The year 2014 has been a great year of growth for the sport of kayak fishing in Tennessee. A big part of that growth has come from the emergence of several successful kayak fishing clubs hosting live tournaments in different regions of the state. As I have mentioned in previous posts, kayak fishing tournaments provide a laid back atmosphere and a welcoming environment, even for the newcomer. Participating in a kayak fishing tournament is a great opportunity to meet other like-mined fishermen. At a typical kayak fishing tournament in Tennessee, you will even find women and youth participating. All are welcome. As Summer winds down into Fall, it is not too late to get in on the action. There are still several events yet to be held. Below is a listing of some of the remaining kayak fishing tournaments in the state of Tennessee. September 7, 2014 – Chattanooga Bass Yakkers – Chickamauga Lake, Bear Trace September 16, 2014 – Kayak Bass Fishing TN – Percy Priest Lake, Vivrett Creek September 20 & 21, 2014 – Tennessee State Championship – Tims Ford Lake (tournament open to all anglers with the top 20 in yearly points competing for the Tennessee State Champion title) September 23, 2014 – Kayak Bass Fishing TN – Old Hickory Lake, Station Camp Creek October 4 & 5, 2014 – Chattanooga Bass Yakkers – Season End Classic, Location TBA (invitational for competitors fishing in 4 or more events but open to all anglers for additional $25 administration fee). October 10-12, 2014 – Kayak Bass Fishing TN – Natchez Trace State Park (open to several lakes within the park) October 18, 2014 – Tennessee Kayak Anglers – Pine Lake (just south of Lexington, TN) This will be the first TKA tournament held in West, TN As you can see, you have several options to get out to a tournament before cold weather sets in. Remember also that some of the best fishing of the year happens in the months of September and October as the bass tend to put on their “feed bag” in order to survive the long cold winter. What better way to share this good fishing than with a new found fishing buddy you met at a kayak fishing tournament. P.S. – Kayak fishing tournaments are also a great place to try out that kayak you have been reading about but haven’t gotten the chance to paddle. I will be at several of these events with my Jackson Kayak Big Rig and Cameron Gatlin will be at some of the same events and others with his Jackson Kayak Kilroy or Cuda 14. Just look for the guys from the Caney Fork Outdoors Fishing Team. Hit us up and we will be happy to let you test paddle our kayaks.