Kayak Anglers to host Presque Isle Tournament

The Erie Sports Commission is pleased to announce that Kayak Anglers of Western PA will host the first tournament in its annual kayak fishing series on Presque Isle Bay. The tournament will be held Saturday, May 14.

Kayak Anglers operates to foster relationships in the kayak fishing community, with objectives including cleaning waterways and improving waterway access, giving to related charities, and building community through friendly tournaments. The Western PA Chapter will host six tournaments in 2016.

Up to 100 anglers are expected from across Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio.

Participants must fish from kayaks, single-person canoes or SUPs. The tournament is catch-and-release, with all fish being measured and scored digitally. A live leaderboard will be updated at kayakfishingseries.com.

Registration will be held at Field and Stream on Friday, May 13 at 5 p.m., and Saturday, May 14 at 5 a.m.

Anglers will launch from multiple locations on Presque Isle beginning at 6 a.m. and fish bay waters. The lengths of the three longest bass will be totaled to give a final score. The participant with the longest fish will be named the “Biggest Bass” winner. Cash payouts to the top three overall anglers are based on participation.

Participants’ results from each chapter event will be recorded and tracked throughout the year in order to award an Angler of the Year. Only Kayak Anglers members are eligible for Angler of the Year.

Winners and awards will be announced at Presque Isle State Park Shelter #3 beginning at 3 p.m.

Registration is $20 for Kayak Anglers members, and $35 for non-members

“Kayak Anglers brings a unique angle to bass fishing tournaments in our area, in that the tournament is more accessible to more anglers,” said Ron Sertz, Executive Director of the Erie Sports Commission. “Because a bass boat is not necessary, more anglers will be able to travel to Erie and explore our waters. I’m looking forward to working with tournament directors to make this an annual draw for our region.”

“Between the spectacular access to Presque Isle Bay, and the amenities that Erie offers, it was natural for us to expand our tournament series to Erie in 2016,” said Noah Heck, President of Kayak Anglers. “With the help of the Erie Sports Commission, we’re eager to kick off our 2016 season with a great day of fishing.”

For more information, visit www.kayak-anglers.com.

The Erie Sports Commission is committed to promoting the Erie region as a prime destination for sports and recreation. The major goals of the ESC are to attract, create, support, and host sporting and recreational events that have a positive economic impact on the region, and assist in maximizing the potential of all regional sports facilities and venues. The ESC strives to enhance the image of Erie by showcasing the community, promote wellness through healthy lifestyles, and improve the quality of life for community members of all ages.