Kayak Camping Caddo Lake - 3 Day Swamp Survival
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- Опубликовано: 2 июн 2024
- One of America's biggest Cypress Swamps proved to be an incredible place to kayak camp. We spent 3 days exploring and getting lost, all while trying not to freeze. This was one heck of an excursion!
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#kayakcamping #texas #caddolake 
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Any winter campers out there? This one got chilly! haha
Recently did a trip to the Talladega national forest, and that got down to mid 20s 🥶
@@steventhompson9192 that’s cold! I found out on this trip that I need a warmer sleeping bag haha
check out a down puffle it is the best underquilt and my main sleeping blanket. water proof
Just moved to NM but I’m Texas born and raised. Camped out in the mountains a couple weeks ago. Winter hits different here! 🥶
@@BlueEffigy I’ll check that out for sure! Thanks for the tip amigo
I love the slowness of your journey, I love the slowness of the ritual while you prepare the coffee, first grinding the coffee beans then filling the Bialetti and finally over the fire, because only by slowing down the instants in what we do can we fully enjoy time , the most precious asset we have. Sorry for my bad English 😃
Thank you Gio! Your English is very good in fact! That’s spot on, we love making bialetti style coffee in the river. So tasty!
At the beginning of this year I was intubated and in a coma for three months my family was told that I was more than likely gonna die , after renal failure , surgeries , blood transfusions, and a ventilator do a 100 percent of my breathing , I woke up and by the grace of god I survived , I had to stay another few weeks in the hospital after that and ur videos kept me busy man , I love all ur content , I kayak caddo very often so u brought me back home when I saw this video , thank u for all the great adventures u share brother keep up the good work
Cory your message is so inspiring! Literally just made my day to hear how you pulled through AND paddle a place I now love. Can you reach out to me on Instagram or email? I’ve got something for ya
Ah, Caddo. My haven for solitude, peace and awe. Doesn’t matter how many times I go, it feels like the first time always. Glad you were able to witness such beauty, my friend!
It is so peaceful out there. I have to imagine no paddle is ever the same given how many routes can be taken through the trees. Thank you for being a good steward of the lake!
Well said. I feel the same way when I go there. It's been a while.
Enjoyed watching this. My family had a lakehouse on Caddo when I was growing up. You were in a beautiful area. For the fishing, where you were would have been fantastic up until the late 1960's. Since the building of Lake O The Pines in 1959 upstream on The Big Cypress River, Caddo no longer gets flushed out with periodic high and swift water. The areas around Caddo Lake State park and Carter and Clinton Lakes (lakes inside Caddo near Caddo Lake State Park) suffer from algae forming on the bottom of the lake. When you put your outboard in reverse you can see the algae getting kicked up. As a result, large areas are no longer suitable for spawning and don't contain many fish.
If you ever go back to Caddo, fish in the Texas parts of the main lake around Little Green Brake, Big Green Brake, and just east of there around Jap Island and Tar Island. Also, where the river enters Caddo near Shady Glade is good. These areas all have good bottoms. Yo-Yo's are illegal now but were legal up until the late 1980's. My dad loved to run them, he would put out 100 in one night and we would take them up next morning. We would cover huge areas of Caddo like this and I learned from Yo Yo ing where the fish generally could be found and areas where they were sparse. Sadly, though beautiful, because of the algae, there isn't alot of great fishing around Caddo Lake State Park. Whenever we yo-yoed those areas, we caught mainly bullheads if we caught anything at all. The best fishing in the lake is usually in the scatterred trees between Whatley Island and Little Green Brake.
Thank you for acknowledging the Caddo Nation land in your video!
Yes! We always appreciate the communities that came before us and used to live in the landscapes we now explore. It’s something we often discuss around the fire
Awhhh. So good to see you in my notifications again. It’s about time for kayaking again!
Cheers kaleb! Took awhile to get this one out but stoked that it’s done!
I'm with you, kind of go through a Gatewood withdraw between videos!
My favorite channel by far, and I watch a ton! Awesome job!
Thank you Seth!! That means a lot! Glad to have you apart of the community
Man ive spent the last two days watching these videos I’m trying to go through every one just found you yesterday morning. I’ve always loved hiking and bushcraft camping but never thought of adding anything to it like this until a friend suggested that him and I plan a kayak camp trip. These are fantastic
Thank you Tyler!! Introducing a kayak gets you that much further from civilization which is one of the reasons we love it so much. Let me know how your trip goes!
I can't wait to get things lined up for a trip to Caddo. I've heard it's awesome
It is amazing! Even more stunning in person for sure
Another great one!!! So cool their with all the trees and knees
It’s a pretty wild place for a paddle!
Definitely on my bucket list, the Cyprus trees! Hauntingly beautiful.
Yes! Such a unique spot for a weekend. Really enjoy the serenity and ancient feeling out there
Putting it on the list. Me and my crew did the opossum kingdom Brazil trip. That was a adventure
It’s worth a trip. So unique and otherworldly. We will be going back at some point
Enjoyed watching this. My family had a lakehouse on Caddo when I was growing up. You were in a beautiful area. For the fishing, where you were would have been fantastic up until the late 1960's. Since the building of Lake O The Pines in 1959 upstream on The Big Cypress River, Caddo no longer gets flushed out with periodic high and swift water. The areas around Caddo Lake State park and Carter and Clinton Lakes (lakes inside Caddo near Caddo Lake State Park) suffer from algae forming on the bottom of the lake. When you put your outboard in reverse you can see the algae getting kicked up. As a result, large areas are no longer suitable for spawning and don't contain many fish.
If you ever go back to Caddo, fish in the Texas parts of the main lake around Little Green Brake, Big Green Brake, and just east of there around Jap Island and Tar Island. Also, where the river enters Caddo near Shady Glade is good. These areas all have good bottoms. Yo-Yo's are illegal now but were legal up until the late 1980's. My dad loved to run them, he would put out 100 in one night and we would take them up next morning. We would cover huge areas of Caddo like this and I learned from Yo Yo ing where the fish generally could be found and areas where they were sparse. Sadly, though beautiful, because of the algae, there isn't alot of great fishing around Caddo Lake State Park. Whenever we yo-yoed those areas, we caught mainly bullheads if we caught anything at all. The best fishing in the lake is usually in the scatterred trees between Whatley Island and Little Green Brake.
Largemouth bass, plastic worms. Black or dark blue will always be good. I LOVE CADDO LAKE. Also a topo map is a must.
Thanks for the tips! I’ll try that next time I’m out that way. Yes the topo map was useful. Without it things would be tough haha
Super sick!
Thanks Chris! Cheers!
Looked awesome. The yak seemed to pack things perfect
It’s been a dream to load gear on. The rear tank well is perfect and the front hatch fits a lot while keeping everything low center of gravity
Definitely need to check that out!
Dude you’d love it! Hammock spots literally everywhere
Your channel is so underrated
Dang that’s a huge complement big MO! Means a lot to hear that
your videos are hyping me up for summer. Spring is right around the corner!!!
Spring is starting! Our leaves are sprouting which is nice to see
Glad to see another video of yours show up. Looks like you had to pack (boat) the firewood in.
Thanks THT! Yes I was concerned there wouldn’t be much firewood since it’s a popular spot (issue we had on lake ouachita). However there’s was tons around so we just hauled extra weight haha
Wow! What an awesome experience! I'll add that to my list of things to do next time we're in Texas! Thanks for sharing!
Yes definitely a uniquely Texas thing to do! Not many cypress swamps in Oregon haha
I miss Caddo. I need to get back there. Lots of good memories there.
Caddo is incredible! Definitely going back during fall to see the rusty leaves
That looks like an awesome place for kayaking. The scenery out there was beautiful. HammockGear is a great company for under and over quilts. You definitely have me pumped for a kayaking trip. It just has to be a little warmer for me. Lol. Cool video Gatewood 👍🏻👍🏻
Man it was awesome Jason! Scenery you won’t necessarily find in Ky haha. I’ll check out hammock gear, you backpackers definitely know the best gear. I always find myself watching y’all’s videos about it when I need to make a purchase decision
What an awesome trip Gatewood! Definitely a beautiful area! Thanks for sharing!
Hey KW! It’s a beautiful place for sure! I’ll actually be up in Kentucky this weekend for my sisters wedding. No outdoors but hopefully one day!
Looked like an amazing time!!! Great work on this!!!
Thank you! Caddo is stunning as you recently saw. What a cool corner of the world!
Great video, Gatewood! I think it's great to highlight trips that are accessible to everyone. Well done, my friend!! 👍🛶
Agreed! Most folks are looking for trips like these so it’s fun to showcase them. Plus I enjoy these just as much as more complex river trips
Awesome video!!!
Thank you so much!
Really an amazing place to visit. You did a great job with this video as usual. Great job
Thank you so much lance! Caddo is stunning and represents itself well. Always shocked when we can spend a whole weekend in these incredible places and not see another soul
Awesome video! Caddo Lake is for sure a one of a kind place. Fishing is always tough when it’s that cold out.
Thank you! Yeah we didn’t expect to catch much but I thought for sure maybe at least a nibble haha
One of my Favorite places!! excellent filming as always!!
Thank you for the kind words! It’s a stunning place for sure!
LETS GO NEW VID!!! I’ve been excited to get out and this just made me book my trip 😭
YES MY DUDE! Where did you book a trip to??
Awesome video! Looks like a beautiful place.
Stunning for sure! It would be a great place to fish anytime other than winter too haha
That forest is beautiful, it looks like the perfect place to kayak and explore. I hope to one day go kayak camping, it’s really your videos that introduced me to kayak camping and it looks like so much fun! Thanks for sharing this amazing content!
It really is! And during winter you don’t have to worry about the creepy crawlers haha. So stoked I could be a part of your kayak camping journey. Such a great way to explore the outdoors!
This was awesome Gatewood!
Caddo has been on my list as well! That fog on the drone shots was awesome!
Thank you so much my man! It shouldn’t be too far from you either. Definitely worth it during fishier times of year!
That's my favorite place, I made a video not long ago, am just starting my channel because Camping kayaking and mountain biking are my favorite things to do, thank you for sharing this Beautiful yew of Est Texas
Caddo is special for sure. Such a wild place to get lost in. Sounds like you and I have very similar interests! Always fun to show east Texas can compete with the rest of them as far as views go
Awesome job! Bro that looked like a really cool place to camp, I would have to give that another try later in spring for sure! Thanks for sharing! .. and that loaded burger looked awesome too... now I will be craving one LOL
Thanks so much THB! I want to hammock over the water next time haha, a little hard to make burgers that way though
Oh man! I’m so happy to see this new video! This place looks epic and I’m going to hit it. It’s been COLD up here in Kansas--but the days are coming.. Looking forward to more videos! Thanks for keeping me stoked!
You definitely need to go! You’ll get that, ‘we aren’t in Kansas anymore’ vibe for sure. Temps should be mild at caddo now. Spring has sprung! Hope you’ve been well!
Been very well! Just spending money on supplies for journeys this spring/summer. Can’t wait to use my new Remote Designs backpack and new Loon 120. These 2 items have given me some serious upgrades for the new year. My large family (which includes many outdoor trekkers from Houston, Denver, Austin, Wichita) were here for Christmas and FREAKED over that Remote Designs backpack! They were all very impressed. They always kind of giggle at this old man and the way I do things (old school)--so it was fun to rub this great, waterproof backpack in their faces! (Ha!)-I always win in the end. Have a cup of coffee on me, Mr. Brown.
All the best from the plains of Kansas.
Curt
@@curtclonts1529 I’d say you’re ready for the season! New boat and backpack will have you cruising around in style. Especially that loon! Funny to hear about your family coming in and giving you respect for the gear haha. I appreciate the support as always and will definitely have a cup on you. Thank you!
Man amazing content, keep it going!!!
Thank you so much! On to the next one
quality content.
That’s always the goal my man!
Great video, loving the Remote Designs bags too. You inspired me to edit my video from June last year and publish it. Looking forward for the weather to pick up here in Scotland to get back out there.
Thank you so much MK! I’ll have to check out your video once it is published. We need more kayak camping videos out there!
Exactly what I had planned on doing before all this virus started, I enjoy the videos
Outdoors is the best place to go during the virus! Nobody else was there which was so nice
I’ve been wanting to do this trip for a while
You should totally do it! Such a stunning place
Me and a buddy were playing with the idea of going to Caddo and then I saw you went. Thanks for the preview. Looks like a great place to camp! Fishing looks like it could be good but tricky unless you know the area and fish feeding patterns. Amazing views of nature for sure. As always, great video, man! I still get excited every time I get a notification on my phone that you've just posted, haha!
Definitely go! It was a frigid weekend so the fishing was tough but it’s usually really really good. Lots of big bass in there. Thanks for always watching and checking in!
Thank god for a new video, need a water fix! Going to be another month or better before I'll be on the water. Calling for up to 5" of snow tonight, don't mind camping this time of year just don't care for hard water. Keep the videos coming, while waiting for another of yours to come out I look around. Very few are produced as good as yours.
Yes! Took awhile to get this one out but I’ve got more on the way! Man…that’s a lot of snow! Hopefully it leads to full rivers come springtime
@@GatewoodBrown Been pretty dry here this winter. only had 2 or 3 good snows over 4" and most of those melted off before the next one. Might be interesting in the rivers this year, without the spring flood to wash the strainers out of the channels from trees falling over.
Great video as always, but we want the videos longer!
Thank you so much! Haha the longer edits are tough. I’ve been wanting to put out some longer stuff soon
Dude! This video really made me miss our annual trips to Okefenokee Swamp in South Georgia! We haven't been since 2019, I believe it was...That would be a trek for you, but I bet that you'd love it! We always use canoes, though as we aren't worried about speed, and we can carry a lot more gear! And I mean we carry a LOT of gear. We look like the Clampetts rolling through there. Poe has even been known to carry his big zero gravity lounger chair! I actually have a pic of him asleep with a gator sitting in the water about 10 yards behind him!
Enjoyed the video, as always, Gatewood!
I've heard great things about that swamp. Hey, maybe one day! Canoes are definitely great at packing in and out. Man, sleeping in the swamp is sketchy stuff haha. Hope he is still alive!
@@GatewoodBrown Shoot, we could just swing by ATL airport and pick you up on our way! We literally drive right past it. The Okefenokee has raised platforms that the gators aren’t “supposed to be able to climb onto.” We’ve actually never seen one low enough that they could even get close to climbing.
@@mountainsmoore3657 that definitely feels more reassuring to have a raised platform haha.
@@GatewoodBrown oh yeah. Most platforms in the Swamp do not even have any dry land around them to get out on. They are just a platform out in the middle of the swamp.
Good stuff! place looked amazing to paddle through. Ive been diving through google earth, trying to find a place to campout at this season. So many to choose from! Cant wait to see whats next!
Thank you so much! If you’re up for it caddo is an epic place to paddle. So many places are though so it’s definitely a good problem to have haha
Too few videos, this is amazing
I know! Hard to find time to pump them out but that’s a goal for 2022
Awesome video once again! Noticed the howler bro hat! Looks good! Haha cheers!
Thanks BLFF! Yeah the howler hat is an oldie but goodie. I’d bet you could rip some lips out there on the fly…just not during our trip haha
@@GatewoodBrown haha come out to the Buffalo river and we may can arrange something!
Great video!!!
Need to get some footage when it's green and alive in spring. :)
Yes! I’d love to see it during spring and then again during fall. I’ve heard the foliage gets beautiful out there
Gday Gatewood. I just noticed that you've nearly hit 25K subs. Way to go on the channel growth buddy! Loved the aesthetic of this video.
Hey Justin! I appreciate the kind words, nearly there! Our spring and summer season is starting to kick up which means you’re probably hitting fall. Cheers!
Yes we are heading into Autumn but still warm here for several months more.
I've always wanted to get my yak on Caddo definitely looks killer
Do it! Such a rad place to paddle
I love Caddo Lake. I’ve always wanted to put my kayak in there and make a camping trip out of it. Have always wanted to kayak camp so your videos are pretty damn awesome to me
Do it! I promise you’ll really enjoy the trip. It’s a unique paddle and a great, simple trip to plan. Thanks for the kind words on the videos too!
@@GatewoodBrown I’m not sure how true it is but I’ve had a boss saying him and his son paddled all the way to the red River from between Lake O The Pines and Caddo Lake
@@HateTheGameTX maybe! Your boss must be in to your kayaking because that would be a lot of miles
@@GatewoodBrown I think he’s just full of it like every other venture he’s been on 😂😂 but man that experience would be hard to beat
I think you'd really enjoy some of the florida spots for kayaking. lots of bald cypress forests. the loxahatchee river is one of the greats (its a national wild and scenic river). fisheating creek, and just about any of the dozens of large springs in central florida as well
Yes! I visited a spring near Rosemary a couple years back and fell in love with the clear water and cypress combination. Definitely want to go back and visit some of the spring fed rivers out there. Cheers!
We camp there for a few nights every year in that exact spot. Goat Island
Yes! It’s such a fun and easy spot. Definitely want to go during other seasons
(adds Caddo Lake to kayak trip list).
Another great adventure GW. But this video was too short! You've got to give us more content man :)
Glad to see you're liking the sit on top kayak. I had a feeling you'd appreciate the extra cargo space and features when you got a chance to load her down for an overnighter.
Thank you thank you! Yeah caddo lake is an awesome destination. Very easy trip too! Ya know I always try to make them as long as possible while holding audience retention. RUclips gives me very detailed analytics about how long people watch these videos for, it’s surprisingly low! Haha so I work hard to make sure it’s a captivating film. I need a nice king river trip with rapids for longer content
Yes absolutely loving the sit on top life, it’s perfect for me
@@GatewoodBrown Anyone who's not watching your longer videos to the end is missing out and should be roundly dismissed ! :)
@@paddlepedalproductions5452 haha agreed! I should have some longer stuff this summer if we go on the trips I’d like to
Hey buddy how's it going. This was a good video man. It was awesome to see you get back out and do some kayak camping. Man it look like it was Gator infested but I take it it wasn't. I'm glad to see that you had an awesome time man. I can't wait to do some kayak camping man. But I did go kayaking today for the first time for 2022 with a buddy of mine. The weather was warm it was 77° degrees today so we took advantage of it. Although the water was cold on the toes but they warmed up nicely on the kayak. Love seeing those Chacos sandals man. I like how you can wear socks with them when the weather is chilly outside. I wish I could wear some socks for when it's chilly outside. I was told I can get some Chaco sandals made for my wide feet. I'm trying to figure out should I get them with the toe loop. When I was in the store trying a pair on I could not get my big toe through the toe loop because of my toes being to fat & very wide. My big toe is 2" inches wide & the rest of my toes are over an inch wide. Hope I can have a pair by summertime. Good to see you do a video brother. You take it easy.
Hey Mack hope you’ve been well! Glad to hear you’re enjoying the warm weather. We are too!
There are gators. They were constantly chasing my line last time I fished there. Definitely wouldn’t sleep on the ground.
@@royalbrecht9331 oh okay I'm glad you didn't catch one while you were fishing. I definitely agree with you I would not be sleeping on the ground there.
nice vid
Thanks Victor!
Do you have a video explaining all your current winter gear? You are my “unofficial” guide. Thanks in advance
I feel like I finally found my winter gear load out this winter so definitely be on the lookout for one this fall. I appreciate you always tuning in to the videos!
@@GatewoodBrown absolutely enjoy your videos. You have no idea how many people you have brought together here in Texas. I already had an SS Minnow so now whenever anyone
Sees it they yell “Gatewood Brown”!
Favorite place to go noodlin “handfishing”
Man I’m not sure I’d noodle in these waters. You’re braver than I!
Buddy! These videos need to be longer!
I know! I’d love to make some longer edits where there’s enough content to fill the time. I’m hopeful some river trips coming up will do that
Looks cool af but also like there would be alligators or something crazy
That’s what I was thinking! Luckily they hibernate during winter haha
Just an idea but you should look at a bonified ex 123 it is a hybrid sit-in but you can stand in it easily.
Good call! I'll have to check it out. Really enjoying the sit on top life these days, especially when it comes to rapids.
wow, that is pretty!!! Another amazing video!! That CHEESEBURGER!! Was that a proto for a bigger bag?
Thanks, Pete! The cheeseburgers have been getting wild, and delicious! RK approved for sure. You bet, duffel on the way in 2022 and you'll be one of the first to have one. I'll keep you in the loop!
Great video as always. Thank you. I go there often for kayaking and photography. I never knew that there are primitive camp sites on an island in the lake. I would like to camp there. Could you share the info about the camp sites?
Oh man you’ve got to spend the night! I think you’d really dig it. It’s called goat island. You lunch at the kayak launch and it’s a nice paddle out there. No reservations or anything
What a great time outdoors! What kind of kayak did you take out there? Cheers buddy
Yes so much fun outdoors! I was on an old town sportsman 120. Cheers!
@@GatewoodBrown awesome ty!
Great video. How far is the paddle to the island?
I’d clock it in at 2 miles. A very confusing two miles though haha
Do I see a camera boom behind you? I haven't been out yet to try mine lol. Awesome adventure though 🙌
Haha sort of! I put the MAX back there but didn’t overly like the footage it got so I didn’t include it. I’ll keep trying different spots for it though!
@@GatewoodBrown gotcha! Yeah probably won't get out till sometime next month as that's when my float club's first trips are. Unless of course me and my buddy go out sooner.
Being eyeing that body glove paddle for a while, do you like it
Man the bending branches paddle is amazing. Both in performance and look! I only use it when the paddle won’t be hitting the ground, like this trip
I want to kayak down the Frio or Medina river. I've never owned a kayak though. What type of kayak should I get as a novice? Sit in? Sit on top? Style? Brand? etc.
I’d go for a 10 to 12’ sit on top kayak. Perfect for our Texas rivers! Brands to look for, Old Town, Crescent, Perception, Wilderness Systems, Native…to name a few
@@GatewoodBrown Thanks. I'm hoping to find a good Memorial Day deal.
@@TheOrdinaryGamerChannel you should be in luck as long as the stores have good stock
Would love to get into kayak camping. Unfortunately the Air Force stuck me in the desert. Just normal backpacking for now ☹️
Oh no! Haha kinda hard to kayak on sand lol. What town are you in? Sometimes there’s some great reservoir driven rivers out west
@@GatewoodBrown Clovis
Hiya Gatewood, are you ever going to host/lead any kayaking trips?
It’s definitely something I’d like to do eventually! Just haven’t put time into it yet, someday thoigh!
@@GatewoodBrown I would also be interested. I enjoy all your videos.
So, what happens if your paddle hits a gator? Or do they scatter pretty consistently?
They’ll scurry off and it’ll scare the living daylights out of both of you haha! They are pretty skittish so usually they’ll be long gone by the time you get close. Crocs are a different story though, they’re aggressive. Those are only found in extreme south Florida and other parts of the world
Are you using a bending branch angler?
Or navigator
It’s the angler navigator! Absolutely love it
What time of the year do gators wake up around there? That's the first thing that popped to mind man. LOL
Haha I’d imagine right around March April but truth be told, we only saw 1! The local fisherman said you won’t find many here which I thought was surprising
They won’t bother you.
Hey amigo, havin a watch..👀
Actually I just picked up a new sleeping bag rated for -35 👋😎👍
Make sure that you have appropriate layers under it!
Thanks!! Man I didn’t even know they made bags with that rating. I’d bet it’s toasty!
Good call!
@@GatewoodBrown rogue expedition, got it at cabelas...👍
Do you enjoy kayak camping on a river or lake more?
River for sure! I like lakes during winter though so you can guarantee not getting splashed and what not
You should try to get in contact with Mr Beast, I bet he would love to feature one of your videos
Ha! He doesn’t do much outdoor content but that would be really really cool
@@GatewoodBrown I mean you never know he seems like the type to always be into new things. Love the videos man! Got me to do my first trip with a couple buddies last summer.
@@philipscalf9147 you and your buddies will have a blast! Where to?
im sorry but fishing rods made for 5 year olds?? Great video otherwise hahahaha
Haha talking about the zebco?! Chase brought me a rod and reel, I had told him I’d never really fished but I’ve since tossed a baitcaster ok the rod