| Angler of the Month ·Thomas “HobieTom” Buckalew |
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| Thursday, 22 October 2009 05:34 |
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I grew up freshwater fishing for fun. I eventually got a small aluminum that was great on the lakes, but was too small for the saltwater that is so easily accessible here in San Diego. I met a guy at work and he told me how fun it is to fish from a kayak. I have had 3 shoulder surgeries so I thought, I wouldn't be able to do it. I did some research and found the Mirage drive Hobie Outback kayak. I started kayaking offshore with leg power that I was very confident in. I got hooked on kayak fishing and was really enjoying the variety of species that can be targeted in saltwater. The aluminum boat collected dust for the next few years and was eventually sold.
A huge bonus was the camaraderie I found among the kayakers. I made friends quickly and found the PlasticNavy website (now known as kayakfishingnation) where information was shared freely and there was always someone wanting to fish together. My first tournament was offshore at La Jolla and the guy next to me won it with a huge yellowtail. I lost mine that day, but I loved the excitement and challenge of producing on a tournament day. At the same time I was exploring San Diego, and Mission Bays. I found that my love of plastic finesse style freshwater skills were very effective in the bays, and the bass were even more aggressive and great fighters.
I am now on my third Hobie kayak, upgrading recently to the Revolution. I am usually in the bays targeting Spotted Bay Bass. When I go to La Jolla, I fish Calico Bass while everyone else wants Yellowtail.
Favorite place to fish using your kayak?La Jolla kelp for Calicos. Close second is Mission Bay for Spotted Bass.
My buddys house at La Bufadora, Mexico is a great adventure that I have done every year for the last 3 years. It is a kayaker paradise with big lingcod.
Favorite fish?Calico Bass for sure because they get big and strong and live in thick cover. Spotted Bass because they are super scrappy fighters. I still have a passion for freshwater Largemouth Bass and have already been on a lake this year, vowing to get back into my roots more.
Fishing accomplishments that you are most proud of?My first year of tournament fishing I was able to get first place on Mission Bay. I used a Hobie kayak to win a Hobie kayak. I have done well over the years on the tournament trail being consistently up there with many top ten finishes. Most proud of being on Hobie kayaks Pro Staff Fishing Team out of Oceanside, CA. I am also Pro Staff for Quantum and UniButter scent. I post on Sdfish.com, www.kayakfishingnation.com, as HobieTom.
What do you do when you are not fishing?Work is a huge part of my life. I am a landscape contractor with my own business and I thrive on the responsibility and commitment. I am a great mechanic, but I only work my own vehicles and equipment so don't even ask. I cruise around on a 1980 Vespa scooter complete with lights, mirrors, and a sidecar.
Why kayak fishing?Good question. I now have a 17 foot center console boat , but I won't give up the kayak. It is such a great platform to fish from. It is stealthy, fun and great exercise. I can get to most of my favorite spots easier with the kayak than the boat and at no cost. The yak is strapped next to the ladder on the work tuck. I do both boat and kayak tournaments. I love the challenge of the solo person, human powered vessel makes for an even playing field when kayaking. Mostly though, has to be the friends I have made in the kayak fishing community that have become fishing partners for life now.
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