Kayak fishing series to be launched

With kayak fishing growing in popularity, a tournament series is being launched at the end of this month for all those who enjoy casting a line in between paddles.

The Tropic Bay Kayak Fishing Classic is billed as a 10-tournament series that will begin in the Green Key area today and continue with events along the Florida Gulf Coast as well as in Louisiana and Texas.

Capt. Pat Horrigan, owner of Hudson-based Tropic Bay Guide Service, an avid kayak angler, said the sport's expansion and increased popularity makes it a niche deserving of such an event.

"Kayak fishing is the fastest-growing segment in the fishing industry," he said of the series' potential demand. "Kayaking in general is the fastest-growing segment in the marine industry. So that's two powerful entities right there."

Even more so than conventional shore or motor-powered boat fishing, trolling the waters while aboard a kayak is a hands-on approach to the sport, Horrigan said. And it also has its advantages.

"Kayak fishing is very pristine; it's very much a stealth approach to fishing. You can get back into the creeks and bayous where literally huge fish hang out and boats can't get to."

"It opens up a whole different panorama of fishing for the individual."

As will be the case in all 10 tournament events, anglers can partake in both fly and spin fishing with prizes given for first, second and third place. Awards have yet to be determined and may vary depending on each event's size.

Two related national print and online publications - Kayak Fisherman Magazine and Kayak Angler - are sponsoring the endeavor.

Adding to the event's allure is that anglers can fish the entire series and potentially take part in a final fish-off among the Top 100 points leaders.

The saltwater inshore events are all photo-and-release, meaning participants will need a digital camera with removable media card.

A portion of the proceeds will be distributed to the Coastal Conservation Association, International Game Fish Association, Snook Foundation and Mote Marine Laboratory.

While exact dates for all the tournaments have not been officially set, each will be species-specific depending on season and location. Along with this month's inaugural Green Key event targeting redfish, tournaments are planned for Old Tampa Bay, Hillsborough Bay, the Fort De Soto Area and Homosassa.

To find more information on registering for the Tropic Bay Kayak Fishing Classic and today's Green Key tournament, go to www.TropicBay.com and click on the "Tournaments" link.