Fishing In Real Life: Interview with Kristian Kolflat (Part 1)

Kristian Kolflat is the Tournament Director for the Kayak Anglers Tournament Series (KATS) one of, if not, the best kayak bass fishing tournament series out there. The series has been run by Austin Canoe and Kayak, the Retailer of the Year in the 2012 Kayak Anglers Choice Awards, and is affiliated with Austin Kayak Fishing, which finished second in 2012, for Kayak Fishing Forum of the Year. I guess what I am saying is that Kristian is involved with a few of the biggest and best groups in kayak fishing. He is also a dedicated saltwater angler, and great kayak fisherman in his own right. I was able to talk this busy man into an interview. Here Part One the interview:

Pat Kellner: When did you start fishing? How or why did you start? Was there one person or reason that introduced you or really got you hooked on the sport?

Pat Kellner: Thanks for the interview, Kristian.

Kristian Kolflat: I started fishing when I was about 10 years old. I took my first flight/trip alone to visit my grandparents in Fox Lake, Illinois near Chicago. At the time they owned a home on the waterfront of a chain of lakes which gave me 24 hour access to fishing from a dock and their pontoon boat which was docked right there. My grandfather took me to pick up my first rod and reel ( a cheapie I'm sure) and it was all over from there. I got hooked initially on catfish and bluegill using worms and a floating cork. It wasn't until high school when my group of friends found a hang out spot: a quarry lake with the public use of pedal boats which unleashed the fishing fury. We spent every hour from sun up to sun down that summer catching largemouth bass up to 8lbs and a 45lb yellowcat.

PK: You have mentioned to me that you enjoy saltwater fishing for Redfish. When did you start fishing the coast, and why?

KK: It’s more like an obsession that I wish I could spend more time exploiting. I was introduced to Gulf coast bay fishing by a friend on a powerboat. Already having a passion for the salt, sand, and wind (the ocean), it was easy to fall in love with this sport. There are many things I get tired of or lose interest in, saltwater flats fishing is not one of them.

PK: What is it about redfish, in your opinion, that makes them so enjoyable to catch?

KK: I respect and enjoy catching all types of fish. I take the same care in releasing a hardhead or sting ray as I do a speckled trout or redfish. That being said I think it’s like any type of sport in which you have a goal or prize to seek. Redfish are a beautiful fish, they fight like a true warrior, and ultimately they taste delicious.

PK: What other types of water do you fish? Do you enjoy fishing any waters as much as the coast?

KK: In all honesty saltwater fishing is my favorite and I think part of that is because I also love the environment. To me it’s like being at the beach and being able to practice your favorite hobby. I don't do as much freshwater bass fishing as I probably should but I plan on changing that. While traveling through Yellowstone, I taught myself how to fly-fish (the basics of course) and did fairly well. It was awesome to be wading in a geothermal stream (like the Firehole) and catching trout while Bison are running in the field across from you.

PK: Do you fish for those reds from a kayak, do you wade, powerboat, or everything?

KK: My Wilderness Systems Tarpon 160 kayak gets me just about everywhere I need to be. In the past I have fished from shallow running powerboats and wade fished along the shore but kayaking allows you to see places you otherwise wouldn't be able to. I have a few spots I like to fish that have landed me and my fellow anglers with 100-200 yard walks in 2 inches of water. Once on the other side, you will only find yourself, your kayak, and the fish.

PK: When and why did you get started in kayak fishing?

KK: As it became clear that saltwater fishing on the Gulf was becoming a strong interest for me, my parents thought it would make sense to get me a boat. Having learned the sport from a friend on a powerboat I had never even considered kayak fishing. Come to think of it, I had never heard of it, nor do I remember having seen any while out fishing. This was in 2005 when kayak fishing was still in its early stages but once I had my first kayak (which landed me a part time job at ACK at the time), I hit the coast at every opportunity I could.

PK: In your opinion, what is the best all around solo craft you have used to fish?

KK: My preferred kayak of all time is the Wilderness Systems Tarpon series. Working at the largest specialty kayak retailer in the nation has given me the opportunity to assess and try out many different models. I still pick the Tarpon series, hands down.

PK: What do you consider to be some of your greatest achievements in fishing?

KK: I have a very nice 38" inch redfish that was mounted by Jon Glenn in Corpus. I joke with my girlfriend that if the house ever catches on fire, that is the most prized possession that must be rescued. As mentioned before I taught myself to fly fish from a book while in Yellowstone. While not an expert I was very proud to be able to manage such a difficult form of fishing and catch a few trout in such a cool place. Finally, I really get a lot of joy from sharing the experience with others. Many of friends and family have been patient enough to suffer through a "guided" fishing experience with me. I love trying to share with people the things I feel passionate about.

PK: Texas, and Austin specifically, represented itself pretty well in the 2012 Kayak Angler Choice Awards. Lady Bird Lake and the Devils River placed first and second for location of the year. Where is your favorite place to fish in Texas and around Austin?

KK: With my affinity for coastal fishing I have to say my favorite place is the Port Aransas area. In the Austin area I really enjoy Decker Lake and Lake Bastrop, but there are many great bass spots in the area. In the future I really would enjoy a trip over to the Devil's River.

PK: Austin Kayak Fishing came in second for the Forum of the Year in the 2012 Kayak Anglers Choice Awards. What is it about AKF that makes it such a great forum?

KK: It is very exciting that AKF was voted second. The idea that a forum "limited" to one metropolitan area can place second nationwide is very cool. One thing about AKF that makes it great is that it’s very welcoming to new members. Many of the folks on the forum are more than happy to share their knowledge and offer help to anyone seeking it. At the same time you have a close knit community in which many know each other well and are often friends on the side.

PK: Austin Canoe and Kayak won the category and was crowned Retailer of the year in 2012. Can you talk about what makes ACK so great? Why does it have such a large following?

KK: ACK has a running history of being named Retailer of the Year by several organizations. Our focus is always the customer. With one of the biggest product offerings, quick order fulfillment, and world-class service we strive to be the best. Although we have a professional website and warehouses for all of our stock, our local stores provide a small-shop environment where you can get to know the staff by name, get expert advice, and pick up the gear you need.

PK: When and how did you get involved with the KATS?

KK: When ACK took over AKF and KATS I was asked if I would be interested in being responsible for the organization and to be the Tournament Director. I immediately jumped on the opportunity and had a blast with the 2012 KATS season.

PK: I was a little disappointed to not see the Kayak Anglers Tournament Series (KATS) nominated for Tournament of the year. KATS is well run, draws the best kayak anglers in Central Texas, is competitive, and still keeps the sense of community that is present in most kayak fishing events. In your opinion, do you know another series, or a specific tournament, that is better than KATS?

KK: I too, was disappointed not to see KATS as a nomination. There are a lot of great tournaments around the country but KATS is definitely unique. Many of our members will claim that the beginnings of kayak fishing tournaments, especially freshwater ones, were pioneered by the founder of AKF Dennis Hermes. ACK has taken over Austin Kayak Fishing and is now running the Kayak Angler Tournament Series for its second year and we look forward to growing this into one of the best series around. We hope that with all of the write-ins this year, KATS will be on the board for votes next year!

Continue to PART TWO