Kayak bass explosion

Growing sport has changed at least one angler’s life path

The rise in popularity of bass fishing from a kayak is due in great part to the efforts and promotions of another kayak bass angler and friend of Karl Hudson, Chad Hoover of Hendersonville, Tenn.

Hoover’s infatuation with fishing from a plastic boat started when he was stationed in the U.S. Navy in Corpus Christi, Texas. Hoover witnessed saltwater anglers (paddling from the beach to set out) shark baits off the beach and wondered why not just fish from the boat itself.

It was an epiphany for the angler, who had learned to fish on the backwater sloughs of his native Louisiana where he knew such a small, easily portable boat could deliver him to some big bass that rarely, if ever, saw a lure.

Boy, was he right, and his success led him in a new career direction after his retirement from the Navy.

Hoover threw all his efforts behind the growing sport, writing the book Kayak Bass Fishing, launching the website www.kayakbassfishing.com and starring in his own television show Kayak Bassin’ which airs on World Fishing Network (WFN).

Like every beginning kayak angler, Hoover learned the ins and outs of bass fishing from a kayak one step at a time.

“Initially, I carried one small box, a couple bags of plastics and a film canister with terminal tackle,” said Hoover. “From there, I evolved into a floating tackle store and have slowly transitioned to a more manageable middle ground. I think we’re all fearful that we will leave the hot lure at home or run out of a favorite color.”

A pro staff member for Wilderness Systems, Hoover suggested that anglers interested in getting started in the sport seek out the best fit for themselves, both in selecting a particular boat and getting it rigged up for bass fishing.

“If you’re just getting started, I would suggest visiting kayak fishing forums or pro shops and pouring over photos for ideas,” Hoover said. “Finding the right boat and rigging should be something that evolves, not something that just happens.

“Make sure an item will fit your fishing style and environment before adding it to your arsenal. Rod management, a gear/tackle bag and a kayak fishing specific PFD (personal flotation device) are all key elements of my system.”

Hoover’s latest move in the kayak fishing world is an online and physical retail store, HOOK 1 in Henderson, with hopes of franchising. His store specializes in kayak fishing gear, providing quality kayak fishing products, expert advice, along with user-friendly customer service.

“I have been very blessed in this sport,” Hoover said. “With the community and friendships that we have developed on KayakBassFishing.com and the TV show, and the opportunity to interact with anglers from all over the world through HOOK 1, I get immersed in kayak fishing all day every day. To say I am excited about the future of this sport would be a gross understatement.”