CKA 2023
10th Anniversary Season
Tournament 1: Lake Norman
Presented by Sunshine Realty & Property Management
Carolina Kayak Anglers was founded in 2013 with a small team-based tournament on Randleman Reservoir. Over the ensuing decade, CKA became the cornerstone of North Carolina’s booming kayak fishing scene. Through it all, one thing never changed -CKA remained North Carolina based, by and for its anglers.
And now, it’s time to fish!
In 2023, CKA begins a new chapter in its history. We invite all past, present and future CKA anglers to join us on Lake Norman as we kick off our 10th anniversary tournament season powered by Dakota Lithium on Lake Norman on March 4, 2023 and celebrate the sport of kayak fishing – in, by and for North Carolina anglers.
This event’s 100% Payout is sponsored by Sunshine Realty Property Management out of Burlington, NC! Sunshine Realty Property Management manages apartments, single-family homes, and other rental properties throughout Alamance County and the nearby region.
CKA on Lake Norman
This will be CKA’s fourth visit to one of North Carolina’s most famous fisheries. The lake does hold a place in CKA history, for several reasons: it is where kayak fishing legend Jamie Denison started his career with a win in 2016, when he took 1st place overall at CKA’s season opener. In 2017, a young man named Melvin Yang made his presence known there by winning the CKA season opener. Yang followed up by winning the CKA Tournament of Champions on the same lake later that same season. In sum, two North Carolina fishing legends wrote early chapters in their storied careers on Lake Norman.
Who will be next?
About the Lake
Lake Norman is a big fishery with a reputation for producing good bags of Spotted Bass. Fed by the cool Catawba River, the lake has 520 miles of shoreline with average depths of 33 ft. Areas of clear water will present a dynamic challenge for anglers. The lake’s upper end is loaded with boat docks, submerged brushpiles, rock piles and long points which will provide opportunities for many different styles of fishing. For some examples of the lake’s potential, check out this MLF video on Bryan Thrift’s junk fishing techniques at Lake Norman.
Getting Ready
- Make an account: CKA uses the Fishing Chaos app for Catch-Photo-Release tournaments. Accounts are free, and angler’s save on fees with a membership.
- Practice and pre-fish: We encourage new anglers to practice using the app. To that end, if you are practicing or pre-fishing for the Lake Norman event, you can submit fish from eligible water to CKA’s 20 for 23 online tournament. To encourage participation and practice, we left February registration open!
- Renew your CKA membership and fishing license. If you want to save tournament points to compete for Rookie or Angler of the Year, become a CKA member. If you are a member, Fishing Chaos will inform you when it is time to renew!
- Register: Click here to register for CKA at Lake Norman.
Additional Info
There is a 100% payout for CKA events!
Click here for the full CKA schedule, tournament info, rules and more.
Click here for info on CKA’s 10th season.
Note: CKA has adopted some rule changes for the 2023 season. Please review and learn them as they are applicable to all CKA events. For example, CKA will only permit launches from the list of pre-approved sites on the Fishing Chaos registration page. Post-tournament check in will also be mandatory.
Remember: All CKA Tournaments are 2024 KBF National Championship Qualifying Events, but you must be a KBF member prior to the CKA event. To become a KBF member, click here: https://www.kayakbassfishing.com/join/
Anglers must be present at the post-tournament check-in to retain points and collect prizes. If you place in the money, you will be asked to remain for post-event photographs. In the absence of submitted written dispute, prizes will be distributed via PayPal within 24 hours.
Don’t forget the Str8-Up Mounts BIG BASS pot! The Biggest Bass of the 2023 season will receive a $500 reward as well as a custom Ketch trophy. Both will be awarded after the Gate City Classic in September!
Please be sure to obtain a valid N.C. license. CKA asks for proof of a valid license for anglers who win prizes.
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© CKA 2014-2023
