These guidelines explain how we work, what readers can expect from us, and how we maintain trust in every story we publish.

Kayak Angler is for people who live to fish from the seat of a kayak. Since 2007, our mission has been to inspire, educate and entertain kayak anglers everywhere through trusted reporting, expert advice and engaging storytelling. We cast a wide net, covering everything from bass ponds to bluewater, and aim to hook readers with every story we publish.

Kayak Angler is part of Rapid Media.

At Rapid Media, reader trust is everything. Our editors decide what we cover in our editorial content and how we cover it, free from influence by advertisers, sponsors or business partners. Editors, writers, photographers and video producers maintain creative control. Staff in advertising, partnerships or management do not shape the direction of editorial content. Advertisers do not preview, approve or veto editorial material. Our readers come first, always.

Our editors are committed to delivering accurate, timely and trustworthy information. Every story is edited for accuracy, tone and quality. We cite and link to sources where possible. Statistics, expert opinions and quotes are verified.

If a reader or source identifies an error, an editor reviews the issue, verifies the facts and corrects the story if necessary, with a note explaining the change. Significant factual corrections are noted at the bottom of an article with a date-stamped editor’s note. Minor copy edits or clarifications may be made without notice.

Credibility depends on transparency. Our reader-first ethos means we act in our readers’ interests above all else. We disclose relationships that could appear to influence coverage and avoid conflicts of interest. We do not accept compensation, gifts or incentives in exchange for positive editorial coverage. Our reviews, roundups and recommendations are based solely on testing and editorial judgment.

Some brands whose products we test and feature are also advertising partners. We review gear from these partners because their products are relevant to our audience and editors maintain full editorial control. Advertising or partnership status does not influence editorial coverage. If we feature a product from a brand partner in our editorial coverage, it’s because it’s genuinely noteworthy, tested by our editors and we think offers value to readers.

Partner products may also be featured as part of branded content, which is always labelled.

Rapid Media may earn a commission when readers purchase products through links in our reviews or buying guides. These commissions help fund our work but do not influence our editorial judgment. All products we recommend are chosen independently based on real-world testing and merit.

Branded or sponsored content is paid for by a partner and produced in collaboration with our content team. These pieces are labeled “Created In Partnership With…”

We hold branded content to the same standards of accuracy and reader value as editorial, but the creative control and purpose differ: branded stories promote a partner’s message; editorial stories solely serve our readers’ interests.

Kayak Angler’s editorial content is led by a team of editors across North America who live and breathe fishing. Our staff and contributors have written books on kayak fishing, won tournaments, guided expeditions, and logged more dawn launches than they can count. Their passion for fishing and for telling a good story drives everything we publish.

• Editor: Ric Burnley
• Editor: Joe Potoczak
• Editor: Maddy Marquardt
• Editor-in Chief: Kaydi Pyette
• Art Director: Michael Hewis
• Partnerships: Brenna Kelly
• Partnerships: Keith Stevenson

Meet the whole Kayak Angler crew here. 

Since 1999, Rapid Media has been a leading authority in reviewing paddling and fishing gear, from kayaks to paddles to rods, reels, apparel and accessories. We’re committed to giving anglers honest advice they can rely on.

We test gear like anglers actually use it: on the water, chasing fish. We also talk to manufacturers and engineers to understand the origin story behind products, and how and why products work like they do. Advertising and partnerships do not influence whether a product is recommended.

Our buying guides and product recommendations focus on gear that is available to the majority of our audience, which is based in North America.

Kayak Angler gear testing starts with on-water testing. Our staff and expert contributors take products on the water in the conditions they were designed to be used in to conduct in-depth, head-to-head tests to assess performance. We prioritize testing new products, but also include our time-honored favorites or classic products in some guides and round-ups, reflecting years worth of field-tested experience.

Rapid Media celebrates the waters, fish and wild places that make kayak angling possible. Our stories promote stewardship, Leave No Trace ethics, and respect for the environments and communities we explore. We aim to reflect the diversity of anglers and perspectives on the water and welcome voices from every background, discipline and region.