Dad Joke of the Week

Why couldn't the pirate learn the alphabet?

He kept getting lost at C.

Let’s get into it.


FIELD NOTES · Issue #38

I spent $300 on Temu fishing gear. Here's what's worth it.

By Jay Valentin · Thursday, October 22, 2026

I spent a little over $300 on fishing gear from Temu, and $300 goes a long way over there. I ended up with over 15 different products. If you've never used it, think online discount shopping. Everything ships from overseas and most of it shows up within two weeks.

I tested all of it in my latest video. Some of it surprised me, and some of it was exactly what you'd expect. Here's the short version.

Enter my code KHY3423 in the Temu search bar and you can pick one of these items for free with a qualifying order.

Worth grabbing

Heavy-duty line spooler

Heavy-duty line spooler

Takes any size line and adjusts to whatever angle you want to spool at. Pretty straightforward to use. If you're still spooling line with a pencil and your Crocs like I am, this one actually comes in handy.

See it on Temu →

Fingerless fishing sun gloves

Fingerless fishing sun gloves

Not top-tier quality and not super grippy, but they feel fine. I'd say they're worth it, especially for the price.

See it on Temu →

6-pack braid scissors

6-pack braid scissors

They cut braid, and for the price you get six of them. Keep one in your life jacket, one in the kayak, one in the boat, one in the car and one in the garage.

See it on Temu →

Dry bag + waterproof phone bag

Dry bag + waterproof phone bag

Roll it a couple times, clip the buckle, and whatever's inside should stay dry. A super useful product that works for a lot of different scenarios.

See it on Temu →

Silicone landing net

Silicone landing net

I was actually surprised how big this net is, which is a good thing. The deep rubber basket is less likely to grab your trebles, and it collapses. Long-term durability is the one question mark.

See it on Temu →

My favorite of the bunch

Largemouth bass rug

Largemouth bass rug

Out of everything on the list, I was probably most hyped for this one. The detail looks really good and it comes in a few sizes. If you're shopping for a fisherman this Christmas, this is it.

Grab the rug on Temu →

Good for the price

10-pack rod sleeves

10-pack rod sleeves

A really good value for ten of them, and the different colors let you color-code your rods. I just wish they had a bungee at the end.

See it on Temu →

Digital fishing scale

Digital fishing scale

A really cheap scale. If you just want to know your PB, or close to it, it might be worth checking out for the price.

See it on Temu →

What I'd skip

  • Portable tool set: kind of small, so I wouldn't personally get it. If you want a quick, easy kit it might still work for you.
  • Reel covers: only worth it if you travel with your reels on your rods. I usually just pull mine off and toss them in a sock.

I went through even more in the video, including a few different pliers and a vacuum sealer for the freezer. The full breakdown is at the bottom of this email.


BRAG BOARD · CATCH OF THE WEEK

Art Morley

Art Morley holding a smallmouth bass

A 2.9 lb smallmouth with the fall colors coming in behind him. His post turned into a whole thread of guys dropping their own fish in the comments, which is exactly what this group is for.

Got a fish worth showing off? Post it in the Kayak Fishing Dads group and you might end up here next week.

Kayak Fishing Dads Retreat

Lake Marion, SC · Nov 5 to 8

Three nights on Santee Cooper, dinners covered, and a Minn Kota X7 fish finder in the raffle. Tickets are $550. The $100 cancellation window closes October 31.

Grab your spot →


VIDEO SPOTLIGHT · NEW ON YOUTUBE

I Bought $300 of Fishing Gear From Temu… Is Any of It Actually Good?

I Bought $300 of Fishing Gear From Temu

Every item, tested on camera, including the ones that didn't make this list.

Watch on YouTube →


ALSO NEW THIS WEEK

Is the Shimano SLX DC Still Worth Buying?

Is the Shimano SLX DC Still Worth Buying?

If you've been eyeing the SLX DC, I break down whether it still holds up in this week's video.

Watch on YouTube →

Know a kayak fishing dad who’d be into this newsletter? Forward this email their way or share the link below.

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Stay connected with me and the Kayak Fishing Dads crew all week long:

📺 YouTube, Bearded Dad Fishing

Facebook, Kayak Fishing Dads Group

Instagram, @BeardedDadFishing

TikTok, @BeardedDadFishing

See you on the water. Tight lines!

Jay

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