We're back on my local waters in North Carolina, chasing one of my all-time favorite fish: the smallmouth bass. This trip was even more special because I got to fish with my dad and one of my best friends, Stephen. There’s nothing quite like sharing your passion with the people who mean the most to you.
Growing up in the foothills of North Carolina, I developed a deep love for the outdoors. Kayak fishing hooked me over a decade ago, and since then, I've been all in—whether it's competing as a sponsored angler or working in various roles within the industry, I've lived and breathed this sport. Formerly, as the brand manager of fishing at Jackson Kayak, I have had an incredible connection to the industry and community. But enough about me; let's get to the good stuff. If you are interested in learning more about the NRS Approach 120 fishing raft, read the full review.
The Perfect Spot
We kicked off the day fishing below a small low-head dam. The dam creates a natural bottleneck, forcing fish to congregate in a relatively small area. This spot is a favorite of mine, especially in the spring when the smallmouth move up to spawn. They’re looking for cool, fresh water, and the dam provides just that. It's like a magnet for them, and they can't go any further up, so they stack up against it. We were in for a day of non-stop smallmouth bass action.
The Catch
Right off the bat, my dad hooked a big one. It was a 19-inch beauty, and I knew we were in for a treat. The NRS raft we were using was perfect for the day. It provided a stable platform for my dad, who could comfortably stand and fish, while I took care of navigating and positioning the boat. We were doubling up on fish left and right. At one point, as my dad was releasing a fish, I hooked another. It was chaos—in the best way possible. Meanwhile, Stephen was in his kayak, not far off, pulling in his share of smallmouth bass. It was a dream scenario, the kind of day you hope for but rarely get.
A Bit of a Mess
As we floated downstream, the fishing slowed a bit, and we faced some challenges. The river was high and fast, making it tricky to keep our lures from getting snagged. We paid our “river tax” with a few lost baits, rods, and even a reel. But that’s all part of the adventure. Stephen and I both had some unfortunate losses, but we took it in stride. These are the days that make memories—catching fish, losing gear, and having a blast.
Wrapping It Up
As we neared the end of our float, we encountered a slippery boat ramp. My Dad took a tumble trying to get out, adding a bit of comedy to our day. And, in the chaos, I lost one of my favorite rods—a painful end to an otherwise perfect day. But, as they say, it's not about the destination; it's about the journey. Sharing this day with my dad and Stephen was more than worth it, even with the mishaps.
Fishing with family and friends on familiar waters is a reminder of why I fell in love with this sport in the first place. It's not just about the fish—it's about the experiences, the stories, and the connections we make along the way. If you get a chance to watch this episode, make sure to subscribe and stay tuned for more adventures. Remember to stay safe out there, always wear your life jacket, and, as always, thanks for watching.
Tight lines,
Jameson Redding
Purchase the Approach 120 raft at NRS
https://www.nrs.com/nrs-approach-120-fishing-raft-package/praz
