This weekend marks the second stop of the Atlantic Division of the IFA Kayak Fishing Tour presented by Hobie Kayaks. The first stop took place in Charleston, SC on March 21, 2010 where 18 anglers competed for cash and prizes including three new Hobie kayaks. The tournament stop this Sunday in Surf City, NC features the same prizes, but with a couple of key rules revisions since the stop in Charleston. Local anglers Justin Carter, Dave Hamilton, and Dave Jaskiewicz will make the trek to continue their quest for top honors in the Atlantic Division.
First, live bait fishing is no longer allowed in the IFA Kayak Fishing Tour. This means no baits that are or were living organisms may be used during the tournament. This rule change came by the request of the overwhelming majority of tournament anglers who prefer to be treated as tournament anglers. The inclusion of live bait was intended to increase local participation in the events.
Second, with the elimination of live bait, the maximum length on redfish of 27 inches disappeared. The concern of tournament organizers was that using live bait could allow a tremendous unfair advantage, so the largest "score" for a redfish was capped at 27 inches. The length cap on redfish effectively turned the tour into a race to the weigh in for anglers who caught over the limit redfish, since "largest redfish" was determined by the first angler to check in. The maximum length on redfish had an unintended side effect in that it turned the focus toward which angler could catch the best trout.
I discussed the rules changes with part time fishing guide for Kayak Fish SC Justin Carter; here are his thoughts.
CFE: What do you think about the artificial only rule change?
JC: I like it. I like it a lot because this is a tournament. We should be testing people's fishing ability, not who can get lucky soaking bait.
CFE: How about the elimination of the length cap on redfish?
JC: You know, this is a good thing. It would really tick me off to catch a great fish and have it marked down to 27 inches. The tournament format is supposed to be about rewarding the best catches period.
CFE: How do you think you'll do in Surf City?
JC: I don't know. Dolphin Dave (Dave Hamilton from Time Out Sport and Ski) and I are going to fish hard and give it everything we've got. I think I'm in the running for Angler of the Year.
Good luck guys. Have fun, be safe and bring some great stories back to share.
Comments
Sounds like a good change for the better!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!