Extreme Kayak Fishing Magazine Issue 3

KAYA FREE

Holding her firs~ kingfish on ~he kayak.

Pompano Beach, FL

Ni\IJ1rIC:i\l. ~v~~~~~l1D~~~~ Marine Superstore

Check out our new on-the-water showroom at 50 South Bryan Rd. Dania Beach, FL offering 13,000 sq. ft. of products, accessories, services, in-water demos and more!

The Go-To People for Fun on the Water.

• BOATS • TENDERS • KAYAKS • SUP'S • DIVE GEAR • WATER TOYS

50 South Bryan Road, Dania Beach, FL FL

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• EVERYTHING!

nauticalventures.com

~ I . 'W-'1e!'t ~ IIlInoVURAnlA Ai~ YAMAHA

EXIREME EXPOSURE, FLORIDAS #1 OFFSHORE KAYAK FISHING TOURNAMENT SAILFISH SMACK DOWN JAN 25-26

BATTLE IN THE BAHAMAS APRIL 24-27

SUMMER SLAM JUNE 21 / AUG 16

Kayak/Paddle Board Fishing Tournament Series TM

ONLINE I TOURNAMENT SERIES I MAGAZINE For sponsorship opportunities joe@extremekayakfishing.com / maria@extremekayakfishing.com www.extremekayakfishing.com

'We{come to the 'Extreme Seytem6er Seam 20131 The energy was intense and the competition was fierce when the 82 registered anglers kicked off the weekend at Brus Room in Pompano Beach on September 27 th , 2013. The offshore fishermen arrived from allover the USA including Georgia, North Carolina, Texas, Orlando and Tampa to be part of this extreme weekend. Although the day ahead was calling for rough seas the contenders were determined to win.

The morning could not come fast enough as the men and women arrived at the crack of dawn to the Pompano Beach Pier. The momentum was high as the competitors fueled up on caffeine and adrenaline in hopes that all their preparation would pay off. It was a spectacular view as everyone gathered to the launch site with glow sticks in hand, the green and red lights were reflecting off the dark backdrop which would soon be a battleground of fisherman. The excitement was building with each passing minute; anglers were chomping at the bit until the sound of a gunshot signified the start and the race to the deep blue began.

The fun on the beach began not long after the anglers departed offshore.

Tents were set up all around the main stage showcasing the sponsors' merchandise, live music filled the air, drinks were flowing and tacos were being freshly made just in time for hungry people to enjoy. Games like corn hole and free Paddle Board rentals were also part of the festivities as the crowd waited anxiously for the anglers to return. Some of the fishermen started coming back with their catches as the morning turned into afternoon, but it wasn't until Brian Nelli landed on the beach just shy of the 2pm cut-off with his monster catch that had everyone in shock ...

Brian Nelli ended up winning biggest pelagic fish and heaviest total weight with his monster King Fish which was 34.3Ibs. He won the coveted trophy and $3,000! He also took home a pair of Costa Del Mar sunglasses, the ENGEL SUP paddle board worth $1,599 and a Guy Harvey necklace. Joe Kraatz with a total weight of 24.Slbs won second place and received a Hobie Mirage Outback kayak, a pair of Costa sunglasses, $500 and a plaque.

Taking third place was Rob Rodriguez, with a total weight of 22.1Ibs, swooping up a Hobie Revo kayak, a pair of Costa's and a plaque. Austin Collins nets fourth place with a total of lS.7lbs winning an awesome Imagine Wizard Angler SUP Paddle Board, a Penn Spinfisher V ssv6500 Reel, Costa's and a plaque. Andy Brown took fifth with a total of 131bs and walked away with a pair of Costa sunglasses and a check for $200. Last but not least Brad Schwartz wins Trash Can Slam with a huge Barracuda.

He took home a pair of Costa Sunglasses and a plaque.

Once again Extreme brought intense competition to the growing sport of kayak fishing. Not to mention some quality fish and a party on the beach that no one will soon forget.

Sonny showing off the 'Extreme troyhy on stage

Prizes & Stats Brian Nelli wins first place receiving a check for $3000.00, COSTA Sun Glasses & the huge trophy from CROWN TROPHY! 34.3lbs Joe Kraatz takes second place winning the Hobie Outback kayak from NAUTICAL VENTURES, COSTA Sun Glasses, $SOO dollars & a plaque from CROWN TROPHY! 24.Slbs Rob Rodriguez wins third place taking home a Hobie Revo kayak from NAUTICAL VENTURES, COSTA Sun Glasses & a plaque by CROWN TROPHY! 22.1Ibs Austin Collins nets fourth place winning the Imagine Wizard Angler SUP Paddle Board from ADVENTURE SPORTS, PENN SpinfisherV ssv6S00 Reel, COSTA Sun Glasses & a plaque from CROWN TROPHY! 1S.7lbs Andy Brown took fifth , winning COSTA Sun Glasses & a check for $200!

13lbs Brian Nelli not only won Total Weight but also won the Biggest Pelagic Division!

He took home an ENGEL PADDLE BOARD worth $1 S99 donated from ENGEL COOLERS! Brad Schwartz won the Trash Can Slam with a huge Barracuda .

Brad took home a pair of COSTA Sun Glasses & a plaque from CROWN TROPHY!

Jina{ 'EXJT Points for 2013 Joe Kraatz 55 pts Brian Nelli 50 pts Rob Rodriguez 30 pts Kellan Goertemiller 30 pts Eric Digeon 25 pts Justin Moody 15 pts Henry Cordovis 15 pts

This tournament series is great. It has introduced kayak fishing to people that did not realize that you could fish offshore from a kayak. The big money prizes draw in guys that fish offshore powerboat tournaments, now they are willing to give kayak fishing a shot.

- Brian Nelli

Blackfin Tuna Blackfins are pelagic schooling fish that most often feed near the surface.

Weight: They range in size from 2 to 20 pounds and can reach over 40 pounds. The world record is 49 pounds 6 oz.

Game quality: Strong fight with long runs.

Food quality: Excellent.

Min. length: None Max. length: None Daily bag limit: None The best time to target blackfins off of South East Florida is in the spring and fall. In summer they will be under schools of bonito.

gnce schools of blackfins can be found within a two mile paddle off the South East Florida coast, they have become a prize catch for many offshore kayak anglers. But there is more to catching blackfins than just paddling out to 200 feet, dropping a speed jig down, and ripping it up. Like many other fish, blackfins will hold onto structure, even in water over 200 feet. Structure like ledges, wrecks and humps are a prime spot to target this game fish. The water pushes up against these structures, causing bait fish caught in the swift current to become an easy meal for blackfin.

Having a good fish finder with GPS is a must for finding these blackfin hot spots, the schools will often be 20 to 30 feet below the surface. If you are in 200 feet of water and mark a school at 30 feet, drop the jig down 50 feet and rip it up. Watch your line as the jig drops, if the line speeds up or slows down as it makes its descent, put the reel in gear and come tight.

Good lures for jigging blackfins are 3-8oz speed jigs from Williamson and Shimano. Diamond jigs are another good choice, they allow you to get your bait down quickly into the strike zone. DOA TerrorEyes and White hair jigs from 1 to 30z don't drop as fast and are worked slower. For these types oflures I recommend dropping the jig down 20 to 30 feet and jig it up six feet and let it drop. Then bring it up 8 feet and drop it back down. Many times the tuna will strike on the drop. This style of jigging keeps the bait in the strike zone longer.

Trolling can be an effective way to find blackfins as well. Having a line out when moving from one spot to another will increase your chances of catching one. Having a lure that will dive down 5 to 10 feet is a good choice. Deep diving lures that dive 20 to 30 feet at times will be the ticket. If one does not turn up a tuna, try another that dives at a different depth. Good lures for trolling are Rapala X-rap, Bomber Spot Tail Pogy, Saltwater Rat-L-Trap, Got-Cha Lure and white hair jigs.

When looking to land a blackfin you will need the right tackle. Pick a good quality 5000 spinner and load it up with 20 lb. braid. Most reels this size will hold 300 yards. Match it up with a good jigging rod and you are set. Jigging rods are very light but are very powerful with a lot of backbone. I have landed a lot of Blackfins on that size outfit. It will handle most fish; but if you are looking to target 30 lb+ tunas, a 7000 with over 300 yards of 30 lb braid may be a better choice.

Conventional tackle with their smooth drag make an excellent outfit for targeting tuna. Keep it small: a Penn Fathom FTH 12 with 5.0:1 gear ratio or similar reels are a good choice. They are not much bigger than a bait caster but will hold over 400 yards of 20 lb braid or over 300 yards of 30 lb. Match them up with a quality jigging rod and you have a great blackfin outfit that can double as a great live bait outfit for big snook and tarpon. For leader, choose a fluorocarbon line. Tuna have large eyes and can be very leader shy. Six foot or more of 30 to 40 lb. test flu oro will work. At times, 20 lb test leader will get you the hits when heavier leader wont.

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Isiah Jackson with his monster BFT Destin, FL.

Make sure you use multiple hooks on your jig, Tuna are notorious for popping off!

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David Buzaki showing off his BFT offFreeport, Grand Bahamas.

Keep your catch cold and fresh. Blackfins are excellent eating. but the quality will go down fast if the fish gets hot sitting in a kayak. Bleed out the tuna by ripping out the gills with your finger, then ice it down in a fish bag. A good quality fish bag is a great investment for any offshore kayak angler. You may think the cost of a fish bag is a lot, but it will pay for itself after a few trips. Look at the cost of tuna at a fresh fish market.

The combination of being a great fighting and a great eating fish has made the blackfin tuna a prize catch for offshore kayak anglers along the south east coast of Florida. These tips should help put you on the fish.

By Peter Hinck

Kayak/Paddle Board Fishing

Tournament

TM

BAnlE IN THE BAHAMAS QUEST FOR THE Rill

SIG UP 0 !!

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IPIIl2411 2nl 2014

WWW.EXTREMEKAYAKFISHING.COM

I<AY AI< FISHING Power Boats To Kayaks

Capt. Mike Genoun, Florida Sport Fishing

Contrary to popular belief, a large percentage of kayak owners also own powerboats. If not, they certainly fish on a buddy's boat. Still, throughout their angling career they've learned that stealthy kayaks offer access to shallow, remote backcountry waters and fertile inshore fisheries simply inaccessible by any other craft.

Offshore, along either coast of Florida, the scene on the high seas may be dramatically different but the benefits of kayak fishing still add up. It is obvious that large expanses of open-ocean and the associated risks that come with unprotected water are better suited for horsepower than paddle power. Despite that, an increasing number of guys are pushing the limits on kayaks not because it is the only fishing platform they have access to, but because the rewards that come along with open water kayak fishing far surpass the dangers.

Kayak fishing is also extremely rewarding, not to mention affordable. You don't need a hundred gallons offuel, dozens of live baits, and double-digit sailfish releases to feel like you had a banner day. Every fish on a kayak counts and everyone of those fish feels like a giant. Battles are awesome and peak when you're finally at arm's reach and staring your prize in the eye. Plus, specifically targeting a particular species of fish on a kayak and achieving consistent success is quite the accomplishment and very addictive.

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First is the obvious health benefit. You want to talk about an effective exercise regiment! Forget the gym, try paddling a kayak for a few miles into a stiff current and see if that doesn't get your blood pumping and your shoulders burning. Paddling also utilizes and chisels various arm, core and leg muscles. Have you seen Joe Hector?

Second is serenity. I own two powerboats, a 39ft SeaVee and a 19 ft. skiff, and I still enjoy jumping on my Heritage and going one on one against the elements. It's quiet, it's calm and I find being so low to the water and so close to nature to be an exceptionally enjoyable experience.

Because of space and weight limitations, when heading offshore tackle needs to be carefully thought out in advance.

" Another misconception is that you can't catch big fish from a kayak. Nothing could be further from the truth. Short of monster billfish, just about everything that swims, and certainly every prized pelagic and deep water predator inhabiting our local waters can be, and has been successfully captured from a kayak.

The list includes sharks, sailfish, wahoo, dolphin, tuna, cobia, king mackerel, snapper, grouper, amberjack and more. Limitations are never quality or variety of fish, but typically quantity of fish due to space limitations.

Continued..

It's important you realize that today's kayaks are nothing like the old Hobie at summer camp. Today's roto-molded boats, a manufacturing process that results in a one piece kayak with no seam, can be fully equipped with a food and beverage cooler, vertical and horizontal rod holders, multiple tackle trays, a battery operated livewell and even a multifunction display with full sonar and chart plotting capabilities. Modern fishing kayaks are wide and stable; some of which are outfitted with pedal power like Hobie's Mirage Drive and rudder systems completely freeing your hands for more important duties like rigging or casting. With an ultra-light carbon graphite paddle, an adjustable seat and footrests, the experience on a fully outfitted kayak is far superior from what you might expect. Nevertheless, kayaks do come with limitations. Speed, distance, storage capacity and little protection from the elements. These are all factors that you have to account for when prepping for any kayak adventure.

If I have whet your appetite and you're a powerboat owner who is truly considering breaking into the sport of kayak fishing, which is one of the fastest growing segments in our industry, there are some things you need to know. Arguably, the most important factor when buying a kayak is the quality of construction. Knowing how a kayak is made and what material it was made out of should be instrumental in your purchasing decision. Not only will this knowledge help you understand the large price differences between manufacturers, it will also give you a reasonable expectation of the product that you buy. Whether it relates to durability, weight or any number of qualities, it's important that you purchase the very best boat you can afford based on your intended use.

When the time comes to outfit the kayak, most guys start with the essentials and work their way up, ensuring that all of the necessary safety equipment is on board and easily accessible. Most importantly, you'll need an approved personal flotation device (PDF) and a whistle. Don't launch without them! A safety flag and, when possible, a VHF radio are highly recommended for offshore kayak fishing.

Because of space and weight limitations, when heading offshore tackle needs to be carefully thought out in advance. Most guys manage to carry three rod and reel outfits, each no longer than 7 ft. The first is a spinning outfit for jigging purposes with two additional conventional outfits rigged for fishing live baits while drifting or trolling.

THIS

Mike Genoun with his wahoo caught off his Sea Vee boat.

Rob Rodriguez holding his wahoo caught off Dania Beach, FL.

THAT

Seasoned kayakers know accidents happen and those who have unexpectedly flipped boats over and donated It's important you realize that today's kayaks are expensive rods and reels to their local artificial reef system nothing like the old Hobie at summer camp __ _ now use rod leashes to secure their investments. Tackle trays, short handled gaffs, cameras and all other loose paraphernalia should also be secured when paddling from So there it is! A brief summary on the pros and cons of offshore one hot spot to another. kayak fishing. Even if you're a powerboat owner, don't discount this effective and extremely rewarding approach for bagging big Advanced kayak fishermen are beginning to explore kite fishing tactics as well. Not much is more exciting than the fish on their own turf. And if you really feel you are ready, take a leap of faith and participate in one or all of the legs in the Extreme visual assault of an aggressive game fish exploding on Kayak Fishing Tournament Series and see what all of the hype is helpless bait. I'm sure as this exciting approach develops, about for yourself. specialized tackle will soon be available.

W hile some skeptics continue to cry fad, the hype surrounding Stand Up Paddleboarding has found some statistical support. The Outdoor Industry Association reported that 10.5 million Americans paddled SUP boards in 2011. Leisure Trends Group reported a 104% increase in U.s. stand-up paddle board sales from April 2011 to April 2012, and another 90% by this last April. With SUP's popping up everywhere, Stand Up Paddle fishing is now one of the fastest growing segments in the paddle industry.

Stand Up Paddle fishing, also known as extreme fishing and "Man on fish", has been around almost as long as surfing. It was originally performed on long boards that were paddled out to the fishing hole in the prone position. While a big enough long board would do the job, they weren't exactly designed for standing on when not on a wave. Still, adventurous surfers with a penchant for fishing made due. With the advent of SUP boards, the Paddle-fish playing field has changed forever. The new paddle boards are much wider, more stable, and specifically designed so the angler can stand up or sit down for the entire trip.

Although some might argue that navigating an oversized surfboard with a 6-foot paddle while casting a fishing rod is anything but simple, companies such as Jackson Kayak, Outer Harbor and Engel are working to change that perception by introducing stable, user-friendly designs that offer some unique advantages. Like decked out fishing kayaks, some Stand Up Paddle boards on the market have design features to accommodate fishing. Some of the new SUP fishing models have features like built in fish boxes and rod holders. The fish boxes hold your gear/tackle, hold live bait or even cold beverages.

Some boards come equipped with a leaning post or even a large cooler that doubles as a fighting chair and holds your catch.

"The advantage on a stand-up paddle board is your perspective. You're

While the majority of SUP fisherman strictly fish inshore, a few

standing up tall over the water, looking for fish and activity. SUP's

brave souls have ventured out past the breakers in search of pelagics. Nowadays it's not uncommon to hook up to a nice Sailfish, Dorado, or Wahoo. There are even some guys going after

fish. Standing up tall on this board, you can hunt for fish and you can

marlin just to see what is too extreme for a 12 foot plus long paddle board. Whether you are catching pelagics or small fish, every angler must take into account the skill needed to balance on a paddle board. Even while catching small fish, Stand Up Paddle board fishing introduces a balancing element while fighting a fish,

being a stealthy craft by design enable the angler to sneak up on the cast farther and more effectively from a fly-fishing and conventional standpoint. You truly become a silent fish hunter with the combo of incredible visibility and stealth."

Choosing the ideal SUP fishing board is a personal preference. Board lengths for this segment tend to fall in the 11- to 12.6-foot range and

an extreme one at that.

weighs far less than a kayak. More important for the sake of stability is width, which should be at least 32 inches underfoot. Width equals

With the elevated sight line offered from a standing position, the

stability. When in doubt, err to the wide side. The fin on the bottom of the board aids with tracking, but shorter, flexible fins are best for the shallow

ability to cover more water with relative ease and a full range of motion while casting, the appeal of SUP fishing is readily evident.

water and rocky landings. Thickness translates to volume for carrying capacity. The overall length equals speed or glide per stroke.

it is at this juncture that paddle-fishing truly becomes a sport and

Like the fishing kayaks that precede them, efficiency and portability are the primary attractions, especially with inflatable models that slip into a backpack. Toss in the potential for a fish-fueled "sleigh ride," and the action gets exciting in a hurry.

Regardless if you are a core yaker, crossing over to a SUP or just a waterman looking for the next adrenaline rush, there is nothing like hooking up on a big fish and the sleigh ride that comes with it! Landing that fish out in the open water with you and your self-propelled water craft is a feeling only an extreme paddle-fisher knows!

www.extremekayakfishing.com

15

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Without a doubt, the most common Pelagic fish caught offshore by kayak anglers Is the Klngfish (King Mackerel).

Klngfish are one of the hardest fighting species In South Florida and can be caught year round here In Pompano Beach. The Klngfish that anglers catch off our coast can range from 5 pounds all the way up to 60 pounds, so you want to make sure you are prepared and have the right tackle when targeting these fish.

Common Stinger Rig

LIVE BAIT: Is the best way to target Kingfish Small S 0 Swi

Stinger hook treble # 4-6

Stinger hook -treble # 4-6

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Flash II Stinger Rig

Goggle Eye Rig

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Large Stinger Rig

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This rig is mainly used for blue runners.

The most common baits used in our area are Goggle Eyes & Blue Runners.

These are hardy baits that can be slow trolled throughout the day without dying. It's important to present these baits the right way so you 're not wasting your time and money. The most common rig we use while fishing with Gogs/Runners is the "STINGER-RIG". It is by far the best rig to use while targeting Kingfish . This rig consists of 1 small, short shankJ-hook (size: 2/0-4/0) for the nose, and 1 treble hook (size: 4 - 6) behind the dorsal fin . For larger baits it is recommended to use 2 treble hooks, this will increase the chances of a hook-up and decrease the chances of your bait being bitten in half. We tie this rig with single strand wire (#4-#7) . ALWAYS use wire! Kingfish have razor sharp teeth and will cut your line without you knowing it. You can buy these rigs pre made or tie them yourself using the haywire twist. You can also use a duster with your live bait which can trigger a fish to hit. A duster is a type of skirt usually made from Mylar that will add a little more flash to your bait.

The preferred setup to use while fishing these baits is a 7ft - 7'6" live bait rod with a Conventional reel spooled with 20lb mono.

Conventional Reels are good because they hold more monofilament then spinning reels. While you can hold more yardage with braid than mono, it is important to use Mono because it provides a stretch that braid does not. You need a little stretch in the line because it gives the bait more freedom to swim around and won't put pressure on the hooks. You don't want the hooks pulling out of the bait when you are dragging it around.

Most kayak fisherman like to fish 2 live baits at once. One on the surface & one below the surface. The best depths to fish when targeting Kings range from 70ft-200ft.

8y Doug Perez

FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT

How to improve your offshore catches

Brian Nelli, Pushin' Water Kayak Charters

Tony Lai holding his first wahoo Boynton Beach, FL.

www.pushinwaterfishing.col1l

Offshore kayak fishing has become very popular in the last few years.

Guys and gals are beefing up their inshore gear to battle the big pelagics that roam the blue waters of our coasts. Kayak fisherman coming from fishing inshore waters may have some difficulty in figuring out what to look for offshore. Grass Flats, mangrove tree lines and channels drop off to give an inshore fisherman a good place to start looking for fish. Offshore waters don't always give up that information quite as easy.

The ocean is a big place, as a good friend once said "5% of the ocean will hold 95% of the fish:' On the Southeast coast of Florida the ocean current must be taken into consideration before planning a trip.

There could be no current or it could be ripping as fast as 5mph to the North or South. The current can be going in opposite directions depending on the depth that you are at. You could be in 40ft with a south current but once you travel offshore, you could find yourself in a strong north current. Currents are constantly changing throughout the day and the only way to know which way the current is flowing is to get on the water and see for yourself. 90% of the time when fishing offshore I will set up a drift plan to maximize time on the water. This takes a little bit of planning from choosing a launch and landing point, to deciding to drop a buddy's car off, calling a cab or having someone pick you up. Once on the beach check out the current wind and water conditions. Is it clam, is it rough, are there a lot of weeds on the beach, is there bait close to shore, which way is the wind blowing? This information will help you decide what baits to use and at what depths to use them. In general on a calm day, try to run your baits deeper in the water column. If you have some surface chop and see a lot of action on top, like bait jumping or pelagics breaking the water, look to run baits closer to the surface.

Other things to look for are "rips'; color changes and weed lines. A rip is an area of current that will make the water look more turbulent than the surrounding areas. A defined color change will have strong current running along the edge of the change. Most of the time these color breaks will have debris and weeds mixed in, so they are fairly easy to spot. If you are lucky enough you may run into a weed line during your offshore adventure. Any type of weed line or scattered weeds is a good place to stop and put bait out.

In addition to being able to locate target areas visually, every offshore fisherman should have a quality GPS and mapping chip like Navionics.

These chips will give you detailed depths and contours of the ocean floor as well as give you the ability to locate natural reefs, artificial reefs and other fish holding structures. When targeting fish like tuna I have found that during certain times of the year they will be stacked on tight contour lines that I have found mapped on a chip. These tight contours indicate slight drops and humps. Dropping a vertical jig on these areas will give you a good chance to hook up. At times these locations also create surface rips and most certainly have a good current around them deeper in the water column.

Fish congregate to these areas because they hold baitfish, crabs and other small creatures. Rips, color changes and weed lines are like a food highway. Pelagics will cruise these highways using the current to their advantage. They can save energy by hitching a ride on the current as well as use it like a conveyor belt bringing their meal right to them.

If you are new to offshore kayak fishing or are thinking about trying it, this information should give you a good start on what to look for while out on the water. Good luck out there, be safe and have fun!

- Brian Nelli

ACE'S BAIT & TACKLE 1300 North Federal HWY Pompano Beach ,FL 33062 LIVE GOGGLEYS, PILCHARDS &SHRIMP FRESH BAIT, FROZEN BAITS &TACKLE

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N~u~ical

Ventures, a leading sponsor for our Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournaments, opens new Marine Superstore.

The store that's all about the water is now right on the water.

N autical Ventures has been a proud sponsor of our Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournaments (EKFT) since its inception and, they are dedicated to continuing their sponsorship. Their commitment to our sport and the boating community is evident in their new waterfront superstore.

The new facility features a 13,000 sq. ft. showroom displaying the latest in water sports toys, yacht tenders, kayaks, SUP's, dive gear, sailboats, performance boats, center consoles, pontoon boats, outboard motors, and marine accessories galore.

Factory dealerships include Fountain, Donzi, Baja, Belzona, Century, Key Largo, Tahoe, Novurania, Chapman, Evolution, Williams and more.

In addition to being one of the largest stocking Hobie dealers for the past 2 years, they also carry Ocean, Wilderness, Perception, Laser, BOTE, Riviera and Bic brands.

There are 26 boat slips with deep water access to accommodate in-water displays, boat tests and promotional events. The Aqua Zone features 250' of floating docks, a floating island with canopy and seating for viewers, custom kayak launch bays, classes and training. Nautical Ventures will offer introductory boating courses, stand up paddle board (SUP) and kayak lessons and tours as well as boat, kayak and SUP rentals.

There is also a 16,000 sq. ft. service center and warehouse facility with certified technicians for Mercury, Yamaha, Lehr, Honda, Tohatsu, Nissan, and Volvo.

The NVMS Service Center supports new boat sales, rigging, used boats service and consignment boats.

The new superstore is on 3 acres on the C-1 0 canal in Dania Beach, just off the Dania Cut Off Canal, only a few miles by water to Port Everglades, at 50 South Bryan Road in Dania Beach just north of Sterling Road.

As distributors and dealers for premium brands and a philosophy of, IICustomers first as our first order of business:: Nautical Ventures is the go to place for professional, courteous and friendly service.

General Manager Spencer Milligan notes,lIWe have big plans for NVMS and we're proud to be involved with Joe Hector and the EKFT. These events bring our waterman community together for a good cause and a good time is had by all:'

Nautical Ventures Marine Superstore 50 South Bryan Road Dania Beach, FL 33004 954-926-5250/877-352-4426 www.nauticalventures.com

GRASS FLATS MAFIA PROFESSIONAL KAYAK TEAM

By Andrew Mixon

MIND THE GAP!

The generation gap, that is. The Grass Flats Mafia professional kayak team with dad-Drew Mixon, and son Micha Mixon at 17 years old covers that gap. With a generation between them, they pretty much encompass the full spectrum of angling ideas and techniques from some of those tried and true 'old school' ideas, to the newest tricks in the book.

Since the inception of the IFA and Hobie Fishing's development of the first actual tour for kayak anglers, this team has been working the circuits. Between both team mates, they have an amazing 34 top ten finishes in the last couple of years, and over 60 tournament checks since 2004. Their successes have not gone unnoticed by many great sponsors either. Drew and Micha are part ofTeam Hobie, Lowrance Electronics, Ande Monofilament, Accent Paddles, Pro-Cure bait scents, The Fish Grip and recently Shimano Fishing and Unfair Lures. Spreading the word through a YouTube channel and a team website, these guys really exemplify tournament kayak angling in all the best ways. Promotion of the sport overall, but tournament angling more specifically, is paramount with the team.

"We are fishing 25 or so tournaments a year. We get to challenge ourselves fishing in different areas, for different fish using the whole range of our skills and our entire tackle box. It's awesome to fish outside of your comfort zone. It really teaches you a lot about your angling:' says Drew.

Drew has been fishing Florida waters since he was just a kid.

From his grass roots in freshwater ponds and backwater bays on Florida's west coast, to running offshore tournament rigs in big-money tournaments, Drew has been around the horn with his fishing. "I started fishing tournaments in the 80's. I was totally hooked-the competition, the fellowship, and the challenges. I totally dig tournament fishing of all kinds:' Drew not only enjoys tournament fishing but his competitive nature and wish to succeed has brought him an impressive 7 IGFA line-class records, all caughtfrom paddle craft. "Yea, I am always looking for a challenge. The IGFA records were a great couple of years in my angling. I was so fortunate to be able to travel to areas where I was able to target some incredible fish:' When asked what his most memorable fishing moment is, Drew tells this surprising story, "We were (boat) trolling for tuna, wahoo-whatever. The normal routine back then was for me to run the deck, Micha's mom handled the helm and on this trip the boys-Iii Drew and Micha, were our anglers. It was Iii Drew's turn on the rod when we had a sailfish go berserk in the spread. I was watching the mugging going on across the baits, and then heard the port rod screaming.

Drew believes the future of his kayak angling will certainly include the growing number of offshore tournaments.

I shouted for Iii Drew to grab the rod and get set up. The line kept screaming out of control and I wheeled around to see what was going on, only to see Iii Drew strapping his little brother into his harness and putting the butt in his gimbal. I just fell back and couldn't speak. For a moment there was no sound, everything was in slow motion. I was stunned with what Iii Drew had done-giving up that fish to his little brother. After a couple of seconds, like in a movie, sound came back to me and everything sped up as I sort of came to and remembered we had an angry sailfish on the line. We did land the fish, which would be Micha's first sail. Man, I tell you, when you see your kids do something like that. It makes you think you are doing something right:' Its obvious Drew is proud of his boys. And while we all are most familiar with Micha and his accomplishments, there is another brother. Lil Drew, as we a re told is 6 foot 3 inch "little Drew': Lil Drew is away in college but still finds time to fish, surf, dive, spear fish and carryon as the waterman he was raised to be.

Micha is actually responsible for founding the kayak team. For his 1Q'h birthday he asked for a kayak. He was immediately hooked. "When I was little we lived right on the water. I kept my kayak on the dock and could fish everyday if I wanted:' Micha tells us. "Man, I rigged that thing with rod holders, a home-made anchor system and I had a special bait bucket:' Micha fished his first tournament when he was only 3, and has been hitting the circuits hard ever since. "I like fishing different places and seeing all the guys we've met all over the place. It's cool:' Micha tells us his most challenging location to fish is the Tampa-Sarasota area. "I don't know what it is. There is some kind of voodoo in that place.

Every time we fish a tournament there, the fish just jinx me. I mean, I have caught good fish there, but during tournaments I always lose fish or can't get them to eat:' Micha is no stranger to the IGFA either, having held a black fin tuna junior world record in his past. He says his most memorable fish in the kayak was his first sailfish in the kayak. Your first is always the most memorable.

Micha believes his kayak angling experience will take him to many different places. "I like catching trophy fish, and fishing tournaments, but mostly I like to travel to catch different fish. I wa nt to fish Costa Rica for snook on the Caribbean side and roosterfish on the Pacific side:'

The team has certainly seen successes and when asked what the secret is, Drew laughs and says,"1 am the first person to admit that I am not really a great angler. I try to be a well prepared angler so when that opportunity presents itself, I have everything in place to make the connection:' Drew also concedes that having nearly 3 decades of angling experience has shortened the learning curve. "I mean, it's the same fish, the same water and pretty much the same techniques I've used all my life. Applying all of that into my kayak angling has helped in our good fortune:' Drew believes the future of his kayak angling will certainly include the growing number of offshore tournaments. Always wanting a challenge, the offshore tournaments are a perfect fit for the avid angler. "Offshore kayak fishing is growing. Not just the weekend anglers, but the tournaments as well. Even the boat tournaments are including provisions for kayakers now. I want to stay on that wave and ride it along its progression. I can see big things being developed in that area. Also, I have some big plans for the upcoming year.

And all of them have very pointy noses!"

You can keep up with the team through their website, www. grassfiatsmafia.com, or search YouTube and Instagram for grassfiatsmafia.

By Andrew Mixon

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