Written by The Lost Anchovy 4.12.2024
Four Kayak Fishing Events to Attend in 2024
Written by the Lost Anchovy 4.12.2024
I have long said, the one big comparative advantage that kayak fishing has over many other waters sports is the Community! Kayak fishing has one of the most passionate, innovative, and enthusiastic people in the fishing community!! We love to fish but beyond that we love to have fun together – on and off the water.
Before we dive in, I want to emphasize that kayak fishing events offer fantastic opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals. For many newcomers, finding fishing buddies can be a challenge, both for safety and community reasons.
Kayak Fishing Events cater to everyone, from beginners to seasoned experts. They’re not just about competition; they’re social gatherings that showcase the breathe of kayak fishing. Whether it’s friendly competition on the water or camaraderie around the campfire afterward, these events offer something for everyone. Don’t miss out on these experience. Let’s get started!
GIMME SHELTER!
My number one event to attend this summer, and it’s quickly approaching, is an oldie but still a goodie – Gimme Shelter! After a hiatus due to the pandemic, Gimme Shelter is back this year!
Nestled along the coastline between Ft. Bragg and Eureka, Shelter Cove goes by various names – AKA The Lost Coast, or simply “The Cove,” or S.C. But make no mistake, when people refer to kayak fishing, there’s only one Shelter Cove.
Hidden among the hills and tucked along the shoreline, Shelter Cove is a fishing community with a long tradition, most recently embracing kayak fishing. It’s home to the annual “Gimme Shelter” kayak fishing tournament organized by Eric Stockwell, a local kayak fishing guide.
Give Me Shelter is one of the very first kayak fishing tournaments and continues to be one of the best. Every kayak angler should make a pilgrimage to the Lost Coast at least once in their lives. Registration is ending soon within a week for the may 11, 2024!
Camache Grand Slam Down
Number two on my list is the Lake Camanche Grand Slam Showdown hosted by the Fresh and Salty guys. This event is scheduled for November 9, 2024, featuring target species including Bass, Crappie, Trout, and Catfish.
The event is free to attend and spans multiple days; however, camping sites must be reserved personally and are filling up quickly.
Check out FNS 2022 Ocean Cove Event to see what i’m talking about!
These guys truly know how to have a great time! Their past events have always attracted a large crowd for some friendly competition, fun, and, of course, camaraderie around delicious food! It’s free, it’s fun, it’s kayak fishing baby! So, pack your bags and get ready to go!
The Alameda Rock Wall Halibut Tournament
Number three on the list is the The Alameda Rock Wall Halibut Tournament! This tournament boasts deep roots in the Kayak Fishing Community. It stands out as one of the few day tournaments in the San Francisco Bay area. With large halibut heating up the bay in the early summer months, this event presents a prime opportunity to reel in a big fish and claim a title.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 1, 2024, and head to the Alameda Rock Wall. The tournament kicks off officially at 7 a.m. and wraps up at 1 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony, raffle, and barbecue to crown our next King or Queen of the Wall! Additionally, the ARW tournament supports a local non-profits dedicated to serving the community.
Participation requires a $40 entry fee, which covers a goodie bag, lunch, and entry into the tournament. Preorders for additional shirts and hoodies are available before the event.
For those seeking an opportunity to learn the art of catching halibut while hanging out with like-minded people, this event is made for you. This year there will be additional seminars hosted by the California Canoe & Kayak fishing team to help anglers improve their fishing and kayaking skills. With a strong community following, many participants have formed lasting friendships through this shared passion. Join us for a day of angling excitement and camaraderie at the Alameda Rock Wall Halibut Tournament!
Monterey Bay Kayak Fishing Tournament(MBK)
The last and one of my favorites is the Monterey Bay Kayak Fishing tournament hosted by Monterey Bay Kayaks. Adam helm and his team puts on a quality event and tournament, and I have not doubt this year will be no exception. This event is scheduled in the fall on Saturday September 7,2024 from 5:30 A.m. – 1:30 p.m.
The event will be supporting Kayak Fishing for Beginners, a non-profit organization focusing on serving marginalized and underprivileged groups discover the joys and benefits of kayak fishing. They server children, veterans, and people with disabilities get into and enjoy kayak fishing.
Like most kayak fishing formats there will lots of time to fish, but plenty of time to relax, share a drink and enjoy the festivities with friends. Don’t forget to make new ones too!
Monterey bay offers a plethora of fish to target, from coastal rockfish, California halibut, to salmon and even the elusive White Sea bass, there is no shortage of fish to catch. However with changing regulations we just need to start current on the rules. However, those rules have never stopped the competition! In 2022 Sonny Nguyen won the tournament with one of the largest California Halibut I’ve ever seen for the event! So come load up the kayak. Fill out form and let’s get fishing!
Conclusion
Amazingly one of the greatest things about kayak fishing isn’t even the fishing!! With so many great fishing tournaments lined up this year there is no excuse to be fishing alone or watching YouTubers catch fish from your couch (Don’t get me wrong. Keep watching my channel tho!). Get in the action, get on the fun, get out and meet new people!! And explore our great outdoors. If you see me out here make sure to say hello. Let’s break some bread, share a drink and chat up about our great adventures. Take it from a Chovy. It will be the best decision you will ever made!