Geoff Luckett started fishing out of his father-in-law’s kayak and ended up founding the Tennessee Kayak Anglers Association and achieving American Canoe Association (ACA) instructor certifications. Most recently, Luckett helped develop a curriculum for ACA’s paddlesports angler course. Kayak Angler’s editors asked Luckett to share his experiences from novice to instructor to inform and inspire anglers at all levels of the sport.
Get Started Kayak Fishing
What is the ideal progression from newbie to serious beginner?
First, learn safety. We created the paddlesports angler course primarily to teach safety. After losing several kayak anglers in Tennessee, ACA instructors wanted to share simple safety skills most of us had learned through trial and error. I started kayak fishing with no paddle skills, so I knew how quickly an error in judgement could have serious consequences.
Next, new anglers need to be comfortable with their paddling gear. With the proper paddle, life vest, kayak and accessories, I am free to enjoy my time on the water. I’m not constantly focused on staying upright and controlling the kayak.
I always recommend anglers slowly integrate fishing into the kayaking. Master two or three essential fishing skills to get the feel for fishing on a moving platform. Once an angler feels safe and comfortable, the sky is the limit.
What were your objectives when designing the ACA kayak fishing course?
We wanted to have flexibility for each instructor to individually design a course to meet his or her needs. Our primary focus is safety; beyond that the course is tailored to the participants. I can focus on paddling skills or fishing skills or a mix both. The course is valuable for avid anglers looking to improve boat handling and experienced paddlers looking to learn more about fishing. Before I instruct a course, I send participants a questionnaire about their expectations.
What learning resources would you like to see?
Traditionally, new kayak anglers learned the ropes through a local kayak fishing club. Fishing clubs are a valuable resource, but showing up to a fishing tournament or club meeting can be intimidating for an inexperienced angler. The ACA course provides a safe space for anglers to try something new without pressure. Since everyone is there to learn, the environment is more friendly and accommodating. I recommend participants who attend my course join a kayak club.
Share a success story about the kayak angler education program.
Our greatest success has been the buy-in from some of the biggest names in kayak fishing.Drew Gregory, Jameson Redding, Jeff Little and Russ Snyders have taken our course to become certified instructors. These guys give the course more value for other anglers. Receiving course certification from the ACA was a long and tedious process, as it should be, and these pros recognize the value in the course.
To find a course near you, contact the ACA at Americancanoe.org. Look for more instructor and angler kayak fishing courses in the near future.
Fishing Share the Fun
To learn how to fish, the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) offers nationwide programs aimed at angler recruitment, retention and reactivation. Find out more about these programs at Asafishing.org and learn fishing skills at Takemefishing.org. ASA resources and efforts include the following:
- Fishing Share the Fun campaign provides resources for new anglers to go fishing the first time and experienced anglers to take a new angler fishing.
- ASA industry members committee focuses on angler recruitment and retention.
- ASA members work with Congress on a NOAA grant program to encourage kids from underrepresented communities to go fishing.
- Advocating for MAPWaters and MAP Oceans Acts provides online information about access and regulations.
Let’s get started right. | Feature photo: Jason Arnold
