What’s up, everyone. Father’s Day is in 10 days, summer fishing is hitting its stride, and I’ve got a packed issue for you this week — including a battery deal that’s actually worth paying attention to.
I’ve been running affiliate links to Redodo Power this summer, and they’re doing kayak-friendly lithium at a price point nobody else is hitting. Full breakdown below, plus 5 picks from Eco’s Father’s Day Sale that I’d actually ask for, a quick hit on the summer pattern shift, and a catch from the group.
😂 Dad Joke of the Issue What did the buffalo say to his son when he left for college? Bison. |
Let’s get into it.
🔋 GEAR I’M ON |
Yo, These Batteries Are Sick
Real quick about kayak batteries. If you’re still hauling lead-acid around to power your fish finder, you’re carrying twice the weight you need to, getting maybe a third of the lifespan, and watching your finder dim out by hour three on a long day. Lithium fixes all of it.
What I like about Redodo: they’re doing solid LiFePO4 at a price point nobody else is hitting. Same exact chemistry as the brands charging twice as much — you’re paying for the battery, not the badge — and they back it with a 10-year warranty.
Whether you’re running just a finder, adding lights, or stepping up to an electric trolling motor (like the one in the gear guide below), they make a battery sized for it.
🔋 10% Off Site-Wide Use code BDF8 at checkout. |
🎯 GEAR GUIDE |
5 Things to Actually Ask For This Father’s Day
Father’s Day is in 10 days. Time to stop saying “I don’t need anything” when you absolutely do. Here are 5 picks from Eco’s Father’s Day Sale that I’d actually put on my list — from a $28 stocking-stuffer to the dream gift. Forward this to whoever’s buying.
Railblaza Camera Mount R-Lock — $28.80 (was $35.99) For the dad who wants to start filming his fishing without zip-tying his phone to a paddle shaft. Mounts to any Railblaza track, holds a GoPro or compatible camera solid, comes off in seconds. Under thirty bucks — perfect stocking-stuffer tier. |
Oru PFD — $69.00 (was $139, 50% off) Half-price PFD. This is the deal of the sale, and it’s actually a good-looking, comfortable life jacket — not the airport-orange horse-collar from the garage. If anyone in your house is still wearing a janky PFD, this is the upgrade. Don’t make me say it again: wear the vest. |
3 Waters Big Fish Paddle — $79.00 Solid mid-tier paddle from 3 Waters. Lighter than the stock paddle that came with your kayak, adjustable length, and at $79 it’s in the “upgrade without thinking too hard about it” price range. Hour three on the water, you’ll thank yourself. |
Malone WideTrak ATB Large Kayak Cart — $197.95 (was $219.95) If you’re still bear-hugging your kayak down the ramp, get a cart. The WideTrak ATB has oversized off-road tires that roll over gravel, sand, and roots without drama. Holds heavy fishing kayaks. Your back will write you a thank-you note. |
Epropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus Trolling Motor — $1,650 (was $1,749) The dream gift. Clean, quiet, three-horsepower electric trolling motor that fits kayaks and small boats. Lithium-friendly (see the section above — this is exactly what Redodo was built to power). If Father’s Day budget got real, this is the one. |
Want the full lineup? Eco’s Father’s Day Sale is live now with free shipping. Shop the Father’s Day Sale |
🐟 FEATURED TOPIC |
Quick Hit: The Summer Pattern Shift
Post-spawn is over. The fish are repositioning, the water is warming, and the early-summer bite has officially shifted into mid-summer mode. Here’s the short version of what that means for you.
Bass are moving off the banks and out to the first major drop. Look for them on ledges in 8–15 feet of water, hanging on structure, eating bait that’s pushing deeper to find cooler water. Soft plastics worked slow on the bottom (worms, creature baits, jigs) are doing the work in the middle of the day. Topwater windows are now the first 90 minutes after sunrise and the last 60 before dark — outside those windows, get off the surface and fish deeper.
In shallow grass and pads, frogs are still working but only at low light. And if you’ve got a creek or shaded river, that stays in play all day — the canopy and current keep the water cooler. That’s your hot-day backup plan when the main lake quits at noon.
🏆 BRAG BOARD |
Ralphy W Got It Done on the Outgoing Tide
Ralphy W posted this striper from Bloxom, VA — 19 inches on the outgoing tide, fished mostly mud with a few scattered grass flats. Windy day, didn’t matter. He also dropped a question for the group: what’s everyone throwing for these guys in the shallows? If you’ve got a go-to, hop on his post in the group and let him know.
Want your catch on the Brag Board? Post it in the Kayak Fishing Dads Facebook group — Jay pulls a favorite every issue.
📅 COMMUNITY & EVENTS |
The Group Is Cooking
Summer pictures are pouring into the Kayak Fishing Dads Facebook group, and the catch reports are getting good. If you’ve got a fish or a story to share, post it — I’m pulling Brag Board catches straight from the group every issue. And if you’re not in there yet, come join us. It’s the best part of this whole thing.
📺 VIDEO SPOTLIGHT |
How to Wire Your Fishing Kayak the EASY Way
If you’ve been staring at your kayak thinking "I want to add a fish finder but I have no idea how to wire it" — this is the video. Just dropped a full walkthrough of installing the Yak Power system on my Native Hammer. Fish finder, lights, USB charging, accessories — all powered through one clean plug-and-play setup. Pairs perfectly with whatever battery you end up running.
🎣 Don’t Forget — Save the Date The Kayak Fishing Dads Retreat at Lake Marion is happening November 5–8. Spots are filling fast — register at kfdretreat.com before they’re gone. |
💌 SHARE & CONNECT |
Know a kayak fishing dad who’d be into this newsletter? Forward this email their way or share the link below.
Share Hookset Weekly: hooksetweekly.com
Stay connected with me and the Kayak Fishing Dads crew all week long:
Instagram — @BeardedDadFishing
TikTok — @BeardedDadFishing
See you on the water. Tight lines!
— Jay