Kayak fishing is rising in recognition, with anglers embracing the liberty and problem of fishing from a one-person, transportable vessel. And, for individuals who need to take their ardour to the subsequent degree, event kayak fishing affords an thrilling and aggressive solution to check your expertise, meet like-minded anglers, and probably win large. Whether or not you’re a seasoned fisherman or somebody simply beginning, kayak fishing tournaments are accessible and rewarding.
To make clear how one can get entangled in event kayak fishing, I spoke with three skilled kayak anglers: Casey Reed from Virginia, Wendy Biles from Florida, and Duc Tran from Texas. These three are veterans within the aggressive kayak fishing group, competing in native, regional, and nationwide occasions. Right here’s what they needed to say in regards to the sport, the tournaments, and suggestions for novices seeking to get began.
What to Count on in a Kayak Fishing Event
For those who’ve by no means competed in a kayak fishing event, it’s pure to surprise what the expertise will probably be like. In accordance with Casey, Wendy, and Duc, the kayak fishing group is welcoming and supportive, particularly for newcomers.
Duc, a longtime director of the North Texas Kayak Membership and Texas Bass Nation, mentions that kayak anglers are sometimes extra keen to share suggestions and methods in comparison with boat anglers. “The kayak group is actually about serving to one another, even whenever you’re competing. It’s about educating, studying, and enhancing collectively,” he says.
Wendy, a event angler primarily based in Florida, provides that the friendships and camaraderie constructed by way of these occasions are simply as rewarding because the competitors. “Successful is a aim, however the friendships and fellowship are the perfect a part of event fishing,” she says.
How Do Kayak Tournaments Work?
Kayak tournaments are usually totally different from conventional boat tournaments. Most kayak tournaments observe a Catch-Picture-Launch (CPR) format. Fairly than weighing fish, opponents measure them and submit pictures for scoring. The method is easy: catch a fish, take a photograph of it on a measuring board, and submit it by way of a event app.
The important thing right here is the size of the fish, not the load. “You don’t have a stay effectively in a kayak, so the fish are launched proper again into the water, which is best for the fish and conservation,” explains Casey. This setup will not be solely extra sustainable but in addition much less nerve-racking on the fish in comparison with conventional boat tournaments the place fish are sometimes held in stay wells for lengthy intervals.
In kayak tournaments, you usually catch as much as 5 fish for the day, and your greatest 5 rely towards your complete size for the competitors. What makes it much more thrilling is that in the event you catch an even bigger fish after you’ve already logged 5, the app will mechanically change the smallest fish with the brand new larger one, guaranteeing you will have the absolute best rating.
Prizes and Rewards
Many anglers are drawn to tournaments by the potential for money prizes. Native tournaments might provide modest winnings of $200–$500, however on the regional or nationwide degree, the stakes are a lot increased. Casey shares that high finishes in nationwide tournaments can reward anglers with prizes starting from $5,000 to $20,000.
But it surely’s not all in regards to the money—there’s additionally a wealth of extra rewards, from high-quality rods and reels to fishing gear. “It’s wonderful to see the expansion of kayak fishing over time, particularly with extra sponsors and prizes accessible. Some occasions even have random prize drawings for anglers who didn’t win, which makes for some actually enjoyable moments,” Duc says.
Gear You Have to Get Began
Whereas some anglers make investments closely in high-end gear, you don’t want a top-of-the-line setup to get began. “At a minimal, you want a superb fishing kayak, a measuring board, a PFD (private flotation gadget), and a telephone with a digicam,” explains Casey. A easy, dependable kayak with a paddle or foot pedals is enough to start out. You’ll be able to at all times add extras, like electronics, as you develop into extra skilled.
Wendy factors out that, “You don’t have to have the perfect devices immediately. You’ll be able to nonetheless carry out effectively with primary gear—many anglers in my native membership don’t even use fish finders and nonetheless place within the high spots.”
For these seeking to fish safely in low-light circumstances, Casey recommends including a 360-degree gentle or a navigational gentle.
Discovering Native, Regional, and Nationwide Tournaments
For those who’re questioning the place to search out kayak fishing tournaments, the excellent news is they’re all over the place! Begin by becoming a member of your native bass golf equipment, which could be simply discovered by doing a fast on-line search. These golf equipment typically set up common occasions, that are nice alternatives to get your toes moist within the aggressive scene.
You may also use apps like Fishing Chaos or TournyX to find tournaments close to you. These apps record each native and nationwide occasions, and you’ll filter primarily based on the kind of fishing you’re fascinated by (bass, redfish, striped bass, and so forth.).
For those who’re uncertain whether or not event kayak fishing is for you, beginning with smaller, native occasions is a good way to see if it matches your type. You’ll be able to at all times construct your method as much as larger, nationwide competitions as you enhance your expertise.
How Event Fishing Makes You a Higher Angler
Some of the important advantages of collaborating in tournaments is the advance you’ll see in your fishing expertise. For Casey, it’s all about time on the water. “The extra you fish, the higher you get. You be taught new methods for various kinds of water, and also you get to see how totally different fisheries react at totally different instances of the yr.”
Wendy echoes this sentiment, including that the kayak fishing group may be very open about sharing info and methods. “Folks love to speak about what labored for them. The sharing of data is unimaginable,” she says.
For Duc, touring to new places and studying find out how to fish totally different our bodies of water has been invaluable. “You be taught a lot about bass conduct and find out how to learn water whenever you journey. It’s nice to see how event anglers break down new waters and adapt shortly,” he says.
Memorable Moments
Each event brings distinctive reminiscences. For Wendy, one in every of her most memorable experiences got here throughout a difficult occasion when she caught her large bass within the remaining minutes of the event, securing a win and “the massive bass” award. She encourages others to by no means hand over: “You by no means know what may occur in these previous few minutes.”
For Casey, successful Angler of the 12 months throughout his first membership season was a milestone that motivated him to maintain fishing and competing. And for Duc, his first expertise on the KBF Nationwide Championship was unforgettable. “The sheer variety of anglers and the camaraderie there actually opened my eyes to the potential of this sport,” he says.
Strive Event Kayak Fishing!
Event kayak fishing is a enjoyable, difficult, and rewarding solution to take your fishing expertise to the subsequent degree. With a welcoming group, a easy setup to get began, and the potential for important prizes, there’s by no means been a greater time to present it a strive. Whether or not you begin native and work your method up, or dive right into a nationwide competitors, the world of event kayak fishing is stuffed with alternatives to develop, meet nice individuals, and perhaps even stroll away with a money prize!
So, are you prepared to present event kayak fishing a shot? Discover a native membership, get your gear collectively, and we’ll see you out on the water!
