By Paul LebowitzFebruary 15, 2008 This year’s list of jackpots, derbies, tournaments, and mothership adventures adds up to a full slate of fun California’s array of exciting kayak fishing competitions and mothership adventures continues its growth spurt. 2008 will see Plastic Navy’s freshwater debut, the return of the popular Tournament Trail, and much more. Southern California’s premier contest is the Plastic Navy Tournament Trail Presented by Western Outdoor News, a four event pro-style saltwater bass fishing series. This year’s circuit visits Mission Bay (April 12), Newport Bay (June 21), Dana Point (Aug 16), and San Diego Bay (Oct 11). But first, join the fun as Plastic Navy dips a toe into the freshwater scene. March 15 marks the debut of the Irvine Lake Trout Experience, a stand-alone 3-heaviest fish contest. Get your kicks from monster fish? Then the La Jolla Kayak Fishing Sixth Annual Steve Moyer Memorial Kayak Fishing Tournament is your game. The venue – La Jolla’s famed kelp and submarine canyon - consistently rates as California’s best big fish spot for kayakers. The contest is staged during late summer’s prime when the winning fish never fail to impress. In recent years there’ve been white seabass pushing 50 lbs, yellowtail in the 30s, and halibut well over 20 lbs. La Jolla big-game fishing is deceptively simple. Anyone can troll a live bait and draw a monster bite. Do you feel lucky? In 2007 the prestigious event benefiting the American Cancer Society is set for Sept. 6. Expect big cash prizes, a well-stocked raffle, and a fun time with top talents in the kayak fishing scene. On the mothership front, the Islander heads south of the border, the Qualifier 105 continues to go long, and the Ocean Odyssey joins the mothership fleet. This year’s 1.5-day Islander offerings begin on April 25 with a special WON charter to San Clemente Island. The boat casts off lines for return visits May 2 and 16, then alters course toward Baja’s Todos Santos islands for a pair of pioneering trips on June 6 and 15. Book via OEX Kayak and Dive Center. The Q105 will offer the ultimate in long-range mothership action on a series of 3 to 8-day adventures. Six trips are scheduled between May 1 and Sept 15. Finally, the Ocean Odyssey joins with San Diego Kayak Adventures for a pair of 1.5-day jaunts (June 13 and Oct 10) to San Clemente or another exotic destination. Los Angeles based Baytubers are throwing their annual party on August 23 at San Pedro’s Cabrillo Beach. Now mostly on kayaks, the master halibut hunters’ Fifth Annual Big Summer Tournament offers a cool grand to the big fish winner. Odds are it’ll be a flatty. This fun-loving group also hosts monthly jackpots at rotating area launch sites. Southern California is a kayak fishing stronghold, but the central and northern environs of the state are gaining rapidly and boast their own exciting events. In Santa Cruz, Kayak Connection offers the next of their annual Father’s Day Derbies on June 15. If rockfish season is open, the tournament will return to its traditional Santa Cruz Harbor location. Otherwise, it’ll be a freshwater derby. Single largest legal sportfish wins. Northern California’s premier open water kayak fishing contest is held August 2 on Mendocino County’s challenging ocean. In addition to spectacular scenery, the Elk Rockfish Fiesta put on by the Great White Kayak Company offers competitors a weekend of camping and fishing in nearly virgin waters. The single largest fish from the rockfish / lingcod complex will win the day. Last year’s event benefited the Coastside Fishing Club. Monterey Bay Kayaks will launch its second annual kayak fishing contest on August 17. The tournament field will launch at normally placid Del Monte Beach in downtown Monterey. Halibut and rockfish are on the menu. For saltwater-style action inland, head north to Ukiah for Bendo at Mendo. The Great White Kayak Company’s freshwater circus on Lake Mendocino will target the lake’s quality striped bass on October 4.
NORCAL GETS INTO THE FUN – Bill Pennington shows off a fine lingcod caught at the 2007 Elk Rockfish Fiesta. The 2008 contest is set for August 2. |
AND THEY’RE OFF! – The 2008 schedule is chock full of kayak fishing action. One highlight is the Plastic Navy Tournament Trail Presented by Western Outdoor News, a 4-event saltwater bass series. Action kicks off at Mission Bay on April 12.
BIG TOURNAMENT, BIG FISH – Larry Laumann with the 31-lb yellowtail that carried the day at the 2007 La Jolla Kayak Fishing Moyer Memorial. This year’s edition benefiting the American Cancer Society is set for Sept 6. PHOTO COURTESY LARRY LAUMANN |
