Carolina Yakfish

Happy New Year, everyone!  Here is our 2012 tournament schedule as it stands right now.  We’re still working out some of the details, including some small rules changes, so please stand by for updates.  As of right now, our 2012 schedule looks like this:

April 14 – Shearon Harris

May 12 – Randleman Reservoir

June 30 – Fort Fisher

September 15 – Lake Michie

October 20 – Jordan Lake

We are also very pleased and thankful to announce that Native Watercraft has agreed to donate a kayak for our 2012 Angler of the Year prize!

The final event of the 2011 Carolina Yakfish series was held this past Saturday at Jordan Lake.  The weather conditions were horrible in the morning -  40 degrees, a driving rain, and a stiff breeze.  Despite the forecast, 17 fearless anglers arrived at the launch at 6:30 ready to go.  An additional 18 participants and volunteers from Heroes on the Water amounted to a very good turnout for such a raw day.

There weren’t a ton of fish caught, but 3 anglers did managed to get a 3-fish limit.  Joey Benevenia came out on top with a 3-fish total of 48.25,” despite being stung by “the half-inch rule” (a 15.75″er DQed).  Joey also took big fish honors with a nice 19.25″ largemouth.  Calvin Almond also had a 3-fish limit and came in second with a 3 fish stringer totaling 47.5″.  NCangler moderator Jeff Oestreich came in third with a 3-fish limit of 45.5″.  Nathan Raycroft and Bob Dainton rounded out the top five with 31″ and 13.5,” respectively.  Joey B. found his fish shallow on wood with a variey of baits, including a worm, a jig, and a spinnerbait.  Almost all the rest of the fish in the field fell for crankbaits fished near rip rap.

The AOY race was decided in dramatic fashion again this year!  Calvin’s second place finish catapulted him into a tie with Joe A. in the final AOY standings.  CY had considered a sudden death fish-off in the event of a tie, but given the conditions of the day, we deemed it best to call it off (they agreed) and leave it as a tie.  So a big congratulations to Joe Angelcyk and Calvin Almond for being the 2011 Carolina Yakfish Co-Anglers of the Year!  For their efforts, the pair win a 2011 Jackson Kayak Coosa Elite.  A big thanks to our buddy Drew Gregory and the fine folks at Jackson Kayak for making this possible.

2011 was another great year for Carolina Yakfish!  Thanks to all the participants and donors, we were able to raise over $2,200 this season for Heroes on the Water.  These donations will be used to directly support North Carolina’s HOW chapters.  We had a great time this year, and we’re already looking forward to next year!  Be on the lookout for a 2012 schedule by the end of the year.

Jeff, Calvin, & Joey B.

* Joey B. also won the big bass pot with a 19.25″ largemouth

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Joey B’s winning limit (19.25″, 16″, 13″)

Calvin’s 2nd place limit (16.5″, 15.75″, 15.25″)

Jeff’s 3rd place limit (15.75″, 15.25″, 14.5″)

The fourth event of the year was held this afternoon on the Cape Fear River at Hwy 42.  Due to having to postpone last weekend and it being a holiday weekend with many competitors traveling, turnout was fairly light with 12 anglers.  We’re still on track to have a great fundraising year with $1897 raised so far for Heroes on the Water.
Thanks to everyone that made it out today and we apologize for having to postpone last weekend but we wanted to play it safe with the high wind and rain forecasted with Hurricane Irene.  The weather was great today and the bass cooperated for many of the participants.

Brad Crater bested the field with a 3 fish limit of 50.5″ and also took big fish honors with a 19″ bass.  Way to go Brad!  Second place went to Joey Benevenia who also had a 3 fish limit.  His bag measured in at 39″ and just barely squeezed by Bob Dainton‘s limit of 38.5″ who finished third.  Joe Angelcyk rose to the top of the AOY standings with another respectable finish, coming in 4th place with a 3 fish limit measuring 35.75″.  Rounding out the top 5 was Calvin Almond who is right on the heels of Joe for the AOY prize.

CORRECTION:  When posting the winners’ photos it was noticed that Joey B. didn’t have his ID number showing in two of his photos.  Those fish are therefore DQed.  This moves him down to 8th, Bob D. moves to 2nd and Joe A. moved up to 3rd.

I’m really sorry that changes to results have been made after a tourney again.  We appreciate everyone’s understanding in correcting the errors.  Steps will be taken so that this does NOT happen again in the future.

Click HERE for current standings.

Anglers reported catching fish on frogs, plastics, and crankbaits.  Most of the action was early and died down later in the day once the heat set in.

Thanks again to all the competitors and we look forward to seeing everyone at the final event of the year at Jordan Lake on 10/29.

*Won the big fish pot with a 19″ largemouth.

** 2 photos DQed for no ID #.

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Brad’s winning bag (19″, 16″, 15.5)

Bob’s 2nd place bag (14.75″, 12.25″, 11.5″)

Joe’s 3rd place bag (14.25″, 11.25″, 10.25″)

Our 2nd event of the year was held this past Saturday at Fort Fisher. Turnout was great with 24 anglers competing in the first saltwater tournament of the series.

The weather was beautiful, with the exception of some breezy conditions near the end of the day. Lots of fish were caught, and 3 slams were recorded. In the end, Brian Roy bested the field with a 3-fish slam of 45.75 inches. Besides the cash prize, he receives a kayakbassfishing.com BASSpass and t-shirt. Brian also receives free entry into the RiverBassin’ Finale “Lake Basser” division on Sept. 10 up at Smith Mountain Lake outside of Roanoke, VA.

Trailing just behind his buddy was Steve Hurst with another slam totaling 45.5 inches. Not a bad day considering this was his first time kayak fishing in saltwater!  Steve took home some cash, but he also gets an individual challenge entry from KBF, as well as a KBF t-shirt and copy of Chad Hoover’s Kayak Bass Fishing book. Brian and Steve made the trip down from Raleigh together and probably had a fun ride home with a 1-2 finish!

Coming in 3rd, also with a slam, was NCKFA president Mark Patterson. Mark had a slam that measured 41.25 inches. With his 3rd place cash prize, Mark also gets an individual challenge entry from KBF, as well as a t-shirt and a copy of Jeff Little’s Kayak River Bass Fishing DVD.

Prizes were also given out for the biggest fish of each species. The big fish pot was won by Ashley Williams, with a red drum measuring 23.5 inches. Bob Dainton also caught a red the same size, but Ashley made it back to the ramp first so he took home the $105 pot. The biggest speckled trout went to Joey Sullivan who caught a 19.25 inch trout trolling an MR27. For that fish he won a pair of Flying Fisherman sunglasses and a pair of Fish Grips. Big flounder honors went to the event champion, Brian Roy, with a 16.25 inch flat fish. Not only did he take that fish home for dinner (Mmmmm), but he also won a hat, two shirts, paddle leash, and a few other things donated by Hook, Line, and Paddle. Thank you to Mark Patterson of NCKFA and Ryan Meddock at Hook, Line, and Paddle for donating goodies for the trout and flounder prizes.

After the winners were announced, more raffle tickets were sold for the rod & reel combo. This is a GORGEOUS rod custom made by Brett Hinson from Carolina Custom Rods valued at over $250.  The winner of the raffle will also get a voucher for a reel worth $175 from American Legacy Fishing Company.  The rod/reel combo will be given away at the next event, so be sure to get your tickets NOW!  More information about the raffle HERE.

After two events, total money raised for Heroes on the Water is already over $1200!

Thank you to all competitors that made it out to this event and making it a very fun day. We hope to see you all at Beaverdam at Falls Lake on July 9th!

BONUS YouTube video from Kaleb…enjoy!

Brian’s winning slam (16.25″ red, 16.25″ flounder, 13.25″ trout)

Steve’s 2nd place slam (18.75″ red, 12.25″ flounder, 14.5″ trout)

Mark’s 3rd place slam (15.75″ red, 12″ flounder, 13.5″ trout)

The 2011 Carolina Yakfish Series got off to a quick start today at Holt Lake.  23 anglers took on the lake despite the less than perfect forecast.  Luckily, the rain stayed away, other than a few sprinkles, and made for a great day on the water with friends.  Lots of fish were caught, including 13 3-fish limits – a new record for Carolina Yakfish!  A good way to start the new season.  Fish were caught on spinnerbaits, crankbaits, jigs and plastics among others.

In the end, Joe Angelcyk bested the field with a 3-fish limit of 43.25″.  Stan Harvey took second with 42.25″, and also landed the big bass pot with a 19.5″ beauty.  Brad Crater also had a fine showing and took home third place with a 3-fish limit of 40.5″.  Two anglers, Philip Ruckart and Joe Osbourne, both had limits that would have placed in the top 3, but were unfortunately denied their 3rd fish due to the “1/2-inch rule”.

The biggest winner of the day was Heroes on the Water.  Thanks to the particpants, outside donors, and the rod raffle, $662 was raised at the very first event.

We have decided to take $5 out of the entry fees this year and donate that to HOW as opposed to the end of year Angler of the Year cash payout like last year.  We did this because of the Jackson Coosa that will be given for the AOY prize.  The Coosa is worth more than double last years AOY prize so we hope this works out for everyone.

The rod & reel raffle raised $90 with 22 tickets sold.  Be sure to get some tickets at the next event!  You can also arrange for raffle tickets by contacting Joey at joey@carolinayakfish.com.

For the next event on May 7th, we’re getting salty!  So brush up on your slam techniques and we’ll see ya at the Fort!

1.  Joe Angelcyk – 3 LMB – 43.25″

2.  Stan Harvey – 3 LMB – 42.25″ (19.5″ fish won big bass pot)

3.  Brad Crater – 3 LMB – 40.5″

4.  Nathan Raycroft – 3 LMB – 39″

5.  Steve Hurst – 3 LMB – 35.75″

6.  Scott Inge – 3 LMB – 35″

7.  Brain Roy – 3 LMB – 34.5″ (14″)

8.  Daniel Morales – 3 LMB – 34.5″ (13″)

*9.  Joe Osbourne – 2 LMB – 32.75″

10.  Taylor Kennedy – 2 LMB – 32″ (18.75″)

11.  Tommy Sullivan – 3 LMB – 32″ (13″)

12.  Ryan Sadler  – 3 LMB – 31.75″

*13.  Philip Ruckart – 2 LMB – 29″

14.  Gary Ribet – 3 LMB – 28″

15.  Rich Girardi – 2 LMB – 19.5″

16.  Bob Dainton   – 1 LMB – 17.25″

17.  Paul Braly – 1 LMB – 11″

18.  Mike Hanner – 1 LMB – 10.5″

19.  Joey Benevenia – 1 LMB – 10″

20.  Joey Sullivan – 0 LMB

20.  Kyle Brafford – 0 LMB

20.  Sean Braly – 0 LMB

20.  Fred Moran – 0 LMB

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* Due to the 1/2″ rule, one fish was disallowed.

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Joe’s winning bag (16″, 15″, 12.25″)

Stan’s 2nd place bag (19.5″, 12.75″, 10″)

Brad’s 3rd place bag (15.5″, 13″, 12″)

Lots of good news to report before the 1st tourney.  PRIZES!

Jackson Kayak has agreed to donate a Coosa for the 2011 Angler of the Year grand prize!  Thanks to everyone at Jackson for making this possible!

For EACH event, Chad Hoover and kayakbassfishing.com have donated the following as prizes:

1st place – KBF BASSPass™* ($175 value) and a KBF t-shirt.

2nd place – Individual (monthly) challenge entry pass, a copy of Chad Hoover’s book “Kayak Bass Fishing”, and a KBF t-shirt.

3rd place – Individual (monthly) challenge entry pass, a copy of Jeff Little’s DVD “River Kayak Fishing Skills”, and a KBF t-shirt.

* note – If the winner already holds a KBF BASSpass, they will receive a $100 gift certificate to Hook 1 and a $75 gift certificate to KBF.

Also, Drew Gregory and the River Bassin’ Trail are giving the winners of each of our first four tournaments FREE ENTRY into the “Lake Basser” division of the River Bassin’ Trail Finale, which will be September 10th in Roanoke, VA (Smith Mountain Lake).

We just received a beautiful 7′ Medium action spinning rod – a gift from Brett Hinson at Carolina Custom Rods. He did an incredible wrap job, complete with American flags and eagles.  The rod is built on an RX8, XSB843-TC blank, with custom foam core carbon fiber grips and SS316 TiC guides.  Light and sensitive, it’s an awesome multi-purpose rod.  Karry Batson, from Batson Enterprises, donated the components to build the rod.

Chad Hoover, from kayakbassfishing.com, has given us a voucher for a new reel from American Legacy Fishing Company. The winner of the raffle will get the voucher (valued at $175) and the rod, and he or she can choose the reel to complete the combo.

We will begin selling raffle tickets at the first tournament on March 26th.

1 ticket = $5
5 tickets = $20

The winner of the raffle will announced at our 3rd tournament (Beaverdam) on July 9th (winner doesn’t need to be present). Email bob@carolinayakfish.com if you’d like to buy some raffle tickets.  All money raised in the raffle will go to Heroes on the Water.

**Chad also told me that if the winner of the raffle also owns a 2011 KBF BASSpass, then they will also receive a $100 gift certificate to Hook 1!



Here is our 2011 tournament series schedule.

March 26 – Holt Reservior (Butner)

May 7 – Fort Fisher (Federal Point)

July 9 – Falls Lake (Beaverdam)

August 27 – Cape Fear River (Hwy 42)

Oct 29 – Jordan Lake (Ebenezer)

More details HERE.

2010 was a great first year for the Carolina Yakfish Tournament Series.  41 participants traveled from all over the state of North Carolina to compete in five catch/photo/release (CPR), cash prize tournaments.  We had a lot of fun this year making new friends through the great sport of kayak fishing.  Like many first time endeavors, there were a few errors made in scoring at the tournaments that were later corrected.  We apologize for the mistakes and we’ll strive to limit them next year and beyond.   We would like to sincerely thank each and every participant, without whom the series would not have been such a success.

Fortunately, we were able to raise some money for a very worthy cause, Heroes on the Water.  A total of $1701 was donated by 8 different companies and individuals, and that money will go to support the Cape Fear (NC) Chapter of Heroes on the Water. Donors included Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Contour Site Development, North Durham Barber Shop, Dr. Steve Walsh, Bob Dainton, Joey Sullivan, Tommy Sullivan, and Mike Hanner.   We would like to thank all the donors for agreeing to support this great cause.

Once again, we’d like to congratulate all the tournament winners.  Some guys caught some monster bass this year!  We’d also like to send out a big congratulations to the 2010 Carolina Yakfish Angler of the Year – Joey Sullivan.  His 4th place finish at Jordan Lake helped him squeak past Drew Haerer to take home the title.

Carolina Yakfish 2011 is already in the works and we’re hoping it will be bigger and better than the first season.  We may revisit a few lakes and we’ll also look to fish some new waters.  We may also seek a sponsor next year to award a kayak to the Angler of the Year.  Stay tuned for news on that front and we look forward to seeing everyone next year!

Beaverdam (3/27/10)
Drew Haerer – 49″
Bob Dainton – 40.25″
Gary Ribet – 36.25″

Cape Fear River (5/8/10)
Joey Sullivan – 52.5″
Drew Gregory – 39.5″
Drew Haerer – 28.5″

Lake Mackintosh (7/10/10)
Philip Ruckart – 72.25″
Joey Sullivan – 57″
Scott Inge – 56″

Shearon Harris Reservoir (9/11/10)
Scott Inge – 51″
Bob Dainton 21.5″
Drew Haerer – 19.5″

Jordan Lake (10/30/10)
Philip Ruckart – 62″
Tommy Sullivan – 44
Don Parks – 39.25″

Final Angler of the Year Final Standings
Joey Sullivan – 124
Drew Haerer – 122
Philip Ruckart – 118
Scott Inge – 114
Bob Dainton – 112