Kayak Fishing Expert Roundtable

If you're serious about kayak fishing-or just curious about diving into this exhilarating sport-this is the event you cannot miss. Join us for an interactive and engaging Kayak Fishing Expert Roundtable, hosted by renowned Lake Erie guide Chuck Earls and featuring an all-star panel of the most accomplished kayak anglers from across the sport, including Kristine Fischer, John Tammaro, Jody Queen, Hans Nutz, Fletch Griffin, Craig Koepke and Ben Lea. The roundtable will be hosted February 14 and 15 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Greater Niagara Fishing Expo.

This unique event isn't just a seminar-it's your chance to hear live insights, techniques, and untold stories from experts who live and breathe kayak fishing. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned competitor, you'll leave inspired and ready to tackle your next fishing adventure with confidence.

Meet the Experts

Chuck Earls (Host - In Person)
A licensed Lake Erie fishing guide with over 30 years of experience, Chuck is a master of big water safety, cold-water techniques, and catching trophy walleye. His passion for education and his dedication to empowering anglers make him the ideal host for this premier roundtable.

John Tammaro (Co-Host - In Person)
Tournament Director for New York Kayak Bass Fishing (NYKBF), John has played a pivotal role in growing the sport in New York. Known for his love of smallmouth bass and his leadership in tournament organization, John is an invaluable resource for competitive anglers.

Kristine Fischer (Virtual)
A trailblazing angler, Kristine was the first woman to win the Hobie Bass Open Series Tournament of Champions in 2021. With her fearless approach and tactical expertise, she inspires anglers everywhere while sharing her journey through educational YouTube content.

Jody Queen (Virtual)
Jody Queen’s strategic mind and creative artistry have made him one of the most accomplished kayak anglers, with over 30 tournament wins. His unique perspective and years of experience will provide invaluable insights for all attendees.

Fletch Griffin (Virtual)
The owner of Westbrook Supply Co. and a master of custom kayak rigging, Fletch is your go-to expert for maximizing gear performance. His deep understanding of rigging techniques and innovation makes him a standout voice on this panel.

Craig Koepke (Virtual)
Craig is a Great Lakes fishing expert specializing in salmon, steelhead, and trout. With over three decades of experience, his knowledge of species behavior and his commitment to sustainable fishing practices make him an invaluable panelist.

Hans Nutz (Virtual)
The Head of Design at Bonafide Kayaks, Hans has set new standards for kayak fishing performance through innovative designs like the RVR119 and PWR129. His engineering expertise ensures anglers fish smarter and harder.

Ben Lea (Virtual)
Known as “The Smallmouth Specialist,” Ben is a seasoned tournament director and veteran angler. With a focus on big baits for smallmouth and largemouth bass, Ben is committed to introducing anglers to the sport through accessible tournaments and education.

Wade Clements (Virtual)
As the Marketing Coordinator for YakAttack and a passionate river adventurer, Wade brings a wealth of experience in both fishing and gear innovation. His dedication to exploring rivers and promoting kayak fishing through his advocacy and education makes him a key voice on this panel.

Matthew Lardinois (Virtual)
Founder of Amped Outdoors, Matthew has revolutionized fishing electronics with high-performance lithium batteries. His technical expertise and commitment to empowering anglers with reliable power solutions make him a valuable resource for fishing enthusiasts.

Shane Benedict
Renowned kayak designer, co-founder of Liquidlogic Kayaks, and lead designer at Native Watercraft, responsible for some of the most groundbreaking fishing kayaks on the market.