Kayak University at Cottage Place on Squam Lake

 For some time I have wanted to organize a weekend getaway-style kayak fishing event that would allow participants the opportunity to fish with some well-known kayak anglers, media reps, and tackle retailers, and have the opportunity to pick their brains without worrying about anything except fishing. One thing I realized when I filmed with Across the Ice Belt with Ice Team last winter was the fact that Cottage Place on Squam Lake was quite possibly the place to hold such an event. They had the necessary space for housing everyone and holding seminars, and they have private access to Big and Little Squam Lakes.

Within the first five minutes after meeting Cottage Place owner Sue Smith, I knew there was going to be some sort of an event planned at Cottage Place on Squam Lake. I just needed to get through the challenges we faced while shooting for Across the Ice Belt before I could even think about it. Well, the short version of the story is that the first annual Kayak University at Cottage Place on Squam Lake is going to happen on June 3-5, 2016.

Registration for the event will include two nights lodging, meals, seminars, tons of giveaways, and the chance to hang out and fish with well-known kayak anglers, media reps, and tackle retailers, from private access points on Big and Little Squam Lake. No fighting for parking. We worked with Sue from Cottage Place to keep the cost as low as possible. Registration ranges from $450 for one person to $1300 for three people. There will be giveaways from Sonarphone by Vexilar, lures from Daddy Mac Lures, logowear from Bigtooth Tackle, floating kayak live wells from Today's Tackle, Junior Filletmaker cutting boards from Filletmaker, as well as fishing gear from Bass Pro Shops - Hooksett, NH, Suds N' Soda Sports, Kittery Trading Post, and more. More sponsors, giveaway items, and special guests are being added almost daily.

Squam Lake is nestled in some of the most picturesque scenery in all of New England. In addition to being beautiful, Squam is rich in history. Squam Lake is the site of the famous 1981 movie On Golden Pond starring Henry Fonda, Catherine Hepburn, and Jane Fonda. One special guest, Mark Beauchesne, is an expert on the history of Squam Lake and he will be giving a short presentation about the lake and some of its history. Squam lake is home to smallmouth bass, lake trout rainbow trout, landlocked salmon, and more.

The event will begin the afternoon of Friday June 3. Participants will arrive and check-in between 3-5pm, then we will hold seminars and dinner, and cap the evening off with time for socializing and giveaways in the Lodge or outside by the fire pit. Saturday morning will begin with breakfast before heading out. Half the group will fish Little Squam and the other half will fish Big Squam for day one fishing. Everyone will return for dinner, seminars, and more socializing. Sunday morning will begin with breakfast and check-out, and anyone who wishes to fish a second day will head out to fish for as long as they wish.

So far the special guest list includes: Old Town Pro Tim Moore of Tim Moore Outdoors, Hobie Pro Eric Harrison, Wilderness Systems Pro Mike Baker, Squam Lake Expert Mark Beauchesne of Fish NH Guide Service, Nick Howard of Kittery Trading Post, and a few other hopefuls not yet confirmed. Our goal is to offer attendees the biggest bang for their buck.

To reserve your space contact Cottage Place on Squam Lake at 603-968-7116. For complete details and current special guest and sponsor list visit the event page at www.KayakUniversity.info