Jim Sammons joins Jackson Kayak

What happened behind closed doors is between Jim, OK, and Jackson. Leave it at that.

Those who have taken a jab have probably never even met Jim. It's easy to be a jackass when you're sitting behind a keyboard, but thats why he has a show and you don't.

[Cbad Mike]

I really don't get the negative talk and bs regarding Jims career choices. I've had the pleasure of meeting Jim on a few occasions and recently had a long one on one conversation with him. He is one of the few guys that I've met in this sport who are genuinely happy for you when you catch fish even when he doesnt. He's a guy who loves his sport, who can back up what he says, and is ALWAYS willing to help you be a better fisherman. He's made a better name and living for himself in this sport than most of us could ever. I really don't get the animosity towards a guy who so enthusiastically promotes our sport in a positive way. WE FISH, that's it, and it's supposed to be fun. We should be happy for each others success. In my short time here I've seen guys being put on pedestals that I wouldn't even want to have a beer with let alone fish with because of their egos and unwillingness to help a new guy enter the sport. Who has posted even half of the informative and educational videos online that Jim has? NO ONE!
Some would say "stop the hating". I say stop the jealousy, it's juvenile and petty. (that's putting it nicely)

Mike

[RobFish]

Congrats Jim on your new alliance, and I wish you much continued success.

[roby]

Originally Posted by Cbad Mike

I really don't get the negative talk and bs regarding Jims career choices. I've had the pleasure of meeting Jim on a few occasions and recently had a long one on one conversation with him. He is one of the few guys that I've met in this sport who are genuinely happy for you when you catch fish even when he doesnt. He's a guy who loves his sport, who can back up what he says, and is ALWAYS willing to help you be a better fisherman. He's made a better name and living for himself in this sport than most of us could ever. I really don't get the animosity towards a guy who so enthusiastically promotes our sport in a positive way. WE FISH, that's it, and it's supposed to be fun. We should be happy for each others success. In my short time here I've seen guys being put on pedestals that I wouldn't even want to have a beer with let alone fish with because of their egos and unwillingness to help a new guy enter the sport. Who has posted even half of the informative and educational videos online that Jim has? NO ONE!
Some would say "stop the hating". I say stop the jealousy, it's juvenile and petty. (that's putting it nicely)

Mike

X2

[TheBentRod]

Originally Posted by Biggameaddict

From the way he talks about ocean kayak being the #1 brand and having the best quality and the most features but now he signed an agreement with jackson kayaks makes me think that.

I still think the Prowler and Trident are the best fishing paddle yaks around (IMHO).

[Old Man in the Sea]

Being a Kayak fishing guide is a very fun job when you don't have to do it for a living. Jim has worked hard for many, many years helping to teach many people to kayak fish and he also promotes fishing conservation with catch and release. It is OK for people to switch companies to make more money or because they have a better opportunity. If you have something negative to say - just remember it is NOT GOD telling you to type the post. Forget about Jim's new job for a second and ask yourself...Hey are the thoughts I am getting from GOD or not? Figuring that out will give you joy in life and help you though the tough times too... and BTW you will probably catch more fish
....http://www.flickr.com/photos/sdhuntfish/sets

[Biggameaddict]

Im not saying Jim is a bad guy in anyway, im sure he will help make better yaks and new designs for jackson. I just think he made the switch for the money and im not judging him for that, its his career and if jackson offered him more money than ok did then good for Jim to make the switch. Im sure anyone else would have done the switch if they were in the position themselves so i dont think he should be judged by that. If anyone thought i was saying he was wrong in switching or hes a bad person they are wrong. Its hard to understand people by just reading their post online when you cant see the person or have never even met them. I hope all the best for Jim and I hope he makes it better for any brand he joins.

[Jim Sammons LJKF]

So I have of course been getting a lot of questions as to why I am no longer with OK. What I have been replying is this. "The reason for the split from OK is many fold. I am very proud of my 20 years on those kayaks and everything I did with them. I still believe that OK makes great kayaks and believe me this was one of the toughest things I have had to go through in my business life.

The main thing I am concentrating on now is not my past with OK but the great future ahead with Jackson. They are a great company that is doing things right. And I can't wait to get to work with them."
Perhaps over a beer some time I can give more insight into the full reasons. At this time as I am really just happy to be moving forward.

I do find it pretty funny that people that don't have any insight into the situation are a speculating on the reasons.
Thanks to those of you that have given words of encouragement and support. It really is appreciated more than you know.

I will be at the Fred Hall show in Del Mar if anyone would like to chat. About this or just about fishing.

[MrPatrick]

Over a beer, great idea! Jim come to the "Bass and Brew " event and introduce the crew to Jackson kayaks. We could show "Game On" on the televisions and you show off your sponsor to a new market.



And I've always liked Jim. From my first trip to La Jolla where I almost ran over his trolled Mac :doh to now whenever I get the chance to say hello.

[CKallday71]

Why does anybody care what kind of Yak the guy floats?

[Deamon]

I've briefly met the man a couple of times at the launch. I was like..."whoa, there he is...very friendly and approachable...from La Mesa too!"...

[jorluivil]

One more bad comment about Jim and I'll stick you with my cagé

[Jimmyz123]

Originally Posted by Jim Sammons LJKF

So I have of course been getting a lot of questions as to why I am no longer with OK. What I have been replying is this. "The reason for the split from OK is many fold. I am very proud of my 20 years on those kayaks and everything I did with them. I still believe that OK makes great kayaks and believe me this was one of the toughest things I have had to go through in my business life.

The main thing I am concentrating on now is not my past with OK but the great future ahead with Jackson. They are a great company that is doing things right. And I can't wait to get to work with them."
Perhaps over a beer some time I can give more insight into the full reasons. At this time as I am really just happy to be moving forward.

I do find it pretty funny that people that don't have any insight into the situation are a speculating on the reasons.
Thanks to those of you that have given words of encouragement and support. It really is appreciated more than you know.

I will be at the Fred Hall show in Del Mar if anyone would like to chat. About this or just about fishing.

Jim, you have helped me many times. I've shot you quick messages and you answer back with helpful tips. You didn't have to do any of that but you do because you're a good dude. Thank you for that.

Glad to see things going well for you and hope they go even better with the Jackson kayaks.

Looking forward to chatting with you about the Jackson Kayaks at Fred Hall.

Originally Posted by Jim Sammons LJKF

So I have of course been getting a lot of questions as to why I am no longer with OK. What I have been replying is this. "The reason for the split from OK is many fold. I am very proud of my 20 years on those kayaks and everything I did with them. I still believe that OK makes great kayaks and believe me this was one of the toughest things I have had to go through in my business life.

The main thing I am concentrating on now is not my past with OK but the great future ahead with Jackson. They are a great company that is doing things right. And I can't wait to get to work with them."
Perhaps over a beer some time I can give more insight into the full reasons. At this time as I am really just happy to be moving forward.

I do find it pretty funny that people that don't have any insight into the situation are a speculating on the reasons.
Thanks to those of you that have given words of encouragement and support. It really is appreciated more than you know.

Thanks for all the help and advice that was given today at the heroes on the water event.

I will be at the Fred Hall show in Del Mar if anyone would like to chat. About this or just about fishing.

Thanks for all the help and advice today at the heroes on the water event.

[Jimmyz123]

I find it troubling that people will judge Jim and say bad things about him. Anyone that has a bad thing to say about Jim has never met him and is prejudging someone. Spend 10 minutes with the guy talking fishing and you'll be there for an hour. Go listen to his seminars at the Fred Hall show, and you'll see that he's happy to help and share his knowledge.

Those of you with bad things to say to him why not go tell it to him in person, stop sitting behind your keyboard and man up. He's done great things for this sport, and you only wish that it was you traveling the world putting this sport on the map.

Keep up the great work Jim.

[Siebler]

Jackson is a big up and comer in the kayak fishing world. I cant blame Jim one bit and am excited to see him make the move. Jackson has had HUGE success on the gulf coast and many other areas, it wont be long until they are strong in the west coast market as well. Jim and I have spoke about the move several times already and I support him 100%, good move by him and by Jackson.

[Jimmyz123]

Originally Posted by Siebler

Jackson is a big up and comer in the kayak fishing world. I cant blame Jim one bit and am excited to see him make the move. Jackson has had HUGE success on the gulf coast and many other areas, it wont be long until they are strong in the west coast market as well. Jim and I have spoke about the move several times already and I support him 100%, good move by him and by Jackson.

CJ, do you have any of the boats so we can test paddle them?

[lamb]

Congrats Jim!!!

Good for you,
and good thing for the sport of kayak fishing.

[PE.rider]

Good for Jim... AND excellent opportunity for Jackson Kayaks to overhaul their designs to better fit Pacific Coast angling...

Good companies require innovative people. With an expert like Jim on their team, we should be seeing great models coming in the near future that are fitted for our waters.

[Siebler]

Originally Posted by Jimmyz123

CJ, do you have any of the boats so we can test paddle them?

Not yet. Our HOW chapter has a Cuda 14 so I have gotten to paddle that but it is as much as I have been able to experience. Hopefully after Fred Hall we will have some though.