Top 7 Kayak Fishing Tournaments In Texas

Did you know that kayak fishing tournaments have become super popular in Texas? People of all ages are joining in on the fun, from the Gulf Coast to beautiful lakes inland. These tournaments create lots of excitement all around the state.

In fact, the number of participants in kayak fishing tournaments has doubled in the past five years.

But what makes these tournaments so unique? And which tournament to participate in? That’s what we’re here to explore. Each one has its own unique challenges and exciting moments.

The Top 7 Kayak Fishing Tournaments In Texas

Now it’s time to dive into the exciting world of kayak fishing tournaments in Texas!

These events are where fishing dreams come true. Whether you’re a pro angler or just getting your feet wet, Texas offers a plethora of thrilling tournaments that will put your skills to the test. 

Kayak Anglers Tournament Series (KATS)

KATS is no secret—it’s widely popular among kayak fishing enthusiasts throughout Texas. With multiple events throughout the year, it’s a tournament series that attracts anglers of all skill levels.

Whether you’re a pro or just starting out, KATS welcomes everyone to show off their fishing skills and have a blast.

You’ll need to register for KATS tournaments to get in on the action. It’s as easy as filling out a form online, paying a fee, and sometimes becoming a member of the tournament series.

Don’t worry, though—all the info you need is on the KATS website, so you won’t miss out on any important details.

Now, let’s dive into the tournament format. KATS is all about multiple fishing sessions where anglers race against time to catch the biggest and best fish. Each session has a time limit, adding a thrilling element of strategy to the competition.

The scoring system might vary, but usually, you earn points based on the size and kind of fish you catch.

What’s really cool about KATS is that it offers different divisions or categories for competition. Whether you love fishing in freshwater or saltwater, there’s a division just right for you.

Each division might have special rules and regulations, so everyone has a fair chance to win and enjoy the tournament.

But when and where do these exciting KATS tournaments take place? The series visits various stunning locations across Texas, providing anglers with diverse fishing experiences. Keep an eye on their website to find out when and where the next tournaments will occur.

North Texas Kayak Championship

Let’s dive into the second one – it’s the NTXKC (North Texas Kayak Championship)

It’s a top kayak fishing competition in Texas. People from all over the area eagerly participate in their competitions to show off their fishing skills.

To participate in the NTXKC, you must have a Texas Freshwater Fishing License. This license ensures that everyone follows the fishing rules in the state and helps protect the local fish.

The cool thing about this championship is that each event’s winner gets a special invite to another big fishing event called “The Classic.” It’s a big deal and allows winners to show off their skills in more tournaments.

This is an open competition to all anglers, whether you’re a pro or just starting out. It’s a friendly competition where everyone can join in and have a great time showing off their fishing talents.

You can use kayaks or canoes with trolling motors in most competitions. And guess what? You can even bring your inflatable kayak if you have one!

It adds a fun twist to the tournament and lets different types of fishing boats join in.

To keep things fair and organized, all participants have to register on an app called TourneyX. This app helps you submit your catch information, keep track of scores, and stay updated on tournament news. It’s a handy tool for the event.

If you’re under 18 years old and want to compete, you need to get a permission slip signed by a guardian. This is to make sure that everyone stays safe during the tournament, especially the younger participants.

The North Texas Kayak Championship has a clear set of rules that everyone follows. These rules are there to make sure everyone plays fair and has an equal chance to win. It’s important to read and understand the rules before the tournament so that everyone has a good time.

Remember, you can’t keep fish on stringers during the tournament. It’s all about catching and releasing the fish back into the water. This helps protect the fish population in North Texas, and it’s a good practice for anglers to take care of the fish they catch.

You can only submit one fish at a time during the tournament using the TourneyX app. This makes it fair for everyone and helps the organizers easily track the scores.

West Texas Kayak Fishing

West Texas Kayak Fishing (WTKF) is a super cool kayak bass fishing tournament series. It’s ranked third on our list, and there are plenty of reasons why it deserves this recognition!

So far, Jody Morris is leading the point table until May 2023. He’s doing an awesome job in the tournament series.

What makes WTKF special is that it’s a year-round tournament series. That means you can compete and have fun fishing in their tournaments all year long. It’s a great way to stay active and enjoy kayak fishing throughout the seasons.

WTKF organizes its tournaments in different lakes, creeks, and water bodies all over Texas. You’ll get to explore various fishing spots and experience the excitement of catching bass in different places. It’s like going on an adventure with your kayak!

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, WTKF welcomes all participants. It’s a friendly competition where you can meet other kayak fishing enthusiasts and show off your fishing skills.

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the experience. Don’t worry too much about winning. Focus on the scoreboard and have a great time on the water.

Saltwater Survival Series

The Saltwater Survival Series is an awesome kayak fishing tournament that holds the fourth spot on our list. It’s a unique tournament that sets itself apart in a special way!

In this tournament, anglers get to fish for three different fish species trout, redfish, and flounder. It’s like a year-round adventure where you show off your fishing skills.

The boundaries for this tournament are open to all bay waters along the Texas Coast. You can explore and fish in various beautiful locations along the coast. It’s like going on a big fishing expedition!

Here’s an important rule: No pre-fishing is allowed 12 hours before the tournament. That means you can’t go fishing in the tournament area right before the tournament starts. It keeps things fair and exciting for all participants.

Just like in any fishing activity, all State and Federal Laws Apply. Following the rules and regulations to protect the fish and the environment is important.

Participation in the Saltwater Survival Series is open to all anglers who are 18 years old and up. If you’re under 18, you’ll need to have written consent from your parents or guardians. Safety first!

Now, let’s talk about the prizes. The top 5 anglers will receive 75% of the entry fees as their reward. That’s some serious cash! But that’s not all – there are also some really cool sponsor prizes and a trophy.

It’s a great way to show off your fishing skills and take home some awesome prizes.

Texas Kayak Bass League

The Texas Kayak Bass League is another exciting kayak fishing tournament, ranked fifth on the list.

To participate in the tournament, competitors must register using the TourneyX app. It’s a place where you can sign up and keep track of your fishing adventures.

If you have a motorized kayak, you’re allowed to use it, but make sure it is registered. It’s important to follow the rules and have everything in order.

Here’s an important rule: You can only use ONE fishing rod at a time! It helps keep things fair for everyone and ensures that everyone has an equal chance to catch some bass.

When it comes to rules, they’re pretty simple. You need to follow all Federal, State, and Local laws. These laws are in place to protect the fish and the environment. Violating any laws may result in disqualification, so it’s important to fish responsibly.

The Texas Kayak Bass League wants everyone to have a safe and enjoyable experience. That’s why they highly encourage participants to avoid alcoholic beverages during tournament hours.

It’s all about staying focused and having fun in a responsible way.

Now, here’s something to remember: When you take a photo after catching a bass, make sure the mouth of the bass is closed completely. It’s a little detail, but it helps ensure that everything is done properly and fairly.

LoneStar Throwdown

LoneStar Throwdown is sixth on the Top 7 Kayak Fishing Tournaments list in Texas.

They are known for their unique features that make them stand out among the rest. First off, it’s held in a breathtaking location that offers amazing fishing opportunities.

Imagine casting your line into pristine waters, surrounded by the beauty of nature. It’s a true fishing paradise!

One of the special things about their tournaments is the friendly atmosphere. The organizers usually provide all the necessary information on their Facebook page. So it’s easy to get signed up and ready to go.

Their tournaments are based on a points system. Anglers earn points for the fish they catch; the more impressive the fish, the more points they get. It’s a thrilling challenge to try and catch the biggest and most impressive fish to climb up the leaderboard.

Kayak Wars Texas

Let’s talk about Kayak Wars Texas, the seventh thrilling tournament on our list of top kayak fishing tournaments in Texas!

Kayak Wars Texas is a one-of-a-kind competition that attracts kayak anglers from all over the state to showcase their fishing skills and have a great time.

It’s not just a tournament! It’s a community of passionate anglers who come together to share their love for fishing and make lifelong friendships. In 2015, their popularity skyrocketed, and more and more people joined in on the fun.

But Kayak Wars Texas is special because it is committed to responsible fishing practices. They care about the environment and promote protecting it. And they also promote kayak fishing accessories.

Common Rules For Kayak Fishing Tournaments In Texas

When it comes to kayak fishing tournaments in Texas, there are some common rules that participants need to follow. Let’s break them down in a way that’s easy for a 12-year-old to understand!

Rules And Laws

First and foremost, most tournaments in Texas adhere to Federal, State, and Local laws. These laws ensure that fishing is done responsibly and in compliance with regulations designed to protect the fish and the environment.

Size And Species

Size and Species Limits are important rules to keep in mind. Each tournament usually specifies the particular species of fish that can be scored and sets a minimum size requirement of 12 inches.

This helps maintain healthy fish populations by allowing smaller fish to grow and reproduce.

Tournament Boundaries

Tournament Boundaries are defined areas where participants are allowed to fish. These boundaries typically include lakes and creeks. Staying within these boundaries ensures fair competition and provides a level playing field for all participants.

Photography

Photography is an essential aspect of these competitions. After catching a fish, participants need to take clear photos of their catch using a measuring device provided by the tournament organizers.

The photos must meet specific requirements, such as the visibility of the measuring device and proper fish-handling techniques. This ensures accurate measurement and scoring of the catches.

Tracking And Scoreboard

Tracking and scoreboards are managed through a system application, the TourneyX app. Participants are required to upload photos of their catches to this app.

The app keeps track of the submissions and updates the scoreboard accordingly. It’s convenient to monitor the tournament’s progress and see how participants are doing.

Age Requirements

Age requirements for these tournaments are typically hassle-free and open for individuals who are 18 years old and up. However, if you’re under 18, you’ll need to have written consent from your parents or guardians to participate.

This ensures your safety and adherence to any legal requirements for minors.

Final Words

So, in a nutshell, kayak fishing tournaments in Texas are super fun and exciting competitions. People go there to show off their fishing skills, make new friends who also love fishing, and have an amazing time in Texas’s beautiful waters.

But there are some rules that everyone has to follow. These rules are important because they help us fish responsibly and keep everything fair.

Texas is awesome for kayak fishing because there are lots of gorgeous lakes, creeks, and coastlines to explore. The best part is that anyone can join these tournaments, no matter how old they are.

And if you’re younger than 18, you just need permission from your parents or a legal guardian.

Technology helps a lot because there’s an app called TourneyX that keeps track of everyone’s catches and scores. This makes the competition fair; everyone can see who’s doing the best.

So, if you love fishing and want to have a super cool time, join a kayak fishing tournament in Texas. You can enjoy fishing, make new friends, and have a fantastic adventure in the beautiful waters of Texas.