®
Fall 2020
page 62
MYERS: Do it!!! Kayaking is healthy. Everyone needs to have fun while working out. Kayaking is fun plus catching giant fish in a kayak is something every angler should experience.
WB: What has been your biggest challenge?
MYERS: Fishing against the clock. In a kayak the ability to run long distances without wasting too much time. It is all about time management.
WB: What do you enjoy most about kayak fishing?
MYERS: What I enjoy most is spending time in nature. Also, when that tank pulls you around when you’re fighting the fish. It is you against the fish. It is you against the elements. It is you and nature.
WB: What are your short-term and long-term goals for kayak fishing?
MYERS: Every year, I make fishing goals and I try my best to achieve them. Every year, my main goal is to make the Tournament of Champions (TOC). My mind set is to win everything and to work hard to make it happen.
WB: How did you ultimately choose the boat that you are in?
MYERS: The biggest factor was the pedal drive efficiency. There were two main factors for deciding on the Hobie, ease and efficiency. When pedaling, the fins move through aquatic vegetation clearing itself of debris. They designed the pedal drive by studying penguin swimming action and came up with an extremely efficient drive that is easy on one’s knees and legs, which helps when you are in your 50’s and beyond.
WB: What additions have you made to your boat to make it more safe and fishable?
MYERS: I purchased a hand bilge pump and attached it with Velcro inside the hull within hands reach.
Also, I designed a ladder to get back into the kayak, just in case I flipped. The ladder is a simple design with 1/4-inch nylon cord and a 1/2-inch PVC pipe attached to the kayak. This ladder has two purposes, one to help flip the kayak back over, and the second is to use the PVC as a one step ladder to get back into the kayak. I slide the nylon cord inside of the pipe and place the safety ladder into a pocket on the port side of the kayak. I keep the port side of the kayak free of accessories; so, nothing is in my way when boarding.
Going the extra step, I installed an Electrical bilge pump to the bottom of the hull. The Hobie Pro Angler Has rod tubes located towards the front of the vessel. So instead of drilling a 3/4-inch hole thru the hull, I routed
the drain tube into the rod tube. The bilge pump when activated will empty into the scupper holes and drive hole.
During competition, one is always fighting against time, the more effectively one uses their time on the water, the more time one has to put fish into the boat. In order to cover water more efficiently, I installed a trolling motor with a battery that weighs only 22-pounds. To steer the trolling motor, I decided to install a foot control mechanism that steers with my feet. The main reason why was to keep from adding more stress on the rudder controls and if one system failed, I still had a complete separate steering and propel system for back up.
WB: Finally, what safety recommendations do you have to offer?
MYERS: Always wear a life jacket, always. Cold water zaps your breath away even in the hotter months but can be extremely dangerous in the colder months. Dress accordingly for the conditions. Don’t wear waders!
Test your equipment regularly, meaning make sure all the bolts are tight, pumps are working, batteries are charged, life jacket is on and in good condition, and always have a game plan if something goes wrong. Fish with a buddy close by so if someone needs help, they are available.
Make sure you check the weather conditions before you go on the water. In my bass boat, I’ve been in some dangerous conditions on the water and how one controls the vessel decides if one make it back safely. Don’t test your vessel in rough water conditions. There is a time and place for testing, and this is during controlled conditions. Practice flipping and boarding with buddies around you. Practice driving your vessel in rough water during the summer hotter months with friends close. Don’t go out on the water when weather conditions are rough and if you’re on the water and it becomes rough, get to a safe location and then call for help. Don’t risk it. Know your limitations and don’t test them. •