Ryan Matylewicz is more than just a tournament angler—he’s a proven winner with a full plate outside of fishing. From building a successful excavation company from the ground up to stacking trophies on the tournament trail, Ryan has found a way to balance business, family, and elite-level kayak bass fishing.In this episode of The Kayak Cafe Podcast, we dive into what it really takes to compete—and win—at the highest level while managing real-life responsibilities.Ryan breaks down:His recent Bassmaster Kayak Series win in FloridaHow he competes against top anglers on unfamiliar watersThe mindset behind consistent tournament successBalancing fishing with running a growing excavation businessThe role of forward-facing sonar, mapping, and fish behaviorWhy keeping an open mind is the key to getting betterFrom grinding all day on the water to grinding it out in business, this episode is about discipline, adaptability, and doing whatever it takes to win.If you’ve ever wondered how top anglers make it happen without fishing full-time, this is the episode you need to hear.👉 “The biggest thing is just keeping an open mind… I’ll learn from anybody.”🎣 Subscribe for more episodes:📩 Want to partner with USA Kayak Fishing Magazine?Drop us a message or visit: www.USAKayakFishingMagazine.com

In this episode of The Kayak Cafe Podcast, we sit down with Chris Biddle and David Hall of Relaxed Retreat in Summerton, South Carolina, to explore what’s turning this hidden gem into one of the most talked-about destinations in the kayak fishing world.We dive into what makes Relaxed Retreat the perfect location for kayaking, fishing, relaxing, and unplugging from the everyday grind. From its strategic location near some of the best fisheries in the region to the laid-back atmosphere that welcomes anglers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts alike, Chris and David break down how they’ve created an experience that goes far beyond just a place to stay.Chris and David share the story behind their decision to take on the challenge of reshaping the public perception of the property, and how they’ve committed to elevating customer service to a level that truly stands out in the outdoor hospitality space. We talk about the improvements they’ve made, the vision they’re building toward, and what guests can expect when they arrive.For anglers planning their next trip, families looking for a peaceful getaway, or anyone interested in building something meaningful in the outdoor industry, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to turn a property into a destination.Whether you're chasing fish, content, or just a reset, Relaxed Retreat is proving to be more than a stop along the way—it’s becoming part of the story.

The Kayak Cafe Podcast: Episode 65 featuring Armando Solas — sharing the journey from a baggage worker in Puerto Rico to building a voice in the kayak fishing world through Bass, Kayak, and Beers.In this episode, Armando dives into his path from humble beginnings to carving out a space in the fishing community in Dallas, Texas. He shares how passion, persistence, and a love for the water led him to launch his own podcast, compete in tournaments, and connect with anglers across the country. This is a story about growth, grit, and staying true to what you love—no matter where you start.We talk about the transition from Puerto Rico to the mainland, the challenges of starting over, and how fishing became both an outlet and an opportunity. From building a brand to chasing fish on tournament day, Armando gives a real look at what it takes to create your own lane in the kayak fishing world.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:🎣 Armando’s journey from Puerto Rico to Dallas🎙️ The story behind Bass, Kayak, and Beers🏆 Getting into kayak fishing tournaments and growing as an angler🧠 Mindset shifts that helped him build something of his own🛶 Balancing passion, content creation, and competition🔥 Lessons learned from the water and life along the wayIf you’re chasing a dream, building something from the ground up, or just love hearing real stories from passionate anglers, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more episodes of The Kayak Cafe Podcast!

The Kayak Cafe Podcast: Episode 64 featuring Jarrod Kalinowski — breaking down the world of smallmouth bass fishing and the competitive kayak tournament scene.In this episode, Jarrod shares his experience chasing smallmouth in a variety of conditions, what separates consistent anglers from the rest of the field, and how the tournament landscape is evolving for kayak anglers across the country. Whether you're fishing rivers, lakes, or preparing for your next event, this conversation is packed with insight you can apply on the water.We dive into strategy, mindset, gear considerations, and what it really takes to compete at a high level in today’s kayak fishing tournaments.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:🎣 Smallmouth bass fishing techniques and patterns🏆 How the kayak tournament scene is growing🧠 Mental approach to competitive fishing🛶 Gear setups and on-the-water adjustments📈 What it takes to stay competitive in tournaments🔥 Stories and lessons from the tournament trailIf you’re serious about kayak fishing, smallmouth bass, and tournament competition, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more episodes of The Kayak Cafe Podcast!

The Kayak Cafe Podcast: Featuring John Bledsoe – Creator of the CoAngler App 🎣☕Kayak fishing tournaments, fishing apps, and the future of competitive angling take center stage in this episode of The Kayak Cafe Podcast as we sit down with John Bledsoe, the mind behind the CoAngler app.John shares his journey from angler to innovator, how his experiences on the water led to building one of the most impactful tournament platforms in fishing, and what the future holds for anglers, directors, and the sport as a whole.In this episode, we cover:* John Bledsoe’s background in fishing and tournament angling* The origin story of the CoAngler app* How technology is reshaping kayak fishing tournaments* The challenges of building a fishing app from scratch* What tournament directors and anglers need moving forward* The future of competitive kayak fishing and digital platformsWhether you're a kayak angler, tournament competitor, or just curious about how technology is changing the fishing industry, this episode is packed with insight you won’t want to miss.**🔥 Follow & Connect:**🌐 USA Kayak Fishing Magazine: [https://www.usakayakfishingmagazine.com](https://www.usakayakfishingmagazine.com)🎙️ The Kayak Cafe Podcast📸 Follow us on social for more kayak fishing content

In this episode of The Kayak Cafe Podcast, we sit down with Donnie Cass, a seasoned bass angler and custom bait maker, and the founder of Game Changer Baits. We dive deep into bass fishing, custom bait making, lure design, and what it takes to start and maintain a successful bait-making business in the fishing industry.

Donnie shares where his fishing journey began, the lessons he learned on the water, and how decades of bass fishing experience led him to start designing and producing his own baits. We also discuss the evolution of bass fishing, the changes in technology, and how the fishing industry has transformed over the years.

For anglers interested in making their own fishing lures or starting a bait business, Donnie explains the process behind developing baits that consistently catch fish, the trial and error involved in lure design, and what separates a good bait from a truly great one.

We also talk about the story behind Game Changer Baits, the challenges of launching a fishing brand, and what it takes to build and maintain a company in the highly competitive fishing tackle industry.

Whether you're a bass angler, kayak fisherman, lure builder, or someone interested in starting a fishing business, this episode offers valuable insight from someone who has lived it.

Topics covered in this episode include:

• Bass fishing techniques and experience from a seasoned angler
• How Donnie Cass got started fishing
• Changes in the bass fishing industry over the years
• Custom bait making and lure design
• What makes a fishing bait effective
• Trial and error in developing fishing lures
• Starting and growing a bait-making business
• The creation of Game Changer Baits
• Advice for anglers and aspiring bait makers

If you enjoy bass fishing, kayak fishing, lure building, and fishing industry stories, this episode is packed with insight and experience from the water.

🎣 Learn more about Game Changer Baits:
https://www.gamechangerbait.com/

Kayak Fishing | Catfishing | Kayak Catfishing Tips with Carrie Emerson 🎣☕In Episode 61 of The Kayak Cafe Podcast, we sit down with kayak angler and catfish specialist Carrie Emerson to talk about kayak fishing, catfishing techniques, and building a name in the outdoor fishing industry.Carrie shares her journey into kayak catfishing, the challenges she has faced along the way, and how she has built success on the water through persistence, skill, and a passion for fishing. Whether you're interested in catching catfish from a kayak, improving your fishing strategy, or learning how anglers grow in the outdoor industry, this conversation is packed with insight.We also dive into the gear and mindset Carrie uses to stay successful, what success truly looks like in the fishing world, and where she sees her future in the sport of kayak fishing and catfishing.If you love fishing podcasts, kayak fishing tips, catfishing techniques, and real conversations with anglers, this episode is for you.In this episode, we discuss:• How Carrie Emerson got started in fishing and kayak fishing• The rise of kayak catfishing• Challenges women face in the outdoor fishing industry• Catfishing strategies and techniques from a kayak• The gear and setup Carrie uses to be successful• What success really means in the fishing world• The future of kayak fishing and catfishingThe Kayak Cafe Podcast brings anglers, guides, industry insiders, and outdoor personalities together to share stories, strategies, and real experiences from the water.Subscribe for more kayak fishing podcasts, fishing interviews, catfishing tips, and outdoor conversations.#kayakfishing #catfishing #kayakcatfishing #fishingpodcast #fishingtips #catfish #kayakangler #fishinglife #kayaklife #outdoors

Built Different. No Excuses. Just Forward. | Terry Colley “The Outdoor Amputee” 🎣☕In Episode 60 of The Kayak Café Podcast, we sit down with Terry Colley — better known as The Outdoor Amputee — for one of the most powerful conversations we’ve had on this show.This isn’t just about fishing.It’s about mindset.Terry shares his journey from his early fishing beginnings to the life-changing challenges that could have sidelined him for good — but didn’t. Instead of accepting limitations, he chose to redefine them.We dive into:• How fishing first shaped his identity• The moment everything changed — and the decision that followed• Why your biggest limitations are often mental, not physical• The mindset shift that keeps him moving forward• The role of faith, grit, and purpose in hard seasons• How he adapts gear and techniques to stay on the water• His mission is to help other outdoorsmen and women access adaptive equipment• The importance of community in overcoming adversity• What most people misunderstand about disability and capabilityTerry isn’t asking for sympathy.He’s building solutions.Through advocacy and action, he’s helping other outdoorspeople get the adaptive devices they need so they can experience nature, independence, and confidence again.This episode challenges the narrative of “I can’t.”It’s about pushing past self-imposed ceilings.It’s about choosing growth.It’s about redefining what’s possible.Whether you’re an angler, an outdoor enthusiast, or someone navigating your own obstacles, this conversation will hit home.Grab a cup of coffee and settle in — this one is about resilience, purpose, and proving that the only real limits are the ones we accept.⁠USA Kayak Fishing Magazine

No Electronics. No Motor. Just Skill. | Kayak Bass & Catfish with Chris Platts 🎣☕In this episode of The Kayak Café Podcast, we sit down with South Carolina hammer Chris Platts — a full-time guide who proves you don’t need graphs, forward-facing sonar, or motors to consistently catch giant bass and hard-pulling catfish.Chris has built a reputation the old-school way: reading water, understanding seasonal patterns, trusting instincts, and putting in the work.We dive into:His no electronics, no motor kayak fishing styleWhy simplicity makes him more efficient on the waterBig bass and catfish guiding stories from South CarolinaThe mental side of guiding clientsLessons learned from tough days (and unforgettable ones)His connection with Relaxed Retreat and why it’s becoming a must-visit destination for kayak anglersWhat most anglers get wrong about fishing shallow waterIf you’ve ever wondered whether technology is helping or hurting your fishing… this conversation might challenge your thinking.Chris breaks down how confidence, pattern recognition, and time on the water beat fancy gear every time.Whether you're a tournament angler, a weekend warrior, or someone who just loves pure kayak fishing, this episode is packed with experience, strategy, and real-world stories from the South Carolina waters.Grab a cup of coffee and settle in — this one is about keeping it simple and catching giants.

USA Kayak Fishing Magazine

n this episode of The Kayak Café, we sit down with Steve Billington, the creative force behind Trash Panda Decals, to talk about something every angler cares about—identity. From custom kayak decals and tournament numbers to full-blown brand builds, Steve shares how a simple idea turned into a trusted name in the kayak fishing community.We dive into how Trash Panda Decals got started, what it takes to design graphics that actually stand out on the water, and why branding matters more than most anglers realize. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, tournament competitor, or building your own outdoor brand, Steve breaks down the mindset behind clean design, durable materials, and creating a look that tells your story before you ever make a cast.We also discuss the evolution of kayak fishing culture, how small businesses can grow within tight-knit outdoor communities, and why authenticity beats flashy marketing every time. From creative process and customer relationships to lessons learned through trial and error, this conversation is packed with insight for anglers and entrepreneurs alike.If you’ve ever thought about upgrading your kayak’s look, building a brand around your name, or supporting the small businesses that fuel this sport, we think you’ll enjoy this one.Grab a cup of coffee and pull up a chair. This is The Kayak Café. ☕🎣TheKayakCafe.com