JACKSONVILLE, FL - MAY 14, 2011 - The kids at Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville won big at the 2011 Columbia Sportswear Kayak Fishing Classic as 406 kayak anglers raised over $33,000 for the charity's programs and the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation. Anglers had ideal fishing conditions in the morning and overcame a windy storm front moving through the Jacksonville area in the afternoon to check in 14 slams, 45 Redfish, 54 Trout, and 43 Flounder.
"We are thrilled to be associated with such a world-class event, and want to thank the kayak anglers, sponsors, and everyone that made the Classic happen for their generous support ", said Jeff Leach Board President, and Debbie Revels, Executive Director of DSAJ. Tournament director Mike Kogan stated, “Every year we are awed by the incredible turnout – it’s clear the popularity of kayak fishing is growing and kayak anglers love the recreational, charitable, conservation, and family-oriented format of the Classic.”
The catch-photo-release charity event run by JaxKayakFishing.com, is the world’s largest kayak fishing event for the sixth consecutive year. The 2011 Classic was led again by the title sponsorship of Columbia Sportswear, whose focus on products that allow people to enjoy the outdoors longer and more comfortably is a perfect match for kayak fishing. All the entrants received a custom shirt featuring the latest outdoor comfort, protection, and stain release technology from Columbia.
Columbia was joined by other industry leaders such as Ocean Kayaks, Malibu Kayaks, Emotion Kayaks, Hobie Kayaks, Cobra Kayaks, Freedom Hawk Kayaks, Jackson Kayaks, Diablo Paddlesports, Advanced Elements, Costa Del Mar, and Accent Paddles. The Classic also pulled together all of Northeast Florida’s kayak and fishing retailers led by Strike-Zone Fishing, Black Creek Outfitters, All Wet Sports, Academy Sports & Outdoors, Gander Mountain, and Dick's Sporting Goods to name just a few of the over 80 sponsors. Kogan related “the outstanding efforts of our volunteers and the kayak fishing community combined with the generosity of our terrific sponsors continue to make the Classic an unqualified success.”
Jim Statlick of Cocoa Beach, FL claimed the top prize in the Ocean Kayaks slam division, winning a fully-rigged Ocean Kayaks Trident Ultra 4.7 fishing kayak. His 61.1” winning slam consisted of a 30.2” red, a 15” trout, and a 15.9” flounder. Statlick was closely followed by a group of Northeast Florida anglers including Walter Gomes at 60.6”, Charles Ganoe with 58.7”, and former slam winners Todd Derringer and Frank Gregg at 58.1” and 55.8” respectively.
Roland Sage of Yulee, FL won the Hobie Kayaks trout division with a 28.1” gator trout on a day when the trout bite was fired up. Top redfish honors went to John Elomaa of Jacksonville with a 34.5” red and he scored a Malibu Stealth kayak. Leading the way in the Emotion Kayaks flounder category was Mark Bellotte of Ruskin, FL with a 19.2” flattie.
Another highlight at the Classic this year was the FishingNosara.Com Family Cup, an award that recognizes the best fishing performance by a family. The Family Cup was won by the Ganoe family of Jacksonville, FL and they will enjoy a one week vacation in Costa Rica and a shopping spree at Black Creek Outfitters.
Chase Jones won the Academy Sports & Outdoors Junior Angler and Elizabeth Saylor won the MTI Lady Angler award. Frank Gregg took the MTI Senior Angler honors and brothers Troy and Chris James tied for the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation Fly Angler award. Chad Crosby won the Strike-Zone Fishing Mystery Fish award, Mitch Granat won Hoosier Paddler’s Best Dang Tackle Box, and Andrew Godwin won the Black Creek Outfitter’s Sportsmanship award.
For more results and information about next year's Classic visit Jacksonville's kayak fishing community at www.jaxkayakfishing.com. A media and press image preview package is available online.
Special thanks go out to the volunteers and over 80 sponsors who supported the Classic including: Columbia Sportswear, Strike Zone Fishing, BlackCreek Outfitters, Yak-Gear.Com, Academy Sports, Gander Mountain, Dick’s Sporting Goods, All Wet Sports, Ocean Kayaks, Accent Paddles, Hobie Kayaks, Cobra Kayaks, Costa Del Mar, Malibu Kayaks, Jackson Kayaks, FreedomHawk Kayaks, Emotion Kayaks, Advanced Elements, Diablo Paddlesports, Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, Slayer Lures, Cannon Paddles, FINS, Extrasport, Creative Feathers Studio, Outdoors Show, Okuma Fishing, Navionics, Mirrolure, Daiwa, DOA Lures, Calcutta, Crack of Dawn, MTI, Surf To Summit, Malone Auto Racks, KayakFishingSupplies.Com, Kayak Amelia, Florida Sportsman, Carlisle Paddles, Humminbird, Kayak Fisherman Magazine, B&M Bait&Tackle, Talic, RAM, Polar Bear Coolers, Otter Box, Scotty Rod Holders, Daiichi Hooks, Cannon Downriggers, Hook1, GearKeeper, Slayer Lures, Fishbites, ThermaCELL, Exude Mister Twister, Kayak Angler Magazine, Stohlquist, AquaEast, Wheeleez, White Shell Bait&Tackle, Arlington Bait&Tackle, Extrasport, Carlisle, Precision Pak, 321Fish.Com, Fisherman’s Seafood & Bait, YakLife.Com, TTI-Blakemore Fishing Group, Wang Anchors, Skwoosh, Florida Sportfishing, IrishWaterDogs.com, Stowmaster Nets, St. Croix Rods, StandNFish.Com, FlyFishingJax.Com, West Marine, Qualia Fishing, SeaSpecs.Com, EmmRod, TheMangler.Com, Coastal Angler Magazine, Minuteman Press, Void Magazine, IFA Kayak Fishing Tour, Bomber Saltwater Grade Lures, FishingNosara.Com, TAllenRods.Com, Sticky Fingers BBQ.
PDF version of this release
Event Photo Preview Pack (High-Res Available on Request)
Interview and Public Relations Contact:
Mike Kogan
JaxKayakFishing
PO Box 330465
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
O: 904.382.5007
E: mike@JaxKayakFishing.com
W: www.JaxKayakFishing.com
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JACKSONVILLE, FL - MAY 14, 2011
Ocean Kayaks Slam (14 Slams Checked In)
1 – Jim Statlick – 61.1" (30.2” Red, 15” Trout, 15.9” Flounder)
2 – Walter Gomes – 60.6"
3 – Charles Ganoe – 58.7"
4 – Todd Derringer – 58.1"
5 – Frank Gregg – 57.8"
Malibu Kayaks Biggest Redfish (45 Redfish Checked In)
1 – John Elomaa – 34.5"
2 – Dru Chapman – 29.5"
3 – Matt Embree – 28.4"
4 – Jeff Urbanik – 27.4"
5 – Steven Speaks – 26.75"
Hobie Kayaks Biggest Trout (54 Trout Checked In)
1 – Roland Sage – 28.1"
2 – Mark Tkachik – 24.4"
3 – Laura Kropidlowski – 24.0"
4 – Bill Smith – 23.5"
5 – Kevin Lairsey – 23.6"
Emotion Kayaks Biggest Flounder (43 Flounder Checked In)
1 – Mark Belotte – 19.2"
2 – Robert Altman – 18.7"
3 – Rickey VIckery – 18.0"
4 – Kienan Spruance – 17.8"
5 – Scott George – 17.5"
Academy Sports & Outdoors Junior Angler
1 – Chase Jones
2 – Nathan Loyd
3 – Dru Chapman
FishingNosara.Com Family Cup – Team Ganoe (Charles, Melita, and Daniel Ganoe, Britt Ezell, Alfie Nazario)
MTI Lady Angler Award – Elizabeth Saylor
MTI Senior Angler Award – Frank Gregg
Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation Fly Angler Award – Troy and Chris James (tie)
Black Creek Outfitters Sportsman Award – Andrew Godwin
Hoosier Paddler’s Best Dang Tackle Box – Mitch Granat
Strike-Zone Fishing Mystery Fish – Chad Crosby
Interview Contact:
Mike Kogan
JaxKayakFishing
PO Box 330465
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
O: 904.382.5007
E: mike@jaxkayakfishing.com
W: www.jaxkayakfishing.com
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JACKSONVILLE, FL - April 26, 2011 - JaxKayakFishing.com, Northeast Florida's online kayak fishing community and host of the 2011 Columbia Sportswear Jacksonville Kayak Fishing Classic on May 13-14 is announcing a new family-oriented award, the FishingNosara.Com Family Cup. The Classic, which has for years been the world's largest kayak fishing tournament, has always had a conservation, charity, and recreational focus that attracts many families that love to fish. The Family Cup will be awarded to the top family that fishes together and catches the best aggregate Redfish-Trout-Flounder slam at the Classic.
Sponsored by FishingNosara.Com and Nosara Paradise Rentals, the winning family will receive a
Costa Rica vacation package valued at over $2000. The vacation package includes 7 days lodging in a private 2 bedroom house just outside the famous nature preserve and an outdoor guided activity such as 1/2 day boat sportfishing charter, kayak fishing charter for 8, or snorkeling, horsebacking riding, and surfing tours.
All anglers registered in the Classic are eligible to participate by specifying their family team affiliation during tournament registration. Anglers that have already registered can notify the Classic staff of their family team by sending an email to the tournament director (click here to email) or specifying their family members at the captain’s meeting May 13th.
Over 360 anglers have already registered to compete for over $80,000 in prizes and gifts to benefit the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville and the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation. Get your registration in before the event fills up, lock in your captain’s bag (first 350 paid), and get your $10 gift certificate for entering from Yak-Gear.Com. Online registration, more information, rules, and prize details are available online at www.JacksonvilleKayakFishingClassic.com.
Sponsors for the 2011 Jacksonville Kayak Fishing Classic include: Columbia Sportswear, Strike Zone Fishing, BlackCreek Outfitters, Yak-Gear.Com, Academy Sports, Gander Mountain, Dick’s Sporting Goods, All Wet Sports, Ocean Kayaks, Accent Paddles, Hobie Kayaks, Cobra Kayaks, Costa Del Mar, Malibu Kayaks, Jackson Kayaks, FreedomHawk Kayaks, Emotion Kayaks, Advanced Elements, Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, Slayer Lures, Cannon Paddles, FINS, Extrasport, Creative Feathers Studio, Outdoors Show, Okuma Fishing, Navionics, Mirrolure, Daiwa, DOA Lures, Calcutta, Crack of Dawn, MTI, Surf To Summit, Malone Auto Racks, KayakFishingSupplies.Com, Kayak Amelia, Florida Sportsman, Carlisle Paddles, Humminbird, Kayak Fisherman Magazine, B&M Bait&Tackle, Talic, RAM, Polar Bear Coolers, Otter Box, Scotty Rod Holders, Daiichi Hooks, Cannon Downriggers, Hook1, GearKeeper, Slayer Lures, Fishbites, ThermaCELL, Exude Mister Twister, Kayak Angler Magazine, Stohlquist, AquaEast, Wheeleez, White Shell Bait&Tackle, Arlington Bait&Tackle, Extrasport, Carlisle, Precision Pak, 321Fish.Com, Fisherman’s Seafood & Bait, YakLife.Com, TTI-Blakemore Fishing Group, Wang Anchors, Skwoosh, Florida Sportfishing, IrishWaterDogs.com, Stowmaster Nets, St. Croix Rods, StandNFish.Com, FlyFishingJax.Com, BackwaterFishingAdventures.Com, West Marine, Qualia Fishing, SeaSpecs.Com, EmmRod, TheMangler.Com, Coastal Angler Magazine, Minuteman Press, Addictive Fishing, Void Magazine, IFA Kayak Fishing Tour, Bomber Saltwater Grade Lures, FishingNosara.Com.
Interview and Public Relations Contact:
Mike Kogan
JaxKayakFishing
PO Box 330465
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
O: 904.382.5007
E: mike@JaxKayakFishing.com
W: www.JaxKayakFishing.com
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JACKSONVILLE, FL - April 14, 2011 - JaxKayakFishing.com, Northeast Florida's online kayak fishing community and host of the 2011 Columbia Sportswear Jacksonville Kayak Fishing Classic on May 13-14 has set the fishing prizes for the 2011 edition of the world's largest kayak fishing tournament. The Classic awards 1st through 5th place prizes in four divisions - biggest Redfish-Trout-Flounder Slam, Biggest Redfish, Biggest Trout, and Biggest Flounder.
First place prizes in all divisions are fishing kayaks from the top kayak manufacturers and free entry into an IFA Kayak Fishing Series event. The winner of the biggest Flounder earns an Emotion Kayaks Grand Slam Angler, biggest Redfish scores a Malibu Kayaks Stealth 12, biggest Trout wins a Hobie Mirage Outback, and the biggest Slam receives an Ocean Kayak Trident Ultra 4.7.
Second place in all divisions features an Accent Diamond Series Carbon Fiber Paddle. Third place in all divisions receives a premium combo featuring a St. Croix Mojo Inshore Rod matched with a Penn Conquer reel. Fourth place in all divisions receives a Cannon Escape Kayak Fishing Paddle, and Fifth place in all divisions receives a Wang Anchor stake out pole.
All anglers placing in a division will also receive a JaxKayakFishing customized Polar Bear cooler, a subscription to Florida Sportfishing Magazine, and a trophy. The Classic additionally has awards for top Lady Angler, Senior Angler, Fly Angler, and the top three Junior Anglers featuring MTI Adventurewear life preservers, gift certificates from Academy Sports + Outdoors, and gift certificates from KayakFishingSupplies.Com.
The Classic has something for everyone beyond the prizes that can be won on the water. For years anglers have been enjoying the Classic because “you win by entering” and it’s for great causes, the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville and the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation. What fishing tournament hooks up each angler with a $50 Columbia Sportswear Long Sleeve Blood & Guts Fishing Shirt, a top notch captain’s bag filled with kayak fishing goodies, provides free food at the captain’s meeting and banquet from Sticky Fingers BBQ, and raffles off tens of thousands of dollars worth of kayaks, accessories, and fishing tackle? The 2011 captain’s bag features items from DOA Lures, Fishbites, Slayer Jigs, MirroLure, Bomber Saltwater Grade, FINS, Norton FishGrip, TTI Blakemore, and Costa Del Mar.
Over 330 anglers have already registered to compete for over $80,000 in prizes and gifts to benefit the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville and the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation. Get your registration in before the event fills up, lock in your captain’s bag (first 350), and get your $10 gift certificate for entering from Yak-Gear.Com. Online registration, more information, rules, and prize details are available online at www.JacksonvilleKayakFishingClassic.com.
Sponsors for the 2011 Jacksonville Kayak Fishing Classic include: Columbia Sportswear, Strike Zone Fishing, BlackCreek Outfitters, Yak-Gear.Com, Academy Sports, Gander Mountain, Dick’s Sporting Goods, All Wet Sports, Ocean Kayaks, Accent Paddles, Hobie Kayaks, Cobra Kayaks, Costa Del Mar, Malibu Kayaks, Jackson Kayaks, FreedomHawk Kayaks, Emotion Kayaks, Advanced Elements, Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, Slayer Lures, Cannon Paddles, FINS, Extrasport, Creative Feathers Studio, Outdoors Show, Okuma Fishing, Navionics, Mirrolure, Daiwa, DOA Lures, Calcutta, Crack of Dawn, MTI, Surf To Summit, Malone Auto Racks, KayakFishingSupplies.Com, Kayak Amelia, Florida Sportsman, Carlisle Paddles, Humminbird, Kayak Fisherman Magazine, B&M Bait&Tackle, Talic, RAM, Polar Bear Coolers, Otter Box, Scotty Rod Holders, Daiichi Hooks, Cannon Downriggers, Hook1, GearKeeper, Slayer Lures, Fishbites, ThermaCELL, Exude Mister Twister, Kayak Angler Magazine, Stohlquist, AquaEast, Wheeleez, White Shell Bait&Tackle, Arlington Bait&Tackle, Extrasport, Carlisle, Precision Pak, 321Fish.Com, Fisherman’s Seafood & Bait, YakLife.Com, TTI-Blakemore Fishing Group, Wang Anchors, Skwoosh, Florida Sportfishing, IrishWaterDogs.com, Stowmaster Nets, St. Croix Rods, StandNFish.Com, FlyFishingJax.Com, BackwaterFishingAdventures.Com, West Marine, Qualia Fishing, SeaSpecs.Com, EmmRod, TheMangler.Com, Coastal Angler Magazine, Minuteman Press, Addictive Fishing, Void Magazine, IFA Kayak Fishing Tour, Bomber Saltwater Grade Lures, FishingNosara.Com.
Interview and Public Relations Contact:
Mike Kogan
JaxKayakFishing
PO Box 330465
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
O: 904.382.5007
E: mike@JaxKayakFishing.com
W: www.JaxKayakFishing.com
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JACKSONVILLE, FL - March 21, 2011 - JaxKayakFishing.com, Northeast Florida's online kayak fishing community and host of the 2011 Columbia Sportswear Jacksonville Kayak Fishing Classic on May 13-14 is proud to announce that Captain Blair Wiggins, the renowned Mogan Man of the Addictive Fishing Show will be the featured guest captain at the Classic, the world's largest kayak fishing tournament courtesy of FINS, the angler's choice in braided fishing lines, Dick's Sporting Goods, DOA Lures, Mirrolure, and Costa Del Mar Sunglasses.
Capt. Blair Wiggins, a.k.a. the “Mogan Man” has been a longtime favorite of anglers around the country for his high-energy entertaining style on the Addictive Fishing television show. Capt. Blair has been a guide, professional tournament angler, and fishing phenomenon for over 30 years and will no doubt be a huge hit at the world’s largest kayak fishing tournament.
The Mogan Man will be on hand at the captain’s meeting May 13th to talk about “addictive kayak fishing”, and will also be raffling some Addictive Fishing kayak fishing gear featuring the new Blair Wiggins S-Curve "Flats Blue" Fishing Rods to raise funds for Project Snook.
Over 250 anglers have already registered to compete for over $80,000 in prizes and gifts to benefit the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville and the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation. Kayak fisherman can register online at www.JacksonvilleKayakFishingClassic.com. Get your registration in before March 28st to avoid a $15 late charge and lock in your captain’s bag, and to get your $10 gift certificate for entering from Yak-Gear.Com. More information, rules, and prize details are available online.
Sponsors for the 2011 Jacksonville Kayak Fishing Classic include: Columbia Sportswear, Strike Zone Fishing, BlackCreek Outfitters, Yak-Gear.Com, Academy Sports, Gander Mountain, Dick’s Sporting Goods, All Wet Sports, Ocean Kayaks, Accent Paddles, Hobie Kayaks, Cobra Kayaks, Costa Del Mar, Malibu Kayaks, Jackson Kayaks, FreedomHawk Kayaks, Emotion Kayaks, Advanced Elements, Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, Slayer Lures, Cannon Paddles, FINS, Extrasport, Creative Feathers Studio, Outdoors Show, BullFrog, Okuma Fishing, Navionics, Mirrolure, Daiwa, DOA Lures, Calcutta, Crack of Dawn, MTI, Surf To Summit, Malone Auto Racks, KayakFishingSupplies.Com, Kayak Amelia, Florida Sportsman, Carlisle Paddles, Humminbird, Kayak Fisherman Magazine, B&M Bait&Tackle, Talic, RAM, Polar Bear Coolers, Otter Box, Scotty Rod Holders, Daiichi Hooks, Cannon Downriggers, Hook1, GearKeeper, Slayer Lures, Talic, Fishbites, ThermaCELL, Exude Mister Twister, Kayak Angler Magazine, Stohlquist, AquaEast, Wheeleez, White Shell Bait&Tackle, Arlington Bait&Tackle, Extrasport, Carlisle, Tilley Hats, 3rd Grip CrateMate, Precision Pak, 321Fish.Com, Fisherman’s Seafood & Bait, YakLife.Com, TTI-Blakemore Fishing Group, Wang Anchors, Skwoosh, Florida Sportfishing, IrishWaterDogs.com, Stowmaster Nets, St. Croix Rods, Heddon, StandNFish.Com, BackwaterFishingAdventures.Com, FlyFishingJax.Com, Qualia Fishing, SeaSpecs.Com, EmmRod, TheMangler.Com, Coastal Angler Magazine, Minuteman Press, Addictive Fishing, Void Magazine, IFA Kayak Fishing Tour.
Interview and Public Relations Contact:
Mike Kogan
JaxKayakFishing
PO Box 330465
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
O: 904.382.5007
E: mike@JaxKayakFishing.com
W: www.JaxKayakFishing.com
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JACKSONVILLE, FL - March 17, 2011 - JaxKayakFishing.com, Northeast Florida's online kayak fishing community and host of the 2011 Columbia Sportwear Jacksonville Kayak Fishing Classic on May 13-14 is proud to feature four new kayak designs at the 2011 edition of the world's largest kayak fishing tournament. The 2011 Classic will feature new designs from the world's leading kayak manufacturers including the Ocean Kayak Trident Ultra 4.7, the Jackson Kayak Coosa, the FreedomHawk Freedom 12, and the Advance Elements Straitedge Angler inflatable kayak.
Ocean Kayak's Trident Ultra 4.7 is a new 15 foot Trident design from New Zealand that caters to offshore and inshore anglers offering state of the art handling, speed, and storage. Trident 4.7’s are in high demand and the Classic will be awarding the Grand Slam winner a brand new fully rigged Trident Ultra 4.7.
Jackson Kayak's Coosa is the first kayak designed for the inshore angler that targets rivers, creeks, and lakes. Jackson designed the Coosa in conjunction with Drew Gregory, a kayak angler of national note known for his dramatic encounter with a fired up goose (yes a goose). Drew will be at the Classic promoting the Coosa and will raffle a brand new Jackson Coosa in support of the Classic charities.
FreedomHawk is at the Classic featuring their revolutionary Freedom 12 design. Featuring the dynamic integrated Outrigger design, the Freedom 12 is the ultimate standing fishing kayak. The patented design is the only one that is engineered from the water up to enable the angler to fish comfortably and safely through a 360 degree range of motion. FreedomHawk’s Dave Hadden will be on hand at the Classic featuring the Freedom 12 which will also be a special raffle in support of the Classic charities.
Advanced Elements, the leading inflatable and collapsible kayak designs is now offering an angler model of their StraitEdge inflatable sit-on-top kayak. The StraitEdge Angler features integrated mounting rails for fishing accessories, a high-back seat with rod holders, stainless steel D-rings for anchor and stringer attachments, paddle holders, and bungee deck lacing.
Over 220 anglers have already registered to compete for over $80,000 in prizes and gifts to benefit local children's charities. Kayak fisherman can register online at www.JacksonvilleKayakFishingClassic.com. Get your registration in befire March 28th to avoid a $15 late charge, lock in your captain's bag, get your $10 gift certificate for entering from Yak-Gear.Com. More information, rules, and prize details are available online.
Interview and Public Relations Contact:
Mike Kogan
JaxKayakFishing
PO Box 330465
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
O: 904.382.5007
E: mike@JaxKayakFishing.com
W: www.JaxKayakFishing.com
###
JACKSONVILLE, FL - March 2, 2011 - JaxKayakFishing.com, Northeast Florida's online kayak fishing community and host of the 2011 Columbia Sportwear Jacksonville Kayak Fishing Classic on May 13-14 is pleased to announce over 180 anglers have already registered to compete for over $80,000 in prizes and gifts to benefit local children's charities. Pre-tournament festivities are kicking off now with in-store raffles for fishing kayaks at Strike-Zone Fishing, tournament coupons from Yak-Gear.Com and Otterbox, and contingency prizes from Hobie Fishing.
Strike-Zone Fishing is sponsoring limited in-store raffles for an Ocean Kayak Trident 13 Angler Kayak, over a $1000 retail value. Proceeds from the raffles benefit children’s programs at the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville and the raffle is open to the public. Only 50 raffle tickets at $20 each are available and the tickets can only be purchased at Strike-Zone Fishing located on Beach Blvd. in Jacksonville. The winning tickets will be drawn and the kayaks awarded at the Jacksonville Kayak Fishing Classic May 13-14. Entrants must be present at the drawing to win.
Yak-Gear.Com is providing every registered entrant to the Classic a $10 gift certificate redeemable at Yak-Gear.Com, kayak accessory headquarters for the Classic.
Polar Bear Coolers is awarding the top 5 in each division a special customized JaxKayakFishing 24-pack cooler.
Otterbox, the leader of protective cases, is offering 20% off any Otterbox product through the Classic.
Hobie Fishing is offering the Hobie Advantage Angler contingency program which awards $100 to any Classic division winner who paddles a Hobie kayak.
Kayak fisherman can register online at www.JacksonvilleKayakFishingClassic.com. Get your registration in befire March 21st to avoid a $15 late charge and lock in your captain's bag. More information, rules, and prize details are available online.
Interview and Public Relations Contact:
Mike Kogan
JaxKayakFishing
PO Box 330465
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
O: 904.382.5007
E: mike@JaxKayakFishing.com
W: www.JaxKayakFishing.com
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JACKSONVILLE, FL - January 24, 2011 - JaxKayakFishing.com, Northeast Florida's online kayak fishing community, has again announced plans for the world's largest kayak fishing tournament to be held in Jacksonville, Florida on May 13-14. The 8th annual Jacksonville Kayak Fishing Classic promotes kayak fishing in Jacksonville with a fun conservation-oriented format and raises funds for children's programs at the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville and the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation. The Columbia Sportswear Company, the global leader in active outdoor apparel, is the title sponsor.
Officials expect that more than 350 kayak anglers will target Redfish, Trout, and Flounder in a catch-photo-release format with more than $80,000 in prizes and gifts. Last year’s Classic had a world’s largest attendance of 430 paddlers with more than $80,000 in prizes and gifts. The event raised over $40,000 for local children’s and conservation charities.
The captain’s meeting is scheduled for May 13 at Jacksonville’s St. Ephrem Syriac Catholic Church. Check-in, awards ceremonies, and a banquet are set for May 14 at Jacksonville’s St. Ephrem Syriac Catholic Church. The entry fee is $75 and includes a custom Columbia fishing shirt, captain’s bag, rights to fish, entry into the raffles, and catered food at the captain's meeting and check-in banquet. Anglers will be launching and fishing at any inshore location within Duval, Nassau, St. John’s, Camden, and Glynn counties.
Trophies, kayaks, fishing gear and gift certificates will be awarded for first place through fifth place finishers in four open divisions. Divisions include: the Redfish-Trout-Flounder slam, biggest Redfish, biggest Trout, and biggest Flounder. There are also contingency prizes and awards for Jr. Angler, Lady Angler, Sr. Angler, Fly Angler, a Mystery Fish prize, a raffle for the Best Dang Tackle Box, and raffles that include more than $20,000 worth of kayaks, equipment, and tackle.
The event is co-sponsored by many of North Florida’s finest kayak and fishing retailers, including Strike-Zone Fishing, Black Creek Outfitters, Gander Mountain, Dick’s Sporting Goods, All Wet Sports, Academy Sports, and AquaEast. The world’s leading fishing kayak and accessory manufacturers are also sponsors: Hobie Kayaks, Malibu Kayaks, Ocean Kayaks, Emotion Kayaks, Native Watercraft, Jackson Kayaks, FreedomHawk Kayaks, Cobra, Wilderness Systems Kayaks, Accent Paddles, Yak-Gear.Com, and Malone.
Many prominent national brands such as Costa Del Mar, Penn, Daiwa, Guy Harvey, St. Croix, Tilley Hats, Tsunami, Mirrolure, Fishbites, Slayer Lures, Polar Bear Coolers, and DOA Lures are also major supporters. The Outdoors Show, Florida Sportfishing Magazine, Florida Sportsman, Kayak Fisherman Magazine, Kayak Angler Magazine, Coastal Angler Magazine, Fishing Connection, Canoe&Kayak Magazine, Paddler Magazine, and Great Atlantic Outfitters are promoting and advertising the event.
Kayak fisherman can register online at www.JacksonvilleKayakFishingClassic.com or can also pick up an entry form at Strike-Zone Fishing, Black Creek Outfitters, All Wet Sports, and Gander Mountain. More information, rules, and prize details are also available online.
Sponsors for the 2011 Jacksonville Kayak Fishing Classic include: Columbia Sportswear, Strike Zone Fishing, BlackCreek Outfitters, Gander Mountain, Accent Paddles, Hobie Kayaks, Cobra Kayaks, Costa Del Mar, Malibu Kayaks, Jackson Kayaks, FreedomHawk Kayaks, Emotion Kayaks, Advanced Elements, Wilderness Systems Kayaks, Ocean Kayaks, Native Watercraft, Academy Sports, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Black Fly Outfitter, All Wet Sports, Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, Purefishing, Great Atlantic Outfitters, Slayer Lures, Yak-Gear.Com ,Creative Feathers Studio, Outdoors Show, BullFrog, Mirrolure, Daiwa, DOA Lures, Calcutta, Crack of Dawn, MTI, Surf To Summit, Malone Auto Racks, KayakFishingSupplies.Com, Kayak Amelia, Florida Sportsman, Kayak Fisherman Magazine, B&M Bait&Tackle, Talic, RAM, Polar Bear Coolers, Otter Box, Scotty Rod Holders, Daiichi Hooks, Hook1, GearKeeper, Slayer Lures, Fishbites, ThermaCELL, Penn Fishing, Exude Mister Twister, Kayak Angler Magazine, Stohlquist, AquaEast, Bite-A-Bait, Wheeleez, White Shell Bait&Tackle, Arlington Bait&Tackle, Extrasport, Carlisle, Tilley Hats, 3rd Grip CrateMate, Precision Pak, 321Fish.Com, Fisherman’s Seafood & Bait, YakLife.Com, TTI-Blakemore Fishing Group, AT Paddles, Wang Anchors, Skwoosh, Helter Skeletons, Florida Sportfishing, IrishWaterDogs.com, Bluestorm, Stowmaster Nets, St. Croix Rods, Heddon, StandNFish.Com, BackwaterFishingAdventures.Com, FlyFishingJax.Com, QuickSlide Stringers, Qualia Fishing, ZackTack, RodWrap.Com.
Interview and Public Relations Contact:
Mike Kogan
JaxKayakFishing
PO Box 330465
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
O: 904.382.5007
E: mike@JaxKayakFishing.com
W: www.JaxKayakFishing.com
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JACKSONVILLE, FL - October 1, 2010 - The 2011 Jacksonville Kayak Fishing Classic will be held on May 13-14, 2011. The Columbia Sportwear company, one of the world's leading outdoor apparel manufacturers, will once again be the title sponsor for the 2011 Classic, and the event will again be for the benefit of the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville and the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation.
JACKSONVILLE, FL - MAY 8, 2010 - The kids at Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville and Daniel Memorial won big at the 2010 Columbia Sportswear Kayak Fishing Classic as 430 kayak anglers raised over $42,000 for the local children's charities and the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation. The catch-photo-release charity event, run by JaxKayakFishing.com, is the world's largest kayak fishing event for the fifth consecutive year.
"We are thrilled to be associated with such a world-class event, and want to thank the kayak anglers, sponsors, and everyone that made the Classic happen for their generous support ", said Jeff Leach Board President, and Debbie Revels, Executive Director of DSAJ. Tournament director Mike Kogan stated, “Every year we are overwhelmed at the incredible turnout – even in these challenging economic times the surge in participation from the anglers and sponsors points to continued strong growth for kayak fishing and great community support.”
The 2010 Classic was led again by the title sponsorship of Columbia Sportswear, whose focus on products that allow people to enjoy the outdoors longer and more comfortably is a perfect match for kayak fishing. According to Columbia Sportwear VP of Global Sales Mitch Fields, “Events like the Classic are an ideal way for us to work with local charities in conservation-oriented outdoors activities while featuring our outdoors Performance Fishing Gear like the Superlight Blood & Guts apparel line.
Columbia was joined by other industry leaders such as Ocean Kayaks, Malibu Kayaks, Emotion Kayaks, Hobie Kayaks, Wilderness Systems, Cobra Kayaks, Native Watersports, Pure Fishing, Costa Del Mar, and Accent Paddles. The Classic also pulled together all of Northeast Florida’s kayak and fishing retailers led by Strike-Zone Fishing, Black Creek Outfitters, All Wet Sports, and Dick's Sporting Goods to name just a few of the over 90 sponsors. Kogan related “the great efforts of our volunteers and the kayak fishing community combined with the generosity of our terrific sponsors continue to make the Classic an unqualified success. This year we had over 150 anglers travel from around the country including a huge contingent from Texas and even a group from England as well.”
Ryan Conner of Fernandina Beach, FL claimed the top prize in the Hobie Kayaks slam division, winning a fully-rigged Hobie Mirage Pro Angler fishing kayak. He fished near Fernandina Beach in “Ryan’s Creek” en route to his 60.1” winning slam, which consisted of a 30” red, a 17.1” trout, and a 13” flounder. Conner was closely followed by a cadre of Jacksonville anglers including fly angler Troy James with 58.6”, Chris Fricker with 57.8”, Alex Crotzer with 57.1”, and senior angler Dan Arvin with 55.8”.
Adam Boyd of Jacksonville won the Ocean Kayaks trout division with a 26.5” trout on a day when the trout bite was challenging. Top redfish honors went to tournament newcomer Larry Wagner of Jacksonville with a 30” red and he scored a Malibu Stealth kayak. Leading the way in the Emotion Kayaks flounder category was fourteen year-old Luke Shaw of Palm Valley with a 19.2” flattie. Another highlight of the flounder division was seeing nine year-old Jessica Parker take third place with a 17.6” flounder.
Luke Shaw was also the Emotion Kayaks Junior Angler and Melita Ganoe won the Blue Storm Lady Angler award. Dan Arvin took Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation Senior Angler honors and Troy James won the Black Fly Outfitter Fly Angler and placed second overall using fly tackle only.
All winners and placers also received Polar Bear Coolers, gift certificates from Strike-Zone Fishing, Black Creek Outfitters, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Kayak Fishing Supplies.Com, and subscriptions to Florida Sportfishing magazines.
For more results and information about next year's Classic visit Jacksonville's kayak fishing community at www.jaxkayakfishing.com. A media and press image preview package is available online.
Special thanks go out to the volunteers and over 90 sponsors who supported the Classic including: Columbia Sportswear, Strike Zone Fishing, BlackCreek Outfitters, Accent Paddles, Cobra Kayaks, Costa Del Mar, Malibu Kayaks, Emotion Kayaks, Advanced Elements, Wilderness Systems Kayaks, Ocean Kayaks, Native Watercraft, Hobie Kayaks, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Black Fly Outfitter, All Wet Sports, Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, Purefishing, Great Atlantic Outfitters, Slayer Lures, Bending Branches, FishingNosara.Com, Creative Feathers Studio, Outdoors Show, BullFrog, Mirrolure, Daiwa, DOA Lures, Calcutta, Crack of Dawn, MTI, Surf To Summit, Malone Auto Racks, KayakFishingSupplies.Com, Kayak Amelia, Florida Sportsman, Kayak Fisherman Magazine, B&M Bait&Tackle, Talic, RAM, Polar Bear Coolers, Otter Box, Scotty Rod Holders, Daiichi Hooks, Hook1, GearKeeper, Slayer Lures, Fishbites, ThermaCELL, Penn Fishing, Exude Mister Twister, Kayak Angler Magazine, Gulp, Fenwick, Stohlquist, AquaEast, Bite-A-Bait, Wheeleez, White Shell Bait&Tackle, Arlington Bait&Tackle, Extrasport, Carlisle, Tilley Hats, 3rd Grip CrateMate, Precision Pak, 321Fish.Com, Fisherman’s Seafood & Bait, YakLife.Com, TTI-Blakemore Fishing Group, AT Paddles, Wang Anchors, Yak-Gear.Com, Skwoosh, Helter Skeletons, Florida Sportfishing Magazine, IrishWaterDogs.com, Aquabound, Bluestorm, Stowmaster Nets, St. Croix Rods, Heddon, StandNFish.Com, FlyFishingJax.Com, QuickSlide Stringers, Qualia Fishing, ZackTack, RodWrap.Com, FINS Braid, WiiDoSolar, IceMule, BackwaterFishingAdventures.Com, First-Light USA, RodOarPaddle.Com, Coastal Angler Magazine, Kayak Fishing Magazine, Emmrod, FindMeSpot, IFA Kayak Fishing Tour, FlyFishingJax.Com, Sticky Fingers BBQ.
PDF version of this release
Event Photo Preview Pack
Interview Contact:
Mike Kogan
JaxKayakFishing
PO Box 330465
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
O: 904.382.5007
E: mike@jaxkayakfishing.com
W: www.jaxkayakfishing.com
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JACKSONVILLE, FL - MAY 8, 2010 - OFFICIAL RESULTS
Hobie Kayaks Slam
1 – Ryan Conner – 60.1" (30” Red, 17.1” Trout, 13” Flounder)
2 – Troy James – 58.6"
3 – Chris Frickker – 57.8"
4 – Alex Crotzer – 57.1"
5 – Dan Arvin – 55.8"
Malibu Kayaks Biggest Redfish
1 – Larry Wagner – 30.4"
2 – Louis Lawrence – 29.75"
3 – Chris Fergusen – 29.0"
4 – John Chapman Sr. – 29.0"
5 – Greg Chapman – 27.8"
Ocean Kayaks Biggest Trout
1 – Adam Boyd – 26.5"
2 – Mark Couch – 24.9"
3 – Bradford Lydick – 23.6"
4 – Tommy Samuels – 20.6"
5 – Mitch Granat – 19.6"
Emotion Kayaks Biggest Flounder
1 – Luke Shaw – 19.2"
2 – Doug Rohan – 19.2"
3 – Jessica Parker – 17.6"
4 – Jerry Bryan – 17.1"
5 – Benton Parrott – 16.4"
Emotion Kayaks Junior Angler
1 – Luke Shaw
2 – Daniel Ganoe
3 – Dru Chapman
Blue Storm Lady Angler Award – Melita Ganoe
Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation Senior Angler Award – Dan Arvin
Black Fly Outiftter Fly Angler Award – Troy James
Tsunami Fishing Contingency Awards – Dravid Trafton, Vince Josaphs
Hoosier Paddler’s Best Dang Tackle Box – Nolan Berry
Strike-Zone Fishing Myster Fish – Matt Thayer
PFD version of this release
Interview Contact:
Mike Kogan
JaxKayakFishing
PO Box 330465
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
O: 904.382.5007
E: mike@jaxkayakfishing.com
W: www.jaxkayakfishing.com
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JACKSONVILLE, FL - April 19, 2010 - The Columbia Sportwear Jacksonville Kayak Fishing Classic on May 7-8 is poised to be the world's largest kayak fishing tournament once again with over 400 anglers already registered for the May 7-8 event. The Classic, run by JaxKayakFishing.com, offers over $85,000 in prizes and gifts from 90 sponsors in a a fun, conservation-oriented recreational format. Proceeds from Jacksonville's premier eco-tourism event benefit children's programs at Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville, Daniel Memorial, and the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation.
Pre-tournament festivities are happening now with in-store raffles for fishing kayaks at Black Creek Outfitters, tournament coupons from Polar Bear Coolers, All Wet Sports, Skwoosh, and Otterbox, and contingency prizes from Qualia Fishing, All Wet Sports, and Tsunami Fishing. The Classic is being covered by The Outdoors Show, Florida Sportfishing Magazine, Florida Sportsman, Kayak Fisherman Magazine, Kayak Fishing Magazine, Kayak Angler Magazine, Coastal Angler Magazine, Florida Times-Union, Fishing Connection, Canoe&Kayak Magazine, local TV, radio, and on the internet.
Capt Kirk Waltz of the Outdoors Show and two-time winner Capt. Roger Bump will be emceeing the captain’s meeting on May 7th at St. Ephrem Syriac Catholic Church. Tournament festivities will also feature honorary captains Jim Sammons of La Jolla Kayak Fishing Adventures, Tom Stubblefield of Texas Kayak Fisherman, and Ron Littlepage of the Florida Times Union. There will be over $20,000 in raffles and auctions of kayaks and equipment at the captains meeting and the general public is encouraged to come and see what kayak fishing in Jacksonville is all about.
Anglers will launch at first light Saturday May 8th at any inshore location in Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, Flagler, Glynn, or Camden counties and seek redfish, trout, and flounder in a conservation-oriented catch-photo-release format. After fishing there are check-in, raffles, banquet, and awards ceremonies at St. Ephrem Syriac Catholic Church. Everyone is welcome to come enjoy the kayak fishing camaraderie and festivities.
Kayak anglers can register online at www.JacksonvilleKayakFishingClassic.com or pick up an entry form at Strike-Zone Fishing, Black Creek Outfitters, All Wet Sports, or B&M Bait and Tackle. More information, complete rules, and prize details are available online.
Sponsors for the 2010 Jacksonville Kayak Fishing Classic include: Columbia Sportswear, Strike Zone Fishing, BlackCreek Outfitters, Accent Paddles, Hobie Kayaks, Cobra Kayaks, Costa Del Mar, Malibu Kayaks, Emotion Kayaks, Advanced Elements, Wilderness Systems Kayaks, Ocean Kayaks, Native Watercraft, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Black Fly Outfitter, All Wet Sports, Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, Purefishing, Great Atlantic Outfitters, Slayer Lures, Bending Branches, FishingNosara.Com, Creative Feathers Studio, Outdoors Show, Florida Sportfishing Magazine, BullFrog, Mirrolure, Daiwa, DOA Lures, Calcutta, Crack of Dawn, MTI, Surf To Summit, Malone Auto Racks, KayakFishingSupplies.Com, Kayak Amelia, Florida Sportsman, Kayak Fisherman Magazine, B&M Bait&Tackle, Talic, RAM, Polar Bear Coolers, Otter Box, Scotty Rod Holders, Daiichi Hooks, Hook1 Kayak Fishing Gear, GearKeeper, Slayer Lures, Fishbites, ThermaCELL, Penn Fishing, Exude Mister Twister, Kayak Angler Magazine, Stohlquist, AquaEast, Bite-A-Bait, Wheeleez, White Shell Bait&Tackle, Arlington Bait&Tackle, Extrasport, Carlisle, Tilley Hats, 3rd Grip CrateMate, Precision Pak, 321Fish.Com, Fisherman’s Seafood & Bait, YakLife.Com, TTI-Blakemore Fishing Group, AT Paddles, Wang Anchors, Yak-Gear.Com, Skwoosh, Helter Skeletons, Florida Sportfishing, IrishWaterDogs.com, Aquabound, Bluestorm, Stowmaster Nets, St. Croix Rods, Heddon, StandNFish.Com, FlyFishingJax.Com, QuickSlide Stringers, Qualia Fishing, ZackTack, RodWrap.Com, Irish Waterdogs, Coastal Angler Magazine, Kayak Fishing Magazine, Emmrod, Spot, IFA Kayak Fishing Tour.
Interview and Public Relations Contact:
Mike Kogan
JaxKayakFishing
PO Box 330465
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
O: 904.382.5007
E: mike@JaxKayakFishing.com
W: www.JaxKayakFishing.com
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