It's HERE - Jonesin' for Beyond the Breakers

Hook your copy of it HERE today!

Hard to believe that the day is finally here.  What day you may ask?  The day that my very first ebook, Jonesin' for Beyond the Breakers goes live!  I wrote it to help people find and have success when they fish beyond the breakers in their kayaks.  When Israel Dunn from http://www.humanpoweredangling.com/  and I went down to fish in the Extreme Kayak Fishing Series Sailfish Smackdown we did as much research as we could, however there were still some big gaps in what we thought we should know to have success.  This book should give you everything you need by sharing the information I learned before, during, and after our trip.  Join me as I share the journey from the frozen tundra of Wisconsin to the sandy beaches of Florida all the while helping set you up for success on your trip beyond the breakers.  You'll get tips about what line to use, hooks, weights, currents, and much more.  Plus you'll have access to an exclusive interview with Joe Hector, the director of the Extreme Kayak Fishing Series. 

Pick up your copy today and set yourself up for success on your next trip!  Get your copy here: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/760505

Fresh Salmon with Squash and Sweet Potato

What do you when you catch a salmon in a kayak fishing tournament?  Bring it home and make a delicious dinner!

Ingredients:
2 Salmon Filets (skin on)
1 Butternut Squash
1 Sweet Potato
1 TBSP Lemon Juice
1/4 cup shredded Parmeson Cheese
2 cloves of Garlic (minced)
Rosemary
Savory
Paprika
Dried Parsley
Grapeseed Oil (an oil that has a higher smoking temp)
Olive Oil

Need a cookie pan and tin foil.

Want the directions?  Watch them here:

Say NO To Sore B's when Paddling

That’s right, you read it correctly!  Say No to sore B’s.  The B’s being your Butt and your Back of course!  Let’s face it, as kayak anglers we love being on the water and chasing our new personal best.  This usually means we are out for a number of hours and usually sitting down for the majority of that time.  While companies have vastly improved the seats to help keep us comfortable as long as possible our butts and back still get sore!  Say NO to the soreness and give this ONE easy stretch you can do while you’re in your kayak.

First, put your rods in their holders or strap them to your kayak.  Also, strap your paddle to your kayak or place it by your feet.  Sit tall in the seat and have your feet flat against the floor of your yak.  To do this you will need to bring your feet closer to the chair.  Then put the calf of your left leg on top of the quad of your right leg.  You may need to help it up with your arms.  Keep your back tall and lean forward over your left calf.  You should feel the stretch in your left butt cheek and lower back.  Exhale and breath deep for a couple breaths.  Then put your left leg down and change legs.  

If you are unable to get your calf on top of the your quads, then keep your feet flat against the floor and lean forward keeping your back tall.  You should feel the stretch in your lower back and buttocks!

Want more? Then as you lean forward twist outward so you head and shoulders turn towards the leg that is planted firmly on the kayak.

Try this move when you start to feel the soreness start to set it!  Where do you get sore when kayak fishing?  Let me know in the comments or tag me on Facebook or Instagram and I can help you (and others) find ways to relieve it!

Pedal Power Stretches

2017 is a huge year for kayak fishing, mainly pedal fishing kayaks.  While there were a two main pedal drives out for a number of years this year almost every major brand has come out their version a pedal drive.  There are a number of advantages to having a pedal driven yak and one is that your legs are your largest muscle group.  This means you have more power and won’t fatigue as early.  Sadly, just like your shoulder and arms your legs can get cramps.  It is even more important to stretch out your legs before and after you kayak to make sure you stay in tip top shape and are ready for you next big adventure.  I suggest doing these 3 stretches right before you launch and as soon as you come back in from your adventure.  

1)Swinging Knees

Feel free to use your paddle to help you balance if needed.  Stand up straight and raise your left knee so it bends at 90 degrees and your quads are parallel to the ground.  Then gently swing your left leg out to the left side.  When it is as far as you can get it to the side, lower your foot back to the ground.  Do this 5 times.  Then switch legs and stretch it out 5 times.

2) Dizzy Toes

It’s just like it sounds sit or stand, whatever you prefer and extend your left leg lifting it off the ground a couple inches.  With your toe draw a circle going clockwise.  Go around the circle 10 times then reverse direction (going counter-clockwise) 10 times.  After completing the 20 circles, put your foot down and lift your right leg and do both sets of circles.

3)Swaying Elephant Trunk

Spread your legs keeping your toes pointed forward.  You’ll want them at least 3 feet apart but can be more if you wish.  Put your hands on your hips and keeping your core engaged bend down keeping a straight back.  Once you get as low as you can go or parallel (whichever happens first) then bend your back and allow yourself to hang.  You can move your hands so they hang down by your head.  Slowly sway left and right.  Your hands can move as well. (Looking like an elephant trunk.) You’ll want to feel the stretch in your hamstrings.  If your muscles are too tight you can bend the knees slightly.  Hold this position for 15 or more seconds.  To come up, breathe deeply and slowly raise yourself back up imagining you are putting a single vertebrae in place at a time.  Keep your head down until the last little bit.  When you back is straight, gently raise your head and roll your shoulders back!

Yak Throwing

Picture edited by Jess Ott

Yak Throwing 101

First, squat down next to your yak and put your head in between it’s legs.  Wrap one arm around the front two legs and the other around the back two legs.  Then keeping your core tight, lift from your legs…… Oh…. Wait.  Yak as in a kayak, not the animal.  Well now that’s a different beast!

Loading and unloading your kayak on top of your vehicle or on a trailer is one of the common ways kayak anglers hurt their back.  While it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to do it properly it takes a little awareness to have everything go smoothly so you can head out on your favorite body of water.  Follow these 3 tips to help you avoid getting injured when throwing your yak around.

Get Engaged

No need to find the person of your dreams for this you just have to engage your core!

Your core muscles are your abs, obliques and lower back.  When lifting and getting your kayak set to load it’s easy to twist putting a lot of weight on you at weird angles.  To avoid this, keep your core engaged.  Generally most of us need will be at a weird angle at some point while loading or unloading but you can help stop it from injuring you by keeping your core muscles flexed.  Because they are flexed you may realize you can’t twist or bend as far.  That’s ok, it’s protecting you!

Knee Me

You’ve heard it since you were a kid, lift with your knees and not your back.  I hate to tell you but the advice is still good.  When lifting your kayak off the group or putting it back on the group, use your legs.  It may seem easier to just bend over and round out your back but you are killing your back and putting it at huge risk.  Keeping your core engaged, raise or lower your kayak using your legs and work at keeping your back straight.  If you round it out too much when holding weight you can tweak it and cause pain.

Two’s better than one

Having a buddy is great, especially when they are willing to help!  If your friend grabs one end of your kayak and you grab the other, it makes it a lot easier to take it off or put it on our car or trailer.  Remember that you still want to keep your core engage, use your legs, and not to round out your back.

Bonus tips

Boney

When we lift we use our muscles (duh) but when you’re holding onto something you can use your skeletal strength.  This means that your arms are straight and your muscles aren’t flexed while holding onto your yak.

Shoulder Shelf

Loading your kayak on top of your vehicle means you have to lift it higher than a trailer.  There are a few ways to get it at a good height but one way that I found that works great is set the kayak on its side on the ground.  Stand in the center and bend down (using your knees).  Have one hand grab the center handle and the other a scupper hole or other side of the yak.  Hold the kayak firmly and stand up.  As you’re standing up use the momentum and lift the kayak onto your shoulder using your hands to help balance it  Then walk it up to your car and place it on the rack.  Note that you will want to follow the tips above to do this without causing injury.

Strap me down

Now to get cruising….well, almost cruising.  After your kayak is on it’s rack or trailer make sure it’s balanced and doesn’t tilt one way or another.  Then strap it down using cam style straps.  Be sure it’s tight but not bending the plastic of your kayak.  Be sure you add bow and stern straps as well.  The last thing you want happening is it flying off your car and having it hurt other people or damaging other vehicles.

Picture edited by Jess Ott

Get a Grip on your Paddling

We put hours in our kayaks every year and paddle countless miles all in search of new destinations,a personal best catch, or just creating new memories with family and friends.  When paddling shorter distances or if you aren’t out that long then your hands may never get sore.  However, if you are paddling any length of time, especially consistently paddling like when you are trolling your hands and wrists can get sore.  These 4 tips will help keep your hands and wrists feeling great and ready to take you on your next adventure.

Change Grips

Yep, it can be that simple.  Just change your grip.  Start out by paddling with your hands on the paddle about one and half shoulder lengths apart.  After a little while, bring your hands closer together.  Switch it up as your paddling.  I usually like to switch every 10-15 minutes but you can do more or less, whatever is comfortable!

Stretch ‘n Roll

Let’s bring this classic back. Set your paddle in your lap open your hands stretching each finger (at the same time) to make it as long as possible.  You really want to feel the stretch across your entire hand.  As your fingers are stretched out bring one finger down stretching it downward.  Bring it back up and go to the next finger.  Repeat two times and the bring your hands into a fist.  Now roll your wrists in a clockwise direction two times.  Then roll them counterclockwise two times.  Open your hands and repeat the stretch and roll sequence.

Open your hand

This is a simple one but can do wonders.  As you are paddling, open your hand keeping the shaft of the paddle in your palm.  Pull back with the opposite hand (using proper paddling technique) and gently pushing forward with the open hand.  When you are out as far forward as you can go, wrap your fingers around the paddle and start pulling backwards.  Open your other hand that is now on top.

Paddle Grips

This one accessory has helped my hands stay comfortable when paddling for hours.  They are Yakgrips!  It is basically a small cushion sewn into a tube that fits around the shaft of your paddle.  They are a little tricky to get on but helps you from getting white knuckles as you’re paddling.  I’m sure there are other brands out there but I’ve had two pairs of Yakgrips and used them for many years and love them.  I get mine from Rutabaga Paddlesports in Madison, WI.  Check them out, you won’t regret it!  http://www.rutabaga.com/cascade-creek-yakgrips

3 Stretches to relieve Sea Legs

After paddling and reeling in those monsters for hours upon hours you decide it’s time to head back to shore.  As you are savoring in every amazing hookset and hoping your hero shot came out right you step out of your kayak onto the launch only to find that your legs and buttocks are stiff and not cooperating easily!  When that happens give these 3 stretches a try to relieve those newly found sealegs.  Remember, wait to get on land before doing these stretches and don’t stretch too far.  A little discomfort is ok but pain isn’t!

1. Runner’s Stretch - First kneel on the ground.  Then bring your right foot forward until your have a 90* angle in your right knee while having your right foot flat against the floor.  Place both hands on top of your right bent knee.  When you are here bring your hips forward.  You will feel the stretch in your left quad.  Hold for 5-10 seconds.  Release your hips back to their original place and repeat 2x.  Switch legs and stretch 3x.
2. Reverse Pigeon - Lie on your back and bring your right foot above your left knee so that your ankle is just on the outside of the leg.  Keeping your right leg in that spot raise your left foot towards your buttocks raising the knee.  Your right foot should be getting closer to your body and you will feel the stretch in your right glute.  To intensify it reach through the opening in between your legs and the outside of the left leg, grab your left thigh and gently pull it towards you.
3. Butterfly - For this move all you need to do is to sit on the ground, bring your feet together and let your knees rise of the ground if needed.  Place your hands on your toes and while keeping a straight back, lean forward.  You will feel this stretch in your inner thighs.

Give these moves a try next time you find you have sea legs and can continue to soak in every amazing part of your adventure!

Spring Fever!

I’ve got a fever……and the only cure is….SPRING!  As much as I love Winter and the snow, I’m ready for Spring and hit some soft water with kayak!  I’m sure I can’t be the only one feeling this way.  It’s probably been awhile since you’ve been out and although you’re working out and are fit enough to fully enjoy the first day without aches and pains the next day let’s discuss getting the most out of the first day back out on the water safely.

Plan and Share

You’ve probably heard this 100 times before but it is never more true than at the beginning and end of the season.  With water temps just above freezing bad things can happen quickly.  Just in case the worst did happen, write down where you are going, what time you left, and the time you expect to be back.  Then share it with a family member or friend.  If this isn’t possible, leave it some obvious spot like the kitchen table or counter.

Proper swag

No doubt about it, if you’re headed out early in the season you’ll want to make sure you’re wearing the right swag!  No, I’m talking about a certain brand, I’m talking about what you actually are wearing.  First and foremost, wear a PFD!  Now onto clothing, layers are important.  With the temps fluctuating throughout the day, plus paddling you will want to have some layers on that you can take on and off throughout the day.  Even more than that, you need to protect yourself if you take an accidental dip in the freezing water.  There are many thoughts about what is proper to wear.  Some say waders if you have the belt on tight will keep your lower half mostly dry.  While I’m sure these work that still leaves half your body uncovered and lots of openings for water to get to your legs weighing you down.  The next step up would be a wet suit.  These can be tight and make paddling a little trickier.  Although if you do fall in, you’ll get wet, but you’ll stay warmer.  The best thing you can get is a dry suit.  These will keep you dry and safe.  You will want some warmer clothes on underneath and then jackets on to keep your upper body warm.  See what works for you and your budget.  If you choose to try waders, test it out in warm shallow water to see how much water it will take on.  When you hit cold water, things happen quickly and you won’t have much time to debate what to do.  And as always, no matter what, wear a PFD!

Why be alone?

The last tip for you to fully enjoy the first trip out of the year is to do with some friends!  There’s nothing better than to share the memories with good friends.  So invite them out, shoot the breeze, and enjoy the first trip of the year!

After you take your first trip, I’d love to know about it!  Tag or mention me in a photo and share your fun trip!  Just tag Spencer Jones and/or Jonesin’ to get fit on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!

Jonesin' for Saifish

Winter Blues setting in but can't get out due to the cold and ice? Or maybe work is keeping you from hitting your favorite spot. Then get your fishing fix by joining YakAngler's Spencer Jones as he drives from the frozen tudra of Wisconsin to balmy Florida to compete in the Extreme Kayak Fishing Series Sailfish Smackdown! He will be taking you with him through live Facebook videos documenting the entire trip! Be sure to follow YakAngler and Spencer Jones on Facebook and subscribe to the Jonesin' to get Fit YouTube page to catch the updates! Solve your winter blues through this LIVE mini-series is brought to you from YakAngler, Jackson Kayak, Rutabaga Paddlesports, Bending Branches, Tailin' Toads, Manley Rods, Tommyhead Jigs, Jonesin' to get Fit, and Shorebound Hero.


Be sure to share and subscribe at: http://bit.ly/2jonesinyoutube

And sign up for our weekly for even more insider info at:http://bit.ly/2jonesinweekly

Who Woulda' Thunk?! Benefits of Getting Outside

Raise your hand if you knew being outside was good for you.  (HAND UP!!!)  I’ve been told since I was a kid that being outside is good for me.  I always thought that it was a way to get me out of the house and not in my parents way but there are actually health benefits to getting outside.  And for us kayak anglers, hikers, snowshoers it’s just another reason to leave the confines of our house and head out!  So check out these benefits:

1)You’ll sleep better!

Did you know that our body has a rhythm to it?  You’ve probably heard about your internal clock, you know the thing that gets you up even when your alarm isn’t set.  Well this clock is timed with the sunrise and sunset.  By being outside your body can adjust and get into the rhythms of nature.  This is especially important for folks who spend a lot of time on the computer or electronics.  Get outside, and let your clock adjust.  You’ll find that you’ll sleep better and more sound than before!

2) Eyes

Ever hear the song with the lyrics “My Future’s so Bright, I gotta wear shades”.  I’m quoting from memory, so hopefully that’s right.  In any case, if you are stuck inside looking at something close to you, like a computer, phone etc. for hours on end then you are at risk of becoming near sighted.  Even just 2 hours puts you at risk.  How do you counter it?  Get outside, look around, and focus on objects that are farther away.  Ok, sure, you can do this inside as well, but really, get outside!  It’s much more fun!  And please wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the UV rays!

3) Stress Reduction

Have you ever had the experience of smelling something and it triggering a memory.  Smells are amazing.  They can cause you to remember certain sights, sounds, AND they can help you relieve stress.  Walking outside and smelling the fresh air helps calm the body and mind down.  No one really knows the reason how it happens, but it works.  Especially if you are able to walk in a woods, by a lake, just nature in general.  Even outside in a city works, but getting to a park or place away from a city can do even more.  Get out, breath deep, and relax.

4) Promotes Exercise

Now hold on to your seat, exercise!  Wait, I never mention that! Oh yeah, I kind of do.  Well, even if you’re not into busting out p90x you can still head outside.  It’s hard not to move when you’re outside.  Whether a walk, jog, hike, or even yoga, being outside almost makes one want to move.  

So let’s all get outside and improve ourselves surrounded by nature!

10 Rad Gifts for the Outdoor Fitness Enthusiast

The Holiday’s Season is here and one question we may get asked by our loved ones is “What’s on your Christmas List”.  I know for many of us just spending time with our loved ones is plenty, however they always seem to want physical items to give.  So here are my top 10 gift ideas for the Outdoor Fitness Enthusiast.  Some are geared for Winter, some Summer, and some can be used year round.

1)Snow Shoes

Snowshoeing is a great way to get outside and explore the woods and trails after it snows.  It will get your heart pumping and burning calories as you hike over the snow and see what the Winter Wonderland has to offer.

2)Face/Neckwear

A tubular piece of fabric that is UV resistant and can help you not get a sunburn but also helps keep the cold wind from hitting your skin.  These are perfect while on the water, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, or anything outside. I personally love my Tailin Toad’s Shieldz as I like the lightness of them and, of course, their color choices.  (I’m not on their Pro Staff, just love their products.)

3)Kayak

If you know me at all, this one’s not a shocker.  Heck it should be #1! Getting your buns in a kayak and paddling is a great way to burn some calories and see some amazing scenery.  Plus, you can add a couple fishing poles, gear, and catch some fish while you’re out exercising!

4) Hiking Boots

A pair of hiking boots will treat you well throughout the year!  No matter the season a nice pair of hiking boots will keep you comfortable and able to not only see new sights, but you can find a new hunting ground, a secluded kayak landing, and who knows what else, while you’re torching some calories!

5)GPS

They are great for your kayak and boats but also for hiking and geocaching.  If you are looking for a way to get your kids out in nature take them on a scavenger hunt!  A GPS is an essential tool for participating in this fun activity plus it’s a great way to teach your kids some survival skills.  

6)Fleece Beanie

Not so much for Summer but for parts of the other seasons wearing a good hat can make the difference between having a great time and it sucking wind.  The trick is to get one that wicks moisture but will also keep you warm.  Hence why I suggest a fleece beanie.  They are comfortable, wick moisture, and keeps my noggin’ warm.  (Again, I love the Tailin’ Toad Beaniez.  I’m not on their Pro Staff or anything.  I just love their products!)

7)Pedometer or similar

Having a device that tracks your steps can be a huge asset to knowing how much activity you’ve had in a day.  There are days where I thought I was a rockstar only to find out that I wasn’t.  And vise versa.  There are many brands out there, but I love my Fitbit watch.  It does a lot more than just count steps, it measures my heart rate, estimates calories burned, offers workouts, timers, tracks my sleep, and much much more.  Knowing more about your sleeping and life habits can help you adjust as needed to maximize what you can!

8)Cross Country Ski’s

Let’s get back to Winter.  With Snow taking over the majority of the United States for a couple months it’s important to get out, get some fresh air, and bust out a fun workout.  Many city parks, and ski areas having cross country scales.  Just do a quick search and you will be amazed at how many there are near you.  You can rent them at first but then get your own pair and you can start creating your own trails and see some virgin snow.  

Cross Country Ski’s

9) Bicycle

Whether it’s a Fat Tire Bicycle for winter trail riding, a mountain bike for riding the trails the other times of the year, or a road bicycle it’s hard to go wrong.  Not only are these a great source of transportation they will get your blood pumping and you’ll be scorching some calories.  Plus, you can check on your hunting grounds, scope out new areas, or just get some fresh air!

10) Action Camera

You’re outside, getting fit, and rocking it!  Capture your experiences and share them with your friends and family!  There are many action cameras on the market.  I’ve tried a number and really like Go Pro’s cameras.  (I’m not affiliated at all.)  They are relatively easy to use, have a sharp image, and are very easy to carry with you no matter what activity you are doing!  I’d love to see what you’re doing!  Take some pictures or videos are share them with me on social media.  Just take Jonesin’ to get Fit!

2 moves to gain a stronger paddle stroke

Let’s face the truth...many of us are kayak anglers.  And although Winter is breathing down our necks you can start getting ready for soft water and have a stronger paddle stroke. We got into kayak fishing for our own reasons but really, we want to catch a new personal best.  To help us get those honey holes we need our trusty kayak and motor.  Oh WAIT! We don’t have motors, we have paddles.  So let’s rev up your guns chilling on the outside of your shoulders and gain a stronger paddle stroke. Why? So you can get to that honey hole faster and catch even more PB!

Making 8’s - sideways

Paddling our kayaks utilizes many of our core muscles. So let’s make them stronger! Sit on the floor with your legs slightly bent.  Your kneecaps should be facing the ceiling. Then while maintaining a straight back lean backwards towards the floor.  Without falling onto your back interlace your fingers and let your palms touch.  Then with your hands make a sideways figure 8 motion.  Your upper body should rotate with your hands.  You should feel this in your abdomen.  Do this move as long as possible To intensify it, add some weights and/or get lower to the ground.

Boulder Shoulders!

Our shoulders are the one muscle group that attach our arms to our body and help transfer the energy from our torso to our paddle.  So let’s not only get them stronger but build up endurance. Stand tall with your feet shoulder length apart.  Now imagine you’re a zombie and raise both arms forward without bending the elbow.  Bring your arms down and then raise them sideways without bending your elbow.  Repeat, repeat, repeat.  Do this as many times as possible.  To intensify this move, add some weights!

5 Road Trip Snacks for the Health Conscious

5 Road Trip Snacks for the Health Conscious

One of my favorite things about kayak fishing is our community.  You can meet people at tournaments, boondoggles, trade shows, Facebook, and at many other places.  These events usually include a road trip but then we may take a trip to go visit our friends and fish with them.  That calls for…. you guessed it!  A ROAD TRIP!  As we drive on the concrete river to our destination we start to snack.  Sadly, many convenience stores don’t have the healthiest options.  So here are 5 snacks you can either bring from home and/or pick up at a gas station.

-Apples

            These tasty fruits are a great way to stave off hunger and get a fruit in your diet.  A medium apple is just shy of 100 calories and counts as 1 of the 2 daily recommend cups of fruits adults should get every day.  On top of that they are a great source of soluble fiber, vitamin C, and are suggested to help lower the chance of a stroke.

-Jerky

            Beef Jerky is a great snack while on the road or water.  It is packed with protein and doesn’t raise tell your body to store fat by raising insulin levels.  Many people think that it isn’t healthy for you because of the preservatives and high amounts of sodium that can be found in many packages.  This is true to an extent.  There are a number of preservative free and low sodium options out there.  Give them a shot and get some protein while on the road.

-Nuts

            I can’t think of a better snack while I’m driving than nuts.  I can literally go through an entire can in a 4 hour drive without even thinking about it.  I really need to measure out how much I’m going to have in one sitting.  I do this by putting the nuts in the lid, taking one handful, or if I’m smart and thinking ahead pre-pack them in a container or bag.  Nuts are great because they are packed with protein and filled with the right kind of fat.  Depending on the nuts, they have unsaturated fats, Omega- 3 fatty acids, Vitamin E, Fiber, and much more.  Remember you do need fat in your diet, just the healthy kind of fat!  And as far as the sodium goes, look for unsalted or slightly salted nuts.  I have just recent found Planters NUT-rition to be a delicious and healthy treat.

-Bananas

            Unless you are on the water (bad juju and all), then bananas are a delicious and easy snack for your road trip.  Already set for easy handling, just unpeel and eat!  Besides being easy to eat bananas are great for you. They have numerous essential nutrients, fiber, and several antioxidants. So grab some of these yellow beauties and enjoy!

-Baby Carrots

            I mean really, baby carrots.  How can you go wrong!  Colorful, crunchy, and super nutritious health food that’s easy to handle!  These little guys are packed with Fiber, Vitamin K, antioxidants, and so much more.  You could almost call them a Super Snack!  Grab a bag of rinsed baby carrots from the store and start snacking away.  Instead of dipping them in ranch or something not as healthy, try peanut butter.  A fun and different way to have these amazing roots.  Give it a try, it may become your favorite food!

Load Gear without Injury

You’ve heard the story before, whether loading gear or moving items, people twist weird or lift something incorrectly and they end up hurting themselves.  Whether it’s just a pinch or a full on throbbing pain that hinders their ability to do much of anything it could have been avoided.  Sometimes you do need more than yourself and you should ask for help.  Although, other times you just need to watch your form and build up some more muscle.  Here is one simple exercise you can do to help gain strength and build in the correct form.

Pick it up and set it down

This move is quite easy but take it slow, don’t use any weights at first and concentrate on your form.  To start stand tall with your shoulders back and feet shoulder length apart and your feet comfortable.  Then step your right foot away from your right side and a little forward.  (Essentially lunging to the right)  Your right knee should have a 90 or so degree angle and your left knee should be bent.  Keep your butt low and reach towards the floor imagining you are picking up heavy box of jig heads.  Ensure that as you lean your upper body forward you are keeping your back straight .  Bring your imaginary jigs towards your chest, stand up while untwisting and pretend you are putting the jigs on a high shelf above your left foot. As you are standing up your right foot goes back to it’s original position.  Then go back down and repeat.  Do this 20 times on that side. Switch sides and do 20 reps.  After you have done all that do it again on both sides!

For more intensity, grab a light weight.  Start small and work your way up. 15 pounds would be max!

Now while the majority of our equipment is light there are a couple things that do weigh quite a bit.  Items like our crate, kayaks, livewell, and even a stringer full of fish.  Anytime we load or unload these items we are twisting and placing them somewhere.  Learn to use the proper form in a controlled setting so when you move like that in real life, you will use the correct form and not hurt yourself!  All leading you to continue to enjoy our great hobby!

Skunkset: Staying positive

The dreaded Skunkset picture. You know, the one that you post on social media when you went fishing but didn't land anything. Almost every one of us has had this awful experience.  We load our gear, double check to make sure we have everything we need and want to bring.  We get to the launch, load our kayaks with our gear and push off in hopes of catching a new personal best.  After throwing lure after lure we start to get disheartened.  We push on, tie on a bait we rarely use in hopes it would work.  Nothing.  Then we finally tie on our good ol’ sure-to-produce lure.  Aaannnddd nothing.  

Experiences like this can be extremely disappointing and make one of our favorite pass times that is suppose to calm us do the exact opposite.  It makes us irritated and wondering why we even decided to take it up.  Sadly these experiences don’t just happen to on the water.  They can happen with anything.  For example: running, learning a new subject, construction, and so much more.  The below tips although directed more at fishing they can apply to any part of your life that you are experiencing this disappointment.

Breathe

Yes, you read that correctly.  Breathe.  Take a couple seconds, close your eyes, and breathe.  It may sound ridiculous but it will work.  So close your eyes, open your ears to hear the sounds around you, and breathe.  Then open your eyes and look at the beautiful place you get to fish.  You are able to be there, catching is secondary at best.  Use this time to connect with nature.  Look at the water, shoreline, sky, all of it and breathe all while listening to the sounds of nature. All around you.  Clear your mind and just let your surroundings entrance you.  After a couple breaths, breathe one more time and then go back to fishing.

Change Got to Get

As hard as this is to say and accept, especially when you’re feeling the skunk make this one change.  Instead of saying “I got to catch a fish” or “I need to catch a fish” say “I get to go fishing”.  It’s a blessing that you are able to go out and fish.  Let’s put some perspective on it.  Some folks may be stuck at work, have family commitments, or who knows what.  They may much rather be out there on the water, even if they aren’t catching.  You are lucky to have the time and everything it takes to be able to chase our hobbies.  It’s not a necessity, you don’t need to, and you don’t have to catch a fish.  You get to go fishing.

Original Reason for this Passion

When I get extremely frustrated with not having success I try to think back on why I originally took up this hobby.  Personally, I took up fishing because I couldn’t find a summer job after graduating college and wanted something to help me pass the time in between applying for jobs.  As soon as I hit the shore and started casting I remembered how I used to love the outdoors.  Something I completely forgot about for 6 years.  I love being in the fresh air, relaxing, and enjoying nature.  So when I get frustrated with a lack of success I go back to that feeling.  The love of being outside.  Then I breathe, intentionally smile, look around at the beautiful place I get to fish, and remember that I took this hobby up to pass the time and enjoy nature.  Why waste time getting mad or upset.  Just be outside and enjoying life.

Now all this is easier said (written and read) than it is to do.  I understand that.  Even I struggle with staying positive when I’m getting skunked.  I do my best to follow these three tips and I usually end up happy again and enjoying my time on the water.  I get to fish in amazing area's with great friends, and I’m able to be lucky enough to take the time to enjoy this hobby.  So don’t let the frustration get the better of you.  Remember to enjoy being outside, breathe, relax, and take in the fact that you get to do this!