Who runs it?
Three freshwater kayak fishing clubs are based in North Carolina. From east to west, we are: Central Carolina Kayak Fishing, Carolina Kayak Anglers and Foothills Kayak Anglers. Together we span the state from the Piedmont to the Coastal Plain.
The three clubs have a history of working together to grow the sport in our state. We regularly provide advice, judges for events, and other tournament support to one another. In 2022 we asked: why not take the next step, and hold a joint event?
To that end, we founded a tournament for all kayak anglers across the state.
We call it the Carolina Classic.
How does it work?
The Carolina Classic is a freshwater kayak fishing tournament for black bass species. The format is Catch-Photo-Release (CPR), meaning that fish are caught, photographed and released, while photo submissions are uploaded to a tournament management site. On that site, they are reviewed by judges.
Every season, two of the three founding clubs co-host the event. One club chooses a lake, another provides logistical support, and another just enjoys the event and shows up to fish. In 2023, CKA hosts the events for points, FKA provides local support, and so forth.
Every season, the clubs rotate, hosting the event on different fisheries. The 2025 event will be on Lake James.
When is it?
The inaugural event of the Carolina Classic was held on Lake Hickory on May 20, 2023. The co-hosts were Carolina Kayak Anglers and Foothills Kayak Anglers. Central Carolina Kayak Fishing participated, too, in a competitive rather than organizational capacity.
In 2024, Central Carolina Kayak Fishing hosted the event on May 4, at Falls Lake, with CKA as co-organizer.
The goal, as always, is to grow the sport of kayak fishing in our beautiful state, promote our anglers and clubs, and provide a competitive environment that is fair and fun.
© CKA 2014-2025
