2021 was a big rebound year for CKA. Our numbers grew. The Angler of the Year and Rookie of the Year races went to the finish line in dramatic fashion. We fished our first ever out-of-state event, and a host of great new sponsors came on board. Overall, attendance was larger, payouts were bigger and it all added up to a successful season.
Highlights
- Brian Tsiolkas landed the longest bass of the season, a 23” tank he caught at the Gate City Classic.
- For the 2nd time ever, an angler (Jared Stanley) won both the ROY and ToC titles in a single season (Keith McGee won both in 2019).
- Rick Rowland won his 7th event, passing P.C. Hawj for the all-time record of victories in CKA competition.
- CKA anglers represented themselves well on the National scene once more. Dontrell Sullivan placed in the money at the Potomac River KBF TRAIL for the second year in a row, Henry Veggian took home the KBF Challenge Series North Carolina title…..
- The CKA Angler of the Year race was a relentless battle between Henry Veggian and Rick Rowland. Veggian held the lead for the majority of the season until Rowland passed him after the 7th However, Rowland had an uncharacteristically slow day at the Gate City Classic, and Veggian battled back from 13 points down to nearly retake 1st place, coming up only 6 points shy. After finishing as runner-up on numerous occasions, Rick Rowland was finally crowned CKA Angler of the Year.
Numbers
- 8 different anglers won 1st place in 8 regular season events.
- CKA anglers donated over $900 to Heroes on the Water and also fished the Socks & Cookies fundraiser for active duty personnel.
- A total of 178 anglers fished our 8 regular season events, for an average attendance of 60 anglers per event.
- Payouts: CKA Paid out $22,954
Sponsors
CKA sponsors were tremendous in providing prizes to anglers.
- Our title sponsor Get:Outdoors Paddlesports was steadfast in offering prizes for the ROY and AOY awards as well as discounts to anglers. They also provided great Captain’s Meeting giveaway prizes at every event!
- Carver Covers, , YakAttack, Solar Bat, Dakota Lithium, Texas 2 Step were all incredibly generous.
- Faircloth Chimney Sweeps and Wildlife Removal provided a CKA angler with a custom engraved board for 2021 Big Bass and $500 cash
Please buy from these great companies in the off season, and support them by posting and tagging their products!
Miscellaneous
In other news, CKA’s media outreach continued to grow, as our Instagram and Twitter accounts continue to stack followers. Please follow us on those other media – the links are on the website front page.
CKA is always looking for content for its Youtube channel. If you have video footage of your tournament catches, contact us!
Looking Ahead
CKA directors are working on the following for next year:
- The 2022 CKA Trail Schedule
- New sponsors
- Website updates (stay tuned!)
CKA staff want to thank you all for making our labor worth it.
