What’s up, everyone! We’ve been teasing it for a few issues now, and it’s finally official. This year’s KFD Retreat is locked in at Santee Cooper this November, and registration is live. I’ll break down everything you need to know in this issue.
This issue is brought to you by Eco Fishing Shop. They're still running their Spring Sale with 400+ items marked down. If you missed last week's gear guide, go check it out. More on that below.
😂 Dad Joke of the Issue Why do fish always know how much they weigh? Because they have their own scales! |
Let’s get into it.
🎣 FEATURED ARTICLE |
The KFD Retreat at Santee Cooper — November 5–8
Alright, here it is. The official Kayak Fishing Dads retreat is happening November 5–8 at Santee Cooper, South Carolina; and registration is live right now.
Santee Cooper has been on my list for a long time. Two lakes, 170,000+ acres of water, and some of the best freshwater fishing on the East Coast. We're talking bass, crappie, catfish, bream; it's stacked. Whether you're a kayak tournament guy or you just want to get out on the water and catch fish with good people, this is the spot.
Here's the plan. We're doing four days; arrive Thursday, fish through Sunday. We'll have group launches, nightly Q&As with experience anglers, maybe some friendly competition, and plenty of time to just fish however you want. No rigid schedule, no pressure. Just a solid few days on the water with the KFD crew.
Registration is open now at kfdretreat.com. Spots are first-come, first-served, so if you're thinking about it, don't sit on it. There are even rental fishing kayaks if you prefer to fly in.
This is something I've wanted to do for a while and it's finally happening. Let's make it a good one.
⚡ SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT |
🎣 Eco Fishing Shop Spring Sale — Still Going Strong
Eco Fishing Shop is our go-to for kayak fishing gear, and right now their Spring Sale is still running strong. We're talking 400+ items marked down — kayaks, PFDs, paddles, electronics, kayak accessories, and more.
If you caught last week's gear guide, you already know we hand-picked our favorites. But there's a lot more in the sale worth checking out. Whether you're rigging up a new kayak or just need to replace that beat-up paddle, now's the time.
Browse the full sale at ecofishingshop.com — and remember, every purchase through our link helps support Hookset Weekly and the KFD community.
💰 SPRING SALE PICKS |
Railblaza HEXX Live Pole 30: Dedicated transducer pole for your LiveScope or Active Target. Keeps your fish finder locked in place and out of the way while you paddle. On sale for $209.99 (reg $229.99). Grab the HEXX Live Pole
Guardian Angel Elite Safety Light (Red/Green): Clip-on nav light for pre-dawn launches and dusk paddles back to the ramp. Small, bright, and keeps you legal on the water. $114.99. Grab the safety light
ReelYaks Kayak Stabilizers: Bolt-on outriggers that make standing and fighting fish way easier. 36% off right now at $99 (reg $155). Grab the stabilizers
Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Kart: Built for heavier fishing kayaks with no-flat tires. Save 12% at $219.99 (reg $249.99). Grab the kart
🏆 BRAGBOARD |
John Clark Hauled In a 24lb Blue Cat
John Clark posted this beast in the group on April 27 — a 24lb blue cat pulled out of the Catawba River in York County, SC. Kayak catfishing at its finest. He also asked the group about bump boards for online bass tournaments, so if you have recommendations, drop them in the comments. Absolute unit of a fish, John.
📬 Want on the BragBoard? Post your catch in the Kayak Fishing Dads Facebook group or hit reply to this email with a photo and a sentence or two about the fish. We'll feature the best ones in an upcoming issue. |
📅 COMMUNITY & EVENTS |
Spring Is Peak Season — Get Out There
The Kayak Fishing Dads Facebook group is on fire right now. Spring fishing is in full swing and members are posting catches daily — bass, crappie, bream, you name it. If you haven't been in the group lately, now's the time to check in.
If you're not already in the group, come join us: Kayak Fishing Dads on Facebook
📺 VIDEO SPOTLIGHT |
Kayak Fishing for Beginners (2026) — Complete Start Guide
This one has been a long time coming. I put together the ultimate 2026 beginner kayak fishing guide — everything you need to go from zero to confident angler. Best fishing kayaks, essential gear, budget-friendly mods, DIY crate builds, fish finders, and the biggest mistakes to avoid. Whether you’re brand new or looking to level up your setup, this is the video.
💌 SHARE & CONNECT |
Know a kayak fishing dad who'd be into this newsletter? Forward this email their way or share the link below. The more the merrier — and hey, more fishing buddies means more Brag Board submissions.
Share Hookset Weekly: hooksetweekly.com
Stay connected with me and the KFD crew all week long:
📸 Instagram — @BeardedDadFishing
🎵 TikTok — @BeardedDadFishing
See you on the water. Tight lines! 🎣