Tournament Win In My Feelfree Dorado

First-Place Finish at the McAlester Bass Fishing Tournament

This past Sunday in McAlester, Oklahoma, I had the kind of day every angler dreams of—I took home first place in a bass fishing tournament, fishing out of my FeelFree Dorado kayak. It wasn’t just a win; it was a masterclass in patience, precision, and trusting my instincts on the water.

Dialing in the Winning Pattern

The key to my success? A Strike King KVD jerkbait, perfectly paired with a Lew’s Custom baitcast reel (7.5:1 gear ratio) and a Lew’s Custom Lite rod (7’4” medium action). This setup allowed me to work the bait with just the right cadence to trigger reaction strikes from bass that were schooling up in preparation for the spawn.

I relied heavily on my FeelFree Dorado kayak, paired with Livescope, to position myself over fish that were actively feeding. Instead of chasing scattered fish all day, I locked onto a 20-yard stretch where the bass were consistently moving through. With water temperatures lingering in the low 50s, I knew these fish were staging, and staying put was the best strategy.

The Grind That Paid Off

Staying in one location all day might sound boring, but it was the difference-maker. Every time I thought about moving, another solid bass would crush my jerkbait, reaffirming my decision to hold my ground. The combination of my kayak rigging, electronics, bait choice, and precise positioning kept me in the strike zone and ultimately secured the win.

Why it Matters

This tournament win was special—not just because of the winnings, but because of the way it played out. Trusting my gear, reading the conditions, and staying disciplined on my spot made all the difference. I couldn’t have asked for a better day on the water, and I’m already looking forward to the next one!

If you’re an angler chasing that tournament-winning edge, never underestimate the power of the right gear, the right location, and a whole lot of patience. See you on the water!

My FeelFree Dorado V2 Setup

When it comes to kayak fishing, having the right setup can make all the difference. For me, my FeelFree Dorado V2 with the Overdrive is the perfect combination of versatility, power, and technology. Whether I’m chasing tournament-winning bass or just enjoying a day on the water, this rig has everything I need to stay efficient and competitive.

Why I Chose the Dorado V2

The Dorado V2 stands out among fishing kayaks for a lot of reasons, but what really sold me was its prewired, pre-lit design and built-in battery box. The integrated LED lighting is a game-changer for early morning launches and late evening fishing, while the battery box keeps my 100Ah battery secure and properly managed without the hassle of extra rigging.

My Custom Rigging Setup

To maximize performance, I’ve outfitted my Dorado V2 with some of the best gear available:

• Power-Pole Micro, mounted on a YakGadget mount designed specifically for the Dorado, gives me instant shallow-water anchoring for better positioning.
• Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 (10”), mounted on a Beatdown Outdoors Flex Mount, offers crystal-clear imaging and easy adjustability on the water.
• Livescope LVS34, mounted on a Ficher Livescope pole, allows me to track fish movements in real time, giving me a serious edge when targeting schooling bass.

The Performance Advantage

With the Overdrive motor, I get the best of both worlds—pedal and motorized power—allowing me to cover water quickly while staying hands-free when I need to. The spacious deck, incredible stability, and high seat position make long days on the water comfortable and productive.

Final Thoughts

The FeelFree Dorado V2 isn’t just a kayak—it’s a fully loaded fishing platform designed for serious anglers. From its built-in features to the way I’ve rigged it out, this setup helps me stay on fish longer, fish more efficiently, and compete at the highest level.

If you’re looking for a fishing kayak that delivers power, stability, and versatility, the Dorado V2 is a hard one to beat!

Written by Justin Norton, Feelfree US Competitive Fishing Team Member
Edited by Bobby Ulrich, Feelfree US Prostaff Member