I'm a gamer, I don't even watch fishing videos. But a while back, I saw one of your uploads and subscribed. It wasn't because of the gear you used or the technique you favored, it was because it looked like you enjoyed what you were doing and that you had a passion for it. You will always see the battle of preferred products (Apple VS Android, Xbox VS Playstation, Chevy VS Ford), Just do YOU. Love the videos and I cant wait to see more
+zoffinger honestly zoff, it does not matter to most of us at all. I'm actually happy you're being sponsored because that brings you one step closer to being a full time youtube producer. Don't EVER apologize for your success you worked hard for what you have, and you deserve to reap the rewards now and in the future.
I'm proud of you Marty. You are doing a great job. Some people are always going to be critical of those of us that put ourselves out there. Keep doing what you are doing brother.
"You can't please everyone so ... ya got ta please yerself...." Thanks, Marty, for the vicarious adventures! The inspiration. The tips. I just hit the 60y.o. mark and am getting "back" into fishing - bought a small motor "walleye" boat, canoe (yes I can - canoe? (laughing at my own grade school humor) and, today am heading to Dick'a Sporting Goods for a cheap yak. The time is now to enjoy the simple pleasures... the Zen. 🎣
Your videos are always so relaxing to watch, fishing or not. Even watching you cook your breakfast is relaxing. Haha. I thought this video was really cool because you "kept it real." I mean...I wouldn't expect anything less from your personality -- you are a great guy. I totally agree with you: folks should get sponsorships based on their own tastes and experiences. In other words, one should only portray a product/service if the same feels comfortable and confident about that brand/company. I'm happy for you and I will be looking forward to more Yak fishing! Tight lines from Philly, Marty!
This dude can make a video while he's eating and I'm totally entertained, haha LOVE the vids Marty, keep being you man...I got a ton of respect for ya!
I like seeing the modifications you do to your yak. You are a creative genius. I also like the tranquility of your show. Who needs people screaming at you when they catch a fish? Just keep making more videos. Glad you got a sponsor. You deserve it.
I've been watching your videos for over a year now without subbing. I did upvote and like them, but I'm not the guy to subscribe and unsubscribe easily. When I was watching your video I thought "your eggs are getting cold" - and one second later you said it ;) I don't know you man, but you seem like a sensitive guy, who takes things to heart. I'm sorry if people insulted you, but these are your choices and I can tell you don't take them lightly. There are youtubers with facebook profiles , who get paid for posting videos/fotos of them with all kinds of equipment and products they don't even use. These people are creating an illusion, but what you do is real. I don't do a lot of fishing, and I can't afford a boat. I sometimes go with a friend, but I live in a big city and there aren't many beautiful spots around here. So I appreciate going on those trips with you, and I see a lot of work goes into editing the footage from multiple cameras. This video turned me into a subscriber, and you can bet I'll be a loyal one. Thank you for being the guy you are and bringing joy to so many people!
+zoffinger Please relax and do your thing Marty, your humility is a rarity in today's world. Everyone want's the best things in life, but are they worth worrying over if a person can't have them? You said it all at the end of this video. If we are in a kayak fishing and happy, that's all that matters. I just subbed and I share your taste in beer :-) Oh, and I'll be buying a Pelican yak this spring.
+Mark Job I bought the Catch 120 from watching Marty's review of it! ( glad an alligator didn't get ya! lol) I LOVE IT! I've already added many mods like extra deck hatches and such. Live well next! Marty is "da man". :)
I just got a mad river canoe 14' off craigslist for me and my wife and it has brought us so much joy and bonding time. Its nothing special but the memories it brings to me and my wife are priceless. Thanks for inspiring me to get on the water and make some memories, friend.
My first and present yak is a Viper. It was cheaper new than most are used. Together with your inspiration and a sack full of PVC fittings, it does nearly everything I want it to do. .... I think people get all caught up in the dollar signs and forget the reason of getting out there. ... Thanks for keeping it real, my friend!
Good for you I can honestly say the reason I watch your videos has nothing to do with that you used to own a hobie, or that you own a pelican. It is great that your getting support to continue making these phenomenal videos and cheering us all up in miserably, rainy Britain.
Hey Marty, We've been watching your channel for a long time now. One of the things that we enjoy about your videos is that your authentic, and you truly look like your enjoying every minute whether its working on your boat or kayaks or fishing. Don't lose that brother. PS. My family now owns 3 kayaks and thanks to you and your videos we get out and enjoy the water and outdoors.
jesus id wear pink womens g strings if they were going to sponsor me. You gotta be realistic guys. 3 years of making videos, if not longer. He deserves something. And on another note (i did post this on another video but i think some people would like to have the same thought i did) Could you imagine if you never got that little red kayak. where your life would be. Amazing how one thing that cost you 250 dollars could transform into a full blow passion. Great work on the video's and if I had a company id be sponsoring the crap out of you.
+richard smith I don't think anyone is really telling him what to do; well...other than Pelican. So be it, thats his thing as long as he's happy. If I had the opportunity, and liked the product, I would do the same. Only thing is I buy absolutely nothing based solely on information from the manufacturer, a salesman, or a paid advertisement. I highly value an actual consumer's opinion first.
Gen X Murse All Pelican did was provide Marty Zoffinger with a few kayaks to work his magic on for his videos. We had no advance knowledge of where the video was shot, what was in the video, etc. It's unfortunate that Marty is taking any kind of flack. He puts countless hours and effort into his creations and into his videos. Pelican were simply fans and wanted to support his work. He is not an employee of the company. He is not a salesman. Just like an actor on television is not beholden to a sponsor of their show, Marty is able to do his own thing.
Your humble beginnings and persona are resonating with your thousands of fans. From my perspective, despite never having fished in salt water, your videos including DIY (poor man’s kayak) and your Pelican mods and breakfast discussions (with its 350+ comments) are without exaggeration the MOST inspiring videos I can remember seeing on RU-vid. Since you shared, so will I. Here’s a short story: I’ve lived my 60+ years in Canada (you might of heard of it … the frozen north). At age 10, my first “boat” was a wooden raft that we (me and my friends) made from thin cedar trees we chopped down and tied together with binder-twine from a barn. We sailed that raft in a stagnant pond so small I could throw a rock across it. Why? Because that’s where we built the raft - the only boat water we had walkable access to/from our homes. We made our fun for the simple reason we couldn’t afford to buy it. At 58 yrs old, I bought my first kayak (a cheap 10ft Pelican sit-on-top) which I love and still have. I’ve had fun taking it to over 30 different (fresh water) destinations, now that that I’m old enough to drive. I moved up to a WS 10ft Tarpon because the rails invite customization. Remembering my roots, I have made my rod/net holders from 1-¼"DIA ABS plumbing and felt great satisfaction for “making it unique” INSTEAD of buying retail versions. But your mods are blowing us out of the water. Keep sharing. We love ya, man.
Zoffinger people never loved you because you used a hobie. Your real fans (the majority) love you for your videos and personality. Don't sweat what they say. We all know you have to make a living.
Keep up the great videos! I don't watch them because you use any specific brand of kayak - I watch because of how relaxing the videos are and I enjoy doing a little bit of vicarious living through you. Thanks for taking me fishing from my desk chair Marty! I've been subscribed for a long time and am glad to see you got a sponsorship. I started watching your videos because of the "poor man's fishing kayak." My first kayak was a Pelican on clearance from a big box store and I have caught so many fish and had a ton of fun in that little boat. I have had a Wilderness Systems kayak for a few years now, but I still have the Pelican. My wife paddles it now and we have had many adventures together. Can't wait to see what adventures you get into in your Pelicans!
I was upset (but never commented) at the fact that I'm sick of seeing ads for everything EVERYWHERE but what sets you apart is you acknowledge your subs questions and make this vid which lets ppl understand you're just being real!
What an awesome answer for why you switched kayaks. I like the fact you are so honest and you state the best kayak is the one you have fun in. Love your channel.
So let me see if I understand this... you started making fishing videos for the fun of it and found out you had a knack for doing it. You are a master craftsman and DIY'er and regularly provided videos for us to watch. You have a natural ability to narrate, catch fish, and edit hours of video into a few minutes of what is a informational and entertaining product. And you maintain a regular job. As a result of this you started to find some success, not only in viewership, but businesses started giving you some sponsorship. GREAT! Good for you! Seems anytime someone starts to find success, recognition, etc there will be someone to try and shit on them... I like your videos. I've watched nearly all of them. I enjoyed watching you develop from where you started to where you are now. You have great personality and from what I can tell from your videos, you have great character too. Keep it up as long as its fun for you!
Just wanted to say that I am looking hard into getting a pelican as my next Kayak because I trust you Marty. Thank you for your awesome videos and honest perspective on many subject matters. Keep up the great work.
I wouldn't let any of that stuff get to you. It seems no matter what channel I watch no matter what the subject matter be there are always a small group of people just nit picking at every little detail. It's just people with nothing better to do with way to much time on their hands that sit around on the computer all day. I'd say a large majority of those who said things to you don't even own a kayak or even fish much if at all. Don't take it personal. I'd be happy with any kind of boat and just be able to get out on the water. My health is not so good these days which is why I love your channel because I can sort of at least see the water and the fishing and all of it. Fishing has always been a huge part of my life and i'll get back to it one day. Until then I'm happy watching you fish. Thanks for sharing your adventures :)
+Pelican Sport its about time you guys stepped up your game on your kayaks, I started on a Pelican, that little yak started me off and I thank you guys for being affordable. Great job guys on the new yaks
Watching your videos and having an understanding of all the time and energy that goes in to production, I say good for you! It's obviously a labor of love which then opened more doors for you. Thanks for sharing all of your insights. I started yak fishing just this year renting a kayak and then bought one - just being on the water makes me happy. World Fastest Indian is a GREAT movie!
Love your perspective on things! I watch these videos not just for the fishing (but mostly), but also because I love seeing people enjoying what they do. It makes everything so much more authentic. Keep em coming!
Glad for you. You are a big reason I enjoy working on and rigging kayaks. I also have Hobie buyers remorse so I know exactly were you are coming from. Keep up the great videos and keeping it real. Thanks a million.
This video is very inspiring! It really makes me appreciate my early memories of kayak fishing! I will now use your advice on life and logic and focus on the main reason I got into kayak fishing... To have fun and make the best out of what I have!! You just gained another subscriber. Thank you!
I think the Pelican build is the cleanest, most professional looking-Hell Factory Looking Build I have seen yet, I got my Malibu about 7 months ago and you have helped me build that with so many tips- I had an itching for a Hobie, but I really like tossing my Yak on top my Montero and launching anywhere!
Pop always said, You know you are doing things right when the critics come a calling. Hang in there and keep doing your own thing. Kayaks have been on my list a long long time and hopefully we will get them. It is fantastic you have a company that believes in you..
Thanks for your honesty Marty..Good luck with Pelican and Most important taking care of yourself.Keeping with the fishing and the new boat as well.Thanks
I recently began watching your videos and I want to tell you that they are amazing, well presented, highly entertaining and informative. I've been all over the world on ships and owned several boats, currently a 32' Trojan FB Express. Keep up the good work, you are exceptionally good at it.
Everybody needs to make a living, and if the endorsements enable you to continue to do things you like, then it is a living ! Nobody can argue with that ! Keep going !
Keep doing what you're doing bro, and that is inspiring people like myself to get out and fish on a kayak. Also to be creative with your kayak and it set up. So keep the videos coming and I can wait to see what you come up with next.. Tight lines!!!
Saw the video a little bit late, but I'm really happy for you, your hard works is paying off !!! Love your videos and they even give me the peacefull effect of fishing, even if I'm in my little dorm in college. Keep up the good Work ! -A. Tardif
Man Marty that was a heart to heart conversation at the end. But i enjoy watching your videos they gave me something to look forward too. Keep doing what your doing cause you're awesome!!
Man really happy for you have come along way. Do what makes you happy and everything else will fall in place. Good luck on your new endeavor wishing you the ultimate success with everything you have gong on. May God Continue to bless you always and stay safe and tight lines my brother
Marty, keep the videos coming along!!! love all of your videos!!! people will be people at the end of the day your the only one that needs to be happy!!! your real fans will support you dude!!! I hope to get down that way and do some fishing again someday.
You have produced some great video's and look forward to seeing even more. Keep up the good work and congrats on the sponsorship. I hope more and more companies see the same things that Pelican saw and sponsor you!! Best of luck!!
I've always watched your videos admiring the fact that you made the best out of what you had. I'm pretty happy for you that you've picked up a few sponsorships, you bloody deserve it. No matter what you do, people are always going to criticise so do what makes you happy mate.
Been going back through some of your older videos and enjoying them very much! Why does breakfast always look better when someone else is making it! Good luck with your sponsors - do what helps Marty! You are the one living your life! Cheers!
I'm glad a company has recognized your abilities and you deserve it! If people can't understand, then they need to get off the best channel on RU-vid. I'll continue to watch and like on FB all the way from Japan. Thanks for being you Marty!
I have a Pelican that I bought used on Craig's List from a guy in St Pete. I absolutely love it. Like any craft, it has some draw backs, but it gets me out on the water to catch some amazing fish. One of my favorite parts of kayaking in Tampa Bay is going in the way back shallow waters. Deep in mangrove pockets- just like your video on the Moses Hole. You can't take a Jon boat or Gheenoe back there. Glad you have sponsorship, and look forward to more videos!
My reason mainly for watching you is your pure enjoyment you have in whatever you do. I started watching because I fish but so enjoy watching all. Keep it up man love em. By the way tackle junkie 81 also seems to love what he does.
hey buddy..first time i ever commented on your channel. i have to say thank you so much.. i love what you do and how you do it..keep it up bro..you make peps happy and you give me a smile every video. im a truck driver and you give me alittle bit of life man thanks again..
im glad you found a sponsor. that gives me more hope to start my own channel soon to give info and technique to people as well. I also want to thank you for getting me into saltwater fishing and kayaking even though I don't own one yet.
I am a new subscriber and so far. I like your adventure and life thru your videos. I really love the boat updates. You will always have criticism of viewers about your videos. In my opinion. Your doing a great job thru your adversity. Congrats on getting a sponsorship thru Pelican kayaks. Hope to see the boat sailing again. I'm from Pensacola,FL
this is so motivational. i just started a south Texas kayak fishing page on fb and I feel like it's a labor of love. followers and material comes slowly but I'm enjoying the challenge of spreading news and information to whoever has a second to listen. glad to know that it's ok to not have instant success! been watching your videos since you broke the news about your new (used) little red kayak. keep em coming, I'll be watching!
Why anyone would criticize you accepting a sponsorship is beyond me... You've inspired so many, including myself, to go out and have fun regardless of what you can afford. It goes back to the first video of your red kayak named the poor mans kayak. It's about be proud of what you have an not being envious of others. Thank you for what you do! Well deserved! Keep doing what you do, all of us here keep coming back for more!
Wow, its really nice to hear you got a sponsorship!! I remember watching some of your old videos hoping that you would. You're a good person and you deserve it! Just don't forget to keep posting videos! A lot of us do enjoy them very much!
Marty, I'm glad you made this video. As someone that has a $300 kayak that I've built up myself and added my own improvements to make it my own, you were a major inspiration for me. You showed me that I didn't need to spend a lot of money to get out on the water and enjoy myself. I see people out there with these crazy expensive set ups and know that even though I didn't spend as much money, I have the same opportunity to enjoy myself and catch fish. Really, at the end of the day it comes down to being happy, and you should always be happy with what you have. Thanks for the video, Marty.
Zoffinger you be YOU! Don't let a couple of people get you down over something you want to do. I have watched your videos since the creation of the Poor Man's Fishing Kayak and what an adventure it has been for you, everyone including me enjoy what you have done and are doing with kayak fishing (boats to). Over the years you have inspired me to do so much with my old kayaks i had and the new ones, i started out in an 8 ft sit in kayak from pelican and i eventually ended up in my Hobie Outback (8 years later) different kayaks suit different needs and everyone has their preferences on how they like to fish or what they like to fish for, having a variety like you do now allows for different types of fishing and different ways of making it work for each one to fish out of. I enjoy every video you put out and i look forward to the next one, cant wait to see the whole fleet of kayaks rigged out! Fish on Captain Marty!
Keep on keeping on man! Your videos are great and your doing good work. I've began to adopt a lot of your philosophy not only for my kayak fishing but also with my hunting. And hope to be doing videos soon as well. People will always have things to say but those people are ignorant. Keep up the good work man and keep the videos coming. Love the new kayak by the way.
Good for you brother! It's about time somebody noticed how cool and innovative you and your videos are. Just take care of you and we'll keep watching! -Aaron
Love your attitude, genuineness(if that's a word)ingenuity and willingness to help people. Qualities that you posses are hard to find in people these days. Your videos are great and entertaining. You are giving us a small inside look at your life and I thank you. As far as sponsorship, good for you. Wish I could do something like you have done. Saving my money now to get myself a couple cameras and start my RU-vid life. Keep it going, enjoy what you do and fish on!
I agree with Flukemaster. Keep up the good work bro! I look forward to your videos. They inspire me. Your camera angles and time you spend creating videos are much appreciated bro.
Great videos Zoffinger there's always go gonna be those ppl who talk! I started out with an inexpensive kayak and after years of saving up I bought a hobie kayak and now I want another inexpensive kayak qualities in each one
no worries or complaints here Marty!! great videos always keep it up and congrats on the sponsor. nothing wrong with being successful good luck can't wait for the next video . boat looks good by the way. little but at a time and you'll be there man. capt. Marty !
I'm in my 1st kayak, a used 10' Pelican Apex I bought for $200 (came with some extras at that price). Got it almost 2 yrs ago as a starter yak, and after many fishing and duck hunting trips. When I first got it I'd set it diagonally in my truck bed, tie part of it, and off I'd go. Now I have a truck rack, and the yak is light enough to carry above my head. I added a marine cooler ($20) with a rocket launcher ($20), a hatch (less than $10), anchor trolley ($25), and two flush mount rod holders ($12 I think). I run through oysters in the marsh, submerged logs in rivers and the intracoastal, and it takes a beating. I am sold on Pelican.
+Jason A. Heck yeah dude, i bought two Castaway 100s (i think they changed their name) one for me and one for my bro and customized them for us. Great kayaks for sure and about $250ish, REALLY hard to beat.
Marty, no matter which kind of kayak/kayaks you use I will still enjoy your fishing video cause it help me get rid of my unhappy days and enjoy life. Marty I must say thanks you even tho I can't afford a kayak cause I'm 15 yrs old and like fishing so you going out fishing makes me feels like I'm also standing beside you fishing which makes me happy.
Zoffinger you are a amazing angler thanks for all the invoice that you put in your videos I enjoy them very much. Because of you. You inspire me to get a yank about two years ago and it's the best thing I have ever brought I always fished but could not ever afford a bout I save my money and got me a Kc now i literally fishe every weekend. Just I thought I should write this keep your head up I believe you made a awesome decision please never stop posting vids. Thank you. Your biggest fan from New Orleans. Tight lines.
I was one of those jackasses who jumped on you for switching to what I believed to be a giant step backwards with regards to the kayak you now use, but after this upload you have really made me regret my posting. I really enjoy your videos and hope you have more sponsors to come! I'm truly sorry for my comment.
Thanx so much for this. I commented on one of your earlier vids that seemed to be sponsorship-driven, and I hope the comment was not hurtful to u because I do NOT have a prob w/you being sponsored & getting compensated for ur INCREDIBLE videographic & DIY artistry, ur amazing fishing skills, & ur preciously congenial way of connecting w/us. My concern was that sponsors not make u lose your wonderfully sensitive, accessible and humble spirit and demeanor-- and you haven't lost it! I appreciate ur explanation here of what's been going on & what's on your heart & mind about these things. Thanx also for the movie tip, and the insights u got from it! I wish u all the best; it's a pleasure & a joy to be permitted to share ur journey!
Hey bud, I just want to say that I have been watching your videos for a while now. I have learned a lot from watching your videos and have been encouraged to take on a few little projects for my kayak. I am happy to hear you got sponsored. Who cares who the heck sponsored you, just glad it helps you help us. Your videos are simply awesome and man are you creative. Thanks for all the stuff you put on here, and good luck buddy.
Marty, great vid! I'm looking forward to your vids not only on fishing but also your great ideas and mods to your new yaks, hey, that is why I started watching you couple of years ago! I really enjoyed seeing all the mods that you did on Red and then of course the fishing! Congrats on your sponsor, people forget how hard it is to work, and try to buy the things you need and want!!! I tell people I've got 2 bad habits,,, I like to eat and live indoors!!!! Thanks again so much for sharing all of this with us!!!! Walt
Keep doing what you are doing, because of your videos next week (hopefully) I will be getting my first kayak. Just an Ascend FS12T. Figure that is a good beginner, stable fishing kayak. Just want to give you a heart felt thanks, and that we appreciate you.
