Regional Ambassador Team
The Bending Branches Regional Ambassador team consists of the biggest up-and-comers in all of kayak fishing. All members have three things in common: they catch big fish often, they know what they’re talking about, and they use the finest paddles in the world. Our regional team is one small step below our national team, but just as hungry and important.

Bill Sikora
Hometown: Deerfield Beach, FL
Kayak Fishing

My favorite Bending Branches paddle is the Angler Pro. I have been using this paddle for a few years and it combines all of the attributes that I look for in a great paddle...lightweight, durable, and is easily adjustable! I have uploaded a few videos reviewing my Bending Branches paddles on YouTube so be sure to check them out! Angler Pro South Florida Canals https://www.instagram.com/flbasspaddler/ # https://www.youtube.com/thefloridabasspaddler # https://www.tiktok.com/@thefloridabasspaddler
Bill Sikora

Brad Hicks
Hometown: Kettering, OH
Kayak Fishing

I am a Paddle N Fin podcast host for the segment "The Final Cast." My segment revolves around product review and product spotlight within the kayak fishing and fishing industry in general.
I am the fishing team manager for Loveland Canoe and Kayak in Loveland, Ohio which is my local shop. Angler Pro Great Miami River, OH Great Miami River, OH https://www.instagram.com/bradhicksfishing/ https://www.youtube.com/paddlenfin
Brad Hicks

Casey Ryan
Hometown: Ottawa, Ontario
Kayak Fishing

I started really getting into paddling after I moved to Ottawa for University and purchased my first kayak together with my girlfriend. We started to explore the city by water, through canals and rivers. This naturally turned into me spending all my spare time out fishing in the kayaks. I started to explore more lakes out of the city and back where I grew up. I now split my time between paddling in the city and kayak fishing up in Ontario's amazing lakes and rivers.
I've always been a true multispecies angler but have started to more seriously fish for bass since 2017. Since starting to kayak tournament fish in 2017 I have made some great friendships, placed and won several tournaments, and placed second for Angler of the Year in 2019 in my local club. I am most at home on the water whether it's paddling the same small rivers and creeks I grew up on or exploring new bodies of water big or small. Angler Pro Carbon Algonquin Park Ottawa Valley back lakes https://www.instagram.com/caseywryan/
Casey Ryan

Chris Arnold
Hometown: Kentville, Nova Scotia
Kayak Fishing

Cheers! Angler Pro Carbon Nova Scotia, CA https://www.instagram.com/alwaysfishin/ https://www.youtube.com/@TheTeamexstream
Chris Arnold

Colton Hutchison
Hometown: Karns City, PA
Kayak Fishing

After graduating high school in 2019, I left Pennsylvania to play college baseball. During my first semester I sustained a hip injury that led to me hanging up the glove and picking up a paddle and rod again.
Since then, kayak fishing has been my obsession. In 2020 I bought a new fishing kayak and a Bending Branches Angler Classic and started competing. I can't tell you exactly how many miles I've paddled since then, but my guess would be a whole bunch. Angler Classic Allegheny River https://www.instagram.com/hutchfishing/ https://www.facebook.com/colton.hutch.3 https://www.youtube.com/@hutchfishing https://www.tiktok.com/@hutchfishing
Colton Hutchison

Devin Sijan
Hometown: Savage, MN
Kayak Fishing

After almost a decade break from fishing to attend college, get married & start a career in information technology, I found a new passion in fishing from a kayak. As a member of the Minnesota Kayak Fishing Association, I regularly participate in group fishing outings, clinics & tournaments in and around the Minneapolis metro area.
Accomplishments/Experience
Minnesota Kayak Fishing Association Member
2018 Big Toothy Team Tournament Champion Angler Pro Carbon Plus Local lakes and rivers Lake Erie https://www.instagram.com/mn_kayak_angler/
Devin Sijan

Ivan Hamilton
Hometown: Milton, Ontario
Kayak Fishing

Bending Branches Ambassador
Jackson Kayak Regional Fishing Team
The Complete Paddler= Pro/staff
Canadian Fishing Network= Kayak Guy
Power_Pole =Pro/staff
Kayak Fishing Tournament Director YAKMAN ONT Angler Pro Plus or Angler Navigator Lakes North of the City Largemouth Water https://www.instagram.com/yakman_ont/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100014721480990 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSqfhFEJ3oaN2bpLXTAU7gA
Ivan Hamilton

Jeff Jones
Hometown: Mobile, AL
Kayak Fishing + SUP Fishing

Jeff Jones

Jim Ware
Hometown: Rome, GA
Kayak Fishing

10 years ago something magical happened, I fished out of a kayak and I knew that it would be my passion. Since then I have chased fish in saltwater, lakes and rivers...The more remote the better and these fish were my ticket for adventure. The past three years I have stepped into tournament bass fishing and this has introduced me to an entirely different aspect that our sport offers. Before, I was doing most of my fishing solo or with a few select friends but the competition world has introduced me to some of the most passionate, skilled and genuine kayak anglers on the planet. This brotherhood has been a welcome experience.
Accomplishments/Experience
Three Rivers Kayak Bass Fishing Tournament- 1st place
N. GA Reservoir Dogs Rocky Mtn PFA tourney -1st Place
River Bassin Cartersville GA- 3rd place and Big Fish
Competed in KBF Opens @ Ky Lake, Paris TN and Toledo Bend TX
2 time KBF National Championship qualifier
Co-founder of Peach State Kayak Anglers
Sponsors:
Jackson Kayak Fishing Team
Bending Branches Ambassador
iRod Fishing
Picasso Lures
Ardent Outdoors
Strike King VIP program Jimbo Angler Pro Santa Fe River, FL Wherever there are fish https://www.instagram.com/rivergoatkayak/ https://www.facebook.com/jim.ware.169
Jim Ware

Joshua Evans
Hometown: Brunswick, MD
Kayak Fishing

I’ve been using Bending Branches paddles now for roughly 8 years and choose them over other brands for their combination of strength, light weight design and killer overall appearance. As an Army veteran with severe medical challenges, kayak fishing has provided me with a way to get away from it all and enjoy the serenity and peace of mind. I am a tournament angler and love introducing others to the sport. Mek & Tight Lines and Sharp Minds Angler Pro Carbon Plus or Copperhead Angler Pro Plus The Susquehanna River https://www.instagram.com/tightlinessharpminds/ https://www.facebook.com/JoshuaEvansFishing https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCphl9AuJwF4j4ARvtcc48Sw https://www.makbf.com/
Joshua Evans

Josiah Pleasant
Hometown: Juneau, Alaska
Kayak Fishing

Josiah Pleasant

JR Rowlands
Hometown: Winlock, WA
Kayak Fishing

JR Rowlands

Juan Gomez
Hometown: Chatfield, MN
Kayak Fishing

Accomplishments/Experience
- Owner/Founder of Reel Midwest Fishing
- ProStaff Team Member for JB's Fish Sauce, Cold Snap Outdoors, PowerTeam Lures, and Omnia Fishing
- KBF and Yak Bassin member and tournament angler Angler Pro Mississippi Backwaters - Pool 4 South Central Minnesota https://www.instagram.com/jgomez103/
Juan Gomez

Justin Floyd
Hometown: Greenville, SC
Kayak Fishing

This truly sparked my interest because I had just recently purchased my first fishing kayak and was hooked on the sport. I accepted this position in January of 2016 and spent the next two years commuting from Georgia to Greenville to work at Confluence. One hundred and sixty miles round trip every day. I put nearly 50,000 miles on my jeep within a year. On my first day of work, I took a tour of the facility and was given a brief rundown of the entire manufacturing process. I was mesmerized by the insanely huge roto-molding ovens. I didn't know it at the time, but one of those ovens would eventually become my baby and I would be responsible for the production of nearly 100 kayaks per day.
After spending only 1 week wrapping boats, I was transferred to the molding department. I spent the next 3 months working as a molder before being promoted to senior molder. As a senior molder, I managed molding operations on the production floor, inspected molds to insure they were free from defects, prepared and replaced mold changes for production, maintained quality standards, and trained/organized molders for maximized production. After filling my position of senior molder, I transitioned into a title of Mold Trainer where I would be responsible for training all incoming employees on the proper molding techniques and skills.
In October of 2017, I heard about a new company in the Greenville area called "Bonafide Kayaks" that was set to start up in the near future. Immediately, I was interested in joining the team that was ultimately orchestrated by Luther Cifers (mastermind behind YakAttack) and knew that I had to get my foot in the door. With Bonafide being a startup company, I was one of the first employees hired and the company officially launched on November 20, 2017. From then, I helped to establish molding operations and production processes that would eventually lead to getting quality, American-made kayaks shipped out across the country. In November of 2019 Bonafide was acquired by BIG Adventures LLC located in Fletcher, NC. BIG also manufactures Native Watercraft and Liquidlogic Kayaks. Currently, I am working in Marketing and Product Development for all three brands.
Accomplishments/Experience
Kayak enthusiast with a demonstrated history of working in the kayak manufacturing industry. Angler Navigator Plus Key West Below the Hartwell Dam on the Savannah River https://www.instagram.com/kayak_plug/ https://www.facebook.com/justin.floyd.319
Justin Floyd

Marty Hughes
Hometown: Auburn, Nebraska
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! Angler Pro Rock Creek Lake, Nebraska https://www.instagram.com/kyakjak/ https://www.facebook.com/kayakjakoutfitters https://www.youtube.com/user/kyakjak https://kayakjak.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@kayakjak
Marty Hughes

Matt Charette
Hometown: Acworth, GA
Kayak Fishing

Today I am the product manager and lead product designer at Vibe kayaks, where we always strive to ensure that our boats are paddle friendly even if they feature pedals. Paddling is special to me, it not only allows me to navigate skinny and shallow water, but it brings me back to the roots of kayaking and makes me feel connected. My grandfather is long passed but every single time I am on the water I am reminded of why I am there and how I got there. Paddling is my life, and my relationship with Bending Branches has helped me paddle some of the most exotic and wild waters in the United States. Navigator Pro Allagash Maine https://www.instagram.com/rural.fisherman/ https://www.facebook.com/matt.charette1 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSGVDk79tahhuzbl1edk_HA
Matt Charette

Mike Schmitz
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Kayak Fishing

I fish several kayak bass tournament trails as well as the Paralyzed Veterans of America Bass Tour. In addition to fishing, I run a disabled kayaking enthusiasts group on Facebook where information regarding the sport for disabled paddlers is shared. I also hosts several clinics throughout the year where individuals with disabilities are introduced to the sport of kayaking, whether it be for the first time or after a traumatic injury.
Team Affiliations: NuCanoe National Team Advisor, Bending Branches Ambassador, Neverlost Gear and Yak Gadget Angler Pro Cumberland River Lakes and rivers of middle Tennessee https://www.instagram.com/jagermiker/ https://youtu.be/CA7seYYg0c4
Mike Schmitz

Moo Lee
Hometown: Sacramento, CA
Kayak Fishing

I mainly fished out of pedal drive kayaks in the first few years of kayak fishing but now I mostly fish out of paddle kayaks. I feel more connected to the water when I'm paddling. I enjoy the intimacy with the water and I love how I become one with the kayak with a paddle in my hands.
I became a well known kayak fishing angler and kayak fishing safety advocate in Northern California through YouTube and a long member of Northern California Angler forum. MooMoo Angler Navigator Pacific Ocean https://www.instagram.com/moomoo_outdoors/ https://www.facebook.com/moomoooutdoors/ http://youtube.com/moomoooutdoors
Moo Lee

Peter Yeung
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
Kayak Fishing

I am an avid multispecies angler and for as long as I can remember I have been rowing pontoons, and paddling kayaks for fish. I started hosing my first Paddle Sport Get Together in 2021 as a way to introduce people to the sport and show them how much better it is compared to fishing from shore. My events gained a lot of popularity so I am very grateful for the support of volunteers and sponsors.
Achievements:
Featured on Canadian Sport Fishing TV Show
Featured on Just Hunt
Featured on several times on That Hunting Girl
Filmed for sevearl hunting and fishing tv shows
Affiliates:
Old Town Fishing
Striker
Shiimano/Gloomis
Rapala
Bending Branches
Dryshods
Sony
Nanuk Case
Amped Outdoors
Maui Jim
MidlandUSA
Power Pole
Rilblaza
Yeti
Creator/Director of Padd Sports Get Together
Creator of Old Town Fishing Owners - Ontario Angler Pro Carbon Back Lakes https://www.instagram.com/peteryeungoutdoors/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/peteryeungoutdoors/
Peter Yeung

Reese Melven
Hometown: Chapin, SC
Kayak Fishing

Reese Melven

Robert Brown
Hometown: Gurley, AL
Kayak Fishing

I have been a member of the North Alabama Kayak Anglers where I serve on the board of directors and acted as a tournament director for the club trail. I have been using Bending Branches paddles for close to nine years and still use my original Angler Scout from time to time. Angler Pro Flint River https://www.instagram.com/heavydroprob/ https://tps//www.facebook.com/robert.brown.52687
Robert Brown

Stephen Hrynewycz
Hometown: Goshen, IN
Kayak Fishing

I fish for just about anything that swims in the local waters. My personal bests include a 6.5lbs largemouth bass, a 7lbs. smallmouth bass, a 48 inch muskellunge, a 42 inch northern pike, a 17 inch crappie, a 25lbs. carp, a 10lbs. dogfish, and a 4lbs. brown trout. As you can see I fish for anything but, my favorite is smallmouth bass. I have fished local tournaments and over the years have won many. But my biggest thrill now is to teach youngsters to fish and to guide people to the biggest fish of their lives. My favorite Bending Branches paddle is the Angler Pro. Angler Pro Keweenaw Peninsula https://www.instagram.com/hrynewycz/ https://www.facebook.com/FluidFun/
Stephen Hrynewycz

Tanner Speidel
Hometown: Vinton, IA
Kayak Fishing

Although I don't participate in tournament fishing, I target many species of trophy gamefish for my own personal challenge and believe it or not but Iowa has some quality fish. I volunteer to help our local kayak shop, Crawdaddy Outdoors, which is Iowa's number one location to pick up kayaks and paddles. Kayak fishing has grown considerably the past few years and I've been fortunate to represent some of the best brands in the industry. Angler Pro Carbon The Driftless Area, Iowa https://www.instagram.com/tspeidelyakfisher/ https://www.facebook.com/tspeidelyakfisher https://www.youtube.com/@tannerspeidel6710/
Tanner Speidel

Tim Hamlet
Hometown: Achiltibuie, Scotland
Canoeing + Sea Kayaking

In 2009 I was selected to join the British Universities Kayaking Expedition team and travelled to Vietman looking for first decents. Over time and as the beard has grown white water kayaking has changed to sea kayaking and canoeing. Will (also a BB ambassador) and I now run a business together in the far North West of Scotland called Kayak Summer Isles. This allows us to teach in the outdoor environment and share a passion for the water.
I also run Hamlet Mountaineering offering hillwalking, rock climbing and many other land based adventures. Black Pearl The many lochs of Assynt - North West Scotland https://www.instagram.com/hamlet_mountaineering/ https://www.facebook.com/hamletmountaineering https://www.hamletmountaineering.com/