Chesapeake Bay Kayak Anglers Fishing Tournament

Written by; Chris Parson and Michael Bartgis

Satellite view of Camp Wright and Chesapeake BayOn Saturday, September 10, 2011, the first annual Chesapeake Bay Kayak Anglers (CBKA) Fishing Tournament was under way. Kayak anglers launched from Camp Wright located on Kent Island, Maryland. The water conditions were still pretty dirty and the temperature was approx 10 degrees cooler than before the recent rain. Despite the murky conditions, it turned out to be a great day on the bay. It was calm, the wind was light and the sun was shining most of the day. A total of 37 people registered for the inaugural event.

Most importantly, CBKA raised over $2600 in their 1^st year. $1756 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic and $855 for the Maryland chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association!!!

Many sponsors stepped up and donated thousands of dollars worth of prizes. Without these generous contributions CBKA could not raised these monies, nor could they have put on such a successful event. Carefree Boats made a large donation directly to Make-a-Wish Foundation as well as supplied a chase boat during the event for safety. Carefree also donated items for each participant’s Captain's gift bag! CBKA also held a silent auction for a Jackson Kayak Coosa model donated by Appomattox River Company valued at $1000. This added to the support for Make-A-Wish Foundation. Please visit the CBKA website for a full list of sponsors.

Heading out to the fishing grounds

Prime location

The members of CBKA would like to add a special thank you to Ms. Dee Zeller and the staff at Camp Wright in Stevensville, MD. With all of their hard work the tournament was more successful then anyone could have reasonably predicted. They worked very hard to clean up the grounds and beach launch area following hurricane Irene.

Rescue pup on board the chase boat Keeping a safe eye on participants 

The results are as follows; (the prizes for categories without a winning entry where added to the raffle to support Coastal Conservation Association of MD)

Slam
Rockfish, Spot, and Croaker - No entries

Rockfish
1st place - Robert Clemente - 19.5 inches - $150 gift coupon from Kent Island Kayaks
No 2nd or 3rd entries.

Bluefish
1st place - Matt Baden - 11.75 inches - $100 gift coupon from Paddle House Outfitters of Ocean City, MD
No 2nd or 3rd entries.

Perch
1st place - Steve Evans - 12 inches - $200 Gift Certificate from Backyard Boats, Piranha Paddle
2nd place - Will Burkholder - 11.25 inches - $100 Gift Certificate from Backyard Boats, Piranha Paddle
3rd place - Matt Baden - 10.25 inches - Panfish Camera Mount from Yakattack, Piranha Paddle

Electric Divison
1st place- Langston Majette - 12.25 inch perch - 2012 $175 Bass Challenge Pass, Piranha Paddle
2nd place- Ryan Altenburg - 12 inch perch - $50 Hook1 Gift Card *Also won special award for largest fish on a Hobie

Junior Division
Dylan Sorbina- $25 certificate to Hook1 and a Hook1 T-shirt
Paul Tisack -  Hook1 t-shirt and Kayak Bass Fishing t-shirt

Ladies Division
Samantha Ferline - $25 certificate to Hook1 and a Kayak Bass Fishing T-shirt

Special Awards
1st Award - Langston Majette - The very first registered participant of the very first annual CBKA tournament! - Kayak Kevin Chesapeake Bay Tour & Game on Kayak Fishing DVD's

Biggest Surprise Catch

Jim Tisack - 18" flounder at the Bay Bridge! $100 gift coupon to Kayak Anglers Pro Shop

Jim Tisack with an 18 

Sponsor help (non CBKA Director)

Tom Brown - $200 gift coupon to Easton Cycle and Sport

CBKA has already booked Camp Wright for 2012 and hopes are to double or even triple the number of participants. Participants have weighed in and CBKA has received very positive comments about the Camp Wright venue. The Hobie representative from the Northeast & Mid-Atlantic also enjoyed the event and venue. It's a great location and has amenities unique to most kayak fishing tournaments like showers, a swimming pool, dining hall and proximity to Kent Island shops and restaurants. Maryland's state capital, Annapolis and Eastern Shore towns such as Chestertown are all nearby as well. In fact, the Hobie rep, Marc Weiss stated it was the best venue he has seen on the entire East Coast!

On the board! Cruising along

Getting bent!   Stalking the pilings

Some teamwork here!

Eletric kayaks are mixing in