How to Succeed in Tournament Kayak Fishing

Kayak fishing is unlike any other method of fishing. It’s not fishing from the bank, and it provides a different perspective compared to that of fishing from a boat. You’re more immersed in your surroundings, more intimate with the body of water you’re fishing. Many anglers fish from a kayak purely for these reasons, but some crank things up a notch and participate in competitive kayak fishing tournaments.

Tournament kayak bass fishing has exploded in popularity, offering an accessible and thrilling entry point into competitive angling. It strips away the complexities and allows anglers to make their experience on the water what they want, tailoring their rig to best fish in their style of choosing. Whether you’re an avid angler looking for competition or a weekend warrior eager to test how you match up against the field, kayak bass fishing tournaments offer a unique and rewarding experience.

The allure of kayak tournaments is multifaceted. First, accessibility and affordability are major draws. Compared to the significant investment in boats, trailers, fuel and maintenance that conventional tournaments demand, kayak fishing is remarkably budget-friendly. Entry fees for kayak tournaments are typically lower, and the gear investment, while still present, is considerably less daunting. This lower barrier to entry opens up the world of competitive fishing to a much wider audience.

While kayak fishing is simple, any angler entering a tournament should take some steps to be fully prepared, and this article will serve as a guide to diving into the world of tournament kayak bass fishing. It will break down things you need to know to get started, from the essentials of competition to gear that will make your experience more efficient, and offer tips to elevate your game.

STRATEGY AND SUPPORT

Before you cast a line in competition, it’s important to understand what makes tournament kayak fishing so appealing and how the majority of competitive events are operated. Beyond cost, the unique kayak experience is a significant advantage. Kayaks offer a completely different connection to the water. You’re at eye level with your surroundings, floating gently and closely across the lake’s surface. This allows for a stealthier approach, which can be crucial for bass fishing—especially in pressured waters.

Kayaks excel in navigating shallow waters, backwater areas and tight spots that larger boats simply can’t reach or maneuver within, which allows kayaks to get into locations that are often untouched by the competition and other anglers on the water. Furthermore, kayak fishing is inherently more physically and mentally engaging, meaning your paddling, pedaling or other propulsion method becomes part of the strategy. Your game plan for fishing on any given day must be highly focused due to your limited speed and ability to cover distance.

Though the tournament kayak bass fishing community has a very competitive spirit, it is also one that is supportive and encouraging. You are more than likely to find anglers conversing with each other and lending a helping hand where needed, whereas on many tournament boat trails you will seldom see that kind of interaction. While the competition can be tense at times, there’s a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among kayak anglers. Tournaments often feel like gatherings of friends who share a love for fishing and similar outdoor interests.

FINDING OPPORTUNITY

In order to compete, you need competition. There are multiple levels of tournament kayak bass fishing, from local and state trails to larger regional events and the largest national series that attract the best of the best. Typically a quick internet search of your state or region will help you find a local or regional kayak fishing series. Most of these tournament trails will be open to join without membership, which allows you to pick and choose what events you would like to fish to get a taste of the competition. Same goes for the national scale, and to make that easier right now, the only national trails that currently exist are the Bassmaster Kayak Series and the Kayak Adventure Series.

When getting started in the competitive scene of kayak fishing, the local and state levels are the easiest and most affordable routes to get a taste for the competition. From there you can move on to the bigger stage of the regional series that typically have a higher entry fee and more participation, which raises the stakes. And of course, at the end of that avenue are the national trails like the Bassmaster Kayak Series, which has the highest entry fee and attracts the best of the best in kayak bass fishing.

The best advice is to take your time and spend a couple years competing in a local series. Work your way up as you find more success and become more comfortable in the competitive scene.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

To succeed in kayak bass tournaments, you need to hone a combination of fundamental fishing and kayaking skills. Fishing basics aren’t that much different than when fishing from a boat, but you need to refine them to get the most out of every spot you target. Remember, it takes more time to change locations in a kayak because you’re not moving nearly as fast as when you’re in a boat. Things that should be dialed in include your understanding of fisheries and seasonal patterns, reading water, casting accuracy and lure presentation.

It’s also necessary to know proper techniques for landing, handling and releasing bass safely—especially in catch-photo-release (CPR) tournaments—which is a different game in a kayak than in a boat. A net in this situation is your best friend for not only landing fish, but also for keeping the bass in the water while you get your measuring board and camera in place to record your catch.

In addition to the basic skills and understanding of fishing and fisheries, it is just as, if not more, important to understand how your kayak handles and how to operate it safely. Here are some things to work on, study and practice continuously.

Always, always, always prioritize safety. Be aware of weather conditions, wear a PFD, and carry essential safety gear. Understand and practice self-rescue techniques in case of capsizing. Know how to re-enter your kayak in shallow and deep water.

Master forward paddle strokes, sweep strokes for turning your kayak and backstrokes for maneuvering. Efficient paddling conserves energy and allows you to cover more water. The same can be said for maneuvering a kayak that has pedals. The more time you spend in the kayak, the better you will get.

Learn to control your kayak in various conditions. Practice paddling in windy conditions and current. This increases how comfortable you are in the kayak and your confidence in the control of it.

Become proficient at launching and landing your kayak safely and efficiently from different types of shoreline, whether it be a boat ramp or a patch of dirt. Tournament launches vary, so be prepared for a variety of situations.

Make sure you are familiar with the rules and regulations that apply not only to the state and fishery, but also the tournament organization. Rules can vary regarding boundaries, scoring, allowed tackle and penalties. Take time to thoroughly review and understand the rules of each tournament you enter.

Most all kayak fishing tournaments are CPR events. Learn the proper procedures for photographing your catch, scoring it and ensuring the fish’s healthy release. In addition, make sure you are photographing each fish to the tournament’s standards, as they may vary. It never hurts to ask a fellow competitor or social media groups for examples on how to best practice this.

TOURNAMENT DAY

Pending the fishery and time of year, it is smart to cover water. In a kayak, efficient paddling and fishing can be crucial to putting your baits in front of more fish, which can lead to more catches than the rest of the field. It can help to plan your route ahead of time to maximize fishing time in productive areas.

Don’t be afraid to adapt to changing conditions by altering your approach to try to keep the fish biting. Weather and water conditions can change rapidly, and so should you.

The more tournaments you fish, the more you realize how important time management can be to your success. Be mindful of check-in times, times to have your catches submitted and travel time between fishing spots.

One of the most important aspects of fishing a tournament that doesn’t involve safety or gear is maintaining a positive and focused mindset. Tournament fishing can be mentally challenging and stressful for some. There will be slow periods, missed opportunities and competition pressure. If you keep a positive attitude, stay focused on the next cast and don’t get discouraged by setbacks, then you’re on your way to becoming a successful tournament angler.

Tournament kayak bass fishing offers an exciting and easily accessible avenue into competitive fishing. It’s a unique outdoor sport that blends the peaceful feeling of being in nature with the challenge of competition. By embracing the learning process, investing in the right gear and continuously honing your skills, you’ll enjoy and thrive in kayak bass fishing tournaments.

Gear Up for Success

• Items every tournament kayak should have on board.

The right equipment can significantly enhance your tournament kayak fishing experience and allow your day to run much smoother. That gear includes the following must-haves.

• Personal Flotation Device (PFD): Never compromise on safety. A comfortable, Coast Guard-approved PFD is non-negotiable. Foam PFDs are inherently buoyant and reliable. Inflatable PFDs are more compact and comfortable in hot weather but require inflation. Look for PFDs with pockets for storing smaller gear or a phone and features designed for paddling comfort. Make sure your PFD fits correctly and gives you freedom of movement for casting and maneuvering.
• Comfortable Seating: Unless you are fishing a weekday evening series, you are likely spending at least eight hours in your kayak during a tournament day. Invest in a kayak with a comfortable, adjustable seat that provides good back support. You can also find aftermarket seats that provide additional cushioning.
• Safety Accessories: Be prepared for the unexpected with a whistle, which is a Coast Guard-required safety item for signaling in emergencies, and a first-aid kit. It never hurts to pack extra sunscreen, water and clothing to protect yourself from the elements.
• Rod Holders: These are essential while you’re moving and fishing to keep rods organized and secure. Look for a combination of flush-mount rod holders behind the seat and adjustable, rail-mounted rod holders for easy access.
• Gear Tracks: Versatile tracks mounted along the kayak’s gunwales allow you to customize your setup with accessories like rod holders, fish-finder mounts and camera mounts.
• Storage Compartments: Dry storage is vital for protecting gear from water. Whether they be compartments within the kayak or bins that you add to the rig, options for keeping items dry in rain or rough conditions are wise investments.
• Fish-Finder Mounting Options: Ensure your kayak has options for mounting a fish finder, including space and mounting options for the transducer and battery.
• Anchor Systems: You can add built-in anchor trolleys or anchor mounting points to make locking in place easier if you would like to fish a spot against the wind.

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This article was featured in the May 2025 issue of Game & Fish magazine. Click to subscribe

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