Kenny Duplessis, Legend Brand Ambassador, and lifelong angler, gives us a look behind the curtains into his fishing expertise, where his passion for the water comes from, and his Legend Boats 16 XTE SC. 

Where the Passion Comes From

Kenny was born into the fishing and boating lifestyle. His dad has a love for the outdoors that he was excited to pass on to Kenny. As a result of growing up around the water, it became where Kenny goes when he needs fresh air. Nothing takes his mind off stressors in his life like fighting smallmouth bass! 

 

As with any teenager, Kenny did take a small break from his passion for the water to explore his love of music. However, it didn’t take him long to find his way back to his roots. This is why Kenny wants to teach his kids about being on the water – he knows just how special that connection to nature truly is. 

Generations of Knowledge 

Sharing your passions with your children is exciting – but it can be challenging if they aren’t interested. How does Kenny bypass this?

“I’ve just been bringing them for rides on the boat since they were young,” he says, “I try and only take them for small amounts of time, and I allow them to be independent so they can learn how to handle fishing without help.”

Kenny began taking each of his sons on the boat by the time they were 3 years old, and they were all fishing at the back of the boat by the time they were 5 years old. 

Recently, Kenny’s youngest has been especially interested in fishing. Kenny took him out from Hunter’s Bay Marine on Lake Nipissing. Within an hour, Milo caught 7 walleye, a massive drum, and 2 smallmouth bass – all reeled in on his own! 

“His excitement was something so special to me. I was able to film it and post it on YouTube to look back on!” 

 

Prepping for a Day on the Water

Planning is key! Kenny makes a game plan the night before he plans on going out. What’s included in this game plan? 

1. Checking out his maps and ensuring he knows exactly where he’s planning to go, and what fish he wants to target. 
2. Ensuring all of his fishing gear is functioning and where it needs to be.
3. Charging up his camera gear. 

 

In the morning before he hits the water, Kenny grabs his coffee, and some water, fills the 16 XTE SC with gas, and he’s on his way. 

While Kenny doesn’t have to prep for any superstitions, he has noticed a bit of a pattern when it comes to his fishing. If he ever catches a fish on his first cast, he knows that the rest of the day will be slow.   

Favourite Spot 

Lake Nipissing is Kenny’s favourite lake to take his 16 XTE SC on. He says this is because, depending on where you launch, it can be like fishing different lakes. Some areas, like the west arm of the lake, are shallow and grassy, this is where you can find largemouth bass. Other areas, like the south and north shores, are deep and rocky, and these are the areas where you can expect to see smallies. Pound for pound, smallmouth bass are the hardest fighters. This is why they’re Kenny’s favourite to target. However, largemouth bass are a close second. 

 

Since Lake Nipissing is so large, there are a few factors that go into deciding where to fish. First and foremost, Kenny takes into consideration the wind speed and direction.

“I like to be on the side of the lake that the wind is coming from, because it creates a sort of shelter from the big waves that will be coming across.”

Other factors that contribute to this decision are the fish that Kenny plans to target, and how long he plans to be on the water. 

 

Buddy System or Riding Solo?

“I definitely prefer to have a partner most days, I love sharing the excitement with a friend or family member when that drag starts to peel. Some days, when life gets busy, I do enjoy a solo trip to reset a little bit. There’s something so special about being on the water alone, especially on an early fall day.” 

Living La Vida Legend With His 16 XTE SC

What helped Kenny decide on a Legend Boat? The price and layout. 

 

“I look at every detail before I make a decision, and Legend makes it so easy for people to get out and afford to be on the water – and feel comfortable doing so.” 

Since the purchase of his Legend Boats 15 Angler in 2017, Kenny was hooked. A greater starter boat, the 15 Angler allowed Kenny to learn about navigating the waters and also hit the water without breaking the bank. Eventually in 2022, as his kids were getting bigger, Kenny decided to upgrade to a Legend Boats 16 XTE SC. Now that he was comfortable with navigating the waters, he knew it was time to take the next step. As an avid tournament angler, Kenny needed something to help him move quicker and would handle Lake Nipissing on rougher days. 

Kenny’s favourite thing about his 16 XTE SC is the size. 

 

“The width of the boat and free space makes it super easy to run around the boat and handle a fish with ease. It feels so much bigger than a 16-foot boat.” 

 

As for Legend Boats as a whole, Kenny enjoys the lineup. He appreciates the choosing power that customers have when it comes to layout, size, and affordability. Plus, he has enjoyed all of his interactions with Legend Boats staff members, saying

 

“The bonus favourite is the people that Legend has on staff. I’ve had nothing but positive experiences.”

Kenny leaves us with one big piece of advice, “Respect the water! It’s a beautiful thing but very dangerous. Anything can happen and nobody is above safety.”  

 

Thank you, Kenny, for sharing a glimpse into your life on the water.