Great Outdoor Blog

Jameson Redding, GOPC Kayak Fishing Team member
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I have paddled the Jackson Coosa for several years now and love it. Last year I picked up the Jackson Cuda 14. I have used this kayak for almost a year and feel the same way about it. I use the Cuda for my flat water, lake and salt, excursions and like the speed it has over the Coosa. Don’t get me wrong, in my opinion the Coosa is the perfect river kayak. When I started looking into the Jackson Big Tuna for a tandem solution for me and my wife I quickly realized it had great solo potential as well. I believe it is the single most versatile platform on the market with all of the seat configurations and the Tuna Tank. I got my Big Tuna just in time to take it on my annual trip to Pensacola, Florida for the holidays. I loaded it up on my new Malone trailer, which I love, and headed down to the Gulf Coast. Excited to try it, I planned a trip for that night to a spot that was known to hold big reds. The bait of choice is white trout that can be caught in the same location as the bull redfish using a Gulp! shrimp and a jig head. I wasted no time saying hello to everyone and getting my gear ready upon arrival in Pensacola. Once on the water the trout began to come to the boat, this is where my review starts.

1. THE TUNA TANK
I drilled some holes in the Tuna Tank and could not wait to see how it would work. I placed several trout in the tank with it in the upper position. I checked on them periodically and noticed that they were alive and kicking every time. As the tank filled I decided to drop it into the low position. I eventually had 20 white or sand trout, whichever you prefer, ranging from 10-14 inches. Me and my friend used these throughout the night and all of the fish stayed healthy and frisky. We caught several nice reds. The following days were spent between this night spot and a flat that we fished for speckled trout and slot reds. Again, while fishing the flats I employed the use of the Tuna Tank. I usually carry a stringer with me that I put the keeper fish on, which can slow your paddle down and attract unwanted friends such as sharks and dolphins. I don’t like carrying a cooler with me either, due to it taking up space for my tackle. I would rather leave it in the car. I managed several nice specks 17-20+ inches and since you are allowed 5 with one being over 20, I filled the tank. I kept my keepers alive all day and was able to cull fish since they stayed healthy and active. I would never have had this luck with the stringer. I plan to order the replacement tank soon for those days where I will not be using live bait or keeping fish.

2. SPEED
I would have assumed that the Tuna would be slow compared to my Cuda 14. If it is slower, however, I could not tell on the water. I was more impressed by how well it paddles as a solo kayak than any other feature of the boat. It is fast and yet still turns well. I do have the rudder on mine, but only because I am used to it on my Cuda 14. The only way I might could see it being harder to handle is if the wind was up a lot. The boat is bulkier and sits higher on the water.

3. STABILITY
Even the most stable kayak takes a little getting used to, however the Tuna would be a quick learn. I stand and fish from all my Jacksons and have no problem fighting even 42 inch reds while doing so. This kayak is the most stable Jackson I have paddled as of yet. I have wanted to try and stand in the seat of my Cuda for extra sight fishing height all year. Many times I have started to attempt doing this and chickened out due to it becoming a little rocky. I again pursued this dream in the Big Tuna. I was able to accomplish it with ease. I am no little guy either at 215 pounds and 6 feet tall. I was impressed to say the least. (Now, I am not saying that I recommend this, but I did it anyway.) The boat also rides through choppy waters well. With the wind blowing on several of our outings the waves were up. The Big Tuna road over them keeping me dry, yet still maintained its stable feel even with the seat in the high position.

These are the things that impressed me the most. I could go on, but I promised to keep it short.

Kayak fishing is no longer a niche. Anglers everywhere have simplified their lives by relying less on gas-gulping power boats, and have turned to relatively lightweight and inexpensive fishing kayaks to take them places a motorized craft could never dream of going.

The last few years have seen a tremendous amount of innovation in kayak fishing, and your friends at Great Outdoor Provision Co. have brought in a comprehensive selection of fishing kayaks and accessories that will keep our angling customers on the cutting edge.

Wilderness Systems has long been an industry favorite, and this year they’ve launched a redesigned Ride series (115 & 135)of kayaks that offers stability for even the largest anglers. The Commander Series offers a similar hull design in an enclosed boat that offers more protection from the elements and is great for in-shore fishing.

Hobie has made another huge splash with the just received Pro Angler 12. Calling this fish catching machine a kayak wouldn’t do it justice. It’s a super-stable floating platform that relies on Hobie’s patented MirageDrive pedal system with Turbo Fins for efficient propulsion.

Jackson Kayaks offers feature-rich, super-super comfy boats. The maneuverable Coosa is perfect for moving rivers or tight areas. The new Cuda offers efficiency and speed for ocean or big lake anglers. The Big Tuna is a solo/tandem kayak that features an innovative “Tuna Tank” that keeps your bait fresh without relying on a motor.







Innovation in kayak fishing doesn’t end with the kayaks though, as accessories have also evolved. The Hobie Livewell keeps bait fresh in up to eight gallons of water and allows three spare rods to be stored within easy reach.

The Bending Branches Angler Ace paddle has blades shaped specifically for fishing kayaks, and incorporates a simple but brilliant hook retriever.

Stohlquist’s Fisherman PFD offers a raised foam back so that it doesn’t interfere with a fishing kayak’s high seat back. Huge platform pockets in the front allow for tool storage and provide a convenient work platform.

GOPC staff is ready, willing, and able to help you custom design your kayak fishing experience. Once you’ve selected the boat that’s right for you, we can add a variety rod holders from Scotty’s or RAM, anchor trolleys, or other accessories. Come on in to any of our seven local shops to see what all the fuss is about. We guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Written By: Chad Pickens, Manager at Chapel Hill GOPC

Sarah Wilson in the Smokies

Fall is a beautiful time of the year to be outside and catching the peak of our state’s leaf change is a highlight. Howard S. Neufeld, biology professor at Appalachian State University, has been forecasting the leaf change cycle for years. Dr. Neufeld is the North Carolina Division of Tourism’s official “Fall Color Guy” and provides his predictions on autumn glory at http://biology.appstate.edu/fall-colors/fall-color-week-october-9-2011 Dr. Neufeld says,

“There is still plenty of color throughout the mountains which should persist through next weekend. In fact, some areas haven’t yet peaked, and this coming weekend should be their time to show off. This year has been a real guessing game with respect to how brilliant and intense the colors will be, but based on the drive I took on Saturday, I’d say this year’s colors rank 9 on a scale of 10, where 10 is the best it can be. So, if you want to see some great fall foliage, this is the year to do it!”

So to help you plan your trip our staff has the following suggestions where you are sure to find autumn’s blaze of glory.

1) Grandfather Mountain State Park – Check out the colors at their peak!

2) Hanging Rock State Park – Sourwoods and Black Gums are among the first trees to change.

3) Wiseman’s View at Linville Gorge – The Grand Canyon of North Carolina

4) Nantahala National Forest – Be sure to drive along Cherohala Scenic Byway

5) Shining Rock Wilderness Area – The Art Loeb Trail is a great Hike

If you have questions about where and how to reach any of these destinations please talk to us @TrustyGOPC or contact one of our local shops.

Enjoy this wonderful Fall!

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

by Ward Swann, Winston-Salem Staff

Tired of swimming for your anchor in rocky water? Tie the anchor rope to the bottom of the anchor and “wire tie” the rope to the top. In normal functions there is no difference to what you usually do with the anchor. When it gets stuck pull the rope hard enough to break the wire tie and the anchor “backs” out of the sticky spot. This way you spend less time swimming for anchors and more time fishing!

Sarah Wilson in the Smokies

Fall is a beautiful time of the year to be outside and catching the peak of our state’s leaf change is a highlight. Howard S. Neufeld, biology professor at Appalachian State University, has been forecasting the leaf change cycle for years. Dr. Neufeld is the North Carolina Division of Tourism’s official “Fall Color Guy” and provides his predictions on autumn glory at http://biology.appstate.edu/fall-colors/fall-color-week-october-9-2011 Dr. Neufeld says,

“There is still plenty of color throughout the mountains which should persist through next weekend. In fact, some areas haven’t yet peaked, and this coming weekend should be their time to show off. This year has been a real guessing game with respect to how brilliant and intense the colors will be, but based on the drive I took on Saturday, I’d say this year’s colors rank 9 on a scale of 10, where 10 is the best it can be. So, if you want to see some great fall foliage, this is the year to do it!”

So to help you plan your trip our staff has the following suggestions where you are sure to find autumn’s blaze of glory.

1) Grandfather Mountain State Park – Check out the colors at their peak!

2) Hanging Rock State Park – Sourwoods and Black Gums are among the first trees to change.

3) Wiseman’s View at Linville Gorge – The Grand Canyon of North Carolina

4) Nantahala National Forest – Be sure to drive along Cherohala Scenic Byway

5) Shining Rock Wilderness Area – The Art Loeb Trail is a great Hike

If you have questions about where and how to reach any of these destinations please Twitter us @TrustyGOPC or contact one of our local shops.

Enjoy this wonderful Fall!

Ever wonder how sleeping bag comfort ratings are determined? In this video, Marmot techs explain European Norm (EN) 13537 testing methodology.

Check out our selection of Marmot Sleeping Bags.

“I brought you into this world and I can take you out!” once quipped Bill Cosby to his TV son during the hit comedy The Cosby Show (See video below for other great fatherly advice). Father’s Day is Sunday, June 21 – be sure to Take Dad OUT for some outdoor recreation.

Check out these Great Outdoor Gifts for DAD

After graduating from high school, our oldest son is preparing to visit Peru on a mission trip. Prior to departure he is taking another adventure into the world of the Center for Disease Control and the local health department. It was a bit of a learning curve so we thought it would be helpful to share some of the resources.

While swine flu is dominating the headlines, the CDC has us reading about mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria and yellow fever.  We learned a great deal from the local travel-medicine specialists at PassPort Health. They have several offices in the Triangle and can be found at http://www.passporthealthusa.com/triangle.

Some folks throw caution to the wind and consider the risk just part of the adventure. But failing to receive proper immunizations can cost you your health. The vaccinations for our son were just over $200 but we feel that it is money well spent. Below are a few resources that we found helpful in planning to travel abroad. Feel free to call our shops and ask one of our staff for more information.

• www.cdc.gov/travel
• www.passporthealthusa.com
• World Disease Map (PDF)

Call 1-877-7-CAMP-NC or select a park at www.ncparks.gov. Online and call center reservations can ONLY be made for July 15 and thereafter.

Visitors can continue to make reservations for week-long stays and Falls, Jordan and Kerr lakes for arrival dates of July 14 and earlier by calling or visiting the park. Reservations also can be made for picnic shelters and community buildings at most parks for arrival dates of July 14 and earlier by calling or visiting the park.