By LARRY VAUGHT

Contributing Writer

 

Growing up in Paintsville, Kash Daniel was a three-sport standout and now has become a starting linebacker at Kentucky. However, he’s never lost his love for fishing.

“I have fished as long as I can remember. I hunt when I can, but fishing is always on my mind. I love fishing and that’s always been my thing,” Daniel said.

Daniel says there are a lot of things he cannot control in football, or life. Fishing helps compensate for that.

“When I am not fishing, I am this guy so full of energy and enthusiasm. That’s just how I go about things,” Daniel said. “Fishing for me is that counter balance. No cell service. It’s just the boat, the fishing rod and the birds chirping.

“Fishing can be stressful. It can be very competitive. I started fishing when I was just a little guy and have done tournament fishing since I was about 7 or 8.”

Daniel even grew up watching professional fishermen on television and even thought about one day being a pro angler.