Inside Elite Kayaks: Dave Lefebre’s Bonafide

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Bassmaster Elite Series pro Dave Lefebre overwinters his Bonafide SS127 Sit/Stand kayak by hanging it from the garage ceiling. During the fishing season, or anytime he's rigging and cleaning it, he rests it on dual conventional sawhorses.
Bassmaster Elite Series pro Dave Lefebre overwinters his Bonafide SS127 Sit/Stand kayak by hanging it from the garage ceiling. During the fishing season, or anytime he’s rigging and cleaning it, he rests it on dual conventional sawhorses.
He's a hardcore ice fisherman born and raised with a flasher, and his yak gets a Marcum LX-5i Dual-Beam True Color flasher system. It's perfect vertical fishing on deeper rocks, humps and breaks. And note the three-tine Hybrid Cat hull configuration, which aids stability and makes standup fishing possible.
He’s a hardcore ice fisherman born and raised with a flasher, and his yak gets a Marcum LX-5i Dual-Beam True Color flasher system. It’s perfect vertical fishing on deeper rocks, humps and breaks. And note the three-tine Hybrid Cat hull configuration, which aids stability and makes standup fishing possible.
The Bonafide Dry Pod accessory is a perfect platform to mount the Marcum flasher.
The Bonafide Dry Pod accessory is a perfect platform to mount the Marcum flasher.
The Bonafide Dry Pod features a pill-shaped well that's designed to fit large transducers like the Lowrance StructureScan 3d Transducer.
The Bonafide Dry Pod features a pill-shaped well that’s designed to fit large transducers like the Lowrance StructureScan 3d Transducer.
Lefebre gimble mounts his Lowrance HDS-9 to the Bonafide Dry Pod.
Lefebre gimble mounts his Lowrance HDS-9 to the Bonafide Dry Pod.
Lefebre tucks his 13 Fishing rods into the hull through the main fore hatch. This allows him to transport the kayak with rods inside.
Lefebre tucks his 13 Fishing rods into the hull through the main fore hatch. This allows him to transport the kayak with rods inside.
Note Bonafide's well-designed and robust YakAttack Doubleheader hinges, which offer two-way directional operation and allow the hatch to be removed within seconds.
Note Bonafide’s well-designed and robust YakAttack Doubleheader hinges, which offer two-way directional operation and allow the hatch to be removed within seconds.
A rubber YakAttack Boss Strap near the bow helps keep accessories like a paddle locked up tight while on the water.
A rubber YakAttack Boss Strap near the bow helps keep accessories like a paddle locked up tight while on the water.
Bonafide kayaks were designed by the owners and engineers of YakAttack. Each side of Lefebre's Bonafide SS127 features YakAttack GearTrac Systems. Here, Lefebre's placing a YakAttack RotoGrip Paddle Holder, which can pull double duty as a pushpole or net holder.
Bonafide kayaks were designed by the owners and engineers of YakAttack. Each side of Lefebre’s Bonafide SS127 features YakAttack GearTrac Systems. Here, Lefebre’s placing a YakAttack RotoGrip Paddle Holder, which can pull double duty as a pushpole or net holder.
Lefebre also likes to attach a Yak Attack MultiMount Cup Holder to the Track System closest to the seat.
Lefebre also likes to attach a Yak Attack MultiMount Cup Holder to the Track System closest to the seat.
The MultiMount Cup Holder is large enough to accept a 32-ounce wide-bottom sport drink.
The MultiMount Cup Holder is large enough to accept a 32-ounce wide-bottom sport drink.
Lefebre won't launch without his bluetooth marine speaker, which he gimble-mounts to the GearTrac System. It's not just for tunes. He can use his phone to send and receive calls and voice texts. His office is the water, so he can take care of business while fishing. It's also a key safety item should he ever need to contact authorities.
Lefebre won’t launch without his bluetooth marine speaker, which he gimble-mounts to the GearTrac System. It’s not just for tunes. He can use his phone to send and receive calls and voice texts. His office is the water, so he can take care of business while fishing. It’s also a key safety item should he ever need to contact authorities.
Lefebre tucks his phone into a waterproof bag with other items like truck keys, and ties the bag's lanyard to the yak.
Lefebre tucks his phone into a waterproof bag with other items like truck keys, and ties the bag’s lanyard to the yak.
The Bonafide Sliding Under Seat Junk Drawer makes a convenient tackle and tool tray. It slips into a track and easily slides in and out from underneath the seat.
The Bonafide Sliding Under Seat Junk Drawer makes a convenient tackle and tool tray. It slips into a track and easily slides in and out from underneath the seat.
The Bonafide Sliding Under Seat Junk Drawer can be made stationary with a thumbscrew.
The Bonafide Sliding Under Seat Junk Drawer can be made stationary with a thumbscrew.
The Bonafide seating system is designed for multiple seat-height configurations and angles. The side straps control the seat-back lean, and also secure the seatback for transport.
The Bonafide seating system is designed for multiple seat-height configurations and angles. The side straps control the seat-back lean, and also secure the seatback for transport.
Note the different seat-axle receptacles in Bonafide's SeatRack positioning system, and how the axle locks in place.
Note the different seat-axle receptacles in Bonafide’s SeatRack positioning system, and how the axle locks in place.
Lefebre secures his YakAttack ParkNPole Link Stakeout Pole to the sidewall, where it sits in specially molded recesses. Because he uses a Power-Pole, the ParkNPole primarily serves as a pushpole – perfect for penetrating thicket or skidding atop thin water.
Lefebre secures his YakAttack ParkNPole Link Stakeout Pole to the sidewall, where it sits in specially molded recesses. Because he uses a Power-Pole, the ParkNPole primarily serves as a pushpole – perfect for penetrating thicket or skidding atop thin water.
The Yak Attack VISIPole 2 mounts quickly to the GearTrac. It stands 48 inches tall, lights up (10,000+ hours of life) and includes a flag. It's a crucial visibility aid that could save your life.
The Yak Attack VISIPole 2 mounts quickly to the GearTrac. It stands 48 inches tall, lights up (10,000+ hours of life) and includes a flag. It’s a crucial visibility aid that could save your life.
The Yak Attack LockNLoad mounting system secures to the GearTrac and mounts compatible accessories like this Omega Pro rodholder.
The Yak Attack LockNLoad mounting system secures to the GearTrac and mounts compatible accessories like this Omega Pro rodholder.
The YakAttack Omega Pro rodholder, with its multiple joints, can easily accommodate rods with longer butts. And it can quickly morph between locked, adjustment and removal modes with a simple trigger squeeze or lever flip.
The YakAttack Omega Pro rodholder, with its multiple joints, can easily accommodate rods with longer butts. And it can quickly morph between locked, adjustment and removal modes with a simple trigger squeeze or lever flip.
Lefebre's GoPro mount with multiple elbows allows him to position the camera for a POV perspective, but still safely out of the way of casting.
Lefebre’s GoPro mount with multiple elbows allows him to position the camera for a POV perspective, but still safely out of the way of casting.
Lefebre shows off his Yak Attack Kayak Crate, which mounts securely behind the seat. It measures 12 inches x 16 inches x 11 inches and the top rails are made to accept MightyBolt accessories – no GearTrac necessary. It can hold three Plano 3700 Deep boxes.
Lefebre shows off his Yak Attack Kayak Crate, which mounts securely behind the seat. It measures 12 inches x 16 inches x 11 inches and the top rails are made to accept MightyBolt accessories – no GearTrac necessary. It can hold three Plano 3700 Deep boxes.
Purpose-built cords and clips lock the Kayak Crate securely to the hull.
Purpose-built cords and clips lock the Kayak Crate securely to the hull.
The clips on the Kayak Crate are tight enough for transport, but easy to flip off for crate access.
The clips on the Kayak Crate are tight enough for transport, but easy to flip off for crate access.
A lithium battery powers the Power-Pole Micro Anchor, which is attached to the stern of the Bonafide kayak.
A lithium battery powers the Power-Pole Micro Anchor, which is attached to the stern of the Bonafide kayak.
The Power-Pole Micro Anchor is great for parking the yak adjacent to cover.
The Power-Pole Micro Anchor is great for parking the yak adjacent to cover.
Lefebre stows and deploys the Power-Pole with this neck-worn fob.
Lefebre stows and deploys the Power-Pole with this neck-worn fob.
Lefebre also mounted a standard Power-Pole control switch directly to the kayak, which serves as backup.
Lefebre also mounted a standard Power-Pole control switch directly to the kayak, which serves as backup.
According to Lefebre, these floating Hawg Troughs are the No. 1 selling item at FishingOnline.com.
According to Lefebre, these floating Hawg Troughs are the No. 1 selling item at FishingOnline.com.
FishingOnline blackens the measuring lines and adds foam backing for additional float.
FishingOnline blackens the measuring lines and adds foam backing for additional float.
These rear skid plates save wear and tear while dragging, and they're replaceable for $12.99.
These rear skid plates save wear and tear while dragging, and they’re replaceable for $12.99.
If Lefebre's just driving a short distance, he'll leave many of his accessories attached.
If Lefebre’s just driving a short distance, he’ll leave many of his accessories attached.
While on tour, Lefebre carries his Kayak on the top rack of his truck. One-man loading is pretty easy.
While on tour, Lefebre carries his Kayak on the top rack of his truck. One-man loading is pretty easy.
When driving shorter distances, Lefebre simply pushes his kayak up into his truck bed. The 12-foot, 7-inch Bonafide SS127 sits perfectly fine on the standard-length truck bed and gate.
When driving shorter distances, Lefebre simply pushes his kayak up into his truck bed. The 12-foot, 7-inch Bonafide SS127 sits perfectly fine on the standard-length truck bed and gate.
Lefebre attaches a YakAttack ProGlo Flag Kit to the rear, which nests perfectly within the Fat Grip Retractable Stern Handle.
Lefebre attaches a YakAttack ProGlo Flag Kit to the rear, which nests perfectly within the Fat Grip Retractable Stern Handle.
Lefebre highly recommends cam-buckle straps, rather than ratchet straps, because it's easy to over-tighten ratchet straps, which can weaken or damage a kayak's hull.
Lefebre highly recommends cam-buckle straps, rather than ratchet straps, because it’s easy to over-tighten ratchet straps, which can weaken or damage a kayak’s hull.
Once at the water, Lefebre lowers the kayak out of the truck and onto the ramp. Again, the front and rear skids help protect the hull.
Once at the water, Lefebre lowers the kayak out of the truck and onto the ramp. Again, the front and rear skids help protect the hull.
Lefebre quickly re-mounts any gear that was detached prior to transport.
Lefebre quickly re-mounts any gear that was detached prior to transport.
Never forget the GoPro – it could capture the catch of a lifetime, or possibly a state or world record.
Never forget the GoPro – it could capture the catch of a lifetime, or possibly a state or world record.
The last step is to free the paddle from the Boss Strap and hop in.
The last step is to free the paddle from the Boss Strap and hop in.
You have to pick your days on Lake Erie, but it's a beautiful night for some kayak bassin'.
You have to pick your days on Lake Erie, but it’s a beautiful night for some kayak bassin’.
The colors of summer paint a Lake Erie canvas. The kayaker ventures forth in search of bronze bass.
The colors of summer paint a Lake Erie canvas. The kayaker ventures forth in search of bronze bass.
A quick switch of the rods and Lefebre's ready for some spybaiting – an effective presentation in the heat of late summer when you're looking to connect with bass scattered on flats.
A quick switch of the rods and Lefebre’s ready for some spybaiting – an effective presentation in the heat of late summer when you’re looking to connect with bass scattered on flats.
Lefebre's NRS Chinook lifevest is purposely designed to sit above the seatback. Makes a big difference in comfort.
Lefebre’s NRS Chinook lifevest is purposely designed to sit above the seatback. Makes a big difference in comfort.
The NRS Chinook zips firmly in front and includes stow pockets for gear.
The NRS Chinook zips firmly in front and includes stow pockets for gear.
Spybaiting a Lake Erie flat as prime time approaches.
Spybaiting a Lake Erie flat as prime time approaches.
Lefebre configured his seat position for a high ride, which gives him a commanding view of the fishing area.
Lefebre configured his seat position for a high ride, which gives him a commanding view of the fishing area.
The one-handed YakAttack Leverage Landing Net makes it easy to play the fish with one hand and net with the other.
The one-handed YakAttack Leverage Landing Net makes it easy to play the fish with one hand and net with the other.
Score! A nice smallie on a Storm Arashi Spinbait.
Score! A nice smallie on a Storm Arashi Spinbait.
Another score for the Arashi Spinbait.
Another score for the Arashi Spinbait.
Kayaking offers an intimate experience atop the water and against the sky – you feel every lap of water against the hull, the slightest rise of the smallest surface chop, and the gentle quiet of your favorite water.
Kayaking offers an intimate experience atop the water and against the sky – you feel every lap of water against the hull, the slightest rise of the smallest surface chop, and the gentle quiet of your favorite water.
Lefebre takes advantage of the Bonafide's standup functionality as he soaks in the breathtaking scene.
Lefebre takes advantage of the Bonafide’s standup functionality as he soaks in the breathtaking scene.
Throwing some final-light topwater and hoping for a blowup against the flooded, blood-orange sky.
Throwing some final-light topwater and hoping for a blowup against the flooded, blood-orange sky.
Lake Erie is stunningly different every day, and this trip the Great Lake didn't disappoint. They type of sky that almost makes us want to stop fishing for a moment to reflect. Almost.
Lake Erie is stunningly different every day, and this trip the Great Lake didn’t disappoint. They type of sky that almost makes us want to stop fishing for a moment to reflect. Almost.
To kayaker anglers everywhere: May all your trips be successful, and may you always arrive safely back at port.
To kayaker anglers everywhere: May all your trips be successful, and may you always arrive safely back at port.