In today’s world everything seems to be on-line. Over the last several years there has been in big increase in the amount of fishing tournaments now being held on-line. Many of these tournaments allow anglers to fish at any time and almost anywhere. On-line tournaments seem to be the perfect answer for anglers who want to compete but are unable to dedicate themselves to a certain tournament trail. There are also daily events on specific bodies of water and events that can last for a month or longer. Online tournaments allow participants the freedom to fish when it suits their schedule instead of having to be on a certain water body, on a certain date at a certain time.
Rules for on-line tournaments vary by event but there are some similarities. Each will have a rule to verify a catch. This is usually done by requiring a date stamped photo showing the length and/or weight of the fish. Contestants then post these photos online for the other participants to view. The posted photos then become the bragging board for the tournament. Upgrading an entry with a larger fish (culling if you will) is typically allowed as is entering fish in several categories
Kayak fishing seems to have seen the largest increase in tournaments being held online. TourneyX ( https://tourneyx.com/) and Kayak Bass Fishing KBF (https://www.kayakbassfishing.com/) are probably the oldest and most popular sites to find or hold a kayak contest. TourneyX and KBF provide an online platform on which kayak fishing organizations can manage their events. Examples of other online kayak fishing tournaments include http://www.kayak-anglers.com/, http://www.oklahomakayakanglers.com/#!events/c20nd, and https://www.yakbassin.com/.
iAngler Tournament (https://www.ianglertournament.com/) is another web site like TourneyX that allows fishing organizations to hold and manage their events. These online options for holding fishing contests are proving popular for fundraisers because they increase the number of participants. Instead of being limited to one body of water an online tournament can be set up to include several lakes. Statewide and even nationwide events have been held and managed online.
State DNR agencies have also used online contests to increase interest in getting people outside to enjoy fishing. Most are actually challenges, awards and recognition programs that highlight the efforts of individual anglers. A few examples are the California Heritage Trout Challenge, Colorado Master Angler Awards and the Tennessee Angler Recognition Program. Other states having similar programs include AZ, AR, MD, IA, MI, MN, NC, NM, UT, VA and WY.
On-line fishing tournaments offer anglers an easy and huge opportunity to compete and win prizes for the fish they catch. They are also a great way for fishing organizations to increase participation in their events. Maybe it’s time to enter one or start one of your own. Find them all at AmericanFishingContests.com.
