By: Dan Carns
The 2026 Calusa Blueway Kayak Slam Tournament is returning to Southwest Florida and it includes some great changes.
First and foremost, this tournament will once again be headquartered on the water at The Venue at Matlacha, a unique waterfront experience within the walls of their art gallery. Curated date nights, intimate gatherings and creative event space. Their location will also feature an on the water ramp and parking if your planning to launch in Matlacha! The Venue has graciously offered their new waterfront location and facilities for the Captain’s meeting and the final weigh-in.
Next is a long-awaited change that the kayaking community has asked for and is included in virtually all tournaments now. Electric motors will be allowed for the first time and this change will raise the bar in terms of bringing in a bunch of talent and raise attendance significantly. As many of you already know this is the longest running and most popular S.W. Florida kayak fishing tournament. If you are a kayak angler this is the crown jewel of the Lee County Calusa Blueway Kayak Trial featuring over a hundred and ninety miles of trail with countless access points from Estero Bay, the Caloosahatchee, Pine Island Sound up to Charlotte harbor and the Matlacha Aquatic Preserve. I recommend singing up early as this tournament will be limited to the first one hundred paid anglers and that number was almost breached at the last tournament.
Another exciting first, a local tackle company, Florida Fishing Products will be the tournaments Diamond Tittle Sponsor. This local gear company offers quality rods and reels geared directly towards the amazing saltwater fishery we call home. Not only have they made an enormous financial donation as the Diamond Tittle sponsor, they are also donating their quality products to the various tournament winners.
We have an array of companies who have signed on as additional sponsors including but not limited to Lehr’s Economy Tackle, Wyze Guyz Tackle, a custom-built rod by Paul Bandola and donated by Fishin-dips Guide Service, Honest Auto and Air Conditioning, FFI Contracting and returning Sponsor VanhunksUSA is donating one of their Tiderunner Kayaks from the new Ocobee Outdoor line.
Of course, this has always been a benefit tournament and this year’s lucky recipient is the Christian Life Academy. The proceeds from this tournament are going directly towards the creation of a marine vocational program for local students to train future marine mechanics, technicians and associated marine tradecraft as well as responsible maritime stewardship.
A few reminders, tournament fishing burns an amazing amount of energy so snack often and drink plenty of water to keep your energy level up. Have a backup location in mind if you arrive at the launch and either the conditions are poor or there are too many people headed to your spot. Call ahead for bait and don’t forget to leave plenty of time to return to the weigh-in location!
It’s A Wild World-Get Out There!
@paddlinandfishin
Dan Carns