Renowned kayak angler and Realtree pro Drew Gregory is the series founder

Get your popcorn ready; the new Kayak Adventure Series presented by GoPro is set to deliver a new twist on catch, measure, photo, release (CMPR) kayak fishing tournaments. The six unique locations allow anglers to explore some incredible kayak fisheries. The events utilize revitalized downtowns to hold Closing Ceremony Festivals, and their adjacent historic theaters for awards, where fans are treated to some anglers’ best footage on the big screen.

Renowned tournament kayak angler and series founder Drew Gregory has represented GoPro for over a decade.

“GoPros have helped capture some of my life’s most incredible memories on and off the water,” said Gregory. “When I approached GoPro, they saw my vision and how this format will ultimately encourage more anglers to film. The ease of the GoPro will inevitably lead to others capturing some of their best moments, too. That alone is rewarding enough but having them shared on the theater’s big screen will be the coolest part, because kayak fishing is beautiful chaos!”

The series aims to highlight the diverse styles of anglers and the versatility of the kayak itself, given the craft can be used on the largest reservoirs and rivers or shallowest creeks. Some prefer motors and electronics, while others aim for simple, lightweight craft; both get the job done. The winners may pocket over $10,000, but it’s the welcoming environment for anglers of all skill levels, friends and families that will appeal to most. The week/end is action-packed, including opening ceremonies (Thurs), seminars (Fri), festival (Sat) w/ music, food, games, kayak and Toyota demos, vendor and sponsor booths, kids’ zone, and all culminates with the main event: the presentation of awards in theaters.

Competitors fish Friday afternoon and Saturday as they try to catch the longest five bass of the event, scored on a standard measuring device. Choose to fish in the Torqeedo Individual Division, the X2Power 2-Man Team Division, which combines both anglers catches (10), or both. The Crescent Kayaks Top Youth (under 16) winner will receive a brand-new kayak. Top Lady Anglers, presented by Women’s Fishing Federation are recognized. The Boonedox Big Bass Bling is awarded to the angler with the longest fish. If an angler tops 100 inches, a Crosskix Century Belt is given, along with a pair Crosskix to honor the achievement. With an emphasis on fun, there is also the Z-MAN Micro Finesse Micro-Bag Division (5 smallest bass). Fans at home can follow live standings, including scoring photos of the bass, via the Realtree Fishing Real-Time Leaderboard, powered by TourneyX. Events are scored by Reel Tournament Management.

Anglers earn points to compete for the coveted Farwide Angler of the Year (AOY) and X2Power Team of the Year (TMOY) Titles. The AOY winner receives an UBCO Electric Utility Vehicle ($5000), and prize package worth over $7500 and growing. The TMOY also receives a total package worth over $5000, filled with sponsor’s gift cards and products.

Each event is headline sponsored by a different kayak manufacturer, each donating a raffle kayak for the season’s charity – Pediatric Cancer – with all raffle proceeds going to the P.U.N.T Foundation to help families in financial need.

The fun begins in Thomaston, GA (May 3-4) with “Shoaliepalooza” presented by Crescent Kayaks, where anglers attempt to catch rare shoal bass. In June, KAS heads to Whitehall, MI (June 7-8) for “Wild Whitehall” presented by NuCanoe, where over 10 bass-filled lakes and rivers present a fun puzzle for the anglers to solve. KAS visits the Ozarks with a stop in Poplar Bluff, MO (July 12-13) for Old Town Watercraft’s “Ozarkana,” with waters known for their beauty and big bass. Two world-class river fisheries follow, beginning with Towanda, PA’s (Aug 9-10) Susquehanna River “Fiesta on the Susky,” presented by Bonafide Kayaks. This is followed by the Wisconsin River in Sauk Prairie, WI (Sept 6-7) “Wisconsin Riverfest” presented by FeelFree Kayaks. The inaugural series finale, “Broodstock,” takes place centrally in Bowling Green, KY (Oct 4-5). The finale is an open event, with bigger prizes and payouts, and the crowning of the AOY & TMOY.

Other series sponsors – Toyota Dealerships & Toyota Bonus Bucks, Power-Pole, SMITH Optics, Darkhorse Tackle, Yak Gadget, Bass University, Fish Tips, Yak Attack, 5-Star Heating & Air, Batteries Plus, Omnia Fishing, Bending Branches, AFTCO, Sunline, Ketch Products, Kayak Loading Solutions, Turtlebox, Achigan, Yak Rods, Kayak Kushion, SPRO Lures, Cablz, Big Drip Outdoors, local kayak fishing dealers offering kayak demos at each event.

For more information visit kayakadventureseries.com or email chasethewild@kayakadventureseries.com

About

Realtree Fishing is a natural extension of parent brand Realtree, the world’s leading camouflage designer, marketer, and licensor. Realtree Fishing’s growing partnerships in manufacturing, retail, and conservation ensure that the brand’s customers will enjoy the best fishing products, availability, and natural resources access for generations to come. Find Realtree Fishing on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and at Realtree.com.