Hookset Weekly by Bearded Dad Fishing

Welcome back to The Hookset Weekly!

If you’ve been on the water for a while, you probably don’t think of yourself as a beginner anymore.

You know how to rig. You know what should work. You’ve got enough experience to trust your instincts.

And yet…

There are still days where things don’t click. Not because you don’t know better — but because you rush, overthink, or fish on autopilot.

Winter has a funny way of exposing that.

It slows everything down. The fishing. The decisions. The gear. The setup.

And if you’re paying attention, it also shows you exactly what needs fixing.

That’s what this issue is about.

The quiet mistakes we keep making. The small upgrades that actually matter. And the stuff it’s worth dialing in now… while you’ve got the time.

If you’ve ever come off the water thinking, “I should’ve known better,” you’re in good company.

Alright… moving on

This week the group got into one of those conversations that every kayak angler eventually has: power. How much you really need, what actually lasts all day, and what’s worth replacing before it leaves you dead in the water.

If you’re iced out, cold, or just not fishing as much right now, this is the perfect time to knock out a few small upgrades that make a big difference once spring hits.

Nothing crazy. No “full rewiring the spaceship” projects. Just easy wins.

Short winter days + low light = not the time to be invisible. A flag/light combo is one of the simplest safety upgrades you can do, and it takes like 10 minutes. 

https://amzn.to/3YsGvUC

If you fish current, wind, bridges, points, or anything that turns your kayak sideways, an anchor trolley is a cheat code. It lets you adjust your position without constantly fighting your kayak. 

https://amzn.to/4jvc4H0

Most of us are carrying the same “pile of stuff” every trip. Off-season is when you fix that. A milk crate or crate kit with rod holders and tool spots keeps your deck clean and your brain calmer. 

https://youtu.be/xLqq-V8i4LY

Cold mornings, wet boots, slime, and a little ice at the ramp is a perfect recipe for an unplanned swim. Traction pads in the stand zone and entry points are a cheap upgrade with big payoff.

https://amzn.to/4qKLNqE

This one sounds boring until you’re on the water and can’t find pliers, cutters, leader, or your net isn’t where it should be. Add one simple “home” for the small stuff and you’ll fish cleaner all year.

Off-season bonus tip:

Do these mods in your garage with your kayak loaded like a real trip. If it feels cluttered on land, it’ll feel worse on the water.

Chris Huckaby

Another solid catch coming out of the community. This one proves once again that good things happen when you get on the water.

Got a cold-water catch or a clip from a trip? Send it.

Pics, screenshots, blurry phone vids are all fair game.

Been busy and missed a few videos? Here’s what I’ve dropped lately ⬇️

"How to Install the Minn Kota Kayak Terrova – PDL 120 Pro”

Thinking about adding a trolling motor to your kayak? In this video, I walk you through the full install of the Minn Kota Kayak Terrova step-by-step so you can get Spot-Lock, speed control, and hands-free positioning without overcomplicating your setup. This is one of the biggest upgrades you can make if you’re ready to level up.

▶️ Watch Here

"Best Fishing Kayak EVER? Bonafide XTR130 Review and Test”

I put the new Bonafide XTR130 through a real on-the-water test. From stability and storage to rigging potential, this is an honest breakdown of who this kayak is actually built for, and who should probably look elsewhere.

▶️ 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.

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