Kayak Angler Tournament Network


I’ve just learned from Danica


Bailey of the Recreational Fisher- ies Institute of Louisiana that they have started a kids’ fishing pro- gram called “Wish to Fish Louisi- ana.” Danny Wray, a kayak fishing guide in Grand Isle, La., who par- ticipates in their recreational fish tagging program, has volunteered his time and services to take these kids kayak fishing, and biologists have volunteered to teach them about the marine environment. We need to save our children from nature deficit disorder. Take


a kid kayak fishing! JIMBO MEADOR HAS BEEN FISHING IN THE LOUISIANA, MIS- SISSIPPI, AND ALABAMA COASTAL WATERS FOR WELL OVER A HALF CENTURY, THE LAST 15 YEARS FROM A KAYAK.


Texas


Kayak anglers in Texas are gear- ing up for an exciting season of paddling some of the most beau- tiful flats our country has to of- fer. Along with the opportunity for angling enthusiasts to get out and do some paddling in the most secluded and pristine areas in the state, we also have several events that allow kayakers to come to- gether to share stories and join in the camaraderie. Tournaments, kayak demos, as well as the Every- thing Kayak Expo are scheduled throughout the year. Te Tird Coast Kayak Tournament Se- ries is in its inaugural season and should be very exciting with teams competing for prizes as well as ac- cumulating points throughout the year that will culminate with an event this fall to determine an overall championship team. On a sad note, we had a kayaker


drown near the Port Aransas jetties this spring. Te worst part of this news is that it was a preventable accident. Te young man who lost his life was not wearing a personal flotation device. He was a first- time paddler and ventured into a dangerous situation and when conditions worsened he was rolled and separated from his boat. Te


call went out to the Coast Guard and they were on the scene in minutes but it was too late. Safety is every paddler’s responsibility. Set an example by wearing your PFD every time you are out on the water. Te sport of kayak fishing is growing and we have new people coming to the sport each season. Let’s hope that it doesn’t take more accidents like this to create a re- spect for the dangers of kayaking the coastal waters. Spring is an exciting time of year


to fish the flats of Texas. We should see the catching start to heat up as the conditions for the paddling an- gler become more favorable with each passing week. I am anxious to see the big schools of redfish return to the shallowest flats and I shall be there along with all my kayak fish-


ing buddies to greet them. CAPT. DEAN THOMAS OWNS AND OPERATES SLOWRIDE GUIDE SERVICES AND KAYAK RENTALS IN ARANSAS PASS, TEXAS.


California


Kayak fishing is a four-season sport in California, although this winter was especially shivery. Southern California locals suf- fered through air temperatures in the 40s and 50s, counting down the days till spring. If the weather was unusually


chilly, at least the fishing sizzled at Southern California’s prime ocean kayak fishing venue. Te flats be- tween La Jolla’s lush kelp beds and abyssal submarine canyon were blanketed by spawning squid in January and February. Te abun- dant forage attracted hordes of hungry, oversized yellowtail and white seabass, and like numbers of kayakers intent on hitching a big-game ride. Anglers such as Wilderness Systems staffer Dave Easton crowded their yaks with fish; Easton’s seabass two-of-a- kind weighed over 100 pounds. Up north, the intrepid folk of


NorCal Kayak Anglers hunted di- nosaurs—the primeval sturgeon


www.kayakanglermag.com… 45


NEKF small ad 3/13/08 3:44 PM Page 1


2008 Tournament DATes August 22 - August 24


BBQ and Huge RAFFLE REgistration closes At 140 anglers


For more information visit us at www.newenglandkayakfishing.com


2007 sponsors included:


PHOTO: KENDAL LARSON


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