Who
Is a Professional Kayak Fisherman?
For
the sake of this tournament, we are defining a Professional
Kayak Angler as someone who is sponsored by a fishing or
paddling oriented company, derives a portion of their income
from either fishing or paddling, has placed in the top three
in any fishing tournament (kayak or boat), or has been chosen
by a pro to be on his or her kayak fishing team. So if you
are a pro, you can invite any three people to be on a team.
If you are an amatuer and are invited to be on a pro kayak
fishing team in the tournament, then congratulations, you
are now a kayak fishing pro!
Special
Note: You cannot fish both tournaments! You can fish
the Amateur Tournament even if you qualify as a pro, but
this will make you ineligible for the pro event.
How
does a Team Tournament Work?
The
Teams will consist of four kayak anglers - no more, no less.
There will be a shotgun start, so all teams must be present
and leave by paddle power only from Matlacha Park. Obviously
good paddling skills and fast kayaks will be a great asset.
Teams may divide up once out on the water, but all four
team members must make it back for "weigh in"
at 3 pm. Anyone late will disqualify the whole team. Cell
phone use between team members will be permitted.
What
are we fishing for?
The
object for the four person team is to photograph the longest
"slam" which consists of one snook, one redfish,
and one seatrout. Since each team member will have his or
her own digital camera, The largest slam will consist of
the single largest of each species taken from the pool of
that team's photographed catches..
What
types of lures and bait can we use?
Only
artificial lures and flies will be allowed.. Scented baits
such as Berkely Gulp and Bass Assassin Slurp will be allowed,
but no live or cut bait will be permitted. Treble hooks
are permitted on lures, but we ask that you excersize caution
as these can be dangerous in a kayak.
How
do we keep our fish alive for weigh-in?
We
promote catch and release, so this is a "photo release"
tournament where every angler must provide his or her own
digital camera. Fish will be photographed against an official
measuring stick while out on the water. During "weigh-in"
we will download the images which will be viewable to all
on a large screen.
What
are the prizes?
Because this is a "Pro" tournament,
winners should get cash , right? All money collected from
the pro tournament, minus the cost of the T-shirts, will
be given back to the tournament. The amount of cash given
away will depend on how many teams we get. Also, we are
looking for a cash sponsor for the event to add even more
to the prize list. Depending on how many teams we get, the
tournament will pay up to third place. We will try to keep
you updated on the teams competing, sponsor info, and the
prize list.
Do
you have other questions regarding
either tournament?
E-mail
us!
CLICK
HERE
to view the Pro Team Rules
CLICK
HERE
to get an entry form!
CLICK
HERE
to go to the Amateur Tournament Page
The
Calusa Pro-Am
Kayak Fishing Tournament
is part of the
Calusa
Blueway Paddling Festival
Don't
miss this exciting,
week-long paddling event!!!
