Sideline Stories: Jason Gardner, Founder, Maine Yak Anglers

I’m really not sure where to start, as I feel like my journey is just beginning.  Some of my fondest, and only memories as a kid, were summers at camp fishing with my father and my brother. By fishing, I mean casting into trees, getting caught in lily pads and rocks, and because of that my father didn’t actually get to fish much. But as I grew up, had to get a job, and started a family, I discovered I’d lost my passion for the outdoors.

Fast forward 25 years…. I was stressed at work constantly, had suffered a severe concussion, and was angry all the time (comes with a CTE diagnosis), when my wife suggested that I “find a hobby.”  It just so happened a childhood friend recommended I get a fishing kayak. Three weeks later I did just that; I had no idea that miserable point in my life would turn into such a positive change.

Shortly after I started fishing, I found Sam Cushing and the Kayak Tournament Trail he was running.  I fished two events that year, flipped my kayak in the very first one, and just embarrassed myself. It was bad. But the fire inside me was lit! I spent the offseason upgrading everything. My tackle, gear, and my kayak – it all had to be better. Spent the winter watching YouTube videos to learn new techniques and when and where to fish them.

Sam had to step away from running his trail to concentrate on grad school, and I started a trail to replace it: Maine Yak Anglers was born. We are nearly 40 members strong, including some from New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Several members, including myself, travel the Northeast and the country fishing high profile KBF (www.kayakbassfishing.com) events. We had a dozen members qualify for the KBF National Championship last year, a championship that came with a $30,000 first place prize.

Over the years my role in the industry has grown, and I am not sure how I became so fortunate. In addition to President/Founder of Maine Yak Anglers, I am currently fishing for Team Jackson Kayaks, Captain of the Three Belles Outfitters (CT) National Fishing Team, Team Dakota Lithium, Team Yakattack, Co-Founder of Elite Kayak Fishing, and the National Tournament Coordinator for Kayak Bass Fishing. I love supporting companies that support me and that I believe in; it makes the relationship mutually beneficial.

At times it’s really overwhelming to think about the opportunities I have had. Regardless of the success I have had, I am still a guy from Maine that loves to represent my home state and the companies based here. I try to do my best to support small local businesses such as Dag’s Bait and Tackle in Auburn, Malone Auto Racks and L.L. Bean (where I bought my Malone Trailer to haul my kayak around the U.S.), and Snow Pond Center of the Arts (where I hosted a National KBF Event on Lake Messalonskee in September, 2020). Planning for that that event on Lake Messalonskee is how I met Sheila with the Maine Sports Commission. She was an important piece to that event ever taking place. Supporting Maine brands, and specifically Maine outdoor brands and businesses is important to me; Maine and its people are my home….

I really appreciate the chance to share just a small part of my story.  There was so much I had to leave out, because I only have so much space to write, but I couldn’t do this without the support from my wife, Danelle, and my son, Brady. They are my biggest fans, and support me, no questions asked.

Top Photo: Jason to right presenting winners at Kayak Bass Fishing event, Snow Pond Center for the Arts

Bottom Photo: Jason (2nd from left) and Team Dakota Lithium