Trax Mounting Plate.

Thanks to Gwen in the Charlotte Shop for making these great videos.

Join us at the Greensboro Shop on Thursdays, 6:30-8:30pm, for FREE Fly Tying Demos. These events will be manned by local Trout Unlimited chapter, Nat Greene Flyfishers, members. Learn fly tying techniques and ask questions in a casual format. For more information, call Mike Callahan at the shop (336) 851-1331.

Mar 3rd – David Dow / “Clear Cure Goo” (the “Goo” cures instantly with a U.V. light source and never yellows)

About 35 participants came to the Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium on May 1st and about 20 participants came to the Carolina Kayak Club on May 3rd to learn about kayak fishing from local pro angler Ashley Williams. Those in attendance learned what to look for and consider when purchasing a fishing kayak, how to outfit a fishing kayak to meet their individual needs, and basic tips on landing that first fish from a kayak. In addition to listening and taking notes, participants were able to have their hands on the latest fishing kayaks from Wilderness Systems such as the Tarpon 120 and Commander 120. Kayak fishing gear from Scotty Fishing, Seattle Sports, Werner Paddles, and Stohlquist Waterwear were also available for participants to check out and see the best equipment offered to enhance their kayak fishing experiences.

So you just bought a Canoe or Kayak and want to know what is required to be legal. Laws governing boats such as canoes and kayaks vary, depending on the body of water and the agency that has jurisdiction. For example, the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) has a set of comprehensive requirements for most inland waters and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) considers kayaks and canoes to be a Vessel Under Oars for purposes of regulation. Consequently, we’re going to focus on Canoes and Kayaks that are used in our local area -namely the state of NC.

Putting aside issues of safety and common sense for the moment, here is what you need simply to be legal when using a canoe or kayak in NC, as of 2010:

• USGC approved, Type I, II or III PFD (if under 13 years old, the PFD must be worn at all times). Racing Canoes/Kayaks and Rowing Shells are exempt from this requirement.
• Sound Producing Device, such as a Whistle
• Navigational Light, such as a handheld waterproof flashlight (for waters under USGC jurisdiction, such as coastal waters, or on inland waters from Sunset to Sunrise).
• Daytime/Nighttime Visual Distress Signals, such as 3 aerial flares (for waters under USCG jurisdiction, such as coastal waters).
• If the Canoe or Kayak is powered by a trolling motor of any kind (gas or electric), the boat needs to be registered and titled (unless solely operated on a private pond). A Registration Card will need to be carried with you and presented, if requested by a NCWRC officer. This does not apply to non-powered canoes or kayaks.
• If the canoe or kayak is primarily powered by sail and is over 14 feet in length (for example, a Hobie Mirage Adventure Island), the boat needs to be registered and titled. A Registration Card will need to be carried with you and presented, if requested by a NCWRC officer. This does not generally apply to canoes or kayaks where an optional sail kit is used only on occasion.

More information on the above topics can be found here:

• Required Equipment
• Coastal Paddling-Gear Up Part I
• Boat Registration and Titling
• NC Boating Vessel Operator’s Guide

The above is NOT an exhaustive list applicable to all bodies of water in NC -it is simply a list of the most common items that if missing, can often lead to a citation when paddling a canoe or kayak. Also, regulations do change and the information presented above is not a substitute for reading, understanding and following the specific boating regulations of the NCWRC, USCG, or other appropriate law enforcement agency.

However, reading and understanding these regulations in their entirety can be a complex task since many of these regulations do not apply to non-powered vessels such as canoes and kayaks. For example, take a look at these USCG regulations and you will see that there is a lot of reading and much of it is for large vessels. Consequently, the information above is being provided as a convenience to our customers, most of whom are acutely interested in obeying the laws governing boating but would like a quick review of what they need to help avoid a ticket while paddling their canoe or kayak.

That being said, we can’t guarantee you’ll avoid a ticket even if you do follow the information we’ve provided here. For example, at the Cape Lookout National Seashore, the management agency (the US Department of Interior’s National Park Service) requires all paddlers to file a float plan with the park office. As another example, paddlers on SC’s Chattooga River are required to wear a helmet (and for good reason). As yet another example, paddlers on the Roanoke River who are planning to camp overnight are required to carry (and use) a porta-potty. The rule of thumb is to always check with the local management agency if you have any questions regarding boating regulations.

Here are some related resources you may find helpful:
http://greatoutdoorprovision.com/resources/howto/#paddle

Will Strader, Winston Shop, Kinsman Range, NH on the A.T.

Join us at the Winston-Salem shop during Scout Benefit Week

Monday, May 3 – 7:30 PM
Paddling Local Rivers and Lakes – Veteran kayaker and canoeist, and Winston Paddling Department Manager, Ward Swann, shares his favorite places in the Triad to explore by boat. Check out the latest in kayaks and stand-up paddle boards, and learn about local organizations promoting and protecting local waterways.

Tuesday, May 4 – 7:30 PM
A Thru-Hikers Journey on the A.T. – Will Strader, who completed a Southbound thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2009, shares slides and stories of his amazing adventure. He will also suggest nearby day hikes and overnights along the A.T., and field questions about what’s involved in planning your own thru-hike.

Wednesday, May 5 – 7:30 PM
Hiking Video & Book Signing w/Randy Johnson – North Carolina High Country writer/photojournalist Randy Johnson is the author of a new trail guide to the Great Smoky Mountains, and his two best-selling trail guides to the Blue Ridge Parkway are just out in brand new, updated editions in time for the 75th anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Learn about new places to explore and get signed copies of Randy’s books including Hiking North Carolina.

Thursday, May 6 – 7:00PM
Adventure Racing 101 – If testing your physical and mental fortitude by competing in a 12-hour multisport (biking, trekking and paddling) competition sounds fun, then this is a must see presentation. The Isotopes Racing Team of Winston-Salem, discuss everything you need to know to plan, train, and compete in an adventure race. There will also be an opportunity to sign up for the 3rd Annual IsoSeries Adventure Race on May 29th, 2010 near Danbury, NC.

Friday, May 7 – 7:30 PM
Philmont Shakedown/Ultra light Backpacking – Get advice to lighten the load on your next trek. Scouts going to Philmont this summer are encouraged to bring their “packed” packs, as Rich and Darren of the Winston staff, both of whom have completed Philmont treks, share tips & tidbits to save weight, minimize bulk, and ease discomfort.

Charlotte Manager, Rudy Hayden sent over this clip of his friend turning his Buffwear into a beanie/stocking cap. Get your Buff on…

by Mike & Amanda, Charlotte Staff 

Tips and Tricks for “gourmet” dining in the backcountry:

• Plan for three meals and 2-3 snacks per day (breakfast, mid-morning snack, lunch, mid-afternoon snack, dinner, evening snack)
• No dieting or cutting carbs in the backcountry! You need plenty of carbs and proteins to fuel your body, balanced with sodium and fats.
• Separate food into packets for each meal and clearly label them; re-package items that are too bulky and keep the directions.
• Multiple ingredients can be stored in one bag; just tie off a corner to separate them until use.
• Add some variety to your menu. By the fourth day in, you’ll be sick of the same old thing.
• Condiment packets of hot sauce, ketchup, mayo, relish and margarine will keep well and give you a good serving size.
• Tortillas and pitas make a great alternative to bread.
• Cured meats and hard cheeses travel well in the backcountry.
• Package eggs carefully to avoid breaking. They will keep in moderate temperatures.
• Dried herbs and spices can add punch and variety to any meal.
  • Mexican – chili powder, cayenne pepper, cumin, oregano, onion powder, coriander, crushed red pepper, garlic powder and black pepper
  • Italian - dried basil, dried marjoram, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, rosemary, crushed red pepper flake
  • Indian – Cumin, ground ginger, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, turmeric, black pepper
  • Creole – chili powder, garlic, parsley, salt, thyme, cayenne pepper
  • Thai – chili pepper, ginger, coriander, red pepper flakes, cumin, cinnamon, star anise, salt, garlic, dried lemon peel, dried shallots

Menu suggestions for great packable, easy-to-use foods:

• Meats – summer sausage, packaged meats (tuna, shrimp, salmon, chicken), beef jerky, salami, pre-cooked bacon
• Dry Goods – Pasta, rice, couscous, lentils, instant potatoes, beans
• Mixes – Soups, sauces, hummus, dips.
• Add-ins – Dried mushrooms and tomatoes, dried fruits, nuts, honey, peanut butter, Nutella, granola
• Breakfast – quick-cook cereals like oatmeal, grits or cream of wheat,
• Breads – bagels, flat bread, tortillas, wraps, pita bread.
• Drinks – Cider, hot chocolate, tea, coffee, drink mixes.

A Typical Daily Menu:

Breakfast: Amanda’s Power Oatmeal

• 1 package instant oatmeal
• 3 tablespoons applesauce OR peanut butter
• Assorted mix-ins (dried fruit, granola, nuts)
• ½ cup water

Heat water to a boil. In serving bowl, mix dry oatmeal mix and dried fruit. Add water and allow to hydrate for approx. 2 minutes. Stir in applesauce or peanut butter. Stir in granola or nuts.

Morning Snack: Granola bar and dried cranberries

Lunch: Wraps with cheese and pepperoni and a Snickers bar

Afternoon Snack: Power Bar

Dinner: Mike’s Couscous “burritos”

• Tortillas or wraps
• 1 pkg. couscous (flavored or plain)
• Cheese
• Meats or dried veggies to add in

Heat water to a boil, then add meat and/or dried veggies. Remove from heat and add couscous and flavorings (packaged or your own blend). The couscous will hydrate in about five minutes. Roll into wraps “Colorado style.”

Dessert: Backpacker’s Pantry Hot Apple Cobbler and Hot Cider Toddies