Ric Burnley
“Thank God my dad wasn’t a podiatrist,” Ric jokes about following in the footsteps of a famous outdoor writer. After graduating from Radford University and serving two years in Russia with the Peace Corps, Ric returned to Virginia Beach and started writing for The Fisherman magazine, where his dad was editor. When the kayak fishing scene exploded, Ric was among the first to get onboard. His 2007 book, The Complete Kayak Fisherman is one of the first how-to books to introduce anglers to paddle fishing. In 2010, Ric took on the role of editor at Kayak Angler magazine where he covered the latest trends in kayak fishing tactics, tackle, gear and destinations. A ravenous angler, Ric fishes from the mountain to the sea chasing everything from smallmouth bass to striped bass.
Kayak Propulsion Is Always Pushing Forward
On an otherwise normal Tuesday, I received an email from an irate reader. Another peaceful paddler pushed to the edge of patience by the...
Best Native Watercraft Kayaks For 2026
The first hybrid canoe and kayak, the first frame seat, the first pedal kayak, the first motorized kayak…the lists of firsts from this rootsy...
Best NuCanoe Kayaks For 2026
At the dawn of modern kayak fishing, a kayak came along that was a complete departure from any kayak before and a precursor to...
Inflatable Pedal Kayak Review: BOTE LONO Aero Apex
Like a scourge of locusts or a blood red sea, it seems like new anglers have taken over every fishing hole. Oh well, I...
Ultimate Rigging Guide For Backwater Fishing
Sneaking into shallow, tight and isolated fishing holes is a kayak specialty. For anglers plying the marshy creeks along the coast or skinny corners...
Best Vibe Kayaks For 2026
It’s been almost a decade since Vibe Kayaks splashed onto the kayak fishing scene with a range of affordable, feature-rich, sit-on-top fishing kayaks. Since...
5 Questions To Ask Before Buying Your First Kayak
The biggest mistake many beginning kayakers make is buying a beginner kayak. Jumping into the cheapest and simplest boat just to see if you’ll...
Ultimate Rigging Guide For Lake Fishing
Without a doubt, advances in kayak rigging are driven by competitive bass anglers. Pro anglers hit the lake looking to get a leg up...
14 Questions & Answers About Getting A Fishing License
Fishing rods? Check. Tackle box? Check. Kayak? PFD? Paddle? Check. Check. Check. You have everything to hit the water but you may be missing...
Angler’s Guide To Fishing Hook Types
There are many fishing hook types. From tiny flea-size No. 32 to palm-sized 27/0, there is a fishing hook for every application. To match...
