By Paul Lebowitz

March 2, 2007

All new attraction features seminars galore and lots of kayak fishing know-how

Kayak fishing will be bigger than ever at the 2007 Fred Hall Fishing Shows.

“We’re offering a venue exclusively for kayak anglers and ‘wanna-be’ kayak anglers,” said Mike Lum. The Associate Producer for Fred Hall Associates figures that for every kayaker out there, there are five who want to give it a shot. The show’s all new Quantum Kayak Fishing Center is meant to ease the learning process.

“We’ll have hourly seminars from the beginning right through the end of the show,” Lum said. The talks will cover the full range of kayak fishing topics, from how to get started in kayak fishing, choosing the right boat, rigging your fishing kayak, and even how to go after big game.

A couple of luminaries will appear at all three Fred Hall Shows. Dennis Spike, kayak fishing pioneer and raconteur, will hold court in the Rancho Leonero booth when he is not on the seminar stage. Add Jim Sammons, founder of the La Jolla Kayak Fishing Billfish Club, and you’ve got an impressive amount of know-how in one place.

San Francisco will feature the friendly crew from Northern California Kayak Anglers, masters of kayak crabbing and ocean-going salmon hunters. Down south at Long Beach and Del Mar, Plastic Navy will cover all aspects of their upcoming Tournament Trail, and Jim Salazar will tackle rigging and lobster fishing. And those are just for starters.    

“We’re gathering an impressive set of kayak fishing talent in a single place,” Lum said. Attendees will have plenty of opportunities to talk one on one and get the answers they need: where to get lessons, where to try before buying, and suggested destinations for those first few trips.

Lum feels kayak fishing is growing and has yet to reach its peak. The reason for its popularity? The ease and excitement of kayak fishing crosses all fishing demographics.

“The kayak is the perfect answer for the average person’s fishing needs,” Lum explained. Not only does it get the guy with a family and a tight budget on the water, the same silent craft adds a new dimension to the fishing experience when tossed aboard a deluxe sportfisher. “A couple can run out to the islands and jump on the kayaks. Kayak fishing is a heck of a lot of fun,” Lum said.    

The Fred Hall Show’s inaugural Kayak Fishing Center is sponsored by Quantum. Lum said the association is a natural. “Quantum reels are well suited for kayak fishing, particularly the Cabo series. These high quality reels have great drags and stand up to weather and salt,” said Lum.