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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
#738772
Bill Sikora
#000000
Deerfield Beach, FL
My name is Bill Sikora, and I am known on social media as "The Florida Bass Paddler." I currently live in Deerfield Beach, Florida and have been kayak fishing since 2004. I can still remember my first "Kayak Caught" fish and have been in love with the sport ever since! If I am not chasing largemouth Bass, I can be found searching South Florida lakes and canals looking for exotics such as Peacock Bass, Snakeheads, or the elusive Clown Knife! I am currently a ProStaff Team Member for Old Town Kayaks, Fishing Online, Rogue Fishing Company, Bruiser Baits, RedLine Lures, Vicious Fishing, and South River Outfitters. Some of my favorite fishing spots are any of the canal systems here in South Florida because there is no telling what you might catch. 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
#738772
Brad Hicks
#000000
Kettering, OH
I started kayak fishing in late 2014. Ever since its been my favorite hobby of mine. Spending hundreds of thousands of hours on my favorite river chasing smallmouth bass.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
#738772
Casey Ryan
#000000
Ottawa, Ontario
Hi, I'm Casey Ryan. I have been fishing all my life. I started fishing with my Dad and my grandparents in Killaloe Ontario, in back lakes and rivers. We fished for all kinds of fish, in canoes and boats, from docks and bridges. Growing up I especially loved fishing for brook trout and panfish and spent a lot of time chasing them. 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
#738772
Chris Arnold
#000000
Kentville, Nova Scotia
As a life long paddler and outdoor enthusiast, fishing and kayaking overlapped more than 25 yrs ago. I have been a competitive kayak angler more than a decade. I discovered Bending Branches early in my competitive years and committed to their superior quality workmanship, I have been fortunate through my career to have been able to introduce many youth to different paddle sports and have them use a BB paddle from my collection.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
#738772
Colton Hutchison
#000000
Karns City, PA
As far back as I can remember, fishing has been a lifestyle for me. My parents had a pond in their backyard, and me spending hours catching bluegill and catfish was not an uncommon occurrence (my record is 17 bluegills in one hour). When I was 12 they bought me my first kayak, and that's where it all started. 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
#738772
Devin Sijan
#000000
Savage, MN
I was born in Toledo, Ohio before moving to Minnesota with my family at the age of 3. Growing up in the land of 10,000 lakes provided many opportunities to get on the water to fish, swim, & appreciate nature's beauty. Growing up fishing with my father provided many life lessons about patience, failure, and a desire to care for our natural resources. 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
#738772
Ivan Hamilton
#738772
Milton, Ontario
Accomplishments/ExperienceBending 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
#738772
Jeff Jones
#000000
Mobile, AL
I fish all over the southeast United States. I’m just as comfortable in big saltwater estuaries slinging flies at tailing reds as I am in ankle deep streams dabbing for tiny minnows. There’s no species I won’t attempt to catch or water I won’t paddle. I’m up for adventure and exploration at any time. I’ve been heavily involved in fishing since my earliest memories. I’ve been using a kayak to pursue my passion for the past 10 years.
Navigator
Wacilla River
https://www.youtube.com/@thebrackishfly1707
Jeff Jones
Jim Ware
Hometown: Rome, GA
Kayak Fishing
#738772
Jim Ware
#000000
Rome, GA
Since childhood I have wanted to see what was around the bend in the river, see where it would take me...Not look at it from a distance but taste, feel and absolutely wallow in what it had to offer.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
#738772
Joshua Evans
#000000
Brunswick, MD
I’ve been an avid angler for over 40 years now. I have spent a great deal of time learning new waters and constantly seeking growth. I am a father of four awesome kiddos and have been married to my bride for over 18 years now. I purchased my first kayak shortly after moving to MD from Long Beach, CA in 2011 and was instantly hooked on the family atmosphere that is our community. 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
#738772
Josiah Pleasant
#000000
Juneau, Alaska
I love purposefully integrating my passions of positive social impact & outdoor adventure. From the PNW, I feel most at home on the water chasing crab, salmon & halibut. I have found a deep love for the proximity that kayaking provides in sharing the wilderness with wildlife. The shared moments that lift our spirits have increasingly become important to me after health challenges made the next adventure seem out of reach. Here is to living life to the fullest in community, especially with a paddle in hand!
Angler Pro Carbon
Alaska
https://www.instagram.com/fishingforgood/
https://www.mensjournal.com/adventure/the-purpose-of-storms/
Josiah Pleasant
JR Rowlands
Hometown: Winlock, WA
Kayak Fishing
#738772
JR Rowlands
#000000
Winlock, WA
Growing up in western Kentucky, I developed a passion for bass fishing while hitting Kentucky Lake with my dad. I eventually moved to Washington State and the fishing took a backseat to life in general. About 6 years ago I reignited that drive while competing in local events which led me to kayaking. Now, while being a dad to three amazing kids, I utilize my down time to compete in both local and regional events in hopes of elevating this dream to the next level.
Angler Pro in Glowtek
Any water with bass in it!
https://www.instagram.com/filthy_basshooker/
https://www.facebook.com/jackie.rowlands.142
https://www.flowcode.com/page/filthy_basshooker
JR Rowlands
Juan Gomez
Hometown: Chatfield, MN
Kayak Fishing
#738772
Juan Gomez
#000000
Chatfield, MN
I was born in Mexico before moving to Southeastern Minnesota at the age of five. From a young age, I loved the idea of fishing and once I learned how to catch a fish, I was hooked for life. It wasn't until I turned 21 that I began targeting bass, but once I figured that out, my passion for fishing intensified. It wasn't about just catching fish anymore, it was sharing the passion that I have for fishing and hoping to get people hooked on fishing. In 2017, I founded Reel Midwest Fishing, a group dedicated to get people out and fishing and teach them to respect the outdoors. Now, I participate in Kayak Bass Fishing, TourneyX, and Yak Bassin tournaments!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
#738772
Justin Floyd
#000000
Greenville, SC
My full name is Justin Frank Floyd. I was born February 27, 1993, in Knoxville, Tennessee. I attended Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, where I played Division 1 football and graduated with a degree in Health Science. After graduating, I had full intentions of obtaining a postgraduate degree in Sports Management and pursuing a career involving college athletics. However, after doing some research, I came across a job listing on Indeed posted by Confluence Outdoor (the largest kayak manufacturer in the world) for a position wrapping kayaks at the end of an assembly line. 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
Matt Charette
Hometown: Acworth, GA
Kayak Fishing
#738772
Matt Charette
#000000
Acworth, GA
When I was 8 I saved up some birthday and Christmas money to purchase a cheap used kayak so that I could tag along with my grandfather who was a Maine guide when he was doing canoe trips with clients. I modified the little sit inside boat to have a few rod holders and paddled like heck to keep up with their canoe on the rural Maine waterways. Fast forward about 12 years and I myself became a Maine guide putting people on fish and paddling the same waters that my grandfather had guided on. It was a pretty special relationship with these waters and paddling in general. 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
#738772
Mike Schmitz
#000000
Nashville, TN
I was born and raised in southern FL where fishing was his main priority. It didn't matter if it was freshwater or in the salt, I was happiest while holding a fishing rod. Fast forward to now, I enjoy chasing black bass and striper in middle Tennessee's lakes and rivers. Introduced to kayak fishing in 2015, I was instantly "hooked" on this new found freedom and can't get enough of it. 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
#738772
Moo Lee
#000000
Sacramento, CA
I grew up fishing in the San Francisco Bay Area and have fished all my life. I started kayak fishing in 2014 and became an addict. I love the intimacy with the water while on a small plastic boat. I'm a multispecies kayak angler who enjoys all types of water and all types of species but my absolute favorite is the Pacific Ocean chasing king salmon, halibut and lingcod. There is no better feeling than being out in the Big Blue on a kayak. I became a well known kayak fishing and kayak fishing safety advocate in Northern California through YouTube.
MooMoo
Angler Navigator
Pacific Ocean
https://www.instagram.com/moomoo_outdoors/
https://www.facebook.com/moomoooutdoors/
http://youtube.com/moomoooutdoors
Moo Lee
Reese Melven
Hometown: Chapin, SC
Kayak Fishing
#738772
Reese Melven
#000000
Chapin, SC
I have been fishing my whole life, and kayak fishing for 8 years now. I am going on my second year tournament fishing from a kayak, I fish local and National tournaments across the southeast. When I’m not fishing tournaments, you can find me in the current of the rivers chasing small mouth bass and big large mouth bass!
Angler Pro in Radiant
Saluda River
Broad River
https://www.instagram.com/reese_melven_fishing/
https://m.bassmaster.com/kayak/slideshow/first-look-bonafide-p-127
Reese Melven
Robert Brown
Hometown: Gurley, AL
Kayak Fishing
#738772
Robert Brown
#000000
Gurley, AL
I started kayaking fishing in 2013 on the Flint River in North Alabama. Kayak fishing has been a way for me to reconnect with nature and escape the stresses of everyday life. I have enjoyed traveling around the southeast, fishing both fresh and saltwater. My favorite species to target has to be redfish down in Florida or Louisiana. 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
#738772
Stephen Hrynewycz
#000000
Goshen, IN
My name is Stephen Hrynewycz. My home town is Goshen Indiana, where I currently live. We are blessed with several rivers within a 30 mile radius, which is my favorite place to fish. I like to paddle in the upper peninsula of Michigan in the Keweenaw Peninsula. I started fishing the local rivers since I was 13 years old. 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
Marty Hughes
Hometown: Auburn, Nebraska
Kayak Fishing
#738772
Marty Hughes
#000000
Auburn, Nebraska
My passion for fishing started as a youngster fishing small freshwater ponds in Southern California and combing the area beaches with a surf rod. Growing up as a military child often put me in new environments with unique fishing challenges. I have lived in Nebraska since 1976 and graduated from college with a teaching degree of which I've put to good use with a 40-year career. As a former teacher and principal, I've established many lifelong friendships that have carried over into the kayak fishing community. 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
Tanner Speidel
Hometown: Vinton, IA
Kayak Fishing
#738772
Tanner Speidel
#111111
Vinton, IA
Born and raised in Northeast Iowa, I grew up fishing and playing outdoors. My dad bought my first kayak when I was ten years old and shortly after I began kayak fishing in the family farm pond. 23 years later, still kayak fishing and exploring the outdoors of the Midwest. The freedom of paddling down a river is hard to beat and what keeps me exploring new places. My favorite rivers to paddle are all located within the "Driftless Area". Iowa's only area that wasn't flattened and filled with glacial till and drift. 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
#738772
Tim Hamlet
#ffffff
Achiltibuie, Scotland
I grew up in the remote villages of western Nepal for 10 years. I first sat in a white water kayak
while rafting a class 4 section of the legendary Kernali age 5. This early introduction to the outdoors has left a lasting impression. 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/