Wilderness Systems Fishing Team

Introducing the Wilderness Systems Pro Fishing Team

Robert English

Robert is one of the mastermind Content Creators for the Wilderness Systems Pro Team and a true kayak fishing expert! He knows that the ultimate angling experience begins with the Wilderness Systems Recon 120 HD kayak, complete with the must-have Kayak Krate for all your essential gear.

When he's out on the water, Robert sets his sights on the Sheepshead fish, always pushing himself to new limits. And here's a fun fact about Robert – he's a true survivor who's broken just about every bone in his body! So safety is especially important to him and his top tip is to always prioritize safety.

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Rob English

Mike Zilkowsky

Mike is an adventure seeker who lives for the thrill of kayak fishing. He takes his Recon 120HD to the limit and doesn't shy away from rough conditions, always towing his trusty Heavy Duty Kart behind. He has a passion for Northern Pike and will do what it takes to catch one, although all species are in his sights. What sets Mike apart is his focus on what's truly important - quality time with loved ones. He knows that it's not about the size of the catch, but the memories made along the way. That's why he encourages others to take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the outdoors and to never give up on their dreams, no matter what their gear looks like. Mike's dedication to his sport and his values make him a true inspiration to kayak fishermen everywhere.

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Mike Zilkowsky Wilderness Systems Fishing Pro Team Member

Dean Thomas

Dean is a thrill-seeking adventurer with a passion for exploration and fishing. He's a pro with two favorite Wilderness Systems kayaks in his arsenal - the Radar 115 and Tarpon 140 fishing kayaks - which he expertly pairs with his trusty Kayak Krate accessory. When he's out on the water, Dean's top catch is the red drum and spotted sea trout - he's a real whiz at reeling them in. What's impressive about Dean is his humble approach to the sport - He lives by the motto “I’m never as good as I think I am. Always learning”. Dean is an inspiring and dedicated kayak angler, and his enthusiasm for the sport is contagious.

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Dean Thomas Wilderness Systems Fishing Pro Team Member

Andy Rice

Andy is the ultimate outdoorsman and kayak fishing pro who’s always ready to explore the wilderness and find the best fishing spots! His go-to kayak is the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140, a powerful ride that allows him to conquer any waterway. For Andy, the Kayak Krate is a must-have accessory that keeps his gear organized and easily accessible. His heart races with excitement when he's on the hunt for redfish, and his enthusiasm is contagious. He understands that fishing is not just about the catch, it's about enjoying the journey and the great outdoors. That's why he lives by his motto, "In a world filled with technology and convenience, fishing is a way to reconnect with nature." Andy's never-give-up attitude is infectious, and he encourages all kayak fishers to keep casting and never lose hope. The next time you see Andy out on the water, don’t hesitate to ask him for a few tips!

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Andy Rice Wilderness Systems Fishing Pro Team Member

Eugene Mora III "Gene"

Eugene Mora III, a member of the Wilderness Systems Kayak Pro Fishing Team for over nine years, has always had a deep-rooted connection to the outdoors and a genuine passion for fishing. His journey began in the heart of San Antonio, where he was introduced to the wonders of nature and angling by his parents during family camping trips. Those early experiences laid the foundation for a lifelong love affair with the outdoors.

What started as a childhood pastime soon evolved into a way of life for Eugene. He became a versatile angler, equally comfortable in serene freshwater settings as he is in challenging saltwater environments. While he has a special affinity for bass fishing, Eugene's competitive spirit led him to participate in multiple Kayak Tournament Series, including but not limited to KATS, Texas Kayak Bass League, and the highly regarded Hobie Open Series. Being a competitor, Gene also competes in various inshore and offshore saltwater competitions, including the prestigious Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament (based out of FL).

Yet, Eugene's passion for fishing extends beyond personal achievements. To that end, he actively volunteers at C.A.S.T. for kids' events, where he serves as a mentor, guiding and inspiring the next generation of anglers.

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Eugene Mora

Jared Esley

Jared is a fearless member of the Wilderness Systems Pro Fishing team and a seasoned kayak fishing guide who lives for the thrill of the redfish chase. He swears by the Wilderness Systems Tarpon series of kayaks and never leaves home without his trusty Kayak Krate. With a wealth of knowledge and expertise, Jared is always eager to share his tips and tricks with fellow anglers. His top advice? Keep it simple and easy with a reliable rudder system and a lightweight paddle. Jared is a true-blue fishing enthusiast who never lets a little wind stop him from getting out on the water, and he encourages others to do the same.

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Jared Esley Wilderness Systems Fishing Pro Team Member

Michael A Ramirez JR

Meet Michael – the ultimate kayaker and fisherman who lives for adventure on the open waters. His weapon of choice? The Wilderness Systems Recon 120HD kayak – the perfect vessel for exploring any body of water with ease and comfort. Michael never heads out without his trusty Mesh Storage Sleeves, keeping his tackle and supplies organized for any fishing challenge that comes his way.

Michael is an expert at catching the big one, always on the lookout for the largemouth bass. With years of experience under his belt, Michael has a pro tip to share: “Always pay attention to your surroundings. Birds and insects popping on top of the water is usually a clear indication that fish are around.”

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Rami Yak Bassin

Wayne Justice

Wayne is an avid kayak angler who loves to hit the water in his Wilderness Systems A.T.A.K. 120. With the comfort of the AirPro 3D Seat, Wayne can fish for hours without a worry in the world.

As an expert angler, Wayne is always on the hunt for Red Drum – a local species of fish found in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. He never backs down from a challenge and is always eager to share his wealth of knowledge and pro tips with fellow anglers.

Wayne's secret to success? "Go with the flow and remember to stay as quiet as possible to subtly approach targeted fish!"

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Wayne Justice Wilderness Systems Fishing Pro Team Member

Jean Muzzerall

Jean is a seasoned kayak fisherman who loves the freedom and adventure that comes with being on the water. He knows that the Wilderness Systems Recon 120HD kayak is the ultimate choice for the ultimate angling lifestyle, complete with the Kayak Krate accessory for easy and organized storage.

When it comes to catching fish, Jean is on the lookout for the smallmouth bass, but he's always ready to explore new species and new places. His top tip for fellow kayak anglers is a game-changer – put the bump board on the floor of the kayak when measuring fish to avoid losing them when taking a picture!

For Jean, kayaking isn't just a hobby – it's a full-body workout that he loves!

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Jean Muzzerall

Chris St. Pierre

Chris is a true outdoor enthusiast who is always ready to combine his kayaking and fishing passions! Chris's go-to kayak is the Wilderness Systems ATAK 120, complete with his must-have accessories: the Heavy Duty Kayak Kart, XPEL Dry Bags, and XL Rudder Kit. When he's out on the water, Chris is on the lookout for smallmouth and largemouth bass, and his expert tip is to learn how your kayak handles to take full advantage of its capabilities. As Chris likes to say, "You'll never discover the best paths without getting lost", so embrace the adventure and let Wilderness Systems gear take you there.

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Chris St. Pierre Wilderness Systems Fishing Pro Team Member

Kevin Hofer

For as long as Kevin can remember, kayaking and fishing are in his lifeblood. Kevin's favorite Wilderness Systems kayak is the ultimate Radar 135, and he takes it to the next level with his must-have Helix Pedal Drive accessory. He's always on the hunt for trout, brown, brook, rainbow, tiger, or cutthroat fish, but he always enjoys trying to catch new species. Kevin lives by the mantra "Never damn the man who tried and failed, damn the man who failed to try", and he's always pushing himself to new limits. His top kayaking fishing tip is to prioritize safety and always wear a personal flotation device. With Kevin's passion and drive, you too can take your kayaking fishing adventures to the next level.

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Kevin Hofer Wilderness Systems Fishing Pro Team Member

Frank Ruczynski

Meet Frank, an adventurous angler who loves targeting new species of fish and exploring uncharted waters. His go-to kayak is the ATAK 120, paired with the Kayak Krate accessory for easy gear access. Frank's personal favorite? The elusive Weakfish, which he loves to catch for the ultimate rush and satisfaction. But it's not just about the catch for Frank - he believes sharing the fun of fishing turns strangers into friends in minutes. He's always eager to strike up a conversation with fellow anglers and share tips and stories. His top tip for success is preparation - from checking the weather to having all the necessary gear. With his passion for the sport and love for the great outdoors, Frank is a true ambassador for kayaking and fishing.

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Frank Ruczynski Wilderness Systems Fishing Pro Team Member

Coy Lehman

Coy is a seasoned kayaker and angler who knows how to have a good time on the water. He loves taking his Wilderness Systems Recon 120 HD out for a spin and relies on his trusty Kayak Kart to get him there easily. Coy is a true pioneer of kayak angling in his West Virginia community, having founded Mountain State Kayak Anglers to share his passion with others.

When it comes to catching fish, Coy knows what he's doing. His favorite species to target is smallmouth bass, and he always remembers to have fun and enjoy the time spent on the water with others. Follow Coy's lead and embrace the grassroots movement of kayak angling while making unforgettable memories with friends and family.

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Coy Lehman Wilderness Systems Fishing Pro Team Member

Andy O'Brien

Andy is an expert kayak angler who has spent 17 years perfecting his craft and incorporating his love for the water into his daily life. He swears by the Wilderness Systems Recon 120 HD and Radar 135 fishing kayaks, as well as the Kayak Kart and Krate accessories. Andy lives by the motto "using the lightest gear possible to maximize the fight" and is always on the hunt for the California Halibut, but he's always ready to fish for any species. He believes that being a good kayaker is just as important as being a good fisherman and encourages others to practice self-rescue and paddling skills. Andy's enthusiasm for kayak fishing is contagious, and his knowledge and experience are sure to bring joy to any angler lucky enough to fish with him.

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Andrew O'Brien

Carlos DeLaVilla

Carlos loves nothing more than hitting the water in his favorite Wilderness Systems Radar 135 kayak, paired with his must-have accessory: the Bait Tank, to keep his bait fresh and easily accessible. His target species of choice? The elusive yellowtail - and he's always up for the challenge. Carlos' secret to success is simple yet effective: always re-tie your leaders after a catch. With his passion for the great outdoors and dedication to kayaking and fishing, Carlos is sure to inspire anyone looking to up their angling game.

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Carlitos DeLaVilla Wilderness Systems Fishing Pro Team Member

Eric Stark

As a member of the Wilderness Systems Pro Team, Eric is a true expert when it comes to exploring the great outdoors and catching some big bass. His weapon of choice is the rugged and reliable Wilderness Systems Recon 120 fishing kayak, and he always makes sure to keep it safe and secure with the Heavy Duty Kayak Cover. But Eric isn't just about kayaking - he's all about making the most of every moment, which is why he loves to share his top fishing tip: leave a rod's length worth of line out to maximize your chances of landing the catch of the day. With Eric by your side, you'll be inspired to explore new horizons and take your kayaking and fishing skills to the next level.

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Eric Stark Wilderness Systems Fishing Pro Team Member

Ray Montes

Ray's passion for the water began at a young age in the Philippines where he honed his skills paddling sea canoes and outriggers. Today, he's a pro at fishing and exploring in his favorite Wilderness Systems fishing kayak, the Recon 120. To keep his gear organized and easily accessible, he trusts the Wilderness Systems Kayak Krate on all his fishing trips. When it comes to the thrill of the catch, Ray loves the challenge of landing largemouth bass and speckled trout. His top tip for other kayak fishermen? Keep it simple! Ray's years of experience have taught him that sometimes the best approach is to stick with the basics. And with a lifetime of paddling experience under his belt, Ray is an inspiration to all who love to explore the great outdoors.

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Ray Montes Wilderness Systems Fishing Pro Team Member

JC Sanchez

As a proud member of the Wilderness Systems Pro Team, JC is always eager to explore the waters in his Wilderness Systems Recon 120 HD fishing kayak. With his favorite accessory, the Helix PD Pedal Drive, JC is always prepared for his days out fishing. What gets his heart racing is the thrill of catching largemouth bass. His motto, “Doubt kills more dreams than Failure ever will”, has kept him motivated through all the ups and downs of the sport. JC knows that success isn't about never making mistakes - it's about learning from them and pushing forward. That's why he's always ready to share his advice with fellow anglers: stick with it, stay strong, and keep casting!

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JC Sanchez Wilderness Systems Fishing Pro Team Member

Rob Knoles

Rob is an avid kayak angler and drag racing champion. He feels truly at home when he hits the water in his Wilderness Systems Radar 135, equipped with the must-have Kayak Krate to keep all his gear with all the supplies he needs on hand and ready for action. He lives for the challenge of reeling in black bass and has been honing his skills for years. But that's not all! Rob is a seasoned drag racer with over three decades of experience. His expertise in both sports has given him valuable insights that he loves to share with fellow anglers. Rob's top tip? Slow down your presentation when fishing for bass in cold water, going half the speed you think is slow enough. He knows how to master the waters, and his passion for the sport is contagious. Join Rob on the water, and get ready to catch more fish and create unforgettable memories!

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Rob Knoles Wilderness Systems Fishing Pro Team Member

Brian Baulsir

Brian is a member of the Wilderness Systems Pro Team and his fearless attitude and love for the sport of kayak fishing make him a true trailblazer! His Recon 120 HD fishing kayak is his trusty companion for conquering any challenge on the water. When going to the water gets tough, Brian relies on his Heavy Duty Kayak Kart for extra support. Smallmouth is his target, and he's always ready to catch a giant one with his motto "Today.... we catch GIANTS!". Brian's advice to other anglers is to never overlook the small details, as they can lead to big catches. He encourages other kayak anglers to slow down and look around, as there may be something special hiding in plain sight. His positivity and adventurous spirit make him a true inspiration for anyone who loves to push their limits and explore the great outdoors.

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Brian Baulsir Wilderness Systems Fishing Pro Team Member

Tom Adams

Tom is the ultimate kayak fishing enthusiast who loves nothing more than being out on the water! He's got the skills and the gear to make every trip a success. Tom's ride of choice is the top-of-the-line Wilderness Systems Radar 135 kayak, equipped with the Kayak Kart, a must-have accessory for easy maneuvering. He's always on the hunt for stripers and is happy to share his top tips with fellow anglers. But that's not all - Tom is all about safety first, so he always recommends wearing a PFD and staying informed about water temperatures. With his unwavering dedication to the sport and his motto of "Love Fishing," Tom is an inspiration to all who share his passion.

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Tom Adams Wilderness Systems Fishing Pro Team Member

Tony Bryant

Tony is an angler extraordinaire with a passion for the thrill of the catch! Tony's reliable Wilderness Systems ATAK 120 kayak is always by his side, along with his favorite accessory, the seat pouch, to keep his gear organized and within reach. Tony's on the hunt for the elusive smallmouth bass, known for their challenging nature and exciting fight. When he's not out on the water, Tony likes to flex his strategic thinking skills with a game of chess. He knows that understanding how to read the water and use the current to your advantage can make all the difference when it comes to paddling and fishing success. With Tony's expert knowledge and love for the sport, he's the perfect addition to any kayaking and fishing community. So, join Tony on the water and let him show you how to take your fishing game to the next level!

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Tony Bryant Wilderness Systems Fishing Pro Team Member

Eric Nelson

Eric is an avid outdoorsman who loves to embark on an adventure on the water! With his Wilderness Systems Recon 120 HD fishing kayak and the Kayak Krate accessory by his side to store all of his fishing necessities in one place, he's always ready to paddle swiftly and safely and explore new waters. Eric's passion for bass fishing is unmatched, and he's always on the hunt for the next perfect catch. His motto "Teach a man to fish, feed him for life" is a testament to his love for the sport, and he's always willing to share his expertise and pro tips with fellow anglers. With his efficient approach to kayak fishing and his unwavering determination, Eric is a force to be reckoned with on the water, whether he's out on the lake or in the ocean.

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Eric Nelson

Chris Bryant

Chris is a true fishing enthusiast who doesn’t let anything get in the way of his passion. Having grown up in the desert, he now seeks as soon as he can any body of water where to go and fish. His weapon of choice is the Recon 120 fishing kayak, which provides him with speed, stability, and maneuverability - the perfect combination for any angler. Chris always brings his Thrive Baitwell with him, which helps him attract the fish he's looking for. His favorite target is striped bass, and he's always up for a challenge to catch one out there. Chris understands the importance of having a reliable kayak and encourages others to learn how to use their boats to maximize their fishing experience. For Chris, being out on the water is a chance to connect with nature, he tries to spend as much time as possible, and he cherishes every moment of serenity that comes with it.

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Chris Bryant Wilderness Systems Fishing Pro Team Member