Midwest Kayak Company: Built on Family, Community, and a Love for the Water
Every great kayak shop starts with a story — and for Midwest Kayak Company, that story is rooted in family, passion, and a genuine love for the outdoors.
Midwest Kayak Company was founded by James Faught, whose journey into kayak fishing began the way many anglers’ stories do: by rediscovering something that felt missing. James grew up bass fishing in Southeast Missouri, but for a time, life took him in a different direction. In his late teens and early adulthood, he traded rods for a shotgun and camera, traveling the world filming hunting shows. It was an incredible experience — but by 2019, after stepping away from life on the road, James felt the pull back to fishing.
This time, though, it was different.
Sliding into a fishing kayak opened up an entirely new world. From quiet local ponds to long days on Kentucky Lake and inshore waters along the Gulf Coast, kayak fishing reignited James’ connection to the water. It wasn’t just about catching fish — it was about the calm of gliding across the surface, the closeness to nature, and the camaraderie shared with fellow anglers.
That passion quickly turned into something bigger.
Before Midwest Kayak Company had a storefront, James was selling kayaks out of the back of his truck. On a vacation run to Alabama, he pre-sold eight kayaks in less than two weeks, hauled them home, and personally delivered each one. Then he did it again. And again. It didn’t take long to realize that Southeast Missouri needed a dedicated kayak shop — one built by anglers, for anglers.
Today, Midwest Kayak Company is anchored in downtown Cape Girardeau, just a block from the Mississippi River. Walk through the doors and you’ll find kayaks lined up, gear on the walls, and something you can’t manufacture: a welcoming, hometown feel. James runs the shop alongside his wife and their daughters, making Midwest Kayak Company a true family operation in every sense of the word.
And that family-first mindset carries over into everything they do.
Midwest Kayak Company’s mission goes far beyond selling kayaks and fishing gear. They’re committed to growing the sport of kayak fishing throughout the Midwest by building a strong, supportive community. Through education, hands-on rigging help, events, guided trips, and ongoing support, they help anglers at every stage — whether you’re buying your first kayak or dialing in a tournament-ready setup.
James will be the first to tell you that the shop isn’t really about boats or gear. It’s about people. It’s about locals discovering new water, swapping fishing stories, and feeling at home in a local shop that genuinely cares about their experience on the water.
That philosophy is exactly why Southern Illinois Kayak Club is proud to partner with Midwest Kayak Company for the 2026 season. Their commitment to family, community, and kayak fishing aligns perfectly with our values as a club.
When you support Midwest Kayak Company, you’re supporting a local, family-run business that pours back into the kayak fishing community every single day.
Stop by the shop, give them a follow, and experience what makes Midwest Kayak Company special.
Midwest Kayak Company
🌐 https://midwestkayakco.com
📍 Downtown Cape Girardeau, MO
