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.
Best Kayak Fishing Gear For 2026
Next to the fish, the best thing about fishing is the gear. Kayak anglers not only use rods, reels, lines and lures, but also...
How To Choose The Right Kayak For River Fishing
Sitting at the top of the rapids, watching the water rush through the rocks, swiftly drifting towards the maelstrom, I might have been worried...
When Things Go Wrong, Go Fishing
Many of my fishing trips are preceded by a long paddle to the grounds. Slowly chugging along, stroke after stroke, for miles on end...
Foam vs. Hybrid vs. Inflatable—Which Type Of PFD Is Best For...
It’s official, life vests are cool. I hear anglers chiding each other at the launch ramp for not wearing a PFD. “Dumbass,” I heard...
Native Watercraft Slayer XC Fishing Kayak Review
On Friday I hit a backwater creek. Saturday, I was fishing the flats. And Sunday I paddled across a bay to my favorite spot....
Hobie MirageDrive 360 Pedal-Drive System
The MirageDrive came first, a revolutionary pedal and fin system capable of propelling a rotomolded kayak fast and easy. Genius. Then the MirageDrive 180,...
4 Great Gaffs And Grippers For Kayak Fishing
Grabbing a slimy, flailing fish while balancing on a kayak—and avoiding the sharp fishhooks, too—is one of the most difficult and dangerous aspects of...
6 Finesse Lures That Are Deadly In The Right Hands
Buzzbaits, topwater poppers and slash baits are called reaction baits. Cast them out, reel them in and the lure does the work. But there’s...
Expert Advice On Buying Or Selling A Used Fishing Kayak
Type the word “kayak” into the search bar in any online marketplace and dozens of plastic boats pop up on the screen. A few...
22 Sailfish Caught In The 2020 Sailfish Smackdown
Sailfish like it rough. Wind, waves and strong ocean current fire up the South Florida bite. The perfect conditions came together for the 2020...
