Welcome back to The Hookset Weekly!
Thanksgiving week is here, which means two things:
half of you are trying to sneak in one last trip before the chaos hits, and
the rest are already planning a “post-turkey recovery session” on the water.
Either way, we’ve got some solid stuff for you this issue.
Dad joke of the day: Why don’t fish celebrate Thanksgiving?
Let's dive in!
❄️ Winter Time Storage and Prep
A lot of us northerners are getting ready to hang it up for the season (Florida guys… just stay quiet 😂).
Now’s the time to go through your kayak with a fine-tooth comb so you’re not dealing with problems next spring, or when the ice melts and you’re itching to get back out.
Kayak maintenance:
Clean and wash your hull thoroughly. Now’s a good time to spot leaks before they surprise you in April.
Hit your kayak with 303 Spray. It protects the plastic and keeps it from drying out. Check it out here → https://amzn.to/4p2o9op
Give your drives, motors, and hull a real inspection. This is when you catch the little stuff.
If you’ve gotta warranty a hull, drive or any other crucial piece of equipment… Now’s the time!
Fishing gear:
Clean and lubricate reels — you’ve been wrecking them all season long, don’t ignore them now.
Swap out old line and leaders — cold water exposes weak knots fast.
Check rod guides for cracks or chips.
Take 10 (or 30) minutes to reorganize tackle. Your March self will thank you.
Electronics:
Store batteries indoors if possible. Cold kills lithium faster than anything.
Protect screens from temperature swings.
Make a plan for any rewiring or upgrades you want to do during the off-season.
If you do this stuff now, you won’t be the guy in April scrambling to fix problems on the driveway while your buddies are already on the water.
⚡️Deal Worth Grabbing
LiTime Lithium has got an exclusive 10% off deal right now, just for our kayak fishing community. https://www.litime.com/?ref=mcgrjzzb
In addition to their already low pricing, if you use code BDF10, you’ll save even more on your battery/charger setup.
🏕️ Community Update
This week we're diving into tackle storage and organization - one of those topics that can make or break your day on the water. Bradley B from our Facebook group sparked an awesome discussion about upgrading his tackle storage system, and the community delivered with some killer advice.
Main Post:
Bradley B
Anybody else turn their Blackpak into a battery box? I'm looking for ways I could improve it. The overall construction of these boxes is not impressive.. especially for the price. I'm thinking of riveting some right angle aluminum in the corners to add some rigidity.
Top Responses:
Rudy J
I did do this for a Lil bit but now I have the battery up front in the dry hatch in a fire proof bag.
David J
I have a 24V 50Ah battery in my 16x16. I used some of the foam that was in packing of battery when shipped to me to secure it
As far as wiring, I have the positive going from post to a breaker then both positive and negative go through a YakAttack thru hull XL out the back of box. Those wires end at an Anderson plug that connects to my Newport NK180pro.
Charlie A
The Blackpak is a great box for tackle management. Yes it is extremely expensive tho!
Is it worth the price considering the construction materials??? I don’t think so.
I purchased in orange with the short stack, leaderboard hardware and zipper pouch.
My biggest concern is the color fading. They claim it won’t but I’m not convinced. We will see with their “built for life guarantee”.
🐟 Brag Board - Weekly Catch
Richard Wallace
Old Town Autopilot 120
Roadrunner jig
Lake Manatee, Bradenton FL
Solid catch right here — under the bridge, jig doing its job, big smile. Hard to beat that combo.
If you want to be featured next week, just reply to this email with a recent fish photo. Tell me your name, where you caught it, what you caught it on, and any story behind the moment.
If it’s worth flexing, send it. Yes, panfish count. And yes… we judge 😅
🛠️ Gear Spotlight: Cold Weather Essentials
Last issue we covered the basics. This time, let's talk about the gear that separates the fair-weather anglers from the guys who fish year-round.
Thermal Set for Men
This thermal long john set is a solid base layer for cold-weather fishing. It’s warm, lightweight, and fits comfortably under your outer layers without adding bulk.
Aftco Reaper Technical Hoodie
This is BY FAR my favorite cold weather hoodie. It’s full polyester and has a thick neck gaiter with laser cut ventilation holes. Hands down I would buy this hoodie again if needed.
HOT FEET Wool Socks
Thick, moisture-wicking wool socks keep your feet warm even when wet. Essential for long sits in cold weather or launching into chilly water.
Insulated Water-Resistant Pants
These insulated, water-resistant fishing pants are perfect for staying warm and dry in cold, wet conditions. They’re flexible enough for kayak movement but tough enough to handle spray, wind, and rough launches.
Cold-Weather Jerkbaits
When the water’s cold and fish get stubborn, jerkbaits are the move. Long pauses, slow twitches. These still get eaten when everything else feels dead. Great for bass and the always-aggressive Chain Pickerel.
🔥 Budget Tip:
Don’t be afraid of non-brand-name cold-weather gear. Plenty of affordable stuff keeps you just as warm once you’re actually out on the water.
🛍️ Black Friday Preview
Black Friday is almost here, and I’ve been digging through the noise to find the deals that actually matter. Good gear, solid prices, and stuff I’d vouch for.
I’m putting together a special Black Friday edition of this newsletter just for Hookset Weekly readers. You won’t see it on YouTube or socials. Just here.
Keep an eye out. It’s gonna be a good one.
📺 Latest from Bearded Dad Fishing
Been busy and missed a few videos? Here’s what I’ve dropped lately ⬇️
"Best Fish Finders UNDER $500 (Top 5 Compared)"
I tested five budget-friendly units from Garmin, Humminbird, and Lowrance… and one of them surprised me in a big way. If you’re trying to upgrade without dropping $1,000+, this video will save you some headache.
▶️ Watch Here
"Buy THESE Fishing Kayaks ASAP"
These are the most recommended fishing kayaks from over 46,000 anglers. If you're looking for stability, reliability, and real-world reviews — this is the list.
▶️ 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.
Stay warm this week, sneak out when you can, and don’t let the cold scare you off the water.
Peace and God bless!
- Jay