2007 Tidewater Kayak Anglers Association Charity Fishing Tournament
By Cory Routh

Fish are photographed just like the flounder seen here from a sister kayak tournament in Jacksonville, FL.

On September 30th, kayak anglers from Maine to Texas will converge on the Tidewater area to compete in the regions largest kayak fishing tournament. Proceeds from this years event will go to Wish A Fish and Lynnhaven River 2007. Tournament Headquarters will be at the Lake Whitehurst Fishing Station in Norfolk, VA. This is a catch, photo, and release tournament. Fish must be photographed on the provided ruler, recorded and released unharmed. Rulers, score sheet and tournament designator will be provided at the September 30th captains meeting at 7pm. Fishing can begin at sunrise on the 30th. Photos and score sheets must be turned in by 4pm, and the awards and raffle will begin at 7pm.

This years format is digital, but disposable cameras will be available for those who do not own a digital camera. There are both open and flyfishing categories and the target species are red drum, spotted trout, summer flounder and striped bass. There will also be a largemouth bass division for those anglers who prefer sweetwater. Top prizes will go to the largest cumulative inches for Grand Slam (all four species) and Slam (three of the four species). Each slam division winners will go home with a new kayak.

There will also be individual species awards as well and each species winner will get a new Temple Fork Outfitters fishing rod. There also will be a raffle for great kayak fishing prizes. Last year there were over $20,000 in donated prizes. This year looks to be bigger and better. For more information go to the tournament link. Hope to see you there!

At right: Kayak angler with an early season puppy drum. Forecasts are good for the fall run of the target species.