YakOff Awards II, Round 1: Chad Gierlich vs Chuck Earls

Round 1, October 21–26

Chad Gierlich vs Chuck Earls

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Chad Gierlich

NuCanoe U10

I'm a lifelong angler with a passion for catching all kinds of fish—and lots of them! My drive has always been to design the most effective baits possible and to share that knowledge with other anglers. I'm the designer & creater of Hookup Baits, a brand built from experience, innovation, and a deep love for fishing. Over the years, I've been fortunate to win multiple Saltwater Bass championships and earn several angler of the Year titles. I'm also proud to be a two-time member of the USA Saltwater Kayak Fishing Team. I live in beautiful San Diego, CA with my love Jojo, co-owner of Hookup Baits. It's here in San Diego that all Hookup Baits are 100% American made by our great team of employees.

Favorite Technique: Throwing a Hookup Bait isn't just my favorite technique—it's my only technique! I use Hookup Baits for everything: crappie, panfish, bass, salmon, trout and all saltwater species. You name it, Hookup Baits catch it! I fish them with total confidence, and that confidence makes all the difference. I haven't tied on another lure in ten years, and I don't plan to. No matter where I'm fishing or what I'm after, it's Hookup Baits all the way!

Bow 1

Rigging

YakAttack BlackPak Pro 16"x16"
YakAttack ShortStak 16"x16"
YakAttack TracPak x3
YakAttack Fish Finder Mount
YakAttack RotoGrip Phone Holder
YakAttack RotoGrip Paddle Holder
YakAttack Cup Holder
YakAttack Rod Holder x2
YakAttack Seat Cushion
YakAttack Safety Flag
Newport Vessels NK300 Motor
Newport Vessels 36V 50Ah LoPRO Battery
Newport Vessels 12V 50Ah Battery
Motorguide Xi3 Bow Motor
NuCanoe GearPod
NuCanoe Transducer Retract System
NuCanoe QC Rudder System Foot Steer
NuCanoe Decking Kit
Lowrance Elite 9 Fish Finder
Lowrance ActiveTarget 2
Lowrance Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer
Samsung 17-inch Tablet
Garmin Navionics Mapping App
Sniper Marine Scope Mount
NOCQUA 10Ah Battery
NOCQUA Stick 'N Glow Nav Lights
Wrap by Triton Imaging

My Sponsors

Chuck Earls

Native Watercraft Titan X

Chuck Earls – Kayak Fishing Pioneer, Safety Advocate, and Legacy Builder

“Fishing is life, but SAFETY comes FIRST!” Chuck Earls is a world-class kayak angler, licensed Lake Erie guide, and ACA-certified instructor. A Team USA competitor in Portugal and Italy, he earned the White Card Award and USAngling HERO Award for global impact. Host of the Angler’s Wisdom Podcast and innovator in elite kayak rigging, Chuck is also developing the groundbreaking TV series Big Water Kayak Fishing while championing conservation, mentorship, and his mission to “Leave it Better.”

My specialty is guiding clients on Lake Erie Kayak Fishing adventures, teaching them how to target and catch the fish, as well as offshore safety. I also build all my rigs as well as custom rigs for clients in the LEKF Rigging Shop.

Favorite Technique: Favorite technique is jigging/casting, but the most productive technique is trolling.

Body of Water: My favorite body of water is offshore on Lake Erie.