- Gulf Coast Kayak Fishing Association

May 7, 2011

The Gulf Coast Kayak Fishing Association's 6thAnnual

Spring Kayak Fishing Tournament

SPONSORS WANTED

for the

GCKFA's 2011 Spring Tournament

Would you like more information about being a sponsor? Click here

If you would like to be a sponsor for the Gulf Coast Kayak Fishing Associations, please contact us .

Confirmed Sponsors for the 2011 Tournament

GCKFA 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. .
• 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) 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!!!!!!

PRESS RELEASE

The 2010 IFA Kayak Fishing Tour Web Site

A Series Of: * One Day Events * Catch & Release * Close To Home * Inshore Saltwater * Artificial Lures Only

ABOUT US 2008
Only a few short years ago, who would have ever imagined, that inshore anglers would be fishing for Redfish in a professional format. The idea, formulated from a love of fishing, continues to grow and provide inshore anglers an opportunity to display their talents on the intercoastal waterways.

Not only is there a renewed excitement of inshore angling, but the Redfish Tour is also a great format to educate people on the importance of maintaining our precious fishing resources. Since the banning of netting, our inshore fisheries have flourished much quicker than anyone could have imagined. From this, the Inshore Fishing Association was formed and continues to thrive. In accordance to Inshore Fishing Association's mission statement; we will keep our goals of competition, recognition, and education as the center of our focus.

We are dedicated to providing an avenue for the talented anglers of the Redfish Tour to excel in the world of competitive Professional fishing.

Tour Personnel

Jim Armstrong- President/Owner
Mr. Armstrong is a dedicated angler who enjoys the challenge of creating an opportunity that promotes an atmosphere of fishing excitement, in a format, made for T.V. As an integral part of the development and growth of the well known Southern Kingfish Association, Mr. Armstrong's experience brings a level of credibility exceeding all expectations for a new organization.

Bart Schad- Marketing/Sponsor Relations
Mr. Schad, with many years of marketing experience at Ranger Boat Company and NASCAR, serves as our Marketing Director.

Jerry Stakely- VP Tournament Operations
Mr. Stakely, who has more than 21 years experience as Tournament Director at FLW Outdoors and the IFA, serves as Director of Tournament Operations. Jerry is in his 4th season with the IFA.

Lee Causey- Office Manager/Treasurer of Corporation
Lee is in charge of the office in Lizella, GA. Lee also does data entry, does signup check-in, maintains records.

Christy Schad - membership, marketing and Venue Sponsorship Coordinator - Florida Divisions.
Christy will be working with venue operations and local group promotions in the Florida Divisions, and works with sponsors.

Don Gambil - measuremaster
Don sets up the event sites, maintains the IFA equipment, measures fish.

Mike Lott- Webmaster-Photographer
Mr. Lott is in charge of the IFA Redfish Tour Website and online BBS-Forums, writes for the IFA, and takes the photos on the site. Mike travels to all the tournaments, and has been with the IFA since 2001.

The entire staff of the Inshore Fishing Assoc. will be happy to answer any of your questions at any time. We are excited about the opportunity to build a tremendous organization with our members. Thank you for being a part of this new beginning.

Teaming With Hobie

“The IFA is excited to team with Hobie Fishing in offering a second day of competition,” said Bart Schad of the IFA. “A great number of inshore anglers fish from kayaks and this tournament gives this group a chance to compete in a format custom designed for their tactics.”

The multispecies tournament will include payouts in four Divisions plus a Junior Angler award. The winner of the Aggregate/Slam Division will take home a Hobie Mirage Pro-Angler valued at $2399, with the next seven places awarded cash (based on a 100 boat field). The Redfish, and Trout Division winners will each win a Hobie Fishing kayak, valued at $1,049 or greater value, with second and third place finishers winning cash.

“We are extremely proud of this new initiative between Hobie Fishing and the IFA,” said Doug Skidmore, President of Hobie Cat Company. “This new tournament and 2010 Tour allow us to show our appreciation for all the saltwater kayak anglers and the exciting fishing they enjoy. Our goal is to reward the dedication of these anglers and to encourage others to join in on the kayak fishing experience.” For 2010 the IFA Kayak Fishing Tour Presented by Hobie Fishing, will be scheduled at each of the 18 Redfish Tour locations.

2010 Kayak Fishing Tour Web Site

2010 Kayak Fishing Tour Rules

2010 Kayak Fishing Tour Registration

2010 Events Schedule
(all dates and locations tentative and subject to change.)


Florida East Coast Division
Jacksonville, Fl. Feb. 27th - W/Kayak Event on 28th, 2010
Titusville FL. May 1 - W/Kayak Event on 2nd, 2010
Fernandina, FL. October 9 - W/Kayak Event on 10th, 2010

Florida West Coast Division
Punta Gorda, Fl. March 6 - W/Kayak Event on 7th, 2010
Sarasota FL. May 15 - W/Kayak Event on 16th, 2010
Ruskin, FL. September 18 - W/Kayak Event on 19th, 2010

Atlantic Division
Charleston, S.C. March 20 - W/Kayak Event on 21st, 2010
Surf City, N.C. May 22 - W/Kayak Event on 23rd, 2010
Georgetown, S.C. Sept. 25 - W/Kayak Event on 26th, 2010

Gulf Coast Division
Destin, FL. March 13 - W/Kayak Event on 14th, 2010
Panama City, FL. June 5 - W/Kayak Event on 6th, 2010
Orange Beach, AL. Oct. 16 - W/Kayak Event on 17th, 2010

Louisiana Division
Cocodrie, LA. April 24 - W/Kayak Event on 25th, 2010
Empire, LA. June 19 - W/Kayak Event on 20th, 2010
Grand Isle, LA. August 28 - W/Kayak Event on 29th, 2010

Texas Division
Port Lavaca, TX. April 17 - W/Kayak Event on 18th, 2010
Rockport, TX. June 12 - W/Kayak Event on 13th, 2010
Port Aransas, TX. Sept. 11 - W/Kayak Event on 12th, 2010

2010 Championship
Dates and Location TBD

Contact the IFA

Administrative Offices
The Inshore Fishing Association Inc.,
P.O. Box 368
Lizella, GA 31052-0368

Phone: 478-836-4266 or 941-266-5338 If you can't reach Lee Causey for some reason, you may try contacting Christy Schad at 941-266-5338 or emailed to cb@palmerconrad.com as an alternative.

Fax: 478-836-3886
Email: office@redfishtour.com

The Kayak Fishing Classics is a series of 10 tournaments. The locations are along the Gulf Coast States of the U.S. After the
10 tournaments, there will be an Invitational Championship Tournament between the top 100 points leaders of the two divisions, fly and light tackle. There will be cash and/or manufacture prizes in each event. There will be awards for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place winners in each of the two divisions. Women & children are of course welcome to compete, however there is no separate division for either for now. Every competitor will receive a FREE one year, on-line subscription to Kayak Angler Magazine. You may download the rules and regulations and bring them with you, filled out, to the Captain's Meeting the evening before the event. There is a weather date for each event. This is usually the following Friday & Saturday, in the event of unsafe conditions. Please let us know if you need assistance with lodging.
Please read all of the rules and regulations as this makes for a better event

• November 27th & 28th. Green Key Fly & Light Tackle Redfish Classic
• January 8 & 9 Old Tampa Bay Monster Redfish Classic
• February 19 & 20 Whiskey Joe's Mammoth Slam Classic
• March 26 & 27 Indian Rocks Salt Rock Grill TenAcious Trout Classic
• April Tarpon Springs, Florida
• May Homosassa Hazard Tarpon Classic
• June Fort De Soto Monster Snook Classic

Kayak Fishing Classics Current Tournament Info

The waterways, river, and ocean can be a dangerous place so please make sure that you take the proper precautions to ensure you have a safe adventure and obey the navigational rules of the water. As the reader you recognize this, assume all risks of property damage, personal injury, and death, and agree to hold the publishers of this site and our staff harmless from any liability as a result of your use of the information provided in these pages.

GCKFA copyright © 2006