2023 Sunset Bay Angler Of The Day Kayak Fishing Challenge

This year was about as nice of conditions anyone could ask for.  Good turnout for the tournament, somewhere around 40.  Lots of fish caught.  Evan caught six species and won…again.  Quite a few people got five species.  Overall, it was another great event.

Evan Merz took home the 1st place $350 award from Waxer's Surf & Skate in Coos Bay as well as a Tica Zatara 4000 spinning reel donated by Mazama Sporting Goods in Eugene. Those bonker trophies were beauties also. Thanks to Evan & his Dad for those.
 

I think my wife and I are the only people in the state who still "paddle" a kayak rather than pedal. I believe this was about the 6th or 7th time we have entered SBAOTD and we had by far the best conditions yet with fairly calm waters. Right away the wife started catching rockfish, outfishing me 2 to 1 by the end of our outing. It ended up being a rockfish meat run for us although I did get a greenling as well. It's kind of hard to compete with some of these characters anyway. We were glad to have something to show and put in the freezer.

We had a great time and, as others have mentioned, the conditions were really prime. HUGE thanks to all of the sponsors and the volunteers who make this happen. You wouldn't believe the prize tables - rods, reels, batteries, dive gear, a smoker, paddle, clothing, lures, the list goes on. Oh, and did I mention a whole kayak? My understanding is we raised around $3300 for charity - nice work!

A fun story from the tournament - I only beat Mrs. Redbeard by 1 point! That's a fraction of an inch, crazy. I really thought she had me beat. That's OK, though, she's placed 2nd before (2017?), so she's still ahead. I'm looking forward to being eligible for the tournament of champions next year.

We had a great time and, as others have mentioned, the conditions were really prime. HUGE thanks to all of the sponsors and the volunteers who make this happen. You wouldn't believe the prize tables - rods, reels, batteries, dive gear, a smoker, paddle, clothing, lures, the list goes on. Oh, and did I mention a whole kayak? My understanding is we raised around $3300 for charity - nice work!

A fun story from the tournament - I only beat Mrs. Redbeard by 1 point! That's a fraction of an inch, crazy. I really thought she had me beat. That's OK, though, she's placed 2nd before (2017?), so she's still ahead. I'm looking forward to being eligible for the tournament of champions next year.

3rd place winner Captain Redbeard showing the $100 award from Waxer's Surf & Skate in Coos Bay, the Master Built electric smoker donated by Cabela's in Eugene and the 3rd place trophy bonker. Congrats Capt'n!

Congratulations to Wyatt Wallace for winning the Big Fish category with a 30.5" lingcod! Wyatt selected the 6' Saltwater 604 rod donated by Stryker Rods & Blanks in Eugene. Great choice Wyatt!

MonkeyFist - Is this you with the WorkSharp sharpening kit, Stealth rod holder & YakAttack gift certificate?

Guilty as charged

Guilty as charged

Great to see you there & thanks for your support!

First donation for the 2024 SBAOTD. Thank you Dr. Steelhead Catcher!