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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
#738772
Ashley Bredemus
#000000
Grand Marais, MN
In 2018, I quit my corporate engineering job and moved to a 200 square foot semi-off-grid cabin in the remote wilderness of northern Minnesota. Today, I still live in that cabin with two new recruits - my husband, Victor, and my dog, Arlo. Together, we own and operate Birchwood Wilderness Camp, a small (by design) summer camp for boys (ages 7 to 17) at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness that was originally founded by my grandparents in 1968. 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
#738772
Bill Schultz
#000000
New Berlin, WI (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
#738772
Brandon Born
#000000
Vancouver, British Columbia
I am a Canadian photographer from Cold Lake, Alberta. I started photography in 2013 to try to capture the beauty of this world and to document my adventures. Loving traveling and danger, my early work was edgy and always had a sports theme. Shortly after that I fell in love with landscapes. Photographers like Callum Snape, Paul Zizka and Chris Burkard inspired me to explore and photograph the beauty that is found all around us simply in nature. 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
#738772
Brandon Mayes
#111111
Wylie, TX
My name is Brandon Mayes AKA That Bass Fishing Dude! Fishing in general has always been a big part of my life growing up fishing with my mom and my aunt. As I got older, the want to learn more is what pushed me to wanting to chase bass. Bass fishing is a true skill that I think most overlook, as these fish are incredibly smart. Knowing how to target and catch them can literally set you up to catch anything in the world! It was my gateway fish LOL. After my 10-year military service I got heavily into paddle sports and kayak fishing. It has been an incredible experience for me. 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
#738772
Chris Funk
#000000
Phenix City, AL
I paddle and fish with my family all over the southeast. I usually can be found with a camera in hand chasing the perfect picture of my fishing partners. I have a hard time deciding which is better, catching a fish or getting an awesome picture of a fish being caught! For my 40th year I was trying to catch 40 species of fish and ended up with 75 different species. I am an avid fly fishermen and bow fishermen. My crew and I love to get people involved in paddle sports for fishing or just spending time together outdoors.
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
#738772
Courtney Bennett
#000000
McMinnville, TN
When I began kayak fishing in 2014, the first paddle I bought was a Bending Branches paddle. Although my kayak preference has changed over the years, I have never strayed from the Bending Branches brand. Bending Branches makes world class paddles. That isn’t a marketing cliché. It’s fact. I like products that last, and the quality that goes into each Bending Branches paddle I have owned is first rate. I have been fortunate to get to know some of the people at the company, and on the pro staff team and they are all first class.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
#738772
Craig Dye
#000000
Holly Springs, GA
I was born and raised in Baton Rouge, LA. I grew up fishing many locations in my home state of Louisiana; from Toledo Bend Reservoir all the way down to Grand Isle, where I fished for bass, redfish, and speckled trout.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
#738772
Dee Kaminski
#000000
Terra Alta, WV
My passion for fishing started over 50 years ago while growing up in the Midwest fishing the fresh waters of Canada, Michigan, and Wisconsin for walleye, northern pike, musky, and bass in my canoe. After moving to Florida, and as my knowledge of the personalities and habitats of the different saltwater species grew, I decided to buy a kayak to get up close and personal with the fish. I began sharing my expertise and abilities with others. That’s when I started my charter business, Reel Kayak Fishing Charters. I began guiding full-time, giving seminars, and representing great companies and products. My passion for fishing and teaching others brings me joy and pleasure. Recently, I moved up to West Virginia where I am now guiding in fresh water and sharing new adventures in fishing in a new place. I have gone full circle and love it! 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
#738772
Dennis Kieselhorst
#000000
Bremen, Germany
Kayak fishing has been my passion for over 12 years. I love to travel the world, make new friends, outdoor cooking and get to know many other cultures through paddling. 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
#738772
Drew Gregory
#000000
Kent, OH
I've been blessed to do pretty much all you can do in the kayak fishing space, from designing kayaks with Crescent Kayaks, including my lastest top selling kayak the Shoalie, to hosting a TV show, creating & running a national tournament trail, and developing the "river bassin" brand/lifestyle, which happens to be the style of fishing I now employ in the area of kayak fishing. I'm humbled to be known for today as one of the top tournament anglers in the country as I've captured 2 Angler of the Year titles and 7 wins (a record 6 in one year in '22) in just the past 3 seasons! Beyond blessed and thankful to God for the gifts and talents that He has given me to catch bass but also share the passion with others! The best gifts of all have nothing to do with fishing but most important, my family - wife Cristina, son Theo (5), and daughter Sophia (1). 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
#738772
Duc Tran
#000000
Arlington, TX
I've been fishing all my life with my parents. They got me hooked on Striper fishing back in the 80's back in Arkansas, beating the banks of all the dams. Through the years though it seems like the busier life got, the less fishing was done around my family. So in 2004 I bought my first boat a Kenner 2103 and got my family to fall back in love with fishing all over again. I had the boat in a slip at the lake and we fished almost every weekend. I even got my Grandpa hooked on fishing on his first trip to visit us from Vietnam! So I picked up my fist Kayak, a Perception Pescador 12 around 2012 and decided to learn how to bass fish. I started going to the Mariner Sail's Thursday Working Man's Tournaments every week to learn and fish with others. From there I started to move on to the bigger tournaments so I could broaden my horizons and fish other bodies of water outside of the great state of Texas. I fished most of the Kayak Bass Series in 2015 and was able to fish on a National Level at Sam Rayburn, Lake Millwood, and Guntersville. I also got my kids involved in Kayak Fishing last year and we've made a few trips down the Brazos fishing and camping together.
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
#738772
Eron Dodds
#000000
Renfrew, ON
Kayak fishing is my passion. My heart and soul. I learned to paddle when I was young and started bass fishing in 2015. I was born in rural Ontario and grew up next to a boat launch. As a child, I was constantly drawn to the lake. Introducing others to the sport is by far my greatest achievement. Watching them smile and get excited about paddling and kayak fishing is very rewarding! I love my country, my family and the great outdoors. It is my pleasure and an honor to paddle for the National ProStaff Team.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
#738772
Gene Jensen
#000000
Rome, GA
I'm a born and bred Georgia boy who grew up trout fishing under the tutelage of my father.
As most freshwater anglers do, I was exposed to bass angling and forever hooked. Today I can be described as an avid bass angler and, at best, that description is an understatement.
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
#738772
Jameson Redding
#000000
Ronda, NC
I grew up fishing and hunting in the foothills of NC, but later moved to the Florida Gulf Coast. My passion for fishing really began to take shape and I spent the next 7 years learning how to catch reds and trout on the flats. I now fish the IFA Kayak Tour, which is a branch of the popular Redfish Tour that takes me to every state along the east coast and Gulf Coast from South Carolina to Louisiana. 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
#738772
Jason Kincy
#000000
Rogers, AR
A friend invited me to rent a kayak and try to catch a fish on Memorial Day 2015. A few hours later, with one bass, sore arms from paddling and a sunburn – I was hooked. Since that day I've been obsessed with kayak fishing. Spending time on the water fishing with friends is my happy place.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
#738772
Jason Schall
#000000
Charleston, SC
I grew up on the water and fell in love with fishing at an early age. I received my first canoe as a child, and have been paddling ever since. I love being able to travel with my kayak and launch anywhere there is water. Exploring new waterways and kayaking into hard-to-reach places has always been a passion of mine. I am a competitive saltwater, freshwater, and fly fishing angler. I have achieved over 100 world records and have caught more than 750 unique fish species on rod and reel. 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
#738772
JD Desrosiers
#000000
Greenville, SC
I have a deep passion for fly fishing from kayaks, no matter if it is floating down a river, chasing bass on a lake, or trying to conquer an inshore saltwater species. One of the things that drives me is the sense of adventure and sharing my journeys with as many people as possible in the world. I also enjoy exploring new waters and meeting new people. Going to new places and meeting the people around those areas intrigues me. I feel I can learn something from everyone and hope to teach people some of things I have learned in my adventure in life. 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
#738772
Jennifer Schall
#000000
Charleston, South Carolina
I have received multiple Saltwater and Freshwater Female Angler of the Year awards and hold the distinction of catching one of the largest freshwater female world records ever certified by the IGFA - an alligator gar weighing 132.6 pounds! I’ve always loved being on the water, and my hometown of Charleston offers incredible freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities. When not kayaking my local waterways, I enjoy traveling to explore new fishing locations. As a Certified Fishing Instructor, my husband, Jason and I teach the basics of fishing and kayaking to children and adults at our workshops throughout the year.
Angler Pro
Home Sweet Home (Charleston, South Carolina)
https://www.instagram.com/otwschalls/
https://www.facebook.com/OTWSchalls
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPvX_gMpb2NPCS_K8CuezbQ
https://www.tiktok.com/@otwschalls
Jennifer Schall
Jerry Hamon
Hometown: Irving, TX
Kayak Fishing
#738772
Jerry Hamon
#000000
Irving, TX
I was born and raised in North Texas. I have lived in Van Alstyne, Texas for the last 15 years. I am an avid angler, specialized, if you will, in kayak and fly fishing. My favorite paddle is the new Bending Branches Angler Pro Plus in the Glowtek pattern. I am the past President of the Texas Council of Fly Fishers International and the founder and President of the Mariner-Sails Kayak Fishing Club. I am serving my second term on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee and am the Chairman of that committee this term. I am also a certified TPWD Angler Education Area Chief/Instructor. I am passionate about fishing and teaching others about the joy of fishing. I love fly fishing from my kayak on Texas rivers.
Hammer
Angler Pro
Rivers and streams in Texas
https://www.instagram.com/teamjigfly/
https://www.facebook.com/jerry.hamon
Jerry Hamon
Joey Monteleone
Hometown: Decherd, TN
Kayak Fishing
#738772
Joey Monteleone
#000000
Decherd, TN
I have Canoed for over 27 summers in the Quetico Wilderness area as a guide, made a switch from conventional boats to kayaks eight years ago. The "glide" you get from paddling gives a feeling of freedom and gets me close to all types of outdoor action. 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
#738772
Justin Hausner
#000000
Geneva, NY
I have always been in love with the outdoors. For as long as I could remember I wanted to be out in nature and to this day, I can't get enough of it. I started kayak fishing a long time ago, and have grown my love into a passion.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
#738772
Raymond Martinez
#000000
Texas
I decided to buy my very first kayak when I was 22, with the intention of exploring a new recreational sport that would not only get me out on the water but also benefit my health. In my opinion, paddling is one of the best ways to connect with nature, offering a unique outdoor experience and providing a great workout. As I delved deeper into kayaking, I began considering other opportunities on the water beyond simply paddling all day. With each outing, but kayak fishing was uncharted territory for me. The initial outings were challenging, as I wasn't particularly skilled at bass fishing, but I made the most of every trip. Gradually, I honed my skills in targeting bass and experienced more successful fishing trips.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
#738772
Rob Wright
#000000
West Bloomfield, MI
As a kid growing up Southeast Michigan fishing was always a big part of my life. Eventually, I outgrew shore fishing and I wanted to find a way to get off the bank and get to less pressured spots on the lake; that's when I discovered kayak fishing. I fished out of a kayak for the first time in 2016 and I was immediately obsessed. With kayak fishing, I found a way to not only get off of the bank, but also a way to get to hard to reach areas that could only be accessed by a kayak. After my first outing, I never looked back. It's a different type of experience and every outing is a new adventure.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
#738772
Roberto Briones
#000000
Ottawa, Ontario
Since I was growing up in Mexico I was always intrigued by the sport of fishing. Unfortunately I wasn't able to practice it since the area I grew up in was very arid and dry. It wasn't until I came to Canada that I truly discovered my passion.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
#738772
Sean Beale
#000000
Arrowtown, NZ
Much of my life has been spent in New Zealand’s incredible environment, after a childhood that was split between surfing in Piha and snowboarding in Queenstown. My photography is an extension of this passion for adventure and wild places, and has led me to cover many iconic events in New Zealand and work with some of our best local and International Athletes.
Sunburst
Lake Benmore at the foot hills of the Southern Alps
https://www.instagram.com/sean.beale/
https://www.seanbeale.com/
Sean Beale
Will Copestake
Hometown: Ullapool, Scotland
Canoeing
#738772
Will Copestake
#000000
Ullapool, Scotland
Born in the North West of Scotland, I'm fortunate to have lived my entire life by and on the water and am passionate about anything wet, cold and wild. Following my feet, and at times the tip of a paddle I've enjoyed personal expeditions and leading trips in New Zealand, Scotland, Norway, Iceland, Patagonia and Antarctica. 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/