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.

Aaron Stiger
Hometown: Wapakoneta, OH
Kayak Fishing

During the 2022 season, I am looking forward to visiting all of these places again in a tournament setting, as well as just enjoying local rivers and reservoirs with my kids. Bending Branches paddles are a centerpiece of my kayak fishing and recreational setups and make my time on the water more efficient and enjoyable. Stiger Navigator Lake Erie https://www.instagram.com/aaron_stiger/ https://www.facebook.com/aaron.stiger
Aaron Stiger

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
• 104 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 eight National Pro Staffs and sponsored by an additional 15 top outdoors and fishing related companies. 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/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiGfLvcW5q-QXH5XC9rVzRQ https://www.bbornphotography.ca/
Brandon Born

Brooks Beatty
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Kayak Fishing

Accomplishments/Experience
• Jackson Kayak Factory Fishing Team Member
• JK Media House Manager
• Guest Host on The Kayak Fishing Show with Jim Sammons
• Guest Host on Hooked on Wild Waters with Drew Gregory
• President of UNCC Bass Fishing Club Big Bites Catawba River https://www.instagram.com/bigbitesbeatty/ https://www.facebook.com/brooks.beatty?ref=tn_tnmn
Brooks Beatty

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 http://www.flickr.com/photos/feral-one/
Chris Funk

Clint Taylor
Hometown: Texas
Kayak Fishing

I started out fishing as a little boy around five years old walking the banks of the nearest creeks with my Dad. This is extremely fun and effective way to fish and it is what got me started into the sport of fishing. Now, I use awesome gear from Jackson Kayak, MTI Adventurewear, Bending Branches, Coast Portland, Klean Kanteen and GoPro, and it sure does work great but every now and then I’ll still do a little wade fishing. I hardly ever fish anything other than a river or a creek due to the beauty and cleanliness of the cool and clear Texas spring water, so no matter how big the stream is, you can bet I might throw in a line if there is fish around.
Fortunately, I have been blessed to be able to go to many different rivers, including my favorite river, the Devils River. This is my favorite place to fish at due to its remoteness and beauty, along with how untouched this river is in such modern times. I also like to target the state fish of Texas, the Guadalupe Bass. This is a somewhat rare fish that is only found in a region of Texas known as the Edward’s Plateau, but luckily I happen to live within this region of Texas. I like to capture my journeys through photography and videography whenever I get the chance. I hope you will enjoy my articles, photos, and videos whenever you get the chance, and please feel free to visit my personal website as well. Angler Ace Brazos River Devil's River https://www.instagram.com/texaskayakfisher/ https://www.youtube.com/c/TexasKayakFisher/featured http://www.texaskayakfisher.com/
Clint Taylor

Courtney Bennett
Hometown: Nashville, 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 Carbon Rock Island State Park (TN), Jekyll Island (GA), Panacea (FL) https://www.instagram.com/reelpescadora/
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.facebook.com/craigdyekayakfishing/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFQGlo-YvGYeIW7yTUNApWQ/videos http://www.wildernesssystems.com/us/experience/team/craig-dye
Craig Dye

Dee Kaminski
Hometown: Melbourne Beach, FL
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 Turkey Creek, FL Mosquito Lagoon, FL https://www.instagram.com/reelkayakfishing/ https://www.facebook.com/reelkayakfishing https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp8JsSeZJmtbp9VLAdHd34Q 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 Manager for many years, I am now the team leader of the NRS Fishing Team in Europe and I am part of the "Tightline Anch" or Pro Team. A great Bending Branches paddle is essential for me on the water and it accompanies me on 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
* 2020 Hobie BOS Angler of the Year
* 2020 Hobie BOS Lake Dardanelle Champion
* #2 in the 2021 KBN Power Rankings
* Highest average finisher at the KBF National Championship
* Runner up at the 2019 KBF National Championship (of 461 anglers)
* 4th at the 2021 Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship
* Average tournament finish is top 9%, (avg field size of 154 anglers) 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

Eric Henson
Hometown: Sarasota, FL
Kayak Fishing

I started serious saltwater fishing when I moved to Sarasota, FL as I turned 14. It was like moving to paradise. The waters were different-- so rich and beautiful, like no where else in the world. This is where I picked up the sport of kayak fishing. Now, over 30 yrs later, I am still in Sarasota working as a full-time Kayak Fishing Guide, the proud owner of Casting Kayaks, LLC and a Pro Kayak fishing angler. One of my greatest enjoyments in life is helping friends/clients experience the beauty and thrill of paddling and kayak fishing. Teaching them how to use different types of lures (I specializes in artificial baits) and watching them catch the biggest fish of their life! My mission in life is to get anyone and everyone onto the water to paddle a kayak with their lines out and to share my life through their eyes… to bless them as I have been blessed. Experiences like these can be life changing.
Accomplishments/Experience
- Avid Tournament Angler... Fishing well over 20 tournaments per calendar year. I had an exceptional last year with over 10 top ten finishes, with a few 1st places, and a few top 3 in tournaments including: Kayak fishing Classics, IFA Kayak Tour, Florida Sportsman Kayak Challenge, Hardcore, Kayak Fishing Club.
- Full-time Kayak Fishing Guide out of Sarasota, FL
- Published in: Florida Sportsman, Kayak Angler, KFC Tournament Trail, Rapid Media
- Pro Staff and/or Ambassador to many of the best fishing companies including Bending Branches, Johnson Outdoors, Old Town / Ocean Kayak, Yak- Gear,Costa Del Mar Sunglasses, Mister Twister Exude,Yo-Zuri Lures, Mirro Lure, Paul Browns, St. Croix Rods, Ross Reels, Buff USA echkayak Angler Pro Sarasota Bay, FL & Mosquito Lagoon https://www.instagram.com/echkayak/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUulZRi5DN-0HU_O2grS_5w http://www.castingkayaks.com
Eric Henson

Eron Dodds
Hometown: Renfrew, ON
Kayak Fishing

Accomplishments/Experience
* Bending Branches National Team
* Jackson Kayak Fishing Team
* Tournament Director @kaao.ca
* 2019 'Angler Of the Year'
* 2018 'Angler Of the Year'
* 2017 'Angler Of the Year' Runner-up
* Annual Volunteer for 'Soldier On's 'Kayaks, Reels and Real Heroes' Military Veterans event
* Social media influencer for the annual Upper Ottawa River Race and Paddle Fest
* FishingLife CoOwner and ProStaff. Angler Pro Carbon Ottawa River Ottawa Valley Back Lakes https://www.facebook.com/eron.dodds #
Eron Dodds

Garrett Fache
Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Canoeing

I've grown up with an intense love for the wild due to spending summers at my cabin on Lake of The Woods and at Camp Stephens. After years of being a camper there I was hired as a canoe guide, taking out a range of trips from 2 days to 43 days. When I am not paddling I am usually found editing photos and videos, rock climbing and bouldering both indoors and outdoors, going for walks with my little dog Casper, riding my bike on dirt jumps, or cooking.
Accomplishments/Experience
Wilderness First Responder and Emergency Medical Responder
White Water Rescue Level 2
White Water Rescue Technician
ACC Level 1
Athletic Therapy Level 1
PrairieView School of Photography Diploma
Made Lemon Meringue Pie using 1 MSR DragonFly Trail Mom Expedition Plus Dog River, Ontario You think I'd give it up that easily? https://www.instagram.com/garrettfache/ https://www.wildhousemedia.ca/
Garrett Fache

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.
Accomplishments/Experience
• Fished two full seasons in the IFA Kayak Tour Fishing 4th at the 2012 National Championship.
• Worked with NCKFA (North Carolina Kayak Fishing Association) Teaching kayak fishing seminars.
• Manages The College Kayak Fishing Tournament Trail. 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: Bentonville, AR
Kayak Fishing

Accomplishments/Experience
KBF National Championship Qualifier - 2016, 2017, 2018
Tournament of Champions (TOC) Qualifier - 2016, 2017, 2018
Arkansas Kayak Anglers top 5 AOY - 2016, 2017
Kayak Bass Series Championship Qualifier - 2017 Angler Pro Elk River, MO Beaver Lake & Bella Vista - Arkansas https://www.instagram.com/jkincyfishing/ https://www.facebook.com/jkincy http://www.kayakfishingfocus.com
Jason Kincy

Jason Schall
Hometown: Charleston, SC
Kayak Fishing

Jason Schall

JD Desrosiers
Hometown: Greer, SC
Kayak Fishing

Currently, I focus on river paddling, Fly Fishing, saltwater paddling, and Conservation. Being in upstate South Carolina I can be at a river, pond or lake in about 20 minutes or at the coast in 3 hours. This not only makes for an excellent fishery, but a diverse amount of water to cover and explore. Not only do I enjoy kayak fishing, 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
Vibe Kayaks Pro Content Manager
Published Photographer & Creative Writer
Hardcore Fly Angler Angler Navigator Any river in the Southeast https://www.instagram.com/jddesrosiers/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008235332528
JD Desrosiers

Jeff Jones
Hometown: Mobile, AL
Kayak Fishing

I’m married to my high school sweetheart and we have 3 children. I love teaching my kids and others about fishing and living on the Gulf Coast. Jones Angler Pro Carbon Upper Wacissa River, FL Bayou Cumbest, MI https://www.instagram.com/jeff_jones_fishing/ # https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLNZhvA-4IzlsBE64rp8Npw #
Jeff Jones

Jerry Hamon
Hometown: Irving, TX
Kayak Fishing

Jerry Hamon

Jerry Sparks
Hometown: Coventry, RI
Kayak Fishing

Accomplishments/Experience
Won the CCA Fall Classic 2000 Light Tackle (Caught both the largest striper and blue fish)
2nd Place 2005 Extreme Edge Tournament
1st Place 2006 Maine Event Kayak Tournament Sparky or Captain Angler Pro Point Judith Narragansett, RI
Jerry Sparks

Joey Monteleone
Hometown: Christiana, TN
Kayak Fishing

Documented catches of more than 1200 bass over five pounds. Preferred methods, kayak fishing for bass pitching jigs, soft plastics.
Accomplishments/Experience
Pro Staff – Bending Branches Paddles, Jackson Kayak, Strike King Lure Company, Line Cutterz, Lew’s Fishing Angler Pro Carbon Stones River https://www.instagram.com/fishinjoey/ https://www.facebook.com/fishinjoey
Joey Monteleone

Josh Dolin
Hometown: Richmond, Virginia
Kayak Fishing

Josh Dolin

Justin Hausner
Hometown: Geneva, NY
Kayak Fishing

I am the Director and founder of NYKBF, a statewide kayak fishing tournament series and club that, over the past 5 years, has grown into on of the largest in the region. 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 to paddle my Jackson YuPik. To me, there is nothing better than being able to glide throughout a secluded lake without making a sound. HAUS Angler Ace Cayuga Lake Cayuga Lake in the heart of the Finger Lakes...Monsters live there! https://www.instagram.com/american_kayaker/ https://www.facebook.com/justinhausner
Justin Hausner

Marty Hughes
Hometown: Auburn, NE
Kayak Fishing

A pioneer in the kayak fishing community my kayak fishing enthusiasm has spilled over to hundreds of clients I've hosted with my Kayakjak’s Outfitters service over the years. There is nothing like witnessing the excitement of someone catching a fish from the kayak for the first time! Kayakjak Angler Pro Caddo Lake, LA Rock Creek Lake, NE https://www.instagram.com/kyakjak/ https://www.facebook.com/kayakjakoutfitters http://www.kayakjak.com
Marty Hughes

Nik Brown
Hometown: Hixson, TN
Kayak Fishing

Accomplishments/Experience
ROAD WARRIOR: NIK ENJOYS FISHING WITH MULTIPLE KAYAK GROUPS AND HAS MANY FIRST PLACE AND TOP FIVE FINISHES IN KAYAK FISHING TOURNAMENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
NIK’S MOST PRIZED ACCOPLISHMENTS ARE HELPING TO BRING NEW KAYAK ANGLERS INTO THE SPORT AND SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS LIKE HERO’S ON THE WATER AND THE WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT Angler Ace Plus Chickamauga Lake, Hixson, TN https://www.instagram.com/nikbrown25/ https://www.facebook.com/nik.brown.5 https://www.youtube.com/user/bluen25
Nik Brown

Noah Heck
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Kayak Fishing

I can be found exploring local skinny water and tackling the Great Lakes as well as anywhere in between and I look forward to finding new fisheries and forming new friendships with tournament organizations in North Carolina.
When not on the water, I enjoy spending time with my wife and son and visiting local breweries.
Accomplishments/Experience
Co-Founder of Kayak Anglers (Kayak-Anglers.com)
2018 Kayak Anglers Angler of the Year (352 members)
2013 Kayak Anglers Angler of the Year (31 members)
1st Place - 2017 Raystown Lake/Juniata River
1st Place - 2014 Lake Arthur
1st Place – 2013 KA Pymatuning
1st Place – 2013 KA Ford City
1st Place – 2013 BKFT Three Lake Throwdown
2nd Place - 2019 Bass on the Bay 4 (97 Competitors)
2nd Place - 2019 Cayuga Lake (25 Competitors)
4th Place - 2018 Oneida Lake (44 Competitors)
6th Place - 2018 Bass on the Bay 3 (111 Competitors)
“Angler of the Year” Nominee – 2013 Kayak Anglers Choice Awards
Smallies_R_Us Angler Pro Carbon Lake Erie https://www.instagram.com/noah_heck/ https://www.facebook.com/noahheck http://www.kayak-anglers.com/
Noah Heck

Rob Wright
Hometown: West Bloomfield, MI
Kayak Fishing

Whether it’s chasing chunky Largemouth in the shallow backwater marshes or heading a little north to chase after some mean Smallmouth, I always take a BB paddle with me. A Bending Branches paddle is not only the most important tool I carry while fishing, it’s also the most dependable as well. 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

From then on I started reading about fishing and immediately bought my first boat that my father and I restored. Yearly, I changed boats until I was competing with the big guys in the Canadian Bass Fishing Tournaments. Due to unforeseen circumstances I had to get rid of my bass boat, but I decided to never give up my passion, so I hooked up with Jackson Kayak and decided to give kayak fishing a try. I have developed an absolute love for kayak fishing that I now share it with everyone I meet. I even decided to start my own group of kayak fishermen that paddle and fish the Ottawa/Gatineau area.
If you don't find me with my beloved family, you will most certainly find me on the water paddling, fishing and taking pictures.
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/ Navigator Plus Lakes and rives 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

Sean Callinan
Hometown: Branford, CT
SUP Fishing

+Licensed Connecticut Guide
+Yale University Fly Fishing/Tying Instructor
+SUP Fishing Guide for PadddlePaddle (Paddlepaddle.net)
+ SUP Fishing Guide for Harborside Marina & Paddleworks (Clinton, CT)
+Host of 2016 International Fly Fishing Film Festival at Yale University, benefitting River’s of Recovery & Take a Vet Fishing (Branford, CT)
+Organizer of 2017 International Fly Fishing Film Festival @ The Stony Creek Brewery (Branford, CT) benefitting River’s of Recovery, Take a Vet Fishing (Branford, CT), The Major Steven Roy Andrews Fishing Outreach Program and Veteran Angler Charters.
+Why Knot Fishing 2015 Fall Run Striper Classic 3rd Place finisher in Fly-Boat Division (#1 SUP).
+Why Knot Fishing 2016 Fall Run Striper Classic 3rd Place finisher in Fly-Boat Division
+Africa (February 2017)
+ Introduced fly fishing to remote villages in Senegal on the Gambia River through a nonprofit from CT (Alber’s Foundation Le Korsa, AFLK.org) who provide medical care, education and cultural enrichment to impoverished regions worldwide.
+Pau Hana Surf Supply Ambassador - team rider
+ Eastern sales rep, Rugged Creek fly rods
Java https://www.instagram.com/seancallinan/ https://www.facebook.com/sean.k.callinan
Sean Callinan

Stewart Venable
Hometown: Fort Mill, SC
Kayak Fishing

Stewart Venable

Tanner Speidel
Hometown: Vinton, IA
Kayak Fishing

Accomplishments/Experience
Jackson Kayak Regional Fishing Team
Sweets Marsh Bass Bash 1st Place Angler Ace Upper Iowa River Cedar River https://www.instagram.com/tspeidelyakfisher/ https://www.facebook.com/tspeidelyakfisher https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvYhy1067aJDiVNl-pWEM2A http://jacksonkayak.com/team-jk/kayak-fishing-regional-team/tanner-speidel/
Tanner Speidel

Tyler Thiede
Hometown: Spring Valley, WI
Kayak Fishing

Accomplishments/Experience
-Owner/Founder/Guide - Small Craft Outfitters LLC
-Founder/Writer - Small Craft Fisherman
-FeelFree Kayak Fishing Team member
-ProStaff Team member for JBs Fish Sauce, James Gang Fishing Company, Ardent Reels, and McCain Rods
-Kayak Bass Fishing member and online tournament angler Small Craft Fisherman Angler Pro Mississippi Backwaters - Pool 4 Any water untouched by bass boats https://www.instagram.com/smallcraftfisherman/ https://www.facebook.com/smallcraftfisherman http://www.smallcraftfisherman.com/
Tyler Thiede

Will Copestake
Hometown: Ullapool, Scotland
Canoeing

Growing up on the sea, it is no surprise that I'm passionate about water sports, whether that be sea kayaking, canoe, whitewater paddling (canoe/kayak) or canyoneering, in short if it gets you wet I will be there.
I'm driven by remote, self-propelled adventures, which have taken me all over the world. This started with ten months trekking the great walks of New Zealand in 2009, followed by a crossing of Iceland on foot in 2011. Upon graduating university, I embarked on a circumnavigation of Scotland by kayak in 2013 immediately followed with a continual winter round of Munro mountains (All 282 Scottish summits > 3000ft), a year long, largely solo expedition, for which I was awarded both Scottish and UK adventurer of the year (2015). Since then I have circumnavigated Nordkapp in Norway and paddled in Lofoten. In Chilean Patagonia, I have worked as an expedition guide for four years, and personally paddled over 1400km through Patagonian fjords through a number of remote self-supported expeditions. In Patagonia I've gained a reputation for combining kayaking with long, arduous portages in order to reach seldom travelled and remote glacial lakes and fjords.
As a canoeist, I have been exploring many of the Scottish rivers and lochs, and aims to paddle the major watersheds of the country over a long term project. Additionally, I am working on a life-long ambition to paddle all of the Stevensons lighthouses, and return to complete the final leg of my Patagonia fjord project and circumnavigate Cape Horn.
I have been canoeing with Bending Branches for the past two years, testing and enjoying their durability in the rocky Scottish rivers. Wonka Expedition Plus Loch Lurgainn in NW Scotland & the River Broom https://www.instagram.com/willcopestake/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe8umP1uKUoilUWShdSrITw https://willcopestakemedia.com/