- Gulf Coast Kayak Fishing Association

The Gulf Coast Kayak Fishing Association's 3rd Annual

Spring Kayak Fishing Tournament

GCKFA 2008 Master Angler Program

Are you the type of kayak angler who constantly strives to improve and aim for trophy fish from several species? If so, the GCKFA Master Angler Program is for you! The Master Angler program is intended to recognize special kayak angling achievements! This event is limited to members of the Gulf Coast Kayak Fishing Association. It's pretty simple, if you catch a qualifying fish you just submit a photograph via email. GCKFA will do the rest. The master angler program is limited to kayak fishing trips and will only include catches made from a kayak or while wading with kayak tethered to the angler.

Official Rules:

• There is no entry fee or form, however, this event is limited to members of GCKFA.
• Fish must have been caught on or after October 27, 2007
• Each catch must meet the big fish limits below.
• Weighing is encouraged - but not required.
• There is no time limit for catching your fish - your catches do not expire after they have been submitted.
• Fish can be caught anywhere in the lower continental 48 states.
• Deliberate falsification of any submissions will result in disqualification. All existing records will be removed and future applications from the angler will not be considered.

GCKFA reserves the right to review, investigate, reject, disqualify, or accept any application submitted or any award granted. In case of disputes, the decision of the Program Committee will be final.

Recognition Tiers: At each level, the accomplished kayak angler will be recognized on the GCKFA website and will be given the opportunity to purchase an embroidered fishing shirt noting their accomplishments.

• The lowest tier is "GCKFA Advanced Kayak Angler". This is for the person who submits a minimum of 3 qualified species.
• The lower middle tier is "GCKFA Expert Kayak Angler". This is for the person who submits a minimum of 5 qualified species.
• The upper middle tier is "GCKFA Elite Kayak Angler". This is for the person who submits a minimum of 7 qualified species.
• The top tier is "GCKFA Master Kayak Angler". This is for the person who submits a minimum of 10 qualified species.

How to submit your catch:

If you catch a qualifying big fish, you must follow the photograph guidelines.
1) Photograph your fish along with an appropriate measuring device (e.g. FL Law Stick) and your kayak
2) The fish must have it's mouth closed and it's nose must be at the "0" mark.
3) To certify the photograph was taken after October 27, 2007, the photo must also contain a lure of any type, laid on the fish’s body.
5) Send an eMail to Ted Gorder at tgorder@intelligentmanagement.com with photo's of your qualifying catch and a brief story including the date of the catch.
6) Each angler will be allowed to request one species substitution per year. For example, if a member were to land and photograph a tarpon, he or she may request that that photograph be allowed as one of their qualified catches. The ruling committee will determine whether or not the size and rarity of the catch should qualify. All rulings are final and may not be challenged.

Species and Minimum Lengths to Qualify

Red Drum (Bull) 32” (See Revision) Spotted Sea Trout 25” Flounder 16” Ladyfish 27” Jack Crevalle 36” Sheepshead 16” Spanish Mackerel 20” King Mackerel 40” Pompano 16” Tuna (any type) 20” Bluefish 20” Dolphin (Mahi Mahi) 24” Cobia 36” Shark (Any species) 48” Freshwater Bass 20” Striped Sea Bass/Hybrid 28”

Rule Revision: For the Master Angler program category for Redfish. This stems from an article I read about a record being denied by the IGFA. Apparently "transporting" an oversized redfish is illegal in FL. This means that paddling to shore with a bull red in order to snap a picture could get us into trouble. For this reason, I am going to ask that we either snap the picture while on the water or have another angler serve as a witness to the size of the catch or help take the photo.

If you are alone, catch a monster and cannot realisticaly get it on the yak for a photo, I suggest floating a law stick in the water next to the redfish in a way that clearly shows the length over 32". I will consider other measurment options but they must clearly pass all doubt.

A witness that helps measure and/or photo the catch will be best.

This rule change only applies to redfish since all others can be harvested or brought to shore for photo and safe release.

Good Luck!!!!!!

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