Legend Among Legends

I knew about the scheduled visit months in advance but only managed to get out for one of the three days that Jim Sammons was in Virginia.  In fact, it was the last day and Kevin had been trying to get Jim on big red drum for some time.  

When I walked into the lodge, bags upon bags of gear, rods and reels, and big video cameras were all over the dining room table and spreading out across the floor.  The familiar face of The Kayak Fishing Show along with the producer/videographer and the narrating voice, Will Richardson, and the full Kayak Kevin crew (Kevin, Lee, Damien & Shante) were getting ready to hit the water.  It was an honor to be invited to fish with a legend among legends of this sport.

Unfortunately, our hopes for filming big red drum did not come to fruition.  Challenging conditions coupled with bad timing was frustrating to say the least not only for me (6th time out without a big red) but obviously for Jim and Will having traveled so far... and of course Kevin who worked so hard to try to make it happen for Jim.   

Jim taking a break

We tried to make the best of it by switching gears and found the flounder bite on fire.  Jigging various soft plastics got everybody on some action.  I also found some hermit crabs and gave them a shot for tautog, but came up empty.

Lunch time for Will, Lee and Kevin 

Tog Candy

Somehow, I forgot to take any video footage or pictures of the flounder action for my blog and before I knew it, it was time to head back in.  After an impromptu cookout back at the lodge, with adult beverages in hand, we sincerely hoped they had enough footage for their show.


Will went on to show us some truly breathtaking photos of Jim's escapades that really showcased how far he has pushed the boundaries of this sport we love.  I felt very privileged to be in such company and profoundly hoped it wouldn't be the last.  

The line up
Shante, Lee, Rob, Jim, Will, Kevin, and Damien
(photo credit: Kevin Whitley and Jay Brooks)