Trying Something New for Smallmouth Bass (Brooklyn Kayak RA220) 

Boys i finaly got my first decent small mouth i got a 14-15 incher on a zebco

Love the “Bassquatch” shirt!🤣🤣🤣

Bought the same kayak and found your channel. Great review, much appreciated.

That was not a bad maiden voyage. Definitely got your exercise today. You're right. Maybe bigger waters would suffice the ability of the kayak. Can't really give an opinion on performance since you spent just as much time dragging the kayak as you did sitting and fishing. Would really like a full video that puts the kayak to the test.

Incredible scenery and awesome adventure. For people who haven't tried kayak fishing, this is a good reason to get started.

You need rope slightly longer than kayak so it will be easy to control when walking along the river side with kayak at the rapid area

That’s a Great job. YOU ARE BLESSED. GOD IS GOOD

Love the new Yak dude! And that last smallie you caught was unique it was a gray color! As always awesome video brother!

Maybe one day show us how you built that GoPro Mount! I’d love to fish that run using a drag anchor chain.

Beautiful water, can’t wait to add a kayak to my fishing adventures in the future! As always love the video brother! Great job man!

Nice kayak, John! Great fishing and beautiful scenery 👌

That was some beautiful scenery. Great fish too. Thanks for bringing us along John. God Bless

Beautiful scenery and crystal clear water. Like the new kayak, really like the color. Great content!

Another great video buddy! Really enjoyed watching and going along with you. You are the man! #CreekFishingAdventures rocks!

After tearing a quadriceps tendon, I find a strap attached to the front handle really helps to pull yourself to a standing position….love your channel

Another great video. Heading to the Detroit river in the morning. It exactly the creeks and ditches I’m use too.

That kayak is awesome, and so we're the smallies🐟🎣🐟🎣

Beautiful waterway and nice outing! I loved seeing you drag that new kayak over those rocks! They should be for fishing places you couldn’t get to otherwise and you illustrate that so well!

I’m with you man. I’ve got a boat, Jon boat, fishing kayak, and 2 canoes

I fish and kayak the Great Miami River in west central Ohio a lot it's less than a mile from my house I explore as much as possible and wade as many creeks as I can! My 5 yr old daughter loves watching your videos and fishing when we can! She recently pulled almost a 16" saugeye all by herself from a little creek flowing into the GMR¡!! EPIC! To say the least! Keep the vids coming and if you ever come up north our rivers have some amazing kayaking and fishing! Stay safe and keep fishin'!!

I love watching you fish these mountain streams. I also like thinking that the water is still flowing out of those mountains.

Beautiful spot you helped get me into creek fishing here In Kentucky we have so much common! I just caught my PB smallie out of the CREEK! If you ever are around eastern Kentucky let me know I have some great creek spots in the area around morehead Kentucky and west carter Kentucky!

What an awesome little stretch of water.

Beautiful kayak might I say. That seat looks comfortable

Thank you for sharing. That creek looked beautiful. Thank you for sharing. God bless you and your family...🙏❤🙏❤🙏😊😀🙂

Have had that same Kayak in the camo grey color and fished out of it for the last three years. I also bought the Three Rivers Big Fish 120 and have it motorized. I use the 11.5 BKC for trips from Townsend down little river and skinny water, and the Big Fish for more open waters like the Hiwassee. Last time I was in the BKC I was about 88 pounds heavier, so haven't tested the standing ability since then, but was not very sturdy for a 290 pound man for standing, but the comfort seat and its maneuverability made up for that. I also used the BKC for river bank fishing/camping as I can fit three dry bags in the hull with 2 spare rod/reels without worrying about losing them. They advertise a 500lb capacity, but it will ride very low in the water with 350lbs, so I take my light tackle boxes and it performs great. I also take the BKC behind the bass boat to Chilhowee and haul it behind the boat around Tabcat I will anchor the bass boat and go up under the bridge in the kayak when the Blue Gill spawn is on. Throw a milk crate in the back and enjoy, it has been a really good boat, and the most important thing for me fishing 5-10 hours from a kayak is the seat, and this seat is very comfortable, even for big folks. Now I am under 200lbs you have sparked my interest in testing that boat out again, so may try it out next trip, enjoy!

Looks like a really nice kayak. And I thought the weight capacity was tremendous for an 11 footer. The fishing and the scenery was awesome. Thanks for sharing.

Awesome Vid & georgeous location! I caught a Smallie last year in my home creek that was almost blue similar to that last pale grey one you caught. Keep up the good work Brother!

Those Small Mouth were beautiful. Sure looked like a great place to fish

I live in Chattanooga if you ever want to go out on my bass boat, I go out usually 2-3x per week and fish Chickamauga and the River. I realized where you live when we saw the old mill in your hometown. My wife and I got married there. Small world!

I have a PK13 pedal kayak. I think it's a great kayak but i did order some seat risers that made the seat position better for me. I've considered buying a smaller brooklyn like that but just like all the others they are getting expensive. Love the storage on these kayaks. Great videos man.... keep it up!!!

That was a beautiful creek float brother. Caught some nice smallies, fished some water you couldn't get to wading perfect. Until you stood it gave me flashbacks from falling out of a 14 row boat. I deserved it though, a bit reckless on my part. Glad you had a good time. Blessings John

Great video John. God bless you.

I have a Brooklyn pedal drive.. love it.. and I've got a adapter to raise seat 4 in. Fairly simple but lot better for us taller guys

Great video and what a cool location! I love kayak fishing where boats can't go so I really appreciated this review. . I know it was a pain but made for a great review. I have had the RA220 for two years now and I put it in the water about 80-90 hours a month on calm lakes. Here's my quick review for anybody shopping. Pros: I am a big boy at 6'2", 280 and I haven't flipped it. I wouldn't call it super stable, but it's also not tippy at all. The low seat really helps with stability (But no way I could ever stand up) I can easily maintain 3 mph on smooth water. Storage is amazing. Two huge hatches and a bow dry well that holds rods, small dry bag and a PFD easily. Not a lot of competition here. Storage is the best feature of this yak. Price is on par (but shipping time is absolutely absurd) The large square hatch top is great for fish finders, rod holders. cup holders and working space. Relatively light weight is great for easy portage and truck bed loading. Cons: Rudder system broke on the first trip out. super hard to fix as the cord guide tubes also came out in the hull. I haven't been able to ever use the rudder. Because of this, the kayak tracks pretty poorly. Seat buckles snapped when I stretched my legs and almost dumped me off backwards. I replaced them with metal ones from Amazon and have had no issues since. Gear tracks and foot tracks are very flexy but haven't caused an issue, just feel cheap. All screws constantly come loose and require tightening after every trip (that's a lot of screws) By year two, the seat bottom has stretched out to the point that I am sitting on the plastic hull. Flush mount rod holders cracked but still functional, if that bother you. Shipping took 7 1/2 weeks. Overall this kayak has done everything Ive asked of it, but has required a lot of a maintenance and upgrades to stay in service. Works well for a big guy on a budget. Priced right around several other brand options, but if storage is important, this is a great option. I hope that helps others who are shopping for a budget paddle kayak.

I've got the same kayak in the same color. I agree the seat is too low and for me trying to stand up in it wasn't easy. I really like all the storage cuz I keep my plastic lures in that circle storage in front of the seat, and I put my tackle trays in that bigger square storage.

love this one, my friend

Love your content especially the Bible verses at the end.

Fun video! I’m getting to old to do all that kayak dragging but you can get to some good spots! Had to do that to get my Chattahoochee bass this year! Including the falling and slipping!🤣

Great video John. I had been tossing around the idea of getting this one and still may do it nailing the smallies

I was going to say before you mentioned it, to take to a deeper river or creek to see how she does, I also could see the seat was lower for us tall guys anyway, that guy who fished the kayak bassmaster classic from California who came in 2nd place he has a great setup I don't know what brand it is but he can stand-up with no problems, but usually fishes on lakes he even has a trolling motor on it, but anyway you got some big SM catches out of it, always a good time watching you John 🎣👍

Boy John that had to be a tough film!! Some pretty nice fiah though. Thankyou for the videos , and may GOD Bless you with an abundant life of fishing😉👍

I've got the Big Fish 120. It's amazingly stable with it's tri-haul design. I can stand up easily and trust it to stand while going through current. It has 2 draw backs. It's heavy. 100lbs. And the rails it comes with are not standard. They are feel free tracks and a adapter is needed to use regular rail accessories. But man, it's the best kayak I've ever had. So stable Im standing up all the time. I'm 185lbs and 5'11".

I got the PK12 with pedal drive, and also got my wife the RA220. We haven't gotten to use them near as often as we should, but one thing I will say to watch for is the various screws loosening up on ya. The handle on hers popped off suddenly on me, luckily right after setting it down, due to this problem. Being taller, I had to get a longer paddle than what BKC supplied, but overall I have been fairly pleased with ours. I can hook 2 other yaks on to mine and pedal 3 people on the lake without much effort!

I have a hoodoo impulse 120 kayak that I love

That title definitely got me excited about this video!!! Wooooooo weeeeeeeeeee

I have a Brooklyn Kayak 10.5’ white camo it’s awesome!

God blessed John, God blessed me, we both live in Tennessee! I pity you out-of-staters! Awesome video brother as usual!

That was a nice kayak. The problem with raising the seat on ones with a low seat is it changes the center of balance of the kayak. I have a 12’ SunDolphin fishing kayak and the seat is on the bottom as just a shaped pad. I put a flotation cushion on it and I had to take it out right away because I felt like I was going to tip over if I even moved. I hope yours will allow you to raise it and still stay stable. I was a little worried about the height of the seat in the Old Town but it seems designed with that seat position to be stable. Getting a LiFePo mini battery 100 ah that only weighs about 20lbs that will make things easier to move around. Nice fish you got. Hopefully the water here will clear up soon from the snow runoff so we can get out on the reservoir.

lov them smallmouth

I just received my BKC F285. I wanted to get off the bank. High banks, trees and brush. Too deep to wade where i fish. I'm 62 and weigh a buck n a quarter. At 9'2" and 58 pounds with the set and paddle. I can carry it, load/ unload by myself. Perfect for what i want to do. Which is, get to the places nobody fishes. So much more accessible water.

Man, John, I wish I was there with my truck to give you a ride back to your rig! Would have been glad to give you a ride! :-) Just wondering, it seemed like you were pretty remote in some of these stretches, so do you let someone know to come looking for you at a certain point should something happen? Maybe cause I am getting older I think of those things, but I admit I was wishing I could be at those remote pools fishing!! Great stuff as always, John! God bless! :-)

I have an RA220 as well. I suggest you take the rudder off. Otherwise it's an outstanding fishing kayak.

That was the best part about upgrading to the old town 120 pdl (other than the pedals)…. I came from a 10’ fishing yak with a low seat like that but mine wasn’t comfortable lol. Truly helps with quick standing and sitting. I think you’ll like that one more on lakes but then I wonder why that would be better than the 12’ OT on a lie with more room and stability.. I do love that blue camo though I’ll give it that.

Love the video as always John, beautiful scenery and fish! Can I ask where you got the “bassquatch” shirt? I have to have one! Keep up the good work buddy and God bless.

Oh I know that was exciting going somewhere you've only waded before.

Nice adventure in a new kayak. Those biggin’s made it all worth the scratches on you and the yak. 😂

Love it ! "John's New kayak Adventure" !! The continuing Saga . The Fleet expands. Those big smallies were beautiful ! Next question......off the wall.......what style, brand of PFT (life jacket) do you like for your style of fishing? Always be careful. Pap Blevins.

You make it look easy. I know it isn't. Classy vid as usual...

it may have a hatch where you can drop down transducer when possible, when you feel like bob ross and need to paint some fish pretty spot on this adventure - have faith in the hellgrammite!

Good Times! Do you mind sharing what your rod, reel, line, and lure you are using here? I am looking to get into kayak river fishing, but am kinda clueless what what my setup should be for small mouths.

I looked at these and decided to get a made in the USA Kayak. I wear cloths and have things that are made in every country but I'm slowly trying to stay away from made in china stuff.

I just got a fishing kayak. Love it. Been watching all your videos as well and they are super helpful. One question, when going solo like this and downriver, how did you get back to the truck to load the kayak back up? Uber?

#199👍🏻🛶🎣👀 Digging the Bassquatch shirt! Sabe' approved. 🦍

Great video and love the Bible verse. What section of river were you on if you don’t mind me asking? Looks a lot like what we fish around in north west Georgia! Can’t beat a good mountain small mouth!

I had a fall like that Sunday. My chesty, phone, and my gun got soaked but all is good.

Great video, great scenery, and kudos to you for making that trek! However, I aM confused about the fact that your kayak doesn’t have a high position. When I look at it on the website, it has a high position. Could that be a recent update to the RA 220?

Did you ever get to stand up on it on the water? how was it?

Looks like a better lake yak

Nice looking kayak but just like you I think the seat is to low great video beautiful place

Have you ever thought about putting a small section of pool noodle on the middle of the paddle shaft? It would help the paddle float in case you dropped it.

It has been interesting to see your evolution from a guy who almost exclusively waded small to medium sized creeks to a guy who has 5 kayaks and two boats and uses them much more than he wades . I still enjoy your videos ,just miss seeing more of the wading

Like when you show the human aspect we've all been there.

You ever tried any BFS gear? I know you love the ultralight gear but just curious if you ever gave it a shot?

Great video 🎉 you use the hellgramite 3’’ or 4.5’’

How long did it take you to walk back to your truck? Did you just wade upstream?

Another good day on the Water for ya, Brother John. Sorry you missed that one nice-sized Smallie...but think about it this way-God provided 2 more nice-sized Smallies for ya, in order to make up for the one that you lost. Keep the Faith, and keep on a'fishin'! By the way:Love the T-Shirt! Bassquatch...hmm... I'll have to get a couple of those T-Shirts myself. Where'd you get that one? It's a very cool T-Shirt! Have a great day, and God bless you and yours! ✝️✝️✝️

I had thought about getting a kayak then i decided on a 10ft jon for river fishing. I got wheels on the transom that flip up when the boats in the water and i just slide it in my truck. I got an electric and an 8hp. It is so easy to take anywhere. People see me pull up and want to help. I tell them i got it and am under way with barely any trouble. I can't spend like 3 grand on something ill barely use when i spent about a grand on boat and motor. And i go 23mph 😂. It's only rated for 4hp. I get that thing in some crazy spots

Nice video A interesting looking kayak I am looking to get a kayak for fishing and getting into some places I hunt I will have to look at that kayak I am looking for a kayak I can mount my electric motor on As several places I will be going is 2+ miles till I get to where I want to start fishing

I have the same model kayak and live in Florida. Please try to figure out how to raise the seat! I primarily fish small to medium size lakes with lots of vegetation. The low seat is the only issue for me. That kayak can go where no motorized boat would make it do to vegetation. I like to sit in lilly pads in swampy areas and in maiden cane on the edge of lakes. I just back it in like a car. With respect to the rudder…… don’t bother trying to steer with it. Just pull the cord and use it like a keel on a sailboat. When you land it will automatically pop back up. It works as a stabilizer when there is wind. I was able to paddle into the wind with ease in 20 to 30 mph wind about four hours after a tropical storm last year. With respect to the storage backs….mine always get wet. If you don’t dry them out after each trip they will develop mold. You will love this kayak. The low profile is great.

How do you get back to your vehicle?

Another one

How does it track? Does it want to turn rt or left on you after you stop paddling?

My first time Kayaking and this Kayak held strong. ru-vid.comUgkx4k5UrhC3v_Y4hIEaXLGvHcN5a5aBmZNB The water got pretty rough as a speed boat zipped by me, and the Kayak withstood it (I expected to be capsized). The Ores are very easy to put together, the pump worked beautifully. the seats are a bit hard to sit in after a while (I recommend sitting on the floor). after reading the reviews I was very scared it'd get a hole in it, the material is very strong and durable. The Air valve may need a small Phillips head screwdriver to adjust, other than that, it's well worth the money!(update)I've gone Kayaking in 3 Lakes and 2 rivers totaling about 40 miles. the kayak had two holes and they patched easily and no other problems can't wait for kayaking season this year!

That first smallmouth must have jumped 7 feet, impressive.

How tall are you, bro? I'm a pretty big guy and I was thinking about getting it (I'm 6'4, 280lbs). I'd be interested to know how tall you are and how your legs felt in it.

What is your favorite kayak now that you have 5.

I thought you broke your back that one time you was standing then tried to set down . Be careful John

I never see u actually getting into or out if the kayak

not on my fixed income can i afford a fishing 🎣 kayak. my bd is june 6th 42 yay. outback that hank parker had in his show. my thing is one that’s motorized stable your not gonna feel like your gonna tip over. bank fishing has it plus’s and minus’s. my mother doesn’t launch boats. i’ve looked at pond prowlers humm - hawing. then those put a small outboard 10 hp trolling motors are fine but those new lithium batteries roughly a grand a piece optima marine batteries blue tops. it take a kind hearted person to buy me like your stand up style something i can put in my mom jeep grand cherokee no i don’t drive why not with a learning disability. but she’s happy to sit n sew on a pick nick table. yes theirs a lake called lake columbia in magnolia arkansas tool around on

1

hope your butt doesn't hurt too bad

What does an expensive (>= $1000) kayak give you that a cheap (

Thares alot of hatches not much room to move around not much room for standing

Gotta laugh at all you that can't read water and have to walk your Yaks.....LOL!!!! It's not even worth the time hauling,setting up,reloading a Yak in that little stream when it could be fished from either side and you would probably caught a lot more fish by the time you got the 2nd one let alone the rest of the way. That Rockie is also a lot better fish than a stinking bass any day all day.

You should start bringing Subway sandwiches. A 6-in for quick trip and a footlong for a day trip. Get them as a sponsor or something.