Fish N Paddle Saltwater Slam Kayak -SOK Fishing Tournament

Summer Flounder

The Fish N Paddle Saltwater Slam Kayak Fishing Tournament and Stand Up Paddleboard Fishing Tournament will be held June 25-26, 2022 in Ocean City, Maryland.

This tournament format includes no minimum number of anglers and over $7,000 cash purse to be distributed to the top three anglers.

During the tournament, kayak anglers can experience why Ocean City, Maryland, is known as "The Fishing Tournament Capital of the World."

Tournament anglers can fish the back bays and inshore ocean for the following qualified species:

Flounder

Striped Bass (aka, Rockfish or Stripers)

Bluefish

Sea Trout (Grey Trout, Speckled Trout)

Bottom Fish (Sheepshead, Triggerfish, Spadefish, Black Sea Bass, Spot, Croaker)

Cobia

Red and Black Drum

Spanish and King Mackerel    

Winnings will be based upon combined weighed in points of each angler's top three fish of any qualifying species over 2 days.  Anglers can even have 3 of the same qualifying species to win.

$7000 Guaranteed Payout with No Minimum Number of Anglers:

1st   Place- $4000

2nd Place- $2000

3rd  Place- $1000

4th Place- (New For 2022) Lightning Strike Pedal Drive Kayak

Anglers can also participate in optional entry levels to win awards, money, and prizes. Prizes include a $3000 Los Buzos Panama Stay and Hosted Fishing Trip with Robert Field, a fishing stand up paddleboard from NRS, custom fishing rods and reels, depth finder, sunglasses, coolers, and other prizes.

Daily winners will be chosen for each qualifying species and the tournament features a new Junior Angler Division. The tournament will also include a kickoff party and weigh in festivities for anglers and spectators.

Ocean City Maryland is known for its inshore fishing areas. Popular fishing locations include the route 50 bridge, route 90 bridge, inlet jetties, Thorofare, Sinepuxent Bay, Verrazano Bridge, and others.

For more information, visit fishnpaddle.com.

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2022 Paddle for the Border - Dismal Swamp Canal

17th Annual Paddle for the Border
Saturday May 7th, 2022
Dismal Swamp State Park - South Mills, North Carolina (launch)
Great Dismal Swamp Boat Ramp - Ballahack Rd., Chesapeake, VA (finish)
* Registration Closed *

Dismal Swamp Canal

The 2022 Dismal Swamp Canal Paddle for the Border is expected to attract paddlers from all over Virginia. In February, due to popularity, registration closed for the annual 7.5-mile paddling excursion to the North Carolina/Virginia border. The event is sponsored by the City of Chesapeake Parks and Recreation.

After enjoying a traditional pre-launch breakfast at the Dismal Swamp State Park, in South Mills, North Carolina, paddlers will embark on the leisurely three-hour journey to cross the state line.

Paddlers finish the day out with a picnic lunch on grounds of the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail at the Great Dismal Swamp Boat Ramp at Ballahack Rd. in Chesapeake, VA.

The 2022 Paddle for the Border in Dismal Swamp Canal will begin on May 7, 2022 at 7:30 a.m. and end around 2:30 p.m. Mariners are requested to use caution when transiting the area.

More information about the event can be found at www.dismalswampwelcomecenter.com or www.cityofchesapeake.net.

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Pre-Season Kayaking Things To Do

Recreational Sit In Kayak

This article includes ideas for creating a pre-season to do list and other tasks that need to be done before the next kayaking season gets underway.

One of the first tasks is to begin a thorough inspection of kayaks, safety equipment, and other gear.

Prior to the start of the season, kayaks and other paddlecraft usually need to be inspected for any damage or other problems.

It may be a good idea to check for any deformation of the hull that may have occurred during the previous season or during winter storage.

Simple kayaks may require little pre-season work other than inspection, cleaning, and a fresh coating of UV protectant.

Other models may need additional work. Items such as cordage, hatches, attachment systems, rudders, and anchor trollies will need a complete inspection, cleaning, and functional check.

Kayak accessories should also receive a close inspection, and if needed, service or replacement.

Paddles should be checked for cracks, excessive wear, or other structural problems. Two-piece paddles usually need to have the connection points cleaned and lubricated.

Electronic devices may need service including charging or replacing batteries, inspection, cleaning, and performance testing.

It is also important to check gear related to kayak transportation, loading, and unloading. Trailers, carts, rooftop systems, and other equipment should be inspected and maintained if necessary.

Before beginning the season, it may be necessary to review launch permits, licenses, and other regulatory documents. 

Most kayakers choose to display some form of vessel identification sticker which may need servicing or replacement.

After a complete inspection, service, and cleaning, most kayaks will be ready to launch.

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Essential Kayaking Gear

Essential Kayaking Gear

This article provides information about gear that can be useful on the water.

Kayakers face an array of challenges on the water. Although gear is available to solve a number of problems, paddlers have limitations on space, weight, and other considerations

Clothing

Depending on conditions, clothing may need to provide protection from a number of threats. Breathable, water resistant clothing is required in most situations.

One of the most popular practices for kayakers is to dress in layers. As conditions change, paddlers may add or remove layers of clothing.

In warm weather, light pants and shirt might suffice. Cooler conditions may warrant the use of coveralls, lightweight waders, or other specialty clothing.

Also important are items such as hats, gloves, and eye wear. Combined with proper clothing, these items can provide protection from the elements, insects, and other hazards.

Safety

When choosing kayaking gear, safety should always take priority. Essential safety gear usually includes PFD(s), sound emitting device, light, compass, spare paddle, etc.

Electronics

Due to a variety of factors, electronics are often considered non-essential equipment. Despite their cost, weight, and susceptibility to water damage, some paddlers rely on electronics on the water. Cell phones are the most common electronic device used by kayakers. Smartphones and other devices offer a stunning array of apps and other tools that can be helpful. Other electronics include hand-held VHF radios, walkie talkies, GPS units, fish finders, and similar equipment.

Useful Accessories

Most kayakers have a list of essential gear that is carried on every trip. In addition, paddlers may consider a few extra items to carry.

When choosing additional gear, multi-use items have priority. For example, items such as bungee cords, carabiners, multi-tools, duffle bags, plastic zipper bags, and other products have dozens of uses.

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Chesapeake Bay Kayaking: Eastern Shore Rivers

This article includes information on rivers and creeks on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Relatively large rivers of the Eastern Shore include the Northeast, Bohemia, Elk, Sassafras, Chester, Wye, Miles, Tred Avon, Choptank, Little Choptank, Blackwater, Nanticoke, Wicomico, and Pocomoke.

In addition to major rivers, there are hundreds of smaller tributaries, creeks, and streams.

The Elk River has a variety of special conditions that paddlers may find interesting. Below Elkton, the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal connects to the river. A variety of public access sites are located up and down the river.

The Chester River flows through Chestertown before emptying into the Chesapeake Bay near Kent Island. The town's annual Downrigging Weekend Tall Ship and Wooden Boat Festival attracts large numbers of historic vessel enthusiasts.

The Choptank River flows through several historic towns and small communities. Near its mouth, Cambridge includes an array of areas where paddlers can launch and explore the river.

At Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, three paddling trails meander through more than 20 miles of salt marshes. The Blackwater River complex is one of the most popular areas in the Chesapeake Bay for catching northern snakehead.

One of the largest rivers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, the Nanticoke River is known for its wildlife. Along its banks are Seaford, Blades, Woodland, Vienna, Tyaskin, Bivalve, Nanticoke, Elliot's Island, and other communities.

Public access sites are found throughout the Nanticoke. Along the river are several notable parks including Seaford, Phillips Landing Recreation Area, Cherry Park (Sharptown), and Vienna Waterfront Park. Additional areas for launching kayaks and other paddlecraft exist at Woodland, Elliot's Island, Tyaskin, and Nanticoke.

Along the Wicomico River is mix of urban properties, industrial sites, waterfront neighborhoods, marinas, and other human activity. Public access can be found in Salisbury, Mount Vernon, and Dames Quarter.

The Pocomoke River is known for its extensive cypress swamp habitats. Kayakers can explore the Pocomoke River by launching at Porter's Crossing, Snow Hill, Pocomoke River State Park, Pocomoke City, and Shelltown.

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Best Kayaking Areas in Maryland

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Paddling Trails

Fall is a wonderful time to explore paddling trails at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.

Blackwater has three paddling trails totaling over 20 miles.

The Friends of Blackwater recently helped enhance the markers and interpretive signs along the trails.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge paddling trails have been listed as one of the most gorgeous places to paddle in the fall by the Washington Post.

To learn more about the trails, visit the Blackwater NWR website at www.fws.gov/refuge/blackwater/.

The Friends of Blackwater is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that relies on members for support. For more information, visit www.friendsofblackwater.org.

source: Friends of Blackwater

Highland Park Veterans Kayak Launch - Norfolk VA

In October, members of the Highland Park Civic League honored military veterans and their dedication to service with a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the opening of the Highland Park Veterans Kayak Launch.

The launch is located at the corner of 44th Street and Colley Avenue in Norfolk. The new launch site features a floating pier and launch ramp which extends into Knitting Mill Creek, a tributary of the Lafayette River.

The Highland Park Civic League consists of residents and business owners in the Highland Park neighborhood in Norfolk, VA. The organization works to encourage and promote civic improvements in the local community of Highland Park.