Kayak fishing tournaments

[efishnc]

Personally, though I knew such fishing existed, I never knew there were any tournaments (let alone a series) based on kayak fishing.  Just checking on thoughts of those in the forum... is this borderline crazy, or is it a display of exceptional bass fishing?

[Lines]

Back in the late 70s and early 80s, us low lifes, not being able to afford fancy bass boats, had our own jon boat bass tournaments.
I grew up in St. Joseph, MO, so the lakes we fished were Lake Contrary, Cameron Reservoir, and Grindstone. Trolling motors and oars were the only means of propulsion allowed. We had a blast. Kayaks were not big back then as they are now, but they would have been allowed in our circle. Canoes were used by some. The tournaments were quiet for for the most part outside of a loud woohoo from someone hanging a monster. Good times!

[basscatlildave]

It's not crazy. Chad Hoover from Kayak Bassin has pushed it to where you could make a living fishing these. I enjoy Yak fishing because I'll get in places that nobody goes in. I tried a 6 mouth tourney a couple of years ago and it was fun. It was for all kinds of species and you had your locations turned on on your phone so it showed that you caught the fish in public waters. You summited thru an app and I sent some in. I work so much that when I checked the rankings I could not believe the folks that put fish in everyday. I didn't win anything but enjoyed the whole deal.

[Lamar]

  Several years ago I would see a few kayaks now and then but now I see a dozen or better every time I go out. It's become really big here in Ohio. Some of them have motors and all kinds of electronics on them. I'm cool with it. We're all just out fishing and enjoying the outdoors. The ones I don't like are the jet skies and the big boats that wake board with the loud boom boxes.

[hawgthumper]

Believe me, it’s for real. I’ve been fishing kayak tournaments since 2013. Now there’s multiple trails to choose from. KBF, Hobie Bass Open Series and now even BASSMASTER has their own tour. That’s just the big 3. There’s numerous smaller local trails and clubs. These folks can fish too. Many have moved from bass boats to kayaks. It’s an absolute blast. Give it a try!

[Rich]

I fish the Mississippi river a lot and back waters I got conformed by a guy a guy in a kayag and he said I was going to fast past  him and every one knows the fasted get up to trim you make less  wake for you make for other boater than going you go the less wake you make for every one you go past. 

[Agronomist_at_ia]

  Several years ago I would see a few kayaks now and then but now I see a dozen or better every time I go out. It's become really big here in Ohio. Some of them have motors and all kinds of electronics on them. I'm cool with it. We're all just out fishing and enjoying the outdoors. The ones I don't like are the jet skies and the big boats that wake board with the loud boom boxes.

My guess is that the kayaks are so popular anymore is due to the cost. A person can get a kayak for $150. Never really seen many around here…then Walmart started sell kayaks for $250…..then some other stores…now a lot of stores sell then and it’s pretty common on ponds, gravel pits, rivers, and small lakes. I almost bought one, but pulled out the old 12ft John boat and fixed it up…works great fishing ponds.

[hawgthumper]

  Several years ago I would see a few kayaks now and then but now I see a dozen or better every time I go out. It's become really big here in Ohio. Some of them have motors and all kinds of electronics on them. I'm cool with it. We're all just out fishing and enjoying the outdoors. The ones I don't like are the jet skies and the big boats that wake board with the loud boom boxes.

Lamar, where are you in Ohio?  I live in southern Ohio about 50 miles East of Cincinnati. I’m one of the guys with all the electronics and motor on my kayak.

[efishnc]

My "boat" from my late teens into my early 20s was a float tube, so I generally know what it's like to be intimate with the fish.  I really like the idea of 'yak tourneys because it leads to more dedicated fishing of where the fisherman is at vice running from spot to spot with a big boat; basically, I think it better highlights the skill of the fisherman since running is less of an option... I never thought this could/would ever evolve into a legit high end competition (until just recently).

[Lamar]

Lamar, where are you in Ohio?  I live in southern Ohio about 50 miles East of Cincinnati. I’m one of the guys with all the electronics and motor on my kayak.

  I live in Mansfield. My home lake is Clearfork.