In its 7th year, the YakAttack Tournament is an exciting event for the kayak (or canoe) fisherman/fisherwoman. Anglers from all over America--more than 150 entrants have registered as of this writing--compete for trophies in three species categories (Bass, Crappie, and Bluegill) and one Slam category (one fish of each species).  Several components of this tournament separate it from traditional fishing tournaments.

 

While other competitions focus on one species and one lake, the YakAttack Fishing Tournament has three categories and fish can be caught on any publicly accessible body of water within a fifty-mile radius of Twin Lakes State Park. This year’s format is slightly different as each participant can submit two fish per category and scoring is calculated by total combined length.  

 

While other tournaments may require boaters to carry their fish around all day (sometimes resulting in injury, disrupted habitat, and even death for the caught fish), the YakAttack tournament is entirely a catch, photo (with provided measuring device to record accurate length), and release format.

 

The “Weigh-in” for this event is actually anglers turning over their pictures on memory cards and a panel of judges determining the combined length of fish caught.

 

While other tournaments are centered on money and prizes, the YakAttack Tournament’s focus is less on competition and more on the community/giving aspect of the sport. In lieu of monetary prizes, the proceeds from the registration fees go towards two great charities that help rehabilitate military veterans: Heroes on The Water and Project Healing Waters.

 

By placing less emphasis on heated competition and more on the joy found in the sport, the tournament hopes to create more of a relaxed, fun experience.  

 

There will also be prizes awarded and kayaks raffled off throughout the Pig Pickin’ dinner on Saturday night of the event (more details here).

 

Registration is still open and closes on May 12, 2015 (sooner if their registration cap is met), and all fees must be paid prior to the event. For full rules and contest information, please visit the organizer’s web forum here. This event will be held on Armed Forces Day weekend Saturday May 16, 2015.

 

Shared by Jason L Huskey, Twin Lakes State Park