National Prostaff Team
The Bending Branches National ProStaff team is our most prestigious team, and widely considered the most elite and influential team in paddle brands today. They are a group of accomplished anglers and paddlers from around the world who value the difference a good paddle can make out on the water. They are leaders in their sport and some of the most knowledgeable anglers and paddlers, a trusted source you can rely on.

Ashley Bredemus
Hometown: Grand Marais, MN
Canoeing

During the off-season, I write a blog called The Cabin Season where I write about life in the great outdoors as an outdoorswoman. In every season, I'm inspired to share the experience of learning hard skills like paddling a canoe or building a campfire in order to help others cultivate soft skills like self-confidence, inner peace, and connection to others and Earth. Penny Catalyst ST Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness https://www.instagram.com/ashleybredemus/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCesrl693NK6NNol6TTSrJYA http://thecabinseason.com/
Ashley Bredemus

Bill Schultz
Hometown: New Berlin, WI
(Part-Time Sturgeon Bay, WI)
Kayak Fishing

(Part-Time Sturgeon Bay, WI) Like many, I was introduced to fishing as a youngster by my Dad. Also, like many, I drifted away from it until 30 years ago when I was again bitten by the fishing bug in 1992. For the past 30 years my fishing has grown into a passion for catching and releasing Smallmouth Bass. I caught my first smallie in 1994 and have caught and released 27,000 since. My time on the water is much more enjoyable and efficient using the incredible Bending Branches paddles I am grateful to be using.
Accomplishments/Experience
• 110 seminars at 90 Sports Shows/Events, along with numerous talks at fishing clubs with total attendance of close to 10,000.
• Written dozens of feature articles since 1999 for outdoors magazines and web sites on smallmouth bass, kayak fishing and fishing in general.
• Featured in over 25 articles for magazines, web sites and newspapers.
• Appeared a guest on a variety of podcasts, TV, and radio programs.
• Member of 15 National Pro Staffs. Angler Pro Carbon Smaller lakes and rivers in Wisconsin Big waters of Green Bay and Lake Michigan in Door County/Sturgeon Bay, WI https://www.facebook.com/BillSchultz1951
Bill Schultz

Brandon Born
Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia
Canoeing

I quickly gained success with my landscapes and have had photographs published by National Geographic, Travel Alberta and Matador Network. My portfolio now includes photos from all around the world, having traveled to 38 states and 20 countries. With all the traveling, still, my favorite locations to shoot are close to home in Alberta. Currently, I am working as a ski patroller in the winter and an outdoor guide and Camp Nakamun in the summer. My guiding includes hiking, climbing, wilderness skills, instructing canoeing and paddling.
Accomplishments/Experience
-National Geographic feature in 2013, 2016 and 2017
-Diploma in Outdoor Leadership
-Paddle Canada Instructor.
-Canadian Avalanche Association Profession candidate
-Wilderness First Responder
-Swift Water Rescue Technician Level 4 Sunburst ST Chilliwack River You owe me a drink before I give that info up https://www.instagram.com/brandonborn/
Brandon Born

Brandon Mayes
Hometown: Wylie, TX
Kayak Fishing

Being 7ft tall, it’s highly unlikely to see another guy with my stature in a kayak, I’ve been dubbed the “tallest kayak angler in the world” and getting started in kayaking wasn’t the easiest for me. I tried a cheap kayak that belonged to my wife and that almost ended my kayaking journey before it started (I sank it) LOL. But nonetheless I did some research and stayed course to find the right platform for me. It’s been a crazy adventure ever since.
My fishing style is all over the place. It incorporates all aspects of angling, from conventional, to Big swimbait fishing, even over to fly fishing fresh and salt water. While I consider myself to be an adventure-based angler, I also fish competitively. Along with that I film and share my experiences with the world via social media and YouTube! That Bass Fishing Dude https://www.instagram.com/_thatbassfishingdude_/ https://www.facebook.com/ThatBassFishingDude/ https://www.youtube.com/@ThatBassFishingDude https://thatbassfishingdude.com/
Brandon Mayes

Chris Funk
Hometown: Phenix City, AL
Kayak Fishing

Accomplishments/Experience
-Published and award winning outdoor photographer
-Fishes and photographs all over the southeast
-Jackson Kayak prostaff
-YakAngler prostaff
-Outside World Columbus fishing team
-Supports and volunteers with Paddle4Tomorrow to get people with special needs out for a day on the water Feral One Angler Pro Chattahoochee River https://www.instagram.com/feral_one_photography/ https://www.facebook.com/chris.funk.52 https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisFunktheFeralOne/videos http://www.flickr.com/photos/feral-one/
Chris Funk

Courtney Bennett
Hometown: McMinnville, TN
Kayak Fishing

I started fishing at an early age with my grandfather. After school, he would drive to my parents house on a small lake where he would fish with me by his side. He would always bring me a purple colored plastic worm because he knew I was afraid of live bait. I still carry a purple worm in my tackle bag today just for him. I think my grandfather would have thought it was really awesome that I kept on fishing even after he passed away. He wanted me to know how to do things, not just girl stuff. He made me learn how to drive a truck in the hay field, shoot a rifle, and he instilled in me the importance of selflessness.
Today, I serve as a district administrator for a large school system in Tennessee. I have taught in the classroom, coached golf, and serves at-risk youth by sponsoring an annual kayak fishing tournament that uses the proceeds to help fund after school tutoring and provides hot meals.
In the spring of 2020, I started a group called the Tennessee Women Kayak Anglers. The group helps teach women the basics of being a kayak angler. A lot of women are interested in kayak fishing, so the group gives them a place to ask questions and learn in a positive environment.
My husband James, a retired school principal and football coach, and I spend time kayak fishing together as a means to reconnect with nature and decompress.
Although I am not a tournament angler, I pride myself on sharing the importance of river conservation with the youth I work with in my community. If we want our river systems to be here for years to come, we have to teach kids how to respect our waters and our wildlife. CJ Angler Pro Rock Island State Park (TN), Jekyll Island (GA), Panacea (FL) https://www.instagram.com/cjbennettoutdoors/ https://www.facebook.com/cj.bennett10
Courtney Bennett

Craig Dye
Hometown: Holly Springs, GA
Kayak Fishing

In 2013, Jeremy Meier and I started a local kayak tournament series in the Nashville, TN. Kayak Bass Fishing TN was started to introduce new anglers to kayak fishing while still keeping it competitive. In addition, I am heavily involved in a production company called Last Cast Productions. My love of capturing that perfect catch on camera is almost as strong as my love of catching fish.
I am a Pro Staff member for NuCanoe Kayaks, St Croix Rods, Bending Branches Paddles, Westbrook Supply, Raymarine Electronics, Dakota Lithium Batteries and Rogue Fishing.
Accomplishments/Experience
My passion for kayak fishing began as he started chasing bass in the Chattahoochee River in Atlanta, GA in 2008. While in Atlanta, I discovered there were many competitive events I could fish from a kayak, so I started entering tournaments all over the Southeast. I am a 2X Tennessee State Champion, KBF Trail Champion, Riverbassin Trail Champion, Pan AM Kayak Gold Medalist and a proud father of two awesome boys! Geauxfish Angler Pro I like it all! https://www.instagram.com/dyefishing/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDyE6tg2-R9f3Of9_ic8DPg http://www.wildernesssystems.com/us/experience/team/craig-dye
Craig Dye

Dee Kaminski
Hometown: Terra Alta, WV
Kayak Fishing

Accomplishments/Experience
* Native Watercraft Endorsed Fishing Guide
* 12 Fathom Lure Pro Staff
* Edje Joe Pro Staff
* Clenzoil
* Bull Bay Rods Pro Staff
* Astral Designs
* Pro-Cure Bait Scents
* Railblaza
* Tactical Angler Pro Staff
* Writes various articles for local fishing publications
* Successful tournament track record
* Voted 2nd place in Kayak Choice Awards as Kayak Fishing Guide and Angler of the Year in 2011
* Voted 1st place in Kayak Choice Awards as Kayak Fishing Guide of the Year in 2012
* Speaker seminars include the George Poveromo National Seminar Series Dee Angler Pro Plus Alpine Lake Mosquito Lagoon, FL https://www.instagram.com/reelkayakfishing/ https://www.facebook.com/reelkayakfishing http://www.reelkayakfishing.com/
Dee Kaminski

Dennis Kieselhorst
Hometown: Bremen, Germany
Kayak Fishing

I live in Northern Germany and mainly fish for pike, zander and perch, either in my home country or in countries like the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark and many more. After having been the Jackson Kayak Fishing Team Europe Manager for many years, I am now the team leader of the NRS Fishing Team in Europe and I am part of the "Tightline Anchor" Pro Team. I am VP of Product, Sales & Marketing in our own small family business that builds the Buttshield for Fishing Kayaks and I am responsible for Sales & Marketing in Europe for Apex Watercraft.
A great Bending Branches paddle is essential on the water, they are the best paddles in the world! all my adventures on the water! Angler Pro Carbon Plus Sweden https://www.instagram.com/denniskieselhorst/ https://www.facebook.com/dkieselhorst https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCr1Y30BgmgXUDVOisnmdcg/featured http://www.denniskieselhorst.com/
Dennis Kieselhorst

Drew Gregory
Hometown: Kent, OH
Kayak Fishing

Accomplishments
* 2022 Bassmaster Kayak Series Angler of the Year
* 2022 Bassmaster Grand Lake Champion
* 2022 Bassmaster Smith Lake Champion
* 2022 Kayak Bass Fishing Lake Champlain I Champion
* 2022 Kayak Bass Fishing Lake Champlain II Champion
* 2022 Kayak Bass Fishing Lake Champlain PRO SERIES Champion
* 2022 Bassmaster Kayak Series Pickwick Lake Champion
* 2020 Hobie BOS Angler of the Year
* 2020 Hobie BOS Lake Dardanelle Champion
* Average tournament finish (of over 50 national tournaments) is top 9% BasserDrew Angler Pro Plus Ferrule Any river with rapids + bass https://www.instagram.com/drewgregoryfishing/ https://www.facebook.com/hookedonwildwaters https://www.youtube.com/user/RiverBasserDrew https://hookedonwildwaters.com/
Drew Gregory

Duc Tran
Hometown: Arlington, TX
Kayak Fishing

Accomplishments/Experience
I currently run the Mariner Sails Thursday Working Man's tournament and I am also the President and one of the founding members of the North Texas Kayak Championships. We are always out there helping introduce new kayak anglers get into the sport, and helping already skilled ones into the tournament scene.
2nd Place @ Angler's Pro Tackle Spring Shootout
4th Place @ Kayak Bass Series - Lake Fork 2016
Big Bass @ Kayak Bass Series - Lake Fork 2016
24th Place @ Yak4it Tournament of Champions on Lake Fork 2016 Angler Ace Brazos River Lake Fork https://www.instagram.com/superman0311/ https://www.facebook.com/Superman0311?comment_id=Y29tbWVudDoxMDIyNzA1NDAxNzk5ODMwNV8xMDIyNzA1NDA5OTI0MDMzNg%3D%3D http://www.ntxkc.org/
Duc Tran

Eron Dodds
Hometown: Renfrew, ON
Kayak Fishing

Accomplishments/Experience
* Bending Branches National Team
* Jackson Kayak Fishing Team
* Yakattack Regional Team
* Frontenac Outfitters Pro Staff
*Tightline Anchor National Team Leader
* Malone Auto Racks Pro Staff
* Lynac Lithium Technology Pro Staff
* Armored Custom Rods Pro Staff
* Kayak Bass Canada Founder/Director
* Kayak Fishing Life Annual Benefit Event Founder/Director
*Former KAAO Tournament Director
* 2019 'Angler Of the Year'
* 2018 'Angler Of the Year'
* 2017 'Angler Of the Year' Runner-up
Angler Pro Carbon Lanark Back Lakes Ottawa Valley Back Lakes https://www.facebook.com/eron.dodds #
Eron Dodds

Gene Jensen
Hometown: Rome, GA
Kayak Fishing

I've guided on Richmond Mill Lake for 7 years and it was there I learned I loved to teach people to fish. Today I owns and operate multiple social media channels, including my YouTube channel, Flukemaster. I've amassed a gargantuan following of 170,000+ subscribers on YouTube and that number grows every day.
Through social media Gene shares his passion for bass fishing but also teaches others to fish. After all, it his motto: “Teaching the World to Fish”.
My passion and ability to teach others has propelled me to become a commonly known name in the recreational fishing world. This is not because of special marketing or advertising, but simply because I provide value to my following. Flukemaster Angler Pro https://www.instagram.com/flukemaster/ https://www.facebook.com/gene.jensen https://www.youtube.com/user/flukemstr https://www.flukemaster.com/
Gene Jensen

Jameson Redding
Hometown: Ronda, NC
Kayak Fishing

I'm also working full time producing kayak fishing media and two years ago I traveled and fished Northern California to Southern California, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and most of the State of Florida including the Keys. I've been fortunate enough to land many different species from my kayak such as Ling Cod, Calico Bass, Rooster Fish, Bull Redfish, and even a Wahoo off the coast of Pensacola. When not on the water or on the road I can be found working at the Winston Salem Great Outdoor Provision Co. in NC. Angler Pro New River in Virginia and Pensacola, FL https://www.instagram.com/jamesonredding/ https://www.facebook.com/jameson.redding https://www.youtube.com/user/jamesonredding http://jacksonkayak.com/team-jk/kayak-fishing-team/jameson-redding
Jameson Redding

Jason Kincy
Hometown: Rogers, AR
Kayak Fishing

Whether it is fun fishing with others from our local club or fishing competitively in local, regional or national events, kayak fishing is always a rewarding experience. Meeting new people, helping new anglers get started and doing my part to help grow the sport is what I enjoy the most.
Over the past few years I've had many different kayak styles and brands, but only one paddle brand. Bending Branches paddles are made in the USA and are the best of the best. There's never been any reason to use anything else! Angler Pro Beaver, AR Beaver Lake & Bella Vista - Arkansas https://www.instagram.com/kayakfishingfocus/ https://www.facebook.com/kayakfishingfocus https://www.youtube.com/@KayakFishingFocus http://www.kayakfishingfocus.com https://www.tiktok.com/@kayakfishingfocus
Jason Kincy

Jason Schall
Hometown: Charleston, SC
Kayak Fishing

When not competing in tournaments or traveling in pursuit of new species, my wife, Jennifer, and I use our roles as Certified Fishing Instructors to help others enjoy their time on the water through our fishing and kayaking seminars. Angler Pro Ashley River, SC Wherever the fish are biting! https://www.instagram.com/otwschalls/ https://www.facebook.com/OTWSchalls https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPvX_gMpb2NPCS_K8CuezbQ https://www.tiktok.com/@otwschalls
Jason Schall

JD Desrosiers
Hometown: Greenville, SC
Kayak Fishing

I also have a very deep passion for photography and creative writing. I am extremely excited to be a part of and surround by the amazing team at Bending Branches, and I look to help grow their name inside of the industry both on and off the water.
SCDNR Certified Fishing Instructor
Bending Branches, Douglas Outdoors, Yeti, Simms, Sage, Astral, FishPond, Rio, NRS, Txstle, and Smith Optics Pro Teams. Angler Pro Versa Lok Any river in the Southeast https://www.instagram.com/jddesrosiers/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008235332528
JD Desrosiers

Jennifer Schall
Hometown: Charleston, South Carolina
Kayak Fishing

Jennifer Schall

Jerry Hamon
Hometown: Irving, TX
Kayak Fishing

Jerry Hamon

Joey Monteleone
Hometown: Decherd, TN
Kayak Fishing

For years I've been involved in media on radio, TV, magazines and authored three books ((two specifically about fishing) I'LL BE TENNESSEAN YA' & 60 SEASONS:A FISHING GUIDE (available on Amazon and other book stores) For over three decades I've been appearing across the country in boat / outdoor shows and doing seminars at various venues. Angler Pro Carbon All over Tennessee (living on Woods Reservoir)) Stones River https://www.instagram.com/fishinjoey/ https://www.facebook.com/fishinjoey https://illbetennesseanya.com
Joey Monteleone

Justin Hausner
Hometown: Geneva, NY
Kayak Fishing

I founded NYKBF about 10 years ago, and have grown it into one of the premier kayak fishing communities in the northeast. I really enjoy sharing my love with paddling throughout my region, and spend as much time as possible at events and seminars within the Northeast, talking about Kayak Fishing.
I love paddling my Jackson kayaks throughout the state of New York and its many world-class lakes and rivers, and I never go without my Bending Branches paddle. I am proud to be a member of this amazing brands Pro-Staff.
See ya on the water! HAUS Angler Pro - So light you can paddle all day Hemlock Lake, NY Cayuga Lake in the heart of the Finger Lakes...Monsters live there! https://www.instagram.com/american_kayaker/ https://www.facebook.com/justinhausner https://www.youtube.com/@NYKBFpresident https://ww.nykbf.com https://www.tiktok.com/@nykbf_president
Justin Hausner

Raymond Martinez
Hometown: Texas
Kayak Fishing

Fast forward 14 years, and I find myself still immersed in the same passion. I have evolved into a successful tournament and recreational angler, achieving several top 10 finishes. Alongside the countless memorable paddling experiences and cherished friendships, I have had the honor of representing various paddle sport and angling brands such as ( Nucanoe, TempleForkOutfitters, Newport Vessels) Ray Angler Pro Carbon Rivers https://www.instagram.com/ospray_tx/ https://ww.facebook.com/raymond.martinez1401
Raymond Martinez

Rob Wright
Hometown: West Bloomfield, MI
Kayak Fishing

One thing I always stress to others is that a reliable, lightweight, durable paddle is one of the most important tools a paddler/kayak angler can have. I'm proud to represent Bending Branches on and off the water. Angler Ace Siginaw Bay https://www.instagram.com/mitten_state_fishing/
Rob Wright

Roberto Briones
Hometown: Ottawa, Ontario
Kayak Fishing

I started by becoming a member of fishing forums and making friends with people that had boats and took me fishing. I became a sponge. After, I was able to buy my first bass boat, then a second...until I bought my fifth and last one. The tragedy hit and had to sell it and with the little bit of money left I bought my first kayak, becoming immediately "hooked".
I grew the sport in my area by starting a club and organized a series of friendly tournaments. We grew exponentially to over 1000 members. Accomplishments/Experience
2012 PowerTeam Lures Pro Staff
2013 Jackson Kayak Fishing Team
2014 Orion Coolers Pro Staff
2015 St. Croix Rods Pro Staff
2015 Bending Branches Regional Ambassador
2016 Bending Branches National Pro Staff Team Member
2018 Level Six Athlete
2018 YakAttack Regional Director for the Northeast USA/Canada
2016 YakAttack Regional Team Member
2016 First-ever cover picture on Kayak Bass Fishing Magazine 2016 Founded KAAO - Kayak Anglers Association of the Outaouais
2017 NE KFC (North East Kayak Fishing Challenge) Champion
2018 Level Six Athlete
2018 YakAttack Northeast USA/Canada Regional Director
2018 Yak-Power Pro Staff Dr. B Angler Pro Carbon Any serene lake Upper Ottawa River https://www.instagram.com/drboutdoors/ https://www.facebook.com/drboutdoors/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8jrF8dpVSeiQdWIoW3dCjg https://drboutdoors.wordpress.com/
Roberto Briones

Sean Beale
Hometown: Arrowtown, NZ
Canoeing

Sean Beale

Will Copestake
Hometown: Ullapool, Scotland
Canoeing

Perhaps most notably of these was a year long solo circumnavigation of Scotland by kayak and winter ascent of the 282 3000ft peaks known as the Munro mountains, for which was awarded the recognition of Scottish and UK adventurer of the year.
As the owner and co-founder of Kayak Summer Isles (along with BB team member Tim Hamlet) I am lucky to be able to share my passion on the water as a coach and guide.
I', currently leading adventures in Southern Patagonia, aiming to finish my season with an attempt to circumnavigate Cape Horn by kayak before returning to Scotland to pursue a summer of adventures by canoe and kayak.
I've been part of the Bending Branches family for the past 3 years, testing and enjoying their paddles on the rivers and lakes of Scotland. Wonka Expedition Plus NW Highlands - Loch Sionascaig https://www.instagram.com/willcopestake/ https://www.facebook.com/WillCopestakeAdventure/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe8umP1uKUoilUWShdSrITw https://willcopestakemedia.com/