ACA Certified Kayak Fishing Instructors & Class Schedule

Sadly, "kayak anglers" lead in number of deaths out of all the paddlesports groups. This is in large part because we typically come into the sport as anglers first, and rarely focus on the critical paddling aspect which is invaluable for safety BUT also helps more than most realize in the fishing aspect as well. The following kayak fishing instructors have been trained and earned their "Instructor Certification" credential by a high level ACA Certified Instructor Educator. This ensures you're getting the best paddling skills & safety information, to go along with the fishing skills these instructors will also be teaching you in their respective classes.

The American Canoe Association (ACA) has been teaching and certifying instructors since 1880 and is one of the oldest non-profits in the country. The KAS allows these instructors to offer courses during the week (typically Sundays) of KAS events. Below are the instructors and which events they will be teaching a course, and a link for you to register for their class. Classes are only a 5:1 student/teacher ratio so sign up early to reserve your spot!

Jeff Little (MD)

Kayak fishing pioneer most known for his proficiency at river fishing, and using a Torqeedo to go anywhere to find bass, no matter how challenging or how far! Currently working with Boonedox & traveling to all major kayak fishing events to share his passion with others. Jeff is one of the leaders in angler and paddler education and first got certified by the ACA over 20 years ago.

Drew Gregory (OH)

"River Bassin" pioneer and kayak designer, turned top tournament angler in the industry with a Hobie BOS AOY (2020) and Bassmaster AOY (2022) on his resume. Founder and president of the Kayak Adventure Series. Drew's classes will educate and entertain to ensure you leave with the skills needed to become a better, and safer, angler on the water.

Rus Snyders (TN)

Rus is undoubtedly the #1 ranked kayak tournament angler in the world as of 2023. With numerous AOYs and countless wins on every major series including the 2022 KBF National Championship, the 2023 Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship & Angler of the Year to his credit. Learn how to be safer and catch more fish from the best in Rus' classes.

Jameson Redding (NC)

Jameson is one of the long time anglers in the sport who is known for catching fish in a number of environments, from freshwater rivers, lakes, to saltwater flats and even the big blue water. He isn't a stranger to any water type and is, therefore, a great instructor to help you learn safety and about any fish you choose to target. He currently hosts his own show titled The Road Trip Angler.

Wade Clements (VA)

Wade is currently the marketing coordinator at industry leading accessory and rigging company, YakAttack. He is admittedly a river rat when it comes to his kayak fishing and is one of the best communicators and instructors ACA has to offer. He can not only teach the paddle and safety skills but, given his day job, he knows a thing or two about "rigging" as well!

Dustin Hoy (OH)

One of the industry's unsung heros, pushing positivity and paddlesports in OH, and the midwest, via his involvement as a tournament angler, pro staffer and kayak outfitter (Raccoon Creek Outfitters). You learn from one of the best in Dustin's courses.

Fletch Griffin (GA)

Owner of the popular Westbrook Supply Co in midtown Atlanta. Fletch is an experienced kayak angler with a fun way of making each course he teaches entertaining and informative to help you speed up your learning curve in the sport we love.