Gulf Coast Kayak Fishing Association

April 28, 2012

The Gulf Coast Kayak Fishing Association's 7thAnnual

Spring Kayak Fishing Tournament

SPONSORS WANTED

for the

GCKFA's 2012 Spring Tournament

Would you like more information about being a sponsor?

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

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) 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.
4) Each angler will be allowed to request one species substitution per year. For example, if a member were to land and photograph a substitution, 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” Grouper 30” Trigger fish 20” Red Snapper 27” Greater Amberjack 32” Tarpon any length (catch - photo - release) (See Revision) Sailfish any length (catch - photo - release) (See Revision) Black Drum 32”

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 the anglers 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.

Tarpon: Requires $50 tarpon tag to possess or harvest. Snatching or spearing prohibited. Contact DMFM for current information.
Tarpon Tag (available only at tax collerctors offices).........$51.50 *Transporting without a permit is illegal*
GCKFA will accept photographic proof of tarpon catch on a kayak of any length if following the catch-photo-release recommendations.

Sailfish 63" minimum length, Angler can harvest one per day. *It is illegal to transport or have in your possession under size or over size fish.*
Sailfish: Measured tip of lower jaw to fork, All landed fish must be reported to NOAA within 24 hours 800-894-5528. HMS permit required in Federal Waters.
GCKFA will accept photographic proof of sailfish catch on a kayak of any length if following the catch-photo-release recommendations.

If you are alone, catch a monster and cannot realistically 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, I will consider other measurement 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, tarpon, and sailfish since all others can be harvested or brought to shore for photo and safe release.

Good Luck!!!!!!
Ted

Updated on April 6,2011

PRESS RELEASE

The IFA Kayak Fishing Tour Web Site

Kayak Fishing Classics Tournament Schedule.

Kayak Fishing Classics Current Tournament Info

Mobile Bay Kayak Fishing Tournaments

The Mobile Bay Kayak Fishing Association holds tournaments throughout the year. The two signature tournaments that are open to the public are the Bagwell Kayak Fishing tournament held in the Spring, and the 5 Rivers Fall Kayak Fishing tournament held in the fall. For more information, click on the links below.

http://www.mbkfa.com/tournaments.htm

BCKFC

The Bayou Coast Kayak Fishing Club holds tournaments throughout the year. The two signature tournaments that are open to the public are the Paddle Palooza tournametn held in the spring, and Fall N Tides torunament held in the fall. Ror more information please clic on the link below to the Bayou Coast Kayak Fishing Club.

http://www.bckfc.org/

Stats Counter

copyright © 2012 Gulf Coast Kayak Fishing Association,   All rights reserved.