Hardcore Kayak Fishing Team- Original plastic pirates of the Catawba river

The 1st Annual Hardcore Invitational Kayak Fishing Tourney was "more fun than eating cotton candy barefoot!" Thanks to all who helped and especially our sponsors for the event. Hope to have everyone back next year. See the blog on NCangler. Make sure to help us support our sponsors by checking out the links below.(work in progress) Couldn`t do it without them.

Tournament slideshow by Dianne of The Mt. Island Wildlife Stewards

BIG CONGRATS TO OUR BOY BO! We went to Jordan Lake for the 1st Carolina Yakfishermen Open Tourney and Bo represented the Team with a 3rd place finish by snatching victory from the jaws of defeat in an 11th hour Luckycraft pointer bite. It was a TOUGH day that saw 9 out of 14 guys get skunked. See some pics of the day here.

On a related note- the Carolina Yakfish boys are having a tournament series in 2010! Be sure to click the logo and go get the details and schedule. It will benefit Heroes on the Water as well as have cash payouts. Sure to be a great series, cool dudes and a worthy cause. We`ll fish as many as we can and look forward to seeing all our paddle fishing friends at the events and on the water.

We are Hardcore..... We are kayak fishermen. We are a brotherhood of dedicated and experienced anglers continually honing our skills. We are united to pursue and promote the sport of kayak fishing. We are stewards of nature, fishery management, and conservation advocates. For over 10 years Team Hardcore has been among the vanguard, blazing a path for the ever expanding plastic armada. Paddling silently past convention into uncharted waters while teaching and bringing others to the sport we love. We`ve got more to give than we`ve got to prove.

We are Hardcore..... There is no off-season. Hardcore is all year, all conditions. We are wherever and whenever the bite is. Hardcore is 125 plus outings a year. It`s 4:00 a.m. roll-outs and road trips. Tournaments and volunteering. Hardcore is adaptability to wind, rain, current, drought, fog, scorching sun, and frozen equipment. Hardcore is not a hobby. It is a lifestyle.
Hardcore is not wanting to kayak fish it is needing to kayak fish. Hardcore is knowing in your soul that you will never quit. So grab a paddle, but leave your problems at home. Bring your rod but leave your reservations on the dock.

Scouting for that next Kayak trip ??? Here`s the link you NEED. ACME MAPPER. Has Sat., topo, hybrid, terrain, nexrad you name. Check it out- it is awesome! Starts out on Mt. Island.

See our feature as Club of the Month in Kayak Fishing Magazine -Dec. 2008

Kayak Fishing Magazine launch map- Add one of your favorites!

Map of Mt. Island Lake fish attractors placed by N.C.W.F - 60 of them built by Team Hardcore

MAPS- Mt. Island, Bottom of Norman, Top of Wylie-from old site (don`t ask me how but it`s still out there)

SEE Twig`s " Ultimate Ultimate" motorized kayak in action

"Used to do a little but a lttle wouldn`t do it so a little got more and more. Just keep tryin to get a little better, said a little better than before." ---------GnR

We owe a huge debt to Great Outdoor Provision Co. for being the main sponsor of the Hardcore Invitational. A premiere provider of the best equipment available as well as a knowledgeable staff. I have dealt with Sam at their Charlotte store for over 10 yrs. Paddling, flyfishing, hiking, camping, clothing, rock climbing,- you name it. Let them hook you up. They provided our prizes for 1st - 3rd place. They also have their own kayak fishing team. Check them out. You will get so much more than you can from a "big box" store. The guy on the page the link leads to is Mike "Irish Mike" Callahan. He came and fished the tourney with us. Unfortunately, Sam from Charlotte was sick with pneumonia. We`ll be saving a spot for both of them next year for the 2nd Annual Hardcore Invitational - "Back in Black"

Frank at Tar River Paddlesports was a major prize contibutor for the tourney. He provided us with 3 Stick It Anchor pins to give away. I was hoping to win one ! Tar River Paddlesports is a Nu Canoe dealer. This is a super stable and versatile hybrid boat that comes in several cofigurations. Frank couldn`t make it himself this year. I hope next time he can bring some Nu Canoes for everybody to try out.

Doug Cox is a rep for Lucky Craft and Zoom. He donated 12 Lucky Craft lures, hats, shirts, stickers, and some flukes for prizes. Those of you who are familiar with Lucky Craft know that is no small donation. I`ve spent 20 years saying " I don`t need no $16 lure !" After using a Gunfish for a month (once catching 3 largemouth on my first 5 casts of the day) I have changed my tune . Bought another Gunfish the other day! Worth it I assure you. I`m spoiled now. Curse you Doug! But thanks for the prizes and support. Check out The Daily Crank for all things Lucky Craft or Zoom Baits (home of my favorite lure ever, the Super Fluke) by clicking the logos.

Philip Ruckart (AKA yak4fish) helped us get a super cool bag from PrecisionPak. They have quite a few models to choose from for all kinds of outdoor activities. Best thing you can add to a SOT. Check out their products and Philip`s page too. He is an experienced guide and has won at least several tournaments that I know of. Including last years Get: Outdoors Tourney in Greensboro. He books trips in both fresh and saltwater.

Animoto - Southfork expedition - on 5-24-09 Catawba Lands Conservancy link

For affordable kayak rentals check out NC Flatwater Outfitters in Mt. Holly, across the river from the whitewater center. Tell Klaus "the Hardcore boys sent ya."

Our tradition is that of the man who snuck away to the water

even when the tribe didn`t need any fish.

-The River Never Sleeps, 1946

-Or we will be on you like a fat kid on a cupcake. Believe that.