In Today’s Newsletter
College kayak fishing is no longer a novelty—it’s becoming a legitimate competitive pathway for the next generation of anglers. In today’s newsletter, we dive into the story behind school-level kayak fishing tournaments and the students building careers around their time on the water.
Plus, watch what might be the most epic tarpon battle on the internet as John Skinner hooks into a sunrise fight he’ll never forget. We also break down how to identify popular trout species across North America and round up our favorite pedal fishing kayaks, so you can dial in your gear and hit the season with confidence.
Finally, don’t miss the Spring 2026 edition of Kayak Angler, landing this April, packed with expert skills, proven tactics, and smart gear insights to help you shake out the off-season. The new issue will help you hit the water with confidence and catch more fish. Hurry! Subscribe by March 1st to guarantee your copy.
This Might Be The Most Epic Fish Battle On The Internet (Video)
Starting off his day during a beautiful Florida sunrise, John Skinner of John Skinner Fishing had no idea the fight that lay ahead of him as he headed out to fish for tarpon.
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The Story Behind College Kayak Fishing Tournaments
Instead of streaking the quad or crashing keggers, Jimmy Entwistle is kayak fishing his way through college. Entwistle, along with a growing number of college and high school students, participates in kayak fishing tournaments as a school sport. School-level kayak fishing tournaments aren’t just fun and games. Entwistle says the tournament trail is part of his long game. “I love fishing and the outdoors is on my career plan,” Entwistle says.
A Guide To Identifying Types Of Trout
From an angler’s perspective, understanding the life history of trout is crucial to catching them. Here's a guide to popular American trout, how to identify them, and where they can be found.
Cutthroat Trout Identifying Keys:
The great range of diversity in cutthroat trout species means that it is difficult to categorize a fish by a single characteristic besides genetic markers
A typically bright red slash beneath the jaws, though not present in all cutthroat, is the most common identifier
Rainbow Trout Identifying Keys:
Metallic silver or brass body coloration with a flash of pink or red along the lateral line
Rosy coloring often extends to the gill plate
Heavy spotting above and below the lateral line and into the dorsal fin and tail
Brook Trout Identifying Keys:
Pale yellow vermiculations (irregular, wavy lines) along dorsal
Red spots surrounded by blue halos laterally
Very tiny, almost indistinguishable scales
Hands-Free Power, Maximum Performance: Here Are The Best Pedal Fishing Kayaks For 2026
For centuries, inventive minds have experimented with leg-powered propulsion systems for small boats. Archeological evidence traces the development of the pedal drive watercraft back to the ancient Chinese, but the idea didn’t really catch on until the early days of modern kayak fishing.
Engineers and designers looking for a way to move a heavy sit-on-top kayak with the least effort and the most comfort developed light, compact and powerful pedal drives to get more people on the water. Once anglers discovered these efficient, hands-free fishing boats, the rest was history.
Find out whether a fishing kayak with pedals is right for you and see our roundup of the top models of the year here.
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The Spring 2026 Edition of Kayak Angler Lands April 2026 – Don’t Miss It!
Want more gear reviews and tactics? Our Spring issue is packed with expert skills, proven tactics and smart gear insights to help you shake the off-season, this new issue will help you hit the water with confidence and catch more fish. Upgrade to a print subscription and enjoy high-quality print and digital archives.
