Loving fishing is one thing. Building a pro fishing league from the ground up? That’s a whole different challenge.Tomorrow night on The Kayak Cafe, we’re joined by Chris Castro of Next Level Fishing TV and creator of the Next Level Fishing (NLF) Pro League to talk about the passion, risks, and hard work behind bringing his vision to life.We’ll get to know the angler behind the league—what got Chris hooked on fishing, where the idea for NLF began, and what it takes to turn an ambitious idea into actual events. From the struggles behind the scenes to the successes that make it worthwhile, we’re digging into the side of building a league that you don’t always see.And of course, we’re swapping fishing stories! Hear stories from past NLF events and get a look at what’s ahead, including plans for a merchandise store, a podcast, and more.Join us live, bring your questions, and meet the man working to take Next Level Fishing even further.

We're sitting down with Mandie Adams, better known as Kayak Bass Chick, for a conversation that goes well beyond catching fish.Mandie is a kayak angler, content creator, and professional photographer who isn't afraid to show the good, the bad, and the sometimes frustrating reality of learning and competing from a kayak. Her shorts have documented everything from successful days on the water to the struggles that most anglers would probably rather leave on the cutting-room floor.We'll talk about her journey into kayak fishing, tournament fishing, creating content, and how her background as a professional photographer influences the way she captures and tells stories from the water.We're also going to get into one of her videos that generated plenty of conversation: practicing deep-water kayak reentry. While many people recognized the importance of actually practicing what to do when things go wrong, others weren't shy about criticizing her technique, experience, and safety equipment.How do you handle criticism when you're learning in front of thousands of people? Where is the line between legitimate safety advice and social-media pile-ons? And should more kayak anglers actually be practicing capsizing and reentry instead of simply assuming they'll know what to do when it happens?We'll also talk fishing, kayaks, gear, tournaments, photography, social media, being a woman in the kayak fishing community, and plenty more.This should be a fun one — and probably a little unfiltered.
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We sit down with Joe Drowns for a conversation about kayak fishing, competition, community, and the impact anglers can have beyond the water.We start by getting to know Joe—his background, how he found his way into kayak fishing, and what eventually pulled him into the tournament scene. We talk about his experiences competing, the lessons he's learned along the way, and his perspective on the continued growth and evolution of competitive kayak fishing.A major part of the conversation focuses on Heroes on the Water and Joe's involvement with the organization. We discuss what HOW does for veterans, first responders, active-duty military members, and their families, why the mission matters to him, and the role kayak fishing can play in building community and creating meaningful experiences on the water.But that's only part of the story.Joe and Roy cover everything from tournament fishing and the kayak community to volunteering, giving back, lessons learned on the water, and where he sees the sport heading next.In Episode 84, we discuss:🎣 Who Joe Drowns is and his journey into kayak fishing🇺🇸 His involvement with Heroes on the Water🤝 The importance of volunteering and giving back🏆 Joe's experiences in the kayak tournament scene🛶 The kayak fishing community and how it continues to evolve💭 Lessons learned through fishing and competition🔥 The future of kayak fishing—and much moreWhether you're a tournament angler, recreational kayak fisherman, supporter of Heroes on the Water, or simply someone who believes fishing can bring people together, this is a conversation worth catching.👍 Like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share Episode 84 with another angler.The Kayak Cafe is presented by USA Kayak Fishing Magazine, bringing you the people, stories, products, organizations, and conversations shaping kayak fishing across the country.#KayakCafe #JoeDrowns #HeroesOnTheWater #KayakFishing #TournamentFishing #KayakBassFishing #USAKayakFishing #USAKFM #FishingPodcast #Veterans #FishingCommunity

Is Tournament iQ the future of kayak fishing tournaments?On The Kayak Cafe Podcast, Episode 83, we sit down with Karl Wynn, founder of the Chesapeake Reel Masters and creator of the Tournament iQ app, to talk about his journey in competitive fishing, building a tournament community, and why he decided it was time to create something new for tournament anglers and directors.We’ll get to know Karl, hear the story behind Chesapeake Reel Masters, and dive into the idea and vision behind Tournament iQ. What problem was he trying to solve? What makes Tournament iQ different? And where does he see the platform fitting into the future of competitive kayak fishing?We’ll also talk about the challenges tournament directors face, what anglers really want from tournament platforms, growing local fishing communities, and how technology could continue changing the way we compete on the water.Whether you’re a tournament angler, tournament director, club organizer, or simply someone who follows competitive kayak fishing, this is a conversation you’ll want to catch.🎣 In this episode:• Meet Karl Wynn and hear his story• The Chesapeake Reel Masters community• Why Karl created Tournament iQ• Problems facing tournament anglers and directors• What Tournament iQ brings to competitive fishing• Technology and the future of kayak fishing tournaments• What’s next for Tournament iQJoin us LIVE, bring your questions, and be part of the conversation.Kayak Cafe Ep. 83 | Tournament iQ: Is This the Future of Kayak Fishing Tournaments?#KayakFishing #TournamentFishing #TournamentIQ #KayakBassFishing #CompetitiveFishing #KayakFishingTournament #TheKayakCafe #ChesapeakeReelMasters

🚨 How does a company become one of the fastest-growing names in the kayak industry?

This week on The Kayak Cafe Podcast, we sit down with James Faught, the driving force behind Midwest Kayak Company, to discuss the journey of building one of the fastest-growing outdoor businesses in the United States.

Whether you're a kayak angler, paddler, outdoor enthusiast, or aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with insight into what it takes to grow a successful brand in today's competitive outdoor industry.

In this episode, we'll cover:

The story behind Midwest Kayak Company

How James Faught got started in the outdoor industry

The challenges of building a rapidly growing kayak business

What makes Midwest Kayak Company different from the competition

Trends shaping the future of kayaking and kayak fishing

Advice for entrepreneurs looking to enter the outdoor market

The products, innovations, and vision driving the company's success

What's next for Midwest Kayak Company

We'll also discuss the state of the kayak industry, the importance of customer relationships, and why independent outdoor businesses continue to make a major impact on the paddlesports community.

If you enjoy kayak fishing, kayak camping, paddlesports, outdoor gear, business success stories, and interviews with industry leaders, you won't want to miss this episode.

👍 Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of The Kayak Cafe Podcast, brought to you by USA Kayak Fishing Magazine.

Guest: James Faught

Company: Midwest Kayak Company

#KayakFishing #Kayak #Paddling #KayakLife #OutdoorIndustry #Fishing #KayakFishingPodcast #TheKayakCafe #USAKayakFishingMagazine #MidwestKayakCompany #KayakGear #OutdoorBusiness #Entrepreneur #FishingLife #Kayaking

Our First Time at ICAST 2026 with Terry Colley (The Outdoor Amputee)What is it really like to attend ICAST, the world's largest sportfishing trade show?In this episode of The Kayak Cafe Podcast, Roy Widgeon is joined by Terry Colley, The Outdoor Amputee, as they look back on their very first trip to ICAST 2026. From walking miles of booths packed with the newest fishing gear to meeting some of the biggest names in the fishing industry, they share an honest recap of an unforgettable experience.This isn't just a highlight reel. We're diving into the lessons we learned, the mistakes we made, what surprised us the most, and what we'll do differently the next time we attend. If you've ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at ICAST—or if you're planning to attend a major fishing event yourself—this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world insights.In this episode:🎣 Our first impressions of ICAST 2026🎣 The biggest lessons we learned🎣 What we wish someone had told us beforehand🎣 Tips for creators, media, and industry professionals attending ICAST🎣 The best products and companies that caught our attention🎣 How the experience will change the future of USA Kayak Fishing Magazine and The Kayak Cafe PodcastWhether you're a kayak angler, tournament fisherman, content creator, or simply love seeing the latest innovations in fishing, this episode gives you an inside look at the biggest fishing industry event in the world.👍 If you enjoy the episode, please LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE. Your support helps us continue bringing you the best stories, interviews, and innovations from the kayak fishing community.#KayakFishing #ICAST2026 #FishingPodcast #TheKayakCafe #OutdoorAmputee #FishingIndustry #NewFishingGear #FishingLife #KayakAngler #USAKayakFishing

What do graffiti art, military service, custom-painted fishing lures, kayak design, and tournament bass fishing have in common? Josh "MEK" Evans.In Episode 80 of The Kayak Cafe Podcast, we sit down with one of the most respected voices in kayak fishing to explore the journey that shaped his career. Josh shares the story behind his nickname "MEK," his years helping develop kayaks at Jackson Kayak, why he chose NuCanoe, and how his passion for custom bait painting became MEK's Custom Baits.We also dive into the evolution of competitive kayak fishing, sponsorships, tournament trails, safety on the water, and the lessons he's learned after more than a decade competing at the highest level. Josh even recounts the terrifying tournament accident that nearly cost him his life—and why every kayak angler should take safety seriously.Whether you're a tournament angler, a weekend fisherman, or simply love hearing the stories behind the people shaping our sport, this is an episode you won't want to miss.In this episode:The origin of the nickname "MEK"Army veteran to professional kayak anglerHelping design fishing kayaksWhy he left Jackson KayakChoosing NuCanoeThe art behind Mech's Custom BaitsTournament fishing lessonsSponsorship adviceKayak safetyThe future of kayak fishingIf you enjoy the episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with another kayak angler.

Drew Gregory on ICAST 2026, Kayak Fishing Success & Building Industry Relationships | The Kayak CafeWhat does it take to become one of the most recognizable names in kayak fishing?This week on The Kayak Cafe, we're joined by Drew Gregory for an in-depth conversation about the journey that transformed a passionate angler into one of the sport's most respected competitors, innovators, and ambassadors.We explore Drew's path into fishing, the experiences that shaped his career, and how collaboration, authenticity, and strong relationships have helped him succeed both on and off the water. Whether you're interested in tournament fishing, outdoor media, content creation, or growing a career in the fishing industry, Drew shares valuable insights that apply far beyond kayak fishing.With ICAST 2026 just around the corner, we also discuss what it takes to earn a place at the world's largest recreational fishing trade show, why ICAST is so important to manufacturers and media, and some of the exciting projects, product launches, and collaborations Drew will be involved with during the event.In this episode, you'll learn:How Drew Gregory got started in fishing and kayak fishingThe mindset that helped him build a successful careerWhy collaboration is essential in the outdoor industryHow networking creates opportunities in fishingWhat it's like to attend ICAST as an industry professionalWhat to watch for at ICAST 2026Advice for anglers, creators, and aspiring outdoor professionalsIf you're passionate about kayak fishing, bass fishing, the fishing industry, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind successful people in the outdoors, this is an episode you won't want to miss.👍 Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of The Kayak Cafe.#KayakFishing #DrewGregory #ICAST2026 #BassFishing #FishingPodcast #TheKayakCafe #TournamentFishing #OutdoorIndustry #FishingLife #KayakBassFishing

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This week on The Kayak Cafe, we're sitting down with Ty Adams Jr., better known to many as @BassAndFurious. A Virginia-based tournament kayak bass angler, content creator, musician, husband, father, and man of faith, Ty has built a reputation for bringing authenticity to everything he does—both on and off the water.We'll dive into Ty's journey into competitive kayak fishing, what drives him to continue competing, and how he balances tournament life with being a devoted dad and putting God first in everything he does. We'll also discuss the story behind the Bass & Furious brand, creating content in today's fishing industry, building relationships with sponsors, and what it really takes to grow as both an angler and a creator.Whether you're a seasoned tournament angler, just getting started in kayak fishing, or simply enjoy hearing inspiring stories from people who are passionate about the outdoors, this is an episode you won't want to miss.We'll Cover:🎣 Ty's journey into kayak fishing🏆 Tournament successes and lessons learned📱 Building the Bass & Furious brand👨‍👧 Fatherhood and balancing family life🙏 Keeping God first through life's challenges🎵 How music has shaped his journey🤝 Working with sponsors and creating authentic content🚀 What's next for Ty AdamsJoin us live, ask your questions in the chat, and get to know the man behind one of Virginia's most recognizable kayak fishing brands.☕ Grab your favorite drink, pull up a chair, and join us around The Kayak Cafe!

USA Kayak Fishing Magazine

The Kayak Cafe Podcast Episode 76 welcomes Joe Cittadino for an honest and inspiring conversation about kayak fishing, competition, family, faith, and perseverance.Joe may have only been fishing for three years—with the last two and a half spent chasing bass from a kayak—but he's already made a significant impact on the kayak fishing community. As he enters his third tournament season, Joe has competed consistently at the regional and state levels, ventured into national events, and recently stepped into a leadership role as one of the Tournament Directors for the West Tennessee Bass Yakkers, the largest grassroots kayak fishing club in Tennessee.Tonight, we'll dive into Joe's story: where he's from, how he discovered fishing, what motivated him to jump into tournaments so quickly, and what continues to drive him to improve every time he hits the water. We'll also discuss why the community means more to him than the competition and how fishing helps keep him grounded while balancing a demanding career that keeps him on the road two weeks out of every month.One of the most meaningful parts of this conversation will be a topic that both Joe and I share firsthand experience with—the perception of being a bigger angler in the kayak fishing world. Joe isn't afraid to address the challenges, stereotypes, and online criticism that sometimes come with it. After losing nearly 200 pounds to make kayak fishing a reality, he's proving every day that determination matters far more than size. His journey is a testament to resilience, hard work, and refusing to let others define what you're capable of accomplishing.We'll also talk about family, faith, friendship, fishing with the love of his life, tournament strategy, learning from every trip on the water, and why the pursuit of knowledge never stops for a competitive angler.Whether you're a tournament angler, a weekend fisherman, someone on your own fitness journey, or simply looking for a story of perseverance and passion, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Join us live and be part of the conversation!