Rating: 10/10 - This DVD is essential to any kayaker. Even if you have taken classes, I bet you'll find a lot of vital information in this DVD.
Pros:
- The DVD is broken down wonderfully and is easy to watch
- Packed with information! Even someone who doesn't kayak will use the info contained in this DVD
Cons:
- A minor hitch, but some of the audio/video isn't the best quality and it gets distracting at times... Doesn't take away from the whole DVD, but I had to find SOMETHING for the Cons or I'd sound like a fanboy :)
Pros:
- The DVD is broken down wonderfully and is easy to watch
- Packed with information! Even someone who doesn't kayak will use the info contained in this DVD
Cons:
- A minor hitch, but some of the audio/video isn't the best quality and it gets distracting at times... Doesn't take away from the whole DVD, but I had to find SOMETHING for the Cons or I'd sound like a fanboy :)
River Kayak Fishing Skills: A River Runner’s Lesson Plan is the first DVD in a series of many being produced by Jeff Little. For those of you who live under a rock, Jeff Little is a kayak fishing guide and instructor from the Maryland area and is one of the most predominate names in East Coast kayak fishing. In this first DVD, Jeff discusses many aspects of kayak fishing - everything from selecting the right kayak to effective kayak fishing techniques. Overall this DVD is a must have for any kayak angler, but it is especially important for anyone new to kayak fishing (or kayaking in general) to watch this DVD. Even if you don’t kayak fish, the last 2 parts cover developing patterns and forage assessment and are filled with great information for any angler.
The DVD is broken down into 9 sections: Finding The Right Kayak, Maintaining Boat Position, Paddling Technique, Stealth Approaches, Maneuver’s, Running A Rapid, Trip Planning & Exploration, Pattern Development and Forage Assessment.
Finding The Right Kayak:
In this section, Jeff discusses what it takes to find the right kayak. He also touches on the differences between the sizes of kayaks and how each style and size work differently. The best information he gives in this entire section is to get yourself out to a Demo day. It isn’t wise to buy a kayak without trying all the different options and a demo day can get you on to many different boats to find what’s right for you. This is one of the best sections for anyone just getting into kayaking and kayak fishing.
The DVD is broken down into 9 sections: Finding The Right Kayak, Maintaining Boat Position, Paddling Technique, Stealth Approaches, Maneuver’s, Running A Rapid, Trip Planning & Exploration, Pattern Development and Forage Assessment.
Finding The Right Kayak:
In this section, Jeff discusses what it takes to find the right kayak. He also touches on the differences between the sizes of kayaks and how each style and size work differently. The best information he gives in this entire section is to get yourself out to a Demo day. It isn’t wise to buy a kayak without trying all the different options and a demo day can get you on to many different boats to find what’s right for you. This is one of the best sections for anyone just getting into kayaking and kayak fishing.
Which kayak should you buy?
Maintaining Boat Position:
This section is what I consider the ‘Meat and Potatoes’ of the whole DVD. Anyone who is going to fish any rivers in a kayak needs to learn how to maintain boat position. Not only does this allow you to fish areas you otherwise wouldn’t have been able to reach, it is an essential part of staying safe when fishing a river. Jeff covers some great techniques to keep your kayak in position while in many different situations. Some of the techniques covered are one handed paddling techniques, wedging, and how to use wind and current to your advantage.
This section is what I consider the ‘Meat and Potatoes’ of the whole DVD. Anyone who is going to fish any rivers in a kayak needs to learn how to maintain boat position. Not only does this allow you to fish areas you otherwise wouldn’t have been able to reach, it is an essential part of staying safe when fishing a river. Jeff covers some great techniques to keep your kayak in position while in many different situations. Some of the techniques covered are one handed paddling techniques, wedging, and how to use wind and current to your advantage.
Jeff maintains position while fishing
Paddling Technique:
If you’re new to kayaking - definitely watch this section before you hit the water. This section covers the basics of good paddling technique. There’s actually a lot more to paddling than simply… well, paddling. This section teaches you how to paddle silently and to use less energy and get the most out of each stroke. Learning these simple, but essential techniques will help reduce soreness and prevent injuries that can come from incorrect paddling technique. This is another section that shows you how to remain safe while running a river. Safety is a huge part of this DVD and it isn’t something that should be taken lightly.
If you’re new to kayaking - definitely watch this section before you hit the water. This section covers the basics of good paddling technique. There’s actually a lot more to paddling than simply… well, paddling. This section teaches you how to paddle silently and to use less energy and get the most out of each stroke. Learning these simple, but essential techniques will help reduce soreness and prevent injuries that can come from incorrect paddling technique. This is another section that shows you how to remain safe while running a river. Safety is a huge part of this DVD and it isn’t something that should be taken lightly.
Jeff discusses paddling techniques
Stealth Approaches:
This section is the whole reason I enjoy kayak fishing so much - The stealth factor. This section is going to help get you on more and bigger fish. Stealth approaches are key to successful kayak fishing and this section gives you some great tips on how to remain quiet and go unnoticed. Jeff also discusses some accessories you can use to keep your kayak quiet. You’ll be surprised at all the noise you’re making and probably don’t notice, but the fish do! This section also discusses ways you could be spooking fish by means of scent transfer and bad casting technique, so this is a good section to watch even if you don’t plan on fishing from a kayak.
This section is the whole reason I enjoy kayak fishing so much - The stealth factor. This section is going to help get you on more and bigger fish. Stealth approaches are key to successful kayak fishing and this section gives you some great tips on how to remain quiet and go unnoticed. Jeff also discusses some accessories you can use to keep your kayak quiet. You’ll be surprised at all the noise you’re making and probably don’t notice, but the fish do! This section also discusses ways you could be spooking fish by means of scent transfer and bad casting technique, so this is a good section to watch even if you don’t plan on fishing from a kayak.
Long casts are another part of stealth
Maneuvers:
Yet another essential section for anyone who is going to fish a river (that’s what the whole DVD is about anyway!). Jeff covers some great maneuvering techniques that you’ll need to safely and effectively get around while paddling through current. Probably the best segment in this section is learning to ferry. Ferrying will help you conserve energy and will also keep you out of danger should you ever get into some heavy current.
Yet another essential section for anyone who is going to fish a river (that’s what the whole DVD is about anyway!). Jeff covers some great maneuvering techniques that you’ll need to safely and effectively get around while paddling through current. Probably the best segment in this section is learning to ferry. Ferrying will help you conserve energy and will also keep you out of danger should you ever get into some heavy current.
Use the current to your advantage for easy turning
Running a Rapid:
You’re bound to hit rapids when fishing a river, so watch this section over and over again! Rapids are going to be the most dangerous part of running a river, so learning how to effectively get through rapids safely will keep you in your boat and also keep your gear from going for a swim. One thing to remember about running a rapid: Speed is Stability!
Jeff also covers what to do if you end up in the water. This is something you have to get ingrained in your mind, because your first initial reaction is going to be to stand up. Standing up is the last thing you should do when you’re in current, so repeat this section a few times.
You’re bound to hit rapids when fishing a river, so watch this section over and over again! Rapids are going to be the most dangerous part of running a river, so learning how to effectively get through rapids safely will keep you in your boat and also keep your gear from going for a swim. One thing to remember about running a rapid: Speed is Stability!
Jeff also covers what to do if you end up in the water. This is something you have to get ingrained in your mind, because your first initial reaction is going to be to stand up. Standing up is the last thing you should do when you’re in current, so repeat this section a few times.
Learn to safely run a rapid... Speed is Stability!
Trip Planning & Exploration:
Tired of fishing the same water over and over again? Then watch this section! Jeff covers how to plan an exploration trip - covering the tools he uses before going out and even what to do while you’re out on your trip. Jeff also gives some insight on how to rig your kayak for easier transport and throws in more fishing techniques, so watch this section even if you aren’t going on an adventure in your kayak!
Tired of fishing the same water over and over again? Then watch this section! Jeff covers how to plan an exploration trip - covering the tools he uses before going out and even what to do while you’re out on your trip. Jeff also gives some insight on how to rig your kayak for easier transport and throws in more fishing techniques, so watch this section even if you aren’t going on an adventure in your kayak!
A great trip starts well before the trip actually begins
Pattern Development:
A great section for ANY angler! I know a lot of anglers who can’t effectively develop a pattern and just start chucking lures in random spots (I used to be one of them). Pattern development takes the luck out of fishing and turns it into successful, educated fishing. Jeff gives you tips on what to look for when you catch fish and how to figure out exactly how and why you are (or aren’t) catching fish. This section also helps you break down water and focus your fishing on the productive areas. Lots of great information in this section!
A great section for ANY angler! I know a lot of anglers who can’t effectively develop a pattern and just start chucking lures in random spots (I used to be one of them). Pattern development takes the luck out of fishing and turns it into successful, educated fishing. Jeff gives you tips on what to look for when you catch fish and how to figure out exactly how and why you are (or aren’t) catching fish. This section also helps you break down water and focus your fishing on the productive areas. Lots of great information in this section!
Even the bank anglers will find this DVD helpful
Forage Assessment:
This part of the DVD is one that I normally forget to do when I’m fishing, but is so important to a successful day of fishing. Knowing what food sources are in a particular body of water is essential to building a pattern and selecting the proper lures for the day. This is another section what will help take the guess work out of fishing and help you catch more fish. This is another section that every angler needs to watch - kayak fishing or not.
This part of the DVD is one that I normally forget to do when I’m fishing, but is so important to a successful day of fishing. Knowing what food sources are in a particular body of water is essential to building a pattern and selecting the proper lures for the day. This is another section what will help take the guess work out of fishing and help you catch more fish. This is another section that every angler needs to watch - kayak fishing or not.
Forage assessment is a vital part of lure selection
Overall, I feel this DVD is an essential tool that every kayak angler needs to have. Being new to kayak angling myself, this DVD gives me a ton of confidence and also touched on some areas that I never even thought about before putting my boat in the water. This is a great introduction to kayak fishing and would also be a great refresher for seasoned kayakers. This is a perfect start to Jeff’s DVD series and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next release.
I bet these guys bought this DVD
For more information on this DVD or Jeff Little, check out http://www.blueridgekayakfishing.com/
Disclaimer: At the time of this writing, FishingInPa.com has no affiliation with Jeff Little or Blue Ridge Kayak Fishing. This DVD was purchased by Fishing In Pa and we received no compensation for this review.This review was our own personal thoughts about the above product and were shared to help others make a decision on the product.
Disclaimer: At the time of this writing, FishingInPa.com has no affiliation with Jeff Little or Blue Ridge Kayak Fishing. This DVD was purchased by Fishing In Pa and we received no compensation for this review.This review was our own personal thoughts about the above product and were shared to help others make a decision on the product.
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