Kayak Angler Profile- Gary Sharpe
This installment of Kayak Angler Profile features Gary Sharpe of Montgomery, Texas
Have we fished together yet? If so, do you remember where?
We haven’t fished together yet unless you were at the KBF “End on the Bend” event late last year. (Yep, I was there.)
What kayak do you use for tournaments?
Native Slayer Propel 13 I’d rather pedal than paddle so this boat’s perfect for me!
When and why did you start kayak bass fishing competitively?
Three years ago Tony Sebren of Youtubes “Venturetube” found me bass fishing on the bank with a Zebco 202 and a Beetle Spin. He kindly suggested I could up my size and capture percentage with some gear upgrades. I started watching his channel and fishing with him, bought a Kayak and fished a Tourney with him and just fell in love with the sport.
What are some of your accomplishments that you are most proud of in the sport?
Just really enjoy the people I meet out there for one. I finished 35th in the Pro division last year. Each year I move up in the ranks so that feels good. Getting better all the time. I was 17th in my last tournament so getting closer to a check all the time LOL.
What are some of the companies that you are sponsored by or pro staff for?
I am on the Woo Tungsten Pro staff. I am hoping to grow the sponsorship part of my game in the coming years.
What is your biggest fish to date and what did you catch it on?
Just at Sunset November 30th of last year I was flipping a Hank Parker special on Lake Conroe. = Texas Rigged 6” Black Senko with a Blue tail. I was flipping docks and bulkheads. My rod bent and I was so excited I forgot to set the hook! Anyway thankfully the 7pound 2 oz. Bass stayed hooked and I landed her. What a feelin!
What are your biggest challenges either during tournaments or leading up to a tournament?
Still getting my system down in terms of prep and what to bring. I am sure I look like a Bill Dance Blooper reel just getting launched. I have found that having a master list to check off helps with the prep. My biggest challenge on the water is learning my Humminbird Fish Finder. I am 54 and electronic things are not my friend.
Sleep in the car, arrive the morning of the tournament, or grab a hotel?
Both. I often travel with 2-3 other guys and whether we camp or cram into a Hotel it is more fun than flying solo. Definitely too fat to enjoy sleeping in the F-150 so I need a bed or at least a pad under my sleeping bag these days.
One piece of equipment that you wouldn’t consider fishing a tournament without?
A pedal Kayak. I know there are plenty of Paddle guys out there that are successful but I just can’t get a vision for that now that I have my Slayer Propel drive.
We all have preconceived notions of what we were getting into before that very first tournament. Have there been any surprises along the way for you? If so, what were they?
How friendly and helpful the average Kayak Tournament fisherman is. Whether I meet an Exxon Executive or a Walmart Greeter out there we are all just friendly competitors enjoying the day.
Who is one person you would love to kayak bass fish with?
Well since I already fish with my good friend Tony Sebren I think Greg Blanchard would be next on my list.
What would be one piece of advice that you would give to someone considering entering the sport?
Don’t be afraid to show up to that first tournament. You will be surprised at the people involved. 3 years ago I was fishing with a Zebco 202 and now I am qualified for the KBF National Tourney in March. You don’t have to know a lot to have fun out there.
How do we follow you on social media?
Check me out on Facebook