Any interest in an online BR kayak/canoe tourney? 2024

E. Guido Soda reply :

I'm pretty new here, so this may have been done before, but I was wondering if anyone would be interested in an online kayak/canoe tournament one weekend? In case there is interest, we use the following rules in our local tourneys:

- fishing out of a canoe / kayak / other man-powered craft (Bass Raider, etc.) - no electronic propulsion of any kind; Hobie Mirage and other pedal driven / paddle crafts are fine

- three fish stringer

- stringer is tallied by aggregate *length* of all three fish. Fish must be pictured in a ruler, belly facing the angler, mouth snug against the left edge of the ruler. A popular ruler is the Hawg Trough: https://www.google.com/search?biw=1366&bih=667&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=hawg+trough+fish+ruler&oq=hawg+trough&gs_l=img.1.1.0l5j0i24l5.66507.68269.0.69757.11.9.0.2.2.0.192.1064.0j8.8.0....0...1c.1.64.img..1.10.1092.Y8_l2NlCr-Q but you can use whatever.

- token-based system; the night before the tournament, a unique word or phrase is sent out to all participants - the token must be printed out and visible in full in each picture (ours are laminated and on a lanyard for safe keeping)

- the kayak / canoe / whatever must also be partially visible in the pictures

- artificial lures only & foul hooks don't count - honor system!

- one line maximum in the water at any given time and no trolling

- tournaments around here allow bank fishing as long as the kayak is within sight while fishing; I personally don't like this rule, but I'm not 100% opposed to it

- public waterways only, no private ponds / lakes

- black bass species only; LMB, SMB, spotted - though since we don't get smallies down here (Central Alabama) and some folks don't get spots, we could limit it to LMB's - whatever works

- fishing from first safe light to last safe light; locally we only do FSL to 3:00 or so, but since we won't have a captain's meeting or a "weigh-in", I say you can fish all day if you want

- pictures due in by Sunday 9:00 PM CST

- don't post pictures until after the tournament when all pictures and results will be tallied and posted

That's all I can think of right now, though I'm sure there is more - is anyone interested in something like this??

-EGS

Bluebasser86 reply :

Assuming this is just a bragging rights type thing?

How is a guy like me in Kansas going to compete with a guy in Texas or Florida where they're hoping to cull what would be a kicker here?

Preytorien reply :

On 2/23/2016 at 3:57 PM, Bluebasser86 said:

Assuming this is just a bragging rights type thing?

How is a guy like me in Kansas going to compete with a guy in Texas or Florida where they're hoping to cull what would be a kicker here?

True dat....here in Indiana I've seen 10lb/5fish limits blow everyone else out of the water. Sometimes that's a single fish in the southern states.

Maybe if it were regionally specific, but like Clayton said, you can't expect size/length limits to be equally fair across the country.

Add to that the fact that there's still a lot of us northern folks that JUST recently had ice out, some in the far north/northeast STILL have ice. Of course if you're talking May/June-ish that wouldn't be a factor. But you'll need to also factor in regional temperatures and weather patterns.

Point is, the only way to have a level playing field is to have everyone on the same body of water.

E. Guido Soda reply :

Handicap 'em, Just something to do, I guess...

E. Guido Soda reply :

On 2/23/2016 at 10:17 PM, Preytorien said:

True dat....here in Indiana I've seen 10lb/5fish limits blow everyone else out of the water. Sometimes that's a single fish in the southern states.

Maybe if it were regionally specific, but like Clayton said, you can't expect size/length limits to be equally fair across the country.

Add to that the fact that there's still a lot of us northern folks that JUST recently had ice out, some in the far north/northeast STILL have ice. Of course if you're talking May/June-ish that wouldn't be a factor. But you'll need to also factor in regional temperatures and weather patterns.

Point is, the only way to have a level playing field is to have everyone on the same body of water.

I wholeheartedly disagree, we do city/county-wide tournaments all the time with fishing permitted on any public body of water - and it isn't like this is for cash or prizes, it's just a thing I thought may have garnered some interest. However, based on the two responses, both in the negative, I guess that isn't the case. No big deal; to quote Ty Webb, I guess I'll just have to keep beating myself.

Preytorien reply :

On 2/24/2016 at 5:16 AM, E. Guido Soda said:

I wholeheartedly disagree, we do city/county-wide tournaments all the time with fishing permitted on any public body of water - and it isn't like this isn't for cash or prizes, it's just a thing I thought may have garnered some interest. However, based on the two responses, both in the negative, I guess that isn't the case. No big deal; to quote Ty Webb, I guess I'll just have to keep beating myself.

Hey everytime I fish I'm fishing a Bassmaster Classic in my head. Ha!

Bluebasser86 reply :

On 2/24/2016 at 5:16 AM, E. Guido Soda said:

I wholeheartedly disagree, we do city/county-wide tournaments all the time with fishing permitted on any public body of water - and it isn't like this is for cash or prizes, it's just a thing I thought may have garnered some interest. However, based on the two responses, both in the negative, I guess that isn't the case. No big deal; to quote Ty Webb, I guess I'll just have to keep beating myself.

I wasn't trying to be negative, it sounds like a lot of fun. It was a legitimate question because it's not a level playing field by any stretch of the imagination. We've had tournaments here with 3 boats during our Thursday night tournaments so if you come up with a way to level it out, and as long as it's just for bragging rights, I'd do it.

lecisnith reply :

Maybe instead of weight or length just make it a simple numbers tournament. I can catch 15 smallmouth in Northern Michigan just as easily as Sonny Jim can catch 15 largemouth in Alabama. But most of them will be under 15 inches and less than three pounds.

Bluebasser86 reply :

On 2/24/2016 at 8:17 PM, lecisnith said:

Maybe instead of weight or length just make it a simple numbers tournament. I can catch 15 smallmouth in Northern Michigan just as easily as Sonny Jim can catch 15 largemouth in Alabama. But most of them will be under 15 inches and less than three pounds.

I have lakes by me that I can do 50+ in a half day without really trying.

We've done the big bass contest on here where it's whoever catches the biggest fish as compared to the state record where it was caught. Example, state record is 10 pounds, you catch a 6 pounder, your fish was 60% of the state record. That's about the fairest way I could see doing it. If you wanted to do the highest average percentage of someone's top 5 fish, that might work.

lecisnith reply :

On 2/24/2016 at 8:26 PM, Bluebasser86 said:

I have lakes by me that I can do 50+ in a half day without really trying.

We've done the big bass contest on here where it's whoever catches the biggest fish as compared to the state record where it was caught. Example, state record is 10 pounds, you catch a 6 pounder, your fish was 60% of the state record. That's about the fairest way I could see doing it. If you wanted to do the highest average percentage of someone's top 5 fish, that might work.

That sounds reasonable.

E. Guido Soda reply :

The format is immaterial to me, quite frankly. I just think it would be something interesting and fun to do while you're out on the water anyway. Though I am partial to simple length; you could give certain regions extra fish - northern regions get five, Midwest four, southern three, western regions get 1/2 a fish seeing what they're bringing out these days. But at the end of the day, it doesn't matter - it's just something to do.

Are the other rules agreeable?

Bluebasser86 reply :

I think all the rest of the rules are pretty standard tournament rules, minus the getting out of the boat rule, which I really don't have an issue with. I've never done a length format tournament since I've just begun fishing from a kayak but again have no issues with it since it's just for fun.

buzzed bait reply :

most online tournaments do some weird math formula that calculates the state record and then assigns some handicap based on that.... being that i live and fish in GA (world record) i never enter those tournaments because of the ridiculous handicap they assign to this state!

fun idea no doubt, just a lot to coordinate. the city wide tournament isn't as big of a deal because the size and species do not vary so much as they do across the country.

E. Guido Soda reply :

With all due respect, I think we are over-complicating this - I don't care how we do it, let's just do it! There is nothing on the line except for fun fishing in your kayak or canoe. You tell me how we should do it, and let's just do it!

DaileyLimit reply :

Sounds like fun to me. I don't have a scale, so would have to go buy one to weigh in (and I guess photograph the weight?), but I do have a hawg trough.

Like this, but with a token word? So I can't try to count this fish from last year?

E. Guido Soda reply :

Nice smallie - wish we had them where I live. Yes, something like that, and no, no fish from last year!

DaileyLimit reply :

Just for grins. . .

E. Guido Soda reply :

^ You can use that fish...I have no problems with that.

Caliyak reply :

This would be cool to do. Ive never been in a tourney. I would be using a wood ruler from school. LOL

Just keep in mind, your 8 pm is only 5, and still nice and hot, here in Cali. So you all will be up until midnight waiting on us.

Preytorien reply :

It sounds fun. I've seen guys doing kayak tournaments on our local lakes, they all use the token method and use their cameras from phones, GoPro's, or whatever.

I may pass on it for now as I literally JUST got a kayak, as in less than 7 days ago, so I'm quite a newbie at it, I'll still need some practice just maneuvering the thing. Maybe next time.

E. Guido Soda reply :

On 2/25/2016 at 12:25 PM, Caliyak said:

This would be cool to do. Ive never been in a tourney. I would be using a wood ruler from school. LOL

Just keep in mind, your 8 pm is only 5, and still nice and hot, here in Cali. So you all will be up until midnight waiting on us.

Fair enough, but Central is two hours earlier than Pacific, not three. Regardless, good point. How about time-stamped no later than 12:00 AM CDT and I can tally results on Monday?

Turtle135 reply :

I compete in that type of tournament all the time. Was in one that ran from mid-December to mid-February and some anglers in the Mid-Atlantic Region posted 6-7 pound bass. You would not have known it was winter from looking at the leader board.

DaileyLimit reply :

Are we going to go Fri-Sun or just Sat-Sun? Fri is my only available day to fish. I would also like to see it be open to all black bass.

ETA: A longer running competition would be cool too. Maybe do anywhere from 2 weeks to a month or two, just to give people ample opportunity to get out and fish.

LunkerFisher reply :

Once the rules are firmly established, count me in!

flyfisher reply :

I would be in too...there is a calculator out there that semi limits the playing field and it does a decent job but i can't think of the name of it right now..

Turtle135 reply :

On 2/26/2016 at 11:22 AM, flyfisher said:

I would be in too...there is a calculator out there that semi limits the playing field and it does a decent job but i can't think of the name of it right now..

Are you thinking of the AMI calculator (on the anglingmasters website)? That site went down back in 2014 right in the middle of a tournament I was in that used that calculator. Quite the disaster. I do not think that site or calculator were ever recovered.

E. Guido Soda reply :

Let's shoot for the first weekend of April, if all are amenable. I coach little league baseball pretty much every weekend from 3-12 through June, but we are off that on the first weekend of April. That gives us time to firm up the rules, etc. As far as species, I'm cool with all species of black bass. Perhaps we could have a largest spot/LMB/smallie award, as well. Lots of potential here...

DaileyLimit reply :

What are thoughts about letting it run more than a single weekend? With work and family, it can be difficult for some of us to find time. That, and I actually have a fishing trip scheduled for the second weekend in April. . .

Aside from my own sschedule, I think a longer open period, maybe 10-14 days, would give more people an opportunity to get involved.

Master Bait'r reply :

I would love to do this!

Just gotta handicap dem southern boys haha... Just saying.

E. Guido Soda reply :

I like the idea of two day tournaments - keeping track of three fish over the course of two weeks or more might be a little tedious. It could be a spring / summer / fall series multiple tournament type thing. Though I reiterate, I'm completely open to whatever the group agrees to; if a longer one tournament format is what folks want, I'm in for that, too.

flyfisher reply :

On 2/26/2016 at 11:33 AM, Turtle135 said:

Are you thinking of the AMI calculator (on the anglingmasters website)? That site went down back in 2014 right in the middle of a tournament I was in that used that calculator. Quite the disaster. I do not think that site or calculator were ever recovered.

yeah that is the one i was thinking of but i thought another one took it's place

Bluebasser86 reply :

On 2/27/2016 at 9:55 PM, E. Guido Soda said:

I like the idea of two day tournaments - keeping track of three fish over the course of two weeks or more might be a little tedious. It could be a spring / summer / fall series multiple tournament type thing. Though I reiterate, I'm completely open to whatever the group agrees to; if a longer one tournament format is what folks want, I'm in for that, too.

Just a thought but could it be a 1 week period where the angler declares the 2 days they want to fish in advance? Give everyone their token Sunday night just before the new week and then they can fish their 2 days during the week and everyone turns their fish in by a set time the next Sunday night? Just thinking of guys like myself who can't fish on weekends.

E. Guido Soda reply :

On 2/28/2016 at 4:41 PM, Bluebasser86 said:

Just a thought but could it be a 1 week period where the angler declares the 2 days they want to fish in advance? Give everyone their token Sunday night just before the new week and then they can fish their 2 days during the week and everyone turns their fish in by a set time the next Sunday night? Just thinking of guys like myself who can't fish on weekends.

I'm good with that, too. Though if we do it that way, I would request that the individual turn in their pictures after their declared days, or in the case of non-consecutive declared days of fishing, after each day on the water. Results will still be tallied and posted Sunday / Monday. But in fairness to everyone, if you choose, say, Monday/Tuesday, turn in your pics Tuesday night. If you choose Monday/Thursday, turn in your pics Monday and Thursday nights. I can cull if in the case on non-consecutive days they have a larger fish on the second day...

DaileyLimit reply :

I've never done this type of competition before, but wouldn't the anglers be responsible for keeping track of their own fish and culling photos? The just submit their top 2 or 3 or whatever on the final day?

E. Guido Soda reply :

On 2/29/2016 at 2:53 AM, DaileyLimit said:

I've never done this type of competition before, but wouldn't the anglers be responsible for keeping track of their own fish and culling photos? The just submit their top 2 or 3 or whatever on the final day?

I'm not accusing anyone of anything, but if you fish non-consecutive days you could in theory fish a day or two or three in between; it's a level playing field for those who fish consecutive days and turn their pictures in after only two verified days of fishing. Not saying anyone here would take advantage, but I just don't see any down side to turning in your pictures the same day you fish if you choose non-consecutive days. It's like the daily weigh-in, I guess.

lectricbassman reply :

Im in. I like bluebassers idea of a weeklong window, tokens given sunday night, 2 days of fishing during that period.

flyfisher reply :

since it isn't for money, just give a week window and if you can fish one day or two days or whatever so be it....now if it was for money it needs to be a longer period or a shorter period to make it even out.

BronzeChaser reply :

Hey, haven't been on here in a while but if this is really happening I'm in for sure. Sounds fun, just need a set in stone rules/ guidelines list.

Bluebasser86 reply :

First full week in April? 3rd-9th or just the first week 1st-8th? Give a token out the night before it starts that has to be in the picture of the fish on a real measuring bump board (not a tape or ruler). I think including the token and screen name would be a good idea. No idea how to do a fair handicap system. Our fish are so little I've got no chance either way and since it's just for fun I'd be fine just skipping it and getting after it. Keep it on public waters only with normal bass rules (follow all state guidelines and requirements, no live bait, no trolling, 1 rod at a time in the water). Keep track of your biggest (longest) 5 bass and turn them in with pictures before midnight the night it ends.

I'll just be happy if I don't flip my kayak again.

lectricbassman reply :

On 3/16/2016 at 4:53 PM, Bluebasser86 said:

First full week in April? 3rd-9th or just the first week 1st-8th? Give a token out the night before it starts that has to be in the picture of the fish on a real measuring bump board (not a tape or ruler). I think including the token and screen name would be a good idea. No idea how to do a fair handicap system. Our fish are so little I've got no chance either way and since it's just for fun I'd be fine just skipping it and getting after it. Keep it on public waters only with normal bass rules (follow all state guidelines and requirements, no live bait, no trolling, 1 rod at a time in the water). Keep track of your biggest (longest) 5 bass and turn them in with pictures before midnight the night it ends.

I'll just be happy if I don't flip my kayak again.

I like it, 1st through 8th gives us a little more time on the water.

BronzeChaser reply :

On 3/16/2016 at 4:53 PM, Bluebasser86 said:

First full week in April? 3rd-9th or just the first week 1st-8th? Give a token out the night before it starts that has to be in the picture of the fish on a real measuring bump board (not a tape or ruler). I think including the token and screen name would be a good idea. No idea how to do a fair handicap system. Our fish are so little I've got no chance either way and since it's just for fun I'd be fine just skipping it and getting after it. Keep it on public waters only with normal bass rules (follow all state guidelines and requirements, no live bait, no trolling, 1 rod at a time in the water). Keep track of your biggest (longest) 5 bass and turn them in with pictures before midnight the night it ends.

I'll just be happy if I don't flip my kayak again.

So you can fish any number of days within that time period?

Bluebasser86 reply :

On 3/17/2016 at 7:45 AM, BronzeChaser said:

So you can fish any number of days within that time period?

Whatever 2 days you decide within the time slots.

gardnerjigman reply :

I know it's a canoe/kayak deal, but can a guy fish from bank and follow the same guidelines? I'm in if so.

Bluebasser86 reply :

On 3/17/2016 at 10:30 AM, gardnerjigman said:

I know it's a canoe/kayak deal, but can a guy fish from bank and follow the same guidelines? I'm in if so.

Just borrow my kayak on Saturday and Sunday when I won't be using it anyways.

BronzeChaser reply :

So it will be 1st-8th? And will the token be posted here the night before the 1st? And we post our best 3 or 5 on the night of the 8th?

Bluebasser86 reply :

On 3/17/2016 at 7:42 PM, BronzeChaser said:

So it will be 1st-8th? Yes

And will the token be posted here the night before the 1st? Yes

And we post our best 3 or 5 on the night of the 8th? Yes, best (longest), 5.

gardnerjigman reply :

On 3/17/2016 at 2:05 PM, Bluebasser86 said:

Just borrow my kayak on Saturday and Sunday when I won't be using it anyways.

I'm in the same boat as for the most part. Most of my fishing will be a quick stop after work until dark. If I can't do the bank thing, I'll figure something out

buzzed bait reply :

On 3/16/2016 at 4:53 PM, Bluebasser86 said:

I'll just be happy if I don't flip my kayak again.

SHHHH just don't even say it.....

On 3/17/2016 at 9:20 PM, gardnerjigman said:

I'm in the same boat as for the most part. Most of my fishing will be a quick stop after work until dark. If I can't do the bank thing, I'll figure something out

just sayin.....

Bluebasser86 reply :

On 3/18/2016 at 12:37 AM, buzzed bait said:

just sayin.....

I like this option and I think he should wear water wings and a sun bonnet too

gardnerjigman reply :

Don't tempt me. I've done dumber things I promise...

BronzeChaser reply :

So just to be clear. For example let's say I fish Saturday and sunday (2nd and 3rd). Should I post my limit the night of the 3rd, or is everyone to wait until the final night? I understand we're going off the honor system, but anyone could just pick the last day and fish all week without any way to tell. I can only fish on the weekends usually so I'm pretty much limited to the 2nd and 3rd and can post my catch whenever. I'm just trying to get a solid grasp on the rules for myself and anyone else to avoid confusion

Bluebasser86 reply :

On 3/18/2016 at 10:52 PM, BronzeChaser said:

So just to be clear. For example let's say I fish Saturday and sunday (2nd and 3rd). Should I post my limit the night of the 3rd, or is everyone to wait until the final night? I understand we're going off the honor system, but anyone could just pick the last day and fish all week without any way to tell. I can only fish on the weekends usually so I'm pretty much limited to the 2nd and 3rd and can post my catch whenever. I'm just trying to get a solid grasp on the rules for myself and anyone else to avoid confusion

I'd say turn them all in at the end of the week to avoid having to keep track of what 2 days everyone is fishing. It's just for fun and if anyone has a big enough ego they need to fib to win a just for fun tournament, I feel sorry for them.

BronzeChaser reply :

Alright, yeah I agree it'll be easier and the guys on here come off as honest people to me. As I think most fisherman are that way from my experience. Now I just need to buy me a hog trough lol

Bluebasser86 reply :

On 3/20/2016 at 6:49 PM, BronzeChaser said:

Alright, yeah I agree it'll be easier and the guys on here come off as honest people to me. As I think most fisherman are that way from my experience. Now I just need buy me a hog trough lol

Me too, and my kayak bassing skills. Biggest one I've caught out of my yak is maybe 2 pounds. Heck, biggest one this year is only 4 something.

Bluebasser86 reply :

Is anyone actually wanting to do this? If it's going to happen need to get things set up. If you're in, say so on here, just like this,

lectricbassman reply :

BronzeChaser reply :

I'm in. Boy I hope there are more people haha

flyfisher reply :

i'm in

BronzeChaser reply :

So I guess we're doing this? If so what's the token?

Master Bait'r reply :

In!

Felix77 reply :

Definitely count me in!

BronzeChaser reply :

Still no token but I'm fishing today so how about we all just write "YakAtak" on a piece of paper to be in view of all pictures of fish? The date could also be included. If anyone else wants a different setup just say so I just need something for today

Bluebasser86 reply :

Sorry guys, only one person responded so I just assumed it wasn't happening. If you guys kept track this weekend we'll stick with original dates, otherwise we can go with today through Sunday night so weekday guys and weekend guys still get their 2 days? I'm good either way.

BronzeChaser reply :

I've already gone out on one of my days (saturday) and caught a limit. Not sure what my next day will be because it just got super cold, but I need one or two big ones. I really don't care if guys want to extend it through sunday. Whatever everyone wants to do is fine with me.

Choporoz reply :

I had a decent weekend and wish I'd been paying attention to this thread before now. ....though I don't have a bump board, anyway....guess I'd better go shopping.....Is Hawg Trough THE standard that will be accepted in most tournys?

Bluebasser86 reply :

On 4/5/2016 at 2:39 AM, Choporoz said:

I had a decent weekend and wish I'd been paying attention to this thread before now. ....though I don't have a bump board, anyway....guess I'd better go shopping.....Is Hawg Trough THE standard that will be accepted in most tournys?

I believe it is. I just got into kayak bass fishing and the wind isn't going to cooperate very well for me on Thursday and Friday but I'll probably still go buy a board since it's just for fun anyways.

Choporoz reply :

Thanks, Clayton. Funny that the most widely accepted board is hard to read, has no lanyard and doesn't float...sounds like there's opportunity for an enterprising sort

buzzed bait reply :

On 4/5/2016 at 8:02 PM, Choporoz said:

Thanks, Clayton. Funny that the most widely accepted board is hard to read, has no lanyard and doesn't float...sounds like there's opportunity for an enterprising sort

it's the standard, but requires some DIY out the gate... i used a sharpie and filled in the lines on mine. took some foam pads i had in my garage and fit some strips in the channels on the underside of the trough and now it floats. Somewhere online they sell Hawg Troughs that are modified to float, can't remember where right now, but i've seen them.

word to the wise, don't leave it on the kayak and then take off down the road... i did and it fell out and broke the "bump" part... but my cheap self just took some gorilla glue and put humpty dumpty back together again.

Choporoz reply :

Thanks! Didn't know you could buy pre-modified ones. With your info, I easily found one at fishingonline. Maybe more important, I found a great yak gear store that I hadn't known existed. Austin may be losing some business.....

BronzeChaser reply :

So when is the cut-off? Sunday?

Bluebasser86 reply :

On 4/9/2016 at 9:32 AM, BronzeChaser said:

So when is the cut-off? Sunday?

Sure. Wind blew 30+ both my days off so I couldn't even get out except to a pond and even there I almost got blown out of the yak. Ever seen 3' rolling white caps on a farm pond??

lectricbassman reply :

On 4/10/2016 at 3:49 PM, Bluebasser86 said:

Sure. Wind blew 30+ both my days off so I couldn't even get out except to a pond and even there I almost got blown out of the yak. Ever seen 3' rolling white caps on a farm pond??

Never seen whitecaps on a farm pond but the wind has been terrible in central oklahoma too!

BronzeChaser reply :

Ridiculous cold front here. Still caught 5 for about 82 inches give or take. I'll post pics if anyone else does lol

lectricbassman reply :

82 inches trumps my 46

Bluebasser86 reply :

I have video but the biggest fish I managed was 17". Might have had another 15" fish in the bunch, the rest were all 10-12 inches. I didn't bother with having my token and board and everything because I knew I had zero chance with the wind forecast. I was having hard enough time not getting blown out myself.

BassininVT reply :

I would get in if you try again. Wt just hit 35!!!! :annoyed1:

Any interest in an online BR kayak/canoe tourney? 2024

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