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.
YakRods Saves Your Fishing Rods
I’m always amazed at the number of kayak anglers I see with foam floatation strapped to their fishing rod. I empathize with the fear...
The Best New Simms Gear For 2025
Simms released a beefed-up version of their neoprene bootie for wet wading, plus the new Flyweight Packable Wader. Winning the genius award, Simms’ Daymaker...
First Look: Connect-Ease Yak-Ease Power Pak Pro
Adding dual fish finder displays, lights, motors and batteries to my kayak seemed like a great idea until I ended up with a spaghetti...
Elegy For A Fishing Kayak
I don’t throw around the word epic, but this fishing trip was epic. I was on an after-work session when I ran into schools...
The Best New Z-Man Lures For 2025
I ran into Drew Gregory, Bassmaster Kayak Series Champion and host of the Kayak Angler Series tournament trail at the Z-Man booth where we...
The Best New YakAttack Gear For 2025
When I saw it in person at the YakAttack booth, the new CommandCenter CrossBar impressed me with its versatility and durability. It’s just one...
Cashion Introduces Pro-Designed Kayak Rods
With the input of pro anglers Jody Queen and Cory Dreyer, Cashion created four tactic-specific kayak rods that offer features with added advantages for...
First Look: Smith Hookset Sunglasses
I remember the day I noticed a fishing guide wearing Smith sunglasses. When I tried on his shades, I understood why many pros have...
First Look: Suspenz YellowFin Rigging Station
I have always been jealous of my friends who built sturdy rigging stands out of hardware store supplies. Not only can they store their...
First Look: Sea Eagle FishSUP 1210
Sea Eagle owner and designer Cecil Hoge once told me he loves working with inflatable watercraft because the platform offers unlimited options for creativity...
