Jim Sammons joins Jackson Kayak

[Dannowar]

Originally Posted by driftwood

Why didn't Hobie sign him up???

CAUSE THEY HAVE WADE!

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

[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

[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.

[RobFish]

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

[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).