The Kayak Cafe Podcast Episode 76 | Joe Cittadino: 200lbs Lost, Tournament Success & Kayak Fishing

The Kayak Cafe Podcast Episode 76 | Joe Cittadino: 200lbs Lost, Tournament Success & Kayak Fishing

The Kayak Cafe Podcast Episode 76 welcomes Joe Cittadino for an honest and inspiring conversation about kayak fishing, competition, family, faith, and perseverance.Joe may have only been fishing for three years—with the last two and a half spent chasing bass from a kayak—but he's already made a significant impact on the kayak fishing community. As he enters his third tournament season, Joe has competed consistently at the regional and state levels, ventured into national events, and recently stepped into a leadership role as one of the Tournament Directors for the West Tennessee Bass Yakkers, the largest grassroots kayak fishing club in Tennessee.Tonight, we'll dive into Joe's story: where he's from, how he discovered fishing, what motivated him to jump into tournaments so quickly, and what continues to drive him to improve every time he hits the water. We'll also discuss why the community means more to him than the competition and how fishing helps keep him grounded while balancing a demanding career that keeps him on the road two weeks out of every month.One of the most meaningful parts of this conversation will be a topic that both Joe and I share firsthand experience with—the perception of being a bigger angler in the kayak fishing world. Joe isn't afraid to address the challenges, stereotypes, and online criticism that sometimes come with it. After losing nearly 200 pounds to make kayak fishing a reality, he's proving every day that determination matters far more than size. His journey is a testament to resilience, hard work, and refusing to let others define what you're capable of accomplishing.We'll also talk about family, faith, friendship, fishing with the love of his life, tournament strategy, learning from every trip on the water, and why the pursuit of knowledge never stops for a competitive angler.Whether you're a tournament angler, a weekend fisherman, someone on your own fitness journey, or simply looking for a story of perseverance and passion, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Join us live and be part of the conversation!

The Kayak Cafe Podcast Episode 66 How to Pimp Your Kayak with Chase Collins

In this episode of The Kayak Cafe Podcast, we sit down with Chase Collins to break down the art and strategy behind rigging a kayak from the ground up. From a clean, factory setup to a fully “pimped out” fishing machine, we dive deep into how anglers can build their kayak to match their fishing style, skill level, and water conditions.Chase shares his approach to laying out a kayak in stages—starting with the essentials every angler should have, then progressing into more advanced accessories and customizations. We talk about everything from rod holders, crate systems, and anchor setups to electronics, power management, and motorization, giving listeners a clear roadmap for upgrading their kayak over time.For anglers who feel overwhelmed by all the gear options on the market, Chase explains what’s truly necessary versus what’s nice to have, helping you avoid wasting money while still building an efficient and functional setup. We also discuss balance, weight distribution, and how proper rigging can directly impact safety and performance on the water.We get into the mindset behind customization—how to think through your layout before drilling holes or mounting gear, and how small adjustments can make a big difference in comfort, efficiency, and fishability.Whether you're just getting started with your first kayak or looking to take your current setup to the next level, this episode offers practical advice and real-world insight into building a kayak that works for you.Topics covered in this episode include:• How Chase Collins approaches rigging a kayak• Essential accessories every kayak angler should start with• Budget-friendly upgrades vs premium add-ons• Crate systems, rod holders, and storage solutions• Electronics, fish finders, and power setups• Motorization options and when to add them• Weight distribution and balance considerations• Planning your layout before installing gear• Common mistakes when rigging a kayak• Building a kayak setup that matches your fishing styleIf you’re interested in kayak fishing, rigging your kayak, upgrading your setup, and getting the most out of your time on the water, this episode is packed with actionable insight and experience.https://www.USAKFM.com

The Kayak Cafe Podcast Episode 75 | Inside the 22nd Annual TKAA Charity Kayak Tournament

Join us for Episode 75 of The Kayak Cafe Podcast as we sit down with Jeff Bennett, Tournament Director and Board Member of the Tidewater Kayak Anglers Association (TKAA), one of the most respected kayak fishing clubs in the Mid-Atlantic region.In this episode, Jeff shares his journey into kayak fishing, how he became involved in tournament competition, and the experiences that shaped his passion for the sport. We discuss the tournaments he has competed in, the events that stand out most in his memory, lessons learned on the water, and what keeps him motivated after years of involvement in the kayak fishing community.We also take an in-depth look at the Tidewater Kayak Anglers Association, the tournament opportunities available to members, the club's impact on local anglers, and how TKAA continues to grow the sport throughout Virginia and beyond.The conversation culminates with a detailed preview of the 22nd Annual TKAA Charity Tournament in Virginia Beach, Virginia, one of the longest-running kayak fishing charity events in the country. Jeff breaks down what anglers can expect, how the event supports important causes, and why this tournament has become a staple of the kayak fishing community.Topics Covered:✅ Tidewater Kayak Anglers Association (TKAA)✅ Kayak Fishing Tournament Strategy✅ Jeff Bennett's Kayak Fishing Journey✅ Tournament Directing and Event Management✅ Memorable Tournament Experiences✅ Local and Regional Kayak Fishing Events✅ 22nd Annual TKAA Charity Tournament✅ Virginia Beach Kayak Fishing✅ Growing the Kayak Fishing Community✅ Future of Tournament Kayak FishingWhether you're a seasoned tournament angler, a weekend kayak fisherman, or someone looking to get involved with TKAA, this episode is packed with stories, insights, and valuable information from one of the people helping shape the future of kayak fishing in Virginia.#KayakFishing #TKAA #TidewaterKayakAnglersAssociation #VirginiaBeachFishing #KayakTournamentFishing #TheKayakCafe #USAKayakFishingMagazine #BassFishing #TournamentFishing #KayakLife #FishingPodcast #CharityTournament #KayakAngler #VirginiaFishing #PaddleSports

The Kayak Cafe Podcast Episode 74 Nathan Skinner, Team Bonafide & Kayak Rigging Tips

Join us on The Kayak Cafe Podcast as we welcome Nathan Skinner, co-owner of Festive Water Paddlesports and member of Team Bonafide, for an in-depth conversation about kayak fishing, kayak rigging, tournament angling, and the paddlesports industry.We'll discuss Nathan's journey into the world of kayak fishing, the challenges and rewards of running a paddlesports business, and what it means to represent Team Bonafide. We'll also dive deep into kayak rigging strategies, electronics setups, accessories, power options, tournament preparation, and how anglers can get the most out of their kayak on the water.Whether you're just getting started in kayak fishing or you're looking to take your setup to the next level, this episode is packed with valuable insights, real-world experience, and practical advice from someone who lives and breathes the sport.Topics We'll Cover:✅ Festive Water Paddlesports✅ Team Bonafide✅ Kayak Rigging Tips & Tricks✅ Electronics & Fish Finder Setups✅ Power Systems & Batteries✅ Tournament Kayak Fishing✅ Gear Selection & Accessories✅ Growing a Business in the Paddlesports Industry✅ The Future of Kayak Fishing🎙️ Hosted by Roy Widgeon, Publisher of USA Kayak Fishing Magazine and Host of The Kayak Cafe Podcast.#KayakFishing #BonafideKayaks #TeamBonafide #KayakRigging #FishingKayak #BassFishing #TournamentFishing #KayakLife #Paddlesports #KayakCafe #USAKayakFishing #FishFinder #KayakSetup #Bonafide #FishingPodcastSubscribe and join us live for questions, comments, and an inside look at the business, gear, and passion behind modern kayak fishing. USAKFM.com [https://www.USAKFM.com]

The Kayak Cafe Podcast Episode 73 with Alex Perz Taking on the Titans Bassmaster Kayak Series

🎣 Taking on the Titans | Alex Perz Talks Bassmaster Kayak Series, Tournament Strategy & Life on the TrailIn this episode of the USA Kayak Fishing Podcast, we sit down with Alex Perz to discuss his experience competing in the Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft. Alex shares an inside look at his tournament performance, preparation strategies, practice sessions, decision-making on the water, and what it takes to compete against some of the biggest names in kayak fishing.We also dive into the realities of fishing at the national level, upcoming tournaments, sponsor relationships, building friendships on the tournament trail, and the lessons learned from competing in one of the most competitive kayak fishing circuits in the country.Whether you're an experienced tournament angler or just getting started in kayak fishing, this conversation offers valuable insights into tournament preparation, competitive fishing, and the mindset needed to succeed on the Bassmaster Kayak Series.Topics Covered:✅ Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft✅ Tournament preparation and practice strategies✅ Competition against top kayak anglers✅ Tournament-day decisions and adjustments✅ Sponsorships and industry partnerships✅ Friendships and networking in kayak fishing✅ Future tournament plans and goals✅ Kayak fishing tips and tournament insightsIf you enjoy kayak fishing content, tournament coverage, bass fishing strategies, and interviews with some of the sport's top anglers, be sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.#KayakFishing #BassmasterKayakSeries #NativeWatercraft #BassFishing #TournamentFishing #KayakBassFishing #FishingPodcast #NewportBassmasterKayakSeries #AlexPerz #USAKayakFishing #CompetitiveFishing #Bassmaster #KayakAngler #FishingLife #KayakTournament