By Paul Lebowitz

April 27, 2007

With jackpots, derbies, tournaments and event series, the world of kayak fishing offers fun competition across the Golden State

California’s array of fun and spirited kayak fishing competitions is growing fast. As the sport continues its meteoric rise in popularity, the list of can’t miss events is lengthening to match. 

One highlight is the Plastic Navy Tournament Trail Presented by Western Outdoor News, a six event pro-style saltwater bass fishing series. The first contest on sunny San Diego’s Mission Bay drew a record-breaking crowd of 220 fish-hungry kayak anglers.

Eddie Howerton topped the field to earn over $2,100 cash and seize an early lead in the race for Lowrance Electronics Angler of the Year. The other 219 competitors weren’t disappointed. They were treated to a day of bay bass action, a tasty Mexican food feast, and a raffle that went on for hours.

Action in the biggest saltwater bass series anywhere resumes at Newport Bay on June 2, during Southwind Kayak Center’s Paddlesports Expo at the Newport Dunes Resort. The angler who catches and releases the heaviest 5-fish tournament stringer will take home a big bundle of cash. Later events visit Southern California kayak fishing hot spots La Jolla Shores (July 14), Dana Point (Sept. 15), Newport again (Oct. 27), and San Diego Bay (Dec. 8). With major sponsors such as Lowrance Electronics, Okuma, Pure Fishing, Quantum and Rapala, the Tournament Trail is taking kayak fishing to the big time.

Looking for more bass-catching fun? The San Diego Sailing Center pioneered the catch and release kayak bass fishing concept on Mission Bay.  This summer’s offerings include the One Design Challenge on May 20. All competitors must paddle Cobra Fish N Dive kayaks.

Get your kicks from monster fish? Then the La Jolla Kayak Fishing Fifth 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. 8. Expect big cash prizes, a well-stocked raffle, and a fun time with top talents in the kayak fishing scene.

West Coast Whoppers, a year-long big fish contest hosted by Big Waters Edge, is mixing it up a bit for the third annual tussle.

This year’s race starts with a bang on May 19 at the WCW Kick-Off Contest at La Jolla Shores. When the dust from that 1-day derby settles, the fun will just be getting started. Look for monthly prizes to spice up action. The top 20 finishers will get a golden ticket to the WCW Invitational Tournament in 2008. WCW benefits the Hubbs – Sea World White Seabass project.

OFF AND SPRINTING – The 2007 kayak fishing event schedule is off to a sizzling start. Plastic Navy drew a record-setting 220 fish-hungry kayakers to Mission Bay in April.

FIVE OF THESE BEAUTIES EQUALS BIG MONEY – The Plastic Navy Tournament Trail Presented by Western Outdoor News is taking kayak fishing into the big time. Catching and releasing saltwater bass like this 3-lb spotty held by Jan Beaver can earn prize money into the thousands.

TWIN ‘TAILS AT MOYER MEMORIAL – La Jolla Kayak Fishing’s Steve Moyer Memorial plays out on California’s big-game center stage. Every year anglers such as Scott Sherman weigh yellowtail, halibut and white seabass at the event that ranks as kayak fishing’s Big Game.

In Malibu, Kayak Sportfishing is looking to crown a king. The Malibu Big Kahuna Jackpot Series kicked off in April at legendary Malibu Surfrider Beach. As spring moves into summer the contest paddles up the gorgeous and fishy Malibu coast to Corral Canyon Beach (May 12) and Leo Carillo State Beach (June 16). The points and pounds-based jackpot series is the first Malibu competition in years. Interest is running high and space in the 50 kayak field going fast.

Los Angeles based Baytubers are throwing their annual party on August 18 at San Pedro’s Cabrillo Beach. Now mostly on kayaks, the master halibut hunters’ Fourth Annual Big Summer Tournament offers a cool grand to the big fish winner. Odds are it’ll be a flatty.

In Central California, kayak anglers have more competitions than ever. The Third Annual Half Moon Bay Derby hosted by NorCal Kayak Anglers offers a shot at fat, razor-toothed lingcod and plump rockfish. This year’s June 10 contest out of Half Moon Bay Kayak Company contest benefits the American Sportfishing Association.

In Santa Cruz, Kayak Connection offers the next of their annual Father’s Day Derbies on June 17. Rockfish season will be open, so the tournament will likely return to its traditional Santa Cruz Harbor location. Single largest legal sportfish wins. 

Monterey Bay Kayaks will launch its first kayak fishing contest in mid-August. The tournament field will launch at normally placid Del Monte Beach in downtown Monterey. Halibut and rockfish are on the menu. 

San Francisco Bay’s huge Paddlefest is home to an interesting and unique derby targeting sharks. Sharkfest 2007 is pegged for Sept. 22. Catch and release is strongly encouraged.