Welcome back to The Hookset Weekly!
Hope y’all had a good Thanksgiving and maybe snuck in some time on the water. We’re officially in that part of the season where a lot of anglers hang it up… but some of you are built different.
If you’re still fishing in December, this issue’s for you.
Dad joke of the day: Why don’t kayaks ever argue?
Let's dive in!
🏕️ Community Update
Winter is creeping in, and the cold-weather questions are hitting hard. This week, Rodrigo asked the group how to keep his feet from turning into frozen bricks… and the community delivered. Here are some of the best tips from anglers who fish through the cold without complaining (well… mostly).
Main Post:
Rodrigo C
Help needed keeping feet warm in 35 degree weather, What do you guys think of electric socks for winter fishing, my feet got really cold last time i was out fishing, I was wearing my NRS boundry boots and some wool socks and my feet got really cold.
Top Responses:
Jason S
35° weather? What are you going to do when it gets cold?
TrustworthyCaribou1132
that’s about as cold as fits down here really… may have a couple of cold snaps a year but as a whole 35-40 is the lows most days in the winter here
These last about 3-4 house and they work great in my muck boots
Tommy T
I love my electric socks. Last all day on low setting.
Thomas B
If your feet are sweating they probably will get cold. Dry feet are happy feet.
Rick W
Be careful of how tightly you tie your shoes in winter. We tend to wear thicker socks, and our shoes are tighter than normal. It’s easy to tie them too tightly and restrict blood flow to the feet.
🎥 Featured: Should You Add a Camera to Your Kayak Setup?
Lots of kayak anglers throw an action cam on their setup at some point. Seems like a no-brainer, right?
But then the problems start:
The angle looks weird
The battery dies halfway through
The camera setup costs more than your first kayak
🛠️ Here’s how to fix that
Start simple:
Bow-mounted camera facing you = solid angle for casting, hooksets, and reactions
Behind-the-shoulder mount = great for POV while keeping the kayak in the frame
Portable charger = all-day power so you never miss a catch
Used GoPros or Insta360s = solid image quality without breaking the bank
🚨 The best accessories to film your fishing trips
YakAttack Boomstick Pro – great for clean over-the-shoulder shots https://amzn.to/44hJVgf
Chest Mount Harness – gives you a close POV for hands-on action https://amzn.to/48Zy2y2
Portable Battery Bank – most action cams will get 6–8 hours with one of these https://amzn.to/4a7lshm
Clamp Mount – easy to move around your kayak for different shots https://amzn.to/450TsZc
SD Cards (Fast + High Capacity) – no one wants to run out of space mid-trip https://amzn.to/4aHAryB
Want to know my favorite setup?
Insta360 X5. This 360 camera captures everything as it happens. You can reframe the shot after the trip, so you never miss the moment. No need for multiple cameras or switching mounts.
They’ve got a holiday sale right now – over $80 off.
🐟 Brag Board - Weekly Catch
Kenny Addair
Largemouth Bass
Solid catch right here. A chunky late-fall largemouth! Cold water. Big bites. Can’t beat it.
Got a cold-water catch or a clip from a trip? Send it.
Pics, screenshots, blurry phone vids are all fair game.
⚡ Power Setup Upgrade
If you missed the Black Friday rush, you didn’t miss this one.
LiTime’s battery deal runs through the end of the year, and it’s still one of the easiest upgrade you can make. Longer days on the water, less better stress, and enough time to decide what your setup needs without feeling rushed!
If you’re running (or planning to run):
a fish finder
forward-facing sonar
lights
or planning a motor upgrade
Reliable lithium power matters more than almost anything else.
👉 LiTime Lithium Batteries
Use code BDF10 for 10% off through year-end.
📺 Latest from Bearded Dad Fishing
Been busy and missed a few videos? Here’s what I’ve dropped lately ⬇️
"From Lake to Frying Pan – Catch & Cook Crappie Feast"
We hit the water looking for a few crappie and ended up with a cooler full. In this video, we chase slabs from the kayak, dial in LiveScope for crappie, and finish the day the right way; hot oil, crispy fillets, and a proper fish fry. Fishing, learning, and eating… doesn’t get much better than this.
▶️ Watch Here
"25 Most Useful Kayak Fishing Accessories & Gear (2026 Guide)"
Kayak fishing gear adds up quick. In this video, I break down the 25 accessories that actually matter in 2026, the gear I use myself to fish safer, stay comfortable, and keep things simple on the water. Great if you’re just getting started or dialing in your setup.
▶️ Watch Here
Know a fishing buddy who needs these tips? Forward this to them so they stop asking you the same questions on the water.
🔗 Connect With the Community
YouTube: Weekly videos with reviews, tips, and occasional chaos.
Facebook Group: 46,500+ kayak anglers arguing about gear and helping each other out daily.
Thanks for reading The Hookset Weekly by Bearded Dad Fishing! Got questions or suggestions for future issues? Hit reply - I read every email.
That’s it for this week. Stay warm, fish slow, and enjoy the grind.
Peace and God bless!
- Jay