Sunday, after Demo Day, my wife was working all day in the ER, which left me to watch our 21 month old daughter. Not a problem. Daddy- daughter time is always fun, but I was definitely itching to get my fish on. We spent a lot of time just laying around, playing puzzles, as I was tired and my little girl was feeling a bit punky. My in-laws called and asked if I wanted to come out to the their house, they'd watch my daughter for a bit and I could fish the private lake in their backyard. Boom! I was on it.

I arrived, dropped off my daughter and put in right behind the in-law's house. I started stalking the shore up into the shallows, paddling the kayak about 25 yards out from the bank. I cast to a few spots and got a hit or two, but nothing hooked. I switched out the swim bait for a Berkley Powerbait worm and started back towards the house. That is when it happened.

As I scanned the shoreline, I saw movement near the bank. There was a spot with good overhanging tree cover and some downed limbs supplying some structure in the water and creating a little cove. Did I really see a bass in that spot? Can I hit it?

The target window looked about 3ft. wide, 3ft. deep and 2.5ft. tall and was about 15 yards away with a gentle current moving westward. I had yet to cast to a mark of that size. I know it is not that small, but as a newbie to kayak fishing, I was hesitant about my ability to nail it. I pulled back and let fly with a side cast, trying to sling the lure under the overhanging tree. It landed perfectly about a foot inside the target area. I Texas-rigged the Powerbait worm and was bringing it in on a fast retrieve, just barely on the surface. On this cast I let it sit for about 5 secs., then started a steady retrieve. Immediately I saw movement, and then the water broke into a v-shaped wake and bam! I had read about this game fish charge, but never seen it. It was the coolest thing and it got me amped for more bass fishing.

The bass was not that big, but that didn't dampen my psyche. It was super cool to go from stalking the shore, to spotting a bass, then casting into a tight spot, watching the bass break for the lure, then the hook set and the landing. It made me feel like a fisherman. Each time I go out , the addiction gets stronger, even if, like this paddle, it's only for an hour. Every moment on the water, no matter how brief, is an opportunity. Be present in those moments. Glean the gifts. And remember to thank those who grant you the chance. A big thanks to the in-laws!

******Big Side Note: I have been paddling an old Jackson Kayak Coosa that was laying around the shop, but recently had the opportunity to paddle one of the Dominion RiverRock Demo Jackson Kayak Cuda 12 boats and enjoyed the 2013 model's feature rich design. We still have a few DR Demo kayaks and SUPS from Jackson Kayak including the SuPerFisHal Stand Up Paddleboard, Cuda 14's and some Cruise 12's. These JK boats are priced well and flying out the door, so get on it if you want one!

We also brought in kayaks demoed at our Big Demo Day from Wilderness Systems , Old Town Canoe & Kayaks, Ocean Kayak , Wave Sport Kayaks , Eddyline etc. We'll be inventorying those and putting them up on our web page soon as well. The side benefit of so many demo kayaks, (besides passing on great deals to our customers!!) I get to demo a lot of boats! So, I'll try and post some reviews as I go. I'll also be posting a Demo Day recap next week. The dust is still settling and I have been compiling various stories from the day, to share in our blog. Also be on the lookout, I believe my compatriot in the ARC CPU Dept., Sarah D., took some good photos at Demo Day in between greeting everyone at the check in table! Look for a posting of those and find the current Facebook album here. We are busy, busy around ARC as business keeps rolling along. Thank You again to all that participated in our Demo Day! We had a great time! Father's Day is coming, see ya on the water!