Curious about Kayak Fishing Tournaments

[KnightAngler]

Hey guys,

 

So I was interested in getting into some kayak fishing tournaments, specifically the Mid-Atlantic Kayak Bass Fishing Series. However, I've never fished in a tournament before and I don't have the means to upgrade from my entry level kayak.

 

I was just curious for some pointers as to what's expected. I understand how the rules and everything works, but will I stick out like a sore thumb in my Future Beach Cayman from Dick's? Does everyone usually use fish finders in tournaments?

 

Also curious as to basic strategy. Is prefishing the body of water essential? Should I hold up and camp a spot as soon as I catch my first fish?

 

Tips, tricks, and advice is much appreciated.

[J Francho]

Nobody cares what you run, when you deliver the goods and catch.

[Alan Reed]

I fish kayak tournaments (currently three different series) and I can tell you that never once have I heard anyone say anything about someone showing up in an inexpensive kayak. 

We've all been there. I started out fishing from a sub $200 kayak from Menards. I caught fish and that is what mattered. 

A lot of people run depth finders but others don't. One of the best kayak fisherman I know does fish with a depth finder and is consistently near the top of the standings.

 

[Jimmyb819]

I currently fish from a $100 Craigslist kayak, no tournaments yet but I'd like to try sometime. As far as the fish finder goes, it certainly is another great tool in any fisherman's arsenal but if you don't know how to use it effectively or confidently then it would just slow you down. I've had mine out three times and I've spent 90% of my time just paddling and working the sonar without even a cast. I certainly wouldn't try to use it if a tournament was on the line, don't have any confidence in it yet!

 

My advice would be to fish the tournament exactly how you'd fish for fun and not overthink anything. Work on finding the pattern and then stick to it as long as it produces. Pre fishing certainly can't hurt as long as you follow the tournament guidelines!

[Turkey sandwich]

These things are all tools, but you don't need them.  Does it help to have more features? Of course, but they aren't necessary to do well/learn.  I fished for years without a sonar and it forced me to learn to read maps and contours/how the landscape continues under water, and learn to feel cover and structure with bottom contact baits.  It's also a good way to learn how to fish shallow, and pick apart the visible stuff.  I won a charity tournament this past weekend pitching shoreline cover.  You don't need a $3000 boat to roll cast a jig into visible cover.  

[hoosierbass07]

The kayak tournaments I've seen online seem to include kayaks that you paddle and peddle.  To me that is totally unfair and the peddle people should be in their own class or kicked out.  There is no way I'm going to compete with people who are peddling around and casting while I have to paddle and cast from my kayak.  

[J Francho]

The problem is head count.  I agree, when you get more than 25 boats, divisions would be a better idea.  Though, I've beaten even electric guys with just a paddle.

[JoePhish]

I've won tournaments fishing out of a sub $500 yak using a $10 rod with a $20 reel rigged with a $4/bag soft plastic. Don't be intimidated by the guys in their $3000 yaks. Just fish what you fish. 

 

As for pre-fishing, I like to get to know a little bit about where I'm fishing so I tend to scout out areas before tournament day. 

 

[J Francho]

Prefishing and practice are key to success in any tournament.

[Alan Reed]

6 hours ago, hoosierbass07 said:

The kayak tournaments I've seen online seem to include kayaks that you paddle and peddle.  To me that is totally unfair and the peddle people should be in their own class or kicked out.  There is no way I'm going to compete with people who are peddling around and casting while I have to paddle and cast from my kayak.  

I'm from the same area as you and I can tell you that the biggest kayak series in the State allows both howeve if you look at the results and the kayak they use of the two events this year with 71 and 54 anglers respectively on big waters a paddler has one both events and the last event the top 3 were all paddlers.

Pedalling doesn't make up for skill and preparation.