By: Dan Carns
A lot of my readers are saltwater anglers and with good reason. Open any map of Florida and just look at the endless opportunities there are to kayak fish. Bordered on the east coast by the Atlantic Ocean, to the west are the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and best of all are the estuaries and bays surrounding the state. But I challenge you to follow any estuary inland and not find a string of freshwater lakes, ponds and rivers overflowing with some, if not the best bass fisheries in America.
The Florida Kayak Bass Trail (FKBT) is excited to announce the return of their annual Kayak Fishing Tournament Series. I know fishing tournaments can be a bit intimidating, but this series hosted by Chris Bailey, Shawn Spears and Todd Quillin is geared more toward encouraging the sport and especially anyone new to the group. Last year, in its inaugural season there were over 70 members which is a tremendous turnout, and this year is on track to beat that number. Unlike many other tournament series there is a low-cost (per event) entry fee and a low-cost membership fee but a huge monthly payout to the top three winners including monthly raffles and giveaways at the post fishing meet ups. They are also an Ambassador Club of the KBF series. Many fishing tournaments are only once a year but what’s exciting about fishing a trial series is that you get to launch into those inland trophy waters and really get to hone your bass skills month after month.
The majority of these FKBT Tournament fisheries are located centrally across the state from Lake Okeechobee to just north of Orlando. While you may not be able to participate in all these events due to the location you only need to fish in five events to qualify for the final championship event. Angler of the Year (AOY) title will be awarded to the angler with the most points accrued during the season, so the more events that you participate in the more likely you are to take this title. Last year’s AOY won a Vanhunks Elite Pro Angler 13’ Peddle drive fishing kayak and I’m excited to announce that Vanhunks Boarding is returning as a primary sponsor. The growing list of supporting partners for this series includes a bunch of great companies including Dakota Lithium Batteries, Torrent Outdoors, Kayak Kushion, Ketch Boards, Rogue Fishing Co. just to name a few but not all.
Vanhunks Boarding plans to be at several of these events during the year. Our plan is to launch, film, and give anglers a chance to try our products on the water during or after the events conclude. Even if your new to Kayak fishing you should consider joining the Florida Kayak Bass Trail and I assure you that it will boost your skills and turbo charge your fishing experience.
Find info on Facebook or Instagram @floridakayakbasstrail
It’s A Wild World-Get Out There!
Dan Carns
@paddlinandfishin
