Close your eyes and imagine this: Kayak fishing for massive bull trout in a beautiful mountain river with Bass Fishing Hall of Famers Davy Hite, Mark Zona, Mike McKinnis and Kevin VanDam. For Keith Stevenson, host of Kayak Angler’s YakOff Awards rigging competition, the dream was a reality when he joined bass fishing royalty on the Columbia River in British Columbia.
The Biggest Stars In Bass Fishing Give Kayak Fishing A Try
In addition to being Kayak Angler’s content creator and media salesman, Stevenson is a member of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame board of directors.
When former Bassmaster Classic Champions Hite and VanDam, along with television personality Zona and BASS television producer McKinnis, visited Bison Lodge in Stevenson’s hometown, the longtime fan invited his heroes kayak fishing.
“They’re passionate anglers, so of course they were on board,” Stevenson says.
Stevenson soon learned the pro anglers had never fished out of a kayak, so he worked with NuCanoe, Vibe, Hoodoo and Crescent to outfit boats with YakAttack accessories and Bixpy and Newport motors. Then Stevenson discovered the guys had never fished for salmon or trout in the Columbia River, so he and Chad Gierlich of Hookup Baits helped rig the kayaks and tackle.
As expected, the anglers arrived full of excitement. Hite remembers, “I spent 24 years fishing for a living and this was all new to me.” He was blown away by the breathtaking beauty of the Rocky Mountains and mighty Columbia River. “At this stage in my life, I enjoy the people and experience most.”
The Columbia River runs wide and swift through Revelstoke, British Columbia, presenting a challenge for first-time anglers. Stevenson laughs nervously, “I worried I would be responsible for drowning the world’s best bass anglers.”
The crew set off from a protected area and drifted miles down the river. “Watching them get accustomed to the kayaks and learn how to operate the motors was hilarious,” Stevenson remembers. Hite admits the learning curve was swift. “Fishing in the kayak was interesting at first because of the river current, but it didn’t take long to get used to.”
The crew drifted downriver casting and trolling Hookup Baits and catching Kokanee and bull trout. Halfway through the trip, the anglers stopped at Begbie Falls where they met their wives for a hearty shore lunch. Hite remembers, “I usually take pictures of big fish, but I was stopping and taking photos of the scenery.”
The trip also changed Hite’s opinion of kayak fishing. “I’m 100 percent getting a kayak,” he says. The retired pro angler already imagines the places he will take his kayak. He also appreciates the independence a kayak affords. “I liked fishing with my friends and being able to go off on my own to explore,” Hite says.
Stevenson’s highlight came when he hooked a trophy bull trout. “I needed help with the net and Kevin VanDam motored over and scooped up my fish,” he recalls. “I’ve been telling all my friends Kevin VanDam netted my fish,” Stevenson says with wonder still in his voice.
For Hite, the highlight of the fishing trip was personal. He laughs, “I’m going to call it like it is, I caught more fish than Kevin VanDam.”
Thumbs up for first-time kayak angler Mark Zona. | Feature photo: Staff
