By: Mike Hammond
It is back! After a one-year hiatus, the Calusa Blueway Kayak Fishing Tournament has returned and is poised to be the biggest event yet. The 2026 Calusa Blueway Kayak Fishing Tournament will kick off with a Captain’s Meeting on Friday, Nov. 13, followed by the tournament on Saturday, Nov. 14.
After running the tournament for many years through the pandemic and hurricanes, Gulf Coast Kayak has turned over the reins to Eddie Suarez, who is bringing some exciting changes and new energy to the event.
One of the biggest changes is the return to Matlacha. For the first time since Hurricane Ian, the tournament headquarters, Captain’s Meeting and awards celebration will be held at The Venue at Matlacha. Locals will recognize the property as Gulf Coast Kayak’s pre-Ian neighbor. The space looks amazing and will even allow anglers to launch directly from the site.
The tournament will also be capped at 100 anglers this year. In the past, many people registered at the Captain’s Meeting, but there is a real possibility that the tournament will be full well before tournament weekend. We’ve already had early registrations from out of state.
If you are considering registering, please don’t wait too long. Turning away our friends at the Captain’s Meeting is not how I’d like to start the event!
There is another significant change this year: electric motors will be allowed on kayaks. I liked being one of the last remaining human-powered-only tournaments, but I think this change makes the event more inclusive and is a positive step for the tournament.
Anglers will still be chasing the same three iconic Southwest Florida inshore species for a slam and big prize money: redfish, snook and spotted seatrout. The tournament will take place throughout the waters surrounding the Great Calusa Blueway, bringing anglers back to the waterways that have made this event such a special part of Southwest Florida’s fishing community for more than two decades.
This year’s tournament also has a new purpose beyond the competition. Proceeds will benefit Christian Life Academy and its effort to launch a marine vocational program for local students. The program will help train future marine mechanics, technicians and skilled tradespeople right here in Southwest Florida.
It’s great to see this tournament come back, and even better to see it return to Matlacha. There are some changes, some new energy and a lot to look forward to.
After everything Southwest Florida and the fishing community have been through, it feels like the Calusa Blueway Kayak Fishing Tournament is coming home.
100 anglers. Three species. One great weekend on the water.
I hope to see you there!
Visit calusabluewaytournament.com for registration and additional info.