One of the largest tournaments on my schedule is the Jamaica Bay Kayak Fishing Classic Tournament. Located in Brooklyn NYC the event draws around 300 anglers from as far as Toronto. The main fish targeted are Striped Bass Weakfish Blue Fish and added last year Fluke ( Summer Founder).

This year is a new one in the chapter for myself. I am registered in the electric division. A division I never thought I would compete in. It is a challenge to fish the electric division from the mere fact that there is no electricity at the camping area. The only power available is from gas generators.

Unfortunately this year it doesn’t look like the weather is going to cooperate.

Wind and rain for Friday. I have a feeling the committee may officially postpone the start of the tournament till Saturday morning.

Saturday looks good so far!

I am bringing both the Jackson Kayak Big Rig with the Troqeedo and the Jackson Kayak Cuda 14. The Cuda is more manageable with my current kayak cart. Just in case I want to drop in near JFK Airport at Grassy Bay off the Cross Bay Boulevard. Theres a beach there that’s a long haul for the big rig on a cart on sand. The drop in where the tournament headquarters is at Floyd Bennett field is easy due to it being a huge sea plane ramp. Its very Big Rig friendly!

Looking forward to camping and hanging out with fellow fishing buddy’s long term and new. Of course cant forget the food!! If  your going stop by and say hello. Have a bite to eat drink a beer and trade some fishing stories.

As I write this my buddies are there prefishing. Wish I was there right now!!!

The fluke tournament had a great weather this year!  A big change compared to previous years. Along with a decent turn out of registered anglers. The fishing was ok on Friday but was much better Saturday. Firday I went fishing with Lunchbox & Yakman at Sandy Hook Horseshoe Cove. Managed a few croakers. Fishing just wasn’t good and the north wind was just brutal. Besides the wind it was a nice day!. Saturday had to stay close so fished with Lunchbox at the MRI. Yakman fished further up the river with no luck. Lunchbox and I had a lot of short fluke. I lost 2 one was in the 20″ range and a massive one that snapped my leader was easily in the 24″ area. It was an incredibly rough day fishing there due to immense boat traffic. I must say it was the first time my back was wet due to taking boat wakes over the side of the Cuda.

Back getting ready for the awards at the HQ at 2:00 weigh-ins were open. This year we actually had a tie with two entries at 26″ being legally entered. The third place fish came in at 24″.

First place Chris Baggott with a 26″ fluke Awarded a Jackson Kayak Coosa Kayak 100 dollars cash & a 50 dollar Jersey Paddler Gift card.

Second Place Judy Segar with a 26″ fluke (by time) Awarded a C-Tug Kayak cart and 100 dollars cash.

Third Prize Brian Pickard with a 24″ fluke Awarded a Scotty flag & light and 50 dollars cash.

The Calcutta was also won by Chris Baggott with 3 separate fluke not entered in the tournament totaling 61.75″

The tournament was a success once again this year with 27 registered kayak anglers participating. Congratulations to 1st place Chris Baggott of Shark River Hills 2nd Place Judy Segar from Allenhurst, and 3rd Place Brian Pickard of Hackensack!

See the awards presentation here!