Pro Staff

Meet Our Pro-Staff

Aaron Mitson - Northern Idaho

I grew up fishing on Lake Coeur d' Alene in North Idaho. My Grandfather, Great Uncle, and my Dad introduced me to Kokanee and Trout fishing when I was right around 7 years old. It only took one trip out and I was forever hooked.

Kokanee and Trout fishing sure has evolved since I was a kid and thankfully the tackle just keeps getting better. I have grown such an appreciation for the quality of gear that Kokabow Tackle has to offer. I decided to give Kokabow Tackle a try just this year. I was finally fed up and tired of the tape on my dodgers fading and tearing off, disappointed by the poor quality leaders and hooks from other companies, and last but not least paying good money for tackle that doesn't last day in and out of heavy use and many fish. I saw Kokabow's custom paint jobs and said I need to give these a go. I was even more impressed when I got out on the water opened the dodger package and really noticed the glitter inlaid in the beautiful color combos reflecting in the sun. It was at that moment I knew Kokabow was going to get the job done. Kokabow has proven to endure, and most importantly put fish on the end of mine, my friends and families line all the time. I am so grateful to be a part of this great team of people who offer nothing but great service, experienced advice, top quality products, and love what they do.

Jim Peterson - Kuna, Idaho

Born in Boise and spending most of his youth in Lewiston, Jim is a true Idaho Native. His earliest fishing adventures included riding his bicycle to the Snake and Clearwater Rivers in search of steelhead, bass and trout. He spent many family camping trips on the North Fork of the Clearwater River, the Lochsa and the St. Joe River where he learned to fish for native cutthroat and rainbow trout.

Jim's first experience fishing for Bluebacks (Kokanee Salmon) was in 1967 on Coeur d'Alene Lake. He recalls the tackle he used was a wedding ring, leaded line on a fly reel, and a heavy spinning rod. He has been a passionate kokanee angler ever since. Jim still ventures north to fish Hayden Lake, Twin Lakes and Dwarshak Reservoir, but his true passion now lies in the reservoirs on the Boise River system.

Creating kokanee tackle always intrigued Jim. He spent many hours trying to build the perfect lure, but after meeting Alan of Kokabow Tackle LLC a few years back he knew he couldn't design a lure that has the quality of a Kokabow Spinner. Jim says this about Kokabow Tackle, "I have found Kokabow Tackle to CONSISTANTLY catch more kokanee than any other kokanee tackle on the market". Jim works closely with Kokabow Tackle and provides feedback on designs, colors and lure ideas. He is also highly involved in testing prototype tackle.

Jim currently is employed as a Fishing Outfitter with Cabela's adding his specialty in trolling techniques for kokanee and salmon.

Kathryn Sandy - Nampa, Idaho

I was born and raised in Nampa, Idaho. I didn't have much opportunity to enjoy hunting and fishing around the state till I met Kyle. From the first kokanee I reeled in I was hooked! I love visiting all the lakes in the Pacific Northwest that offer awesome kokanee fishing, and while I might not get to go as often as I would like being an 8 to 5'er, we still jump in the boat as often as possible and rip some lips!

I like using Kokabow Tackle for several reasons;

It's durable and good quality! Kokanee are extremely rough on tackle and Kokabow stands up to it.
It works! There's been plenty of times when we've made round after round, around a lake and catch fish every time. Boats all around are just watching in envy!
It's locally made by a great couple!

Kyle Sandy - Nampa, Idaho

Kyle grew up in Homedale, Idaho where he learned to hunt and fish from his father. He started kokanee fishing in 2006 with his cousin. He was instantly hooked and purchased a kokanee rod, reel, and various tackle. Kyle has tried a little of everything along the way to catch more fish. In 2014, Kyle met Alan of Kokabow Tackle, LLC and was instantly excited to try Kokabow Tackle. "The numbers don't lie!", says Kyle, "Kokabow Tackle is the go to tackle on my boat."

Michael Hugev - Chelan, Washington

I was born and raised in Washington State. At a very young age, I started fishing with my father at our local lakes. We would catch mostly rainbows, cutthroat and some kokanee. As a teenager, I would vacation with my family in Chelan. We would fish on Lake Chelan and some of the smaller lakes. After graduating from Central Washington University, I found myself being drawn back to the Chelan area. The Kokanee fishery quickly gained my interest once again.

In those beginning years fishing on Lake Chelan, there was many long days of learning. I wasn't completely satisfied with my results so I started tying my own Kokanee gear. I will never forget the day when I read an article about Kokabow squids. I bought two of them at a local sporting goods store. After I went out fishing with those squids, I knew this tackle would be a game changer for me! I was catching the Kokanee limit quicker than I had ever done before. Kokabow is not only for Kokanee! I have caught Lake Trout, Rainbows, Cutthroat and Chinook Salmon.

I use Kokabow Fishing Tackle because it catches fish, the landing ratio increased, it is made with quality components and it fishes effectively right out of the package!

My passion for fishing hasn't changed since those early years, but my tackle has for sure! Kokabow Fishing Tackle gets it done!

Nick Gates - Nampa, Idaho

I have always loved the outdoors. My family moved to Nampa Idaho when I was ten years old. Since then I spend every spare moment I can on the water. I love to wake up early and head to the lake so I can be the first one there.

I met my wife Rachel in 2009 and we were married in 2014. We spend every weekend we can together outdoors. My son, Hoyt, was born in 2015 and now it's a family affair. We all count the seconds till we can go kokanee fishing again. Sharing my passion with my wife and son has been the best thrill of all! Hoyt can almost out cast his old man.

I use Kokabow Tackle because it puts fish in my boat! It is very durable and outlasts the competition. I love this tackle and will always use it! I would highly recommend this tackle to anyone hands down.

Tyler Ramos - Meridian, Idaho

I grew up fishing the rivers in Northern California for salmon, striper, and sturgeon. In the mid 2000's salmon season didn't open for several years due to a decline in the salmon population. I had a giant void between my fishing seasons so a family friend invited me out to a local lake to chase Kokanee and I loved it. Once salmon was open again, I went back to spending more time on the rivers, so I only went Kokanee fishing a few times a year.

In 2014, I relocated to Las Vegas for work where there was hardly any fishing compared to what I grew up with, so my time on the water reduced drastically. Fortunately, in 2015 I relocated again to Idaho. Since 2015 I have fallen in love with this state and everything it has to offer. This is where my relationship with Kokabow Tackle began.

I had heard about the awesome Kokanee fishing close by and wanted to get back in to it. I still had all my old tackle, but it had been a couple of years since I purchased any new gear. I went to a local tackle shop and started looking at what they had on the shelves. That's when I saw Kokabow for the first time. From the first look at the packaging I could tell there was quality and care that went into making Kokabow Tackle. I picked up a few things and went to Anderson Rach that weekend and absolutely slaughtered the Kokanee. I tried my former favorites but they did not compare to the action I got with Kokabow. It has been the only tackle I have used since!