By Paul Lebowitz

December 21, 2007

Kayak anglers get their own slice of the OBB pie.

SAN DIEGO – San Diego Bay is terrific kayak territory. The guys and gals who fish from the plastic fantastic have been doing a number on the bay’s bass for years.

They’ve also been knocking at the door of the Big Bay’s biggest 1-day fishing contest, the San Diego Anglers’ Open Bay Bass Tournament. While the odd kayaker has gone head to head with the powerboat field from time to time, the rules made for a distinctly uneven playing field.

No more. At the 2008 OBB contest set for Jan 19 at Shelter Island, OEX Dive and Kayak Centers is sponsoring a new standalone division with rules customized for kayak fishermen.

KAYAK DIVISION ADDED – For the first time, the 2008 edition of the SD Anglers Open Bay Bass tournament will welcome a full field of kayak competitors. The Jan 19 event will feature a stand-alone contest for the people-powered flotilla.

“We’re very excited to be involved,” OEX president Brent Torgeson stated.  “This is the most prestigious fishing tournament in San Diego and the fact that they’ve added a kayak fishing division speaks volumes about the growth of this sport.”

In true OBB tradition, entry to the new kayak division is strictly limited and expected to sell out. The 50 who get in will pay $60 for tournament entry plus an optional $20 jackpot and $5 day-of halibut pot. The placement prizes are cash money: $1,002 for the heaviest 3-bass tournament string, $750 for 2nd, and $500 for 3rd.