Jackson Kayak’s Matt Ball won the Best of the Best one-versus-one kayak fishing tournament against Hobie Fishing’s Jay Wallen this past weekend in Wetumpka, AL. The event pitted the Kayak Bass Fishing (KBF) National Championship winner, Ball, against the KBF Angler of the Year, Wallen on Lake Jordan and the Coosa River below the Lake Jordan Dam from February 24-26.
The three-day event had the anglers fishing below the Jordan Dam on Day 1 and Lake Jordan on Day 2 while the anglers could pick either body of water on Day 3. Both anglers chose to fish on the lake on Day 3. The anglers were allowed to score their five longest fish each day for a 15 fish aggregate.
Ball scored 181.25 inches in 13 fish over the three days while Wallen was only able to catch seven fish for 100.75 inches. Wallen caught the largest fish of the event at 18.25 inches but was unable to max out his stringers on each day costing him the win.
The Kayak Bass Fishing (KBF) Trail will host an event on the Coosa River below the Jordan Dam on May 5th and 6th. That particular site has hosted kayak fishing events in years past. It hosted the River Bassin’ National Championship in 2014 that drew dozens of top kayak river anglers from all over the country. In addition to several other club-level events with the Coosa Canoe and Kayak Fishing Tournament and North Alabama Kayak Anglers throughout the years. Of course, kayak bass fishing clubs in the Alabama will be hosting our end-of-the-year gathering and state championship at the Alabama Kayak Fishing Classic at this same location.
Corey Galloway sticking a 5-pound largemouth on the Coosa River
KBF Trail events often draw dozens of competitive anglers due to the prizes and cash awards for the top winners. KBF is the same organization that gave away $30,000 to the winner of their “National Championship” in 2016 and they are lined up to do it again in March of 2017 this year. Winners of KBF Trail events in 2016 often walked away with a new kayak and about $1,000 in cash along with a ticket to the KBF National Championship.
Bringing the KBF Trail to the Coosa River is a change up for KBF. KBF events have almost always been held on public or private flat water lakes. This year, KBF is venturing off into riverine environments. They have announced river stops in Georgia and West Virginia this season.
The Coosa River is one of the most scenic rivers in the south. It is also one of the most punishing. Anglers will need to use caution throughout the float below Jordan Dam. It is almost inevitable that given a few dozen anglers, someone is going to loose some gear on the water and perhaps go for a swim.
Josh Tidwell with a near 22″ Spotted Bass
But the risks can be worth the reward. Magnum spotted bass lurk in those waters. There will be several legit trophy bass caught during this tournament. While not common, trophy largemouth bass are also found in those water. And while trophy fish may or may not be caught, the experience of running through difficult rapids with friends could be just enough to bring you back.
Unfortunately for Alabama anglers, this event is scheduled on the same day as the Coosa Riverkeeper’s event on Neely Henry. Anglers vying to win the CRK’s Angler of the Year or qualify for the Champion Division of the Alabama Kayak Fishing Classic will have a choice to make.
Check each club’s Facebook pages and websites for rules, event updates, and results. Here we try to offer a comprehensive look at kayak fishing events in Alabama during 2017. Note that some events may be hosted by clubs from outside our state.
Feel free to contact us to add your events and details.
Always check the host organization’s websites for last minute event details and weather updates.
