We are raffling off a Minn Kota X7 at the retreat

By Jay Valentin · Thursday, October 8, 2026

We are about four weeks out from the Kayak Fishing Dads Retreat on Lake Marion, and I have been sitting on some news I can finally share.

Through our partnership with Eco Fishing, we are raffling off a brand new Minn Kota X7 fish finder at the retreat. This thing retails for over $1,000.

These are so new I do not even have one yet. Giving one away before I have gotten my own hands on it is pretty wild, and this might be one of the first X7 giveaways out there.

It has a 7 inch touchscreen, MEGA Side Imaging+ and MEGA Down Imaging+, built-in GPS for mapping, and it links right up with Minn Kota trolling motors and Talon anchors. If upgrading your electronics has been on the list, this is a big one.

It is getting raffled off at Santee Cooper, so somebody at the retreat is taking it home.

And the X7 is not the only thing on the table. Old Town is sending close to $2,000 in fishing accessories, plus giveaways from YakAttack, Yak Power, Rogue Gear and more.

Check out the X7 at Eco →

If you have been on the fence about coming, here is what the weekend actually looks like:

• Nov 5 to 8 on Lake Marion, SC. Santee Cooper country, three nights.
• Lakeside cabins. Shared lodging, but nobody shares a bed.
• Three dinners covered.
• Guided fishing on the lake.
• Fireside Q&As with kayak fishing creators.
• Swag bags and gear raffles for everybody who comes.

Tickets are $550 and cover everything above. One thing to know before you book: the cancellation fee is $100 through October 31. After that it is non-refundable, so if you are on the fence, now is the time to lock it in.

Questions about any of it, just reply to this email.

Christian Lee Brooks

Christian posted this one out of middle Georgia with a callout for any other dads in the area. He has a group of buddies, all fellow dads, who get out a lot and are looking for more guys to join in on "some solid brotherhood and better fishing." That is exactly what this group is about. If you are in middle Georgia, go find his post in the group.

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

This 10-Foot Fishing Kayak Is WAY More Capable Than It Looks

I took the Native Slayer Propel Max 10 out to see how much a 10-foot pedal kayak can really handle. It has a 400 lb capacity, and you can still add electronics, steering and a motor. If you want something small enough to throw in the truck without giving up a real fishing setup, this one is worth a look.

Watch on YouTube →    See the Max 10 at Eco →