Jacksonville Kayak Fishing Classic Set for May 2-3

The Jacksonville Kayak Fishing Classic is shaping up to be the world's largest kayak fishing tournament once again with over 305 anglers already registered for the May 2-3 event.

The charity tournament, run by JaxKayakFishing.com, will award over $60,000 in prizes and gifts from 100 sponsors. Proceeds from Jacksonville's premier eco-tourism event benefit children's programs for abused and neglected kids at Daniel Memorial, Florida's oldest children's services agency, and Diginity-U-Wear.

Capt. Kevin Faver and Capt Kirk Waltz of the Outdoors Show will be emceeing the captain's meeting on May 2nd at the Morocco Shrine. There will be over $15,000 in raffles of kayaks and equipment at the captains meeting and the general public is encouraged to come and see what kayak fishing in Jacksonville is all about.

Last year’s Classic had a world’s largest attendance of 282 paddlers with more than $50,000 in prizes and gifts. The event raised over $22,000 for local children’s and conservation charities.

The captain’s meeting is scheduled for May 2 at Jacksonville’s Strike-Zone Fishing Center. The entry fee is $60 and includes a captain’s bag, rights to fish, entry into the raffles, and banquet.

Anglers will launch at first light Saturday May 3rd at any inshore location in the Duval, St. Johns, or Nassau county area, and seek redfish, trout, and flounder in a conservation-oriented catch-photo-release format. After fishing there is a check-in, raffles, banquet, and awards ceremonies at the Morocco Shrine. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the kayak fishing camaraderie and festivities.

Trophies, kayaks, fishing gear and gift certificates will be awarded for first place through fourth place finishers in four open divisions and first place through third place in the fly fishing division.

Divisions include: the redfish-trout-flounder slam, biggest redfish, biggest trout, biggest flounder, and the redfish-trout fly slam. There are also contingency prizes, awards for top Jr. Angler, top Lady Angler, top Sr. Angler, a Mystery Fish prize, a raffle for the Best Dang Tackle Box, and raffles that include more than $15,000 worth of kayaks, equipment and tackle.

Kayak fisherman can still register online at www.JacksonvilleKayakFishingClassic.com or can also pick up an entry form at Strike-Zone Fishing, Black Creek Outfitters, Army Navy Outdoors, Gander Mountain, Dick's Sporting Goods, All Wet Sports, or B&M Bait and Tackle. More information, complete rules, and prize details are also available online.