The 2nd annual Eastslope Kayak Fishing Classic is now officially in the
books. This year’s event was a great success seeing growth of more than
double the number of registered participants from last year. The last
minute change of location due to the oil spill on Gleniffer Lake just
two weeks in advance of the tournament definitely posed some challenges
but with the help of Alberta Parks an alternate location, Phyllis Lake,
was found, approved and ultimately turned out to be a great spot for the
tourney. The BBQ social prior to the Captains meeting on Friday proved
to be one of the highlights of the weekend with plenty of attendees
who enjoyed meeting each other and talking shop.
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| Captains Meeting |
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| BBQ Social |
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Quite a few of the participants showed up as early as Thursday to pre
fish and camp at the Lake making for great company and a nice extended
weekend spent with Kayak Anglers from all over Alberta. The anglers hit
the water at 6 am tournament day and were welcomed by almost nonstop
rain but toughed it out which led to some pretty impressive overall
numbers coming in at judging time. Quite a few of the participants
limited out with all 25 fish caught including 5 White Sucker which in
the end turned out to be the difference that separated the top 4 to 5
anglers from the pack.
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| On the water |
The 2012 Eastlope Kayak Fishing Classic saw repeat winners with brothers Jay and Matt Maciejewsky, both in
Jackson Coosa’s, again claiming 1st and 2nd place respectfully and saw them go home with some of the top prizes including A
Kokatat T3 Super Angler Dry Suit,
Werner Paddles and gear from Yak Attack and
Settles Bridge Supply House.
First time tournament participant Jim Kind’s third place finish showed
that the hours he spent pre fishing were not wasted and earned him a top
notch Fly Fishing outfit from Amundson, Exoficio, and Buff Headwear.
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| Parking |
With the generous donations from our sponsors all our participants were
able to leave with top quality prizes and gear from some of the best
companies in the kayak angling world. The most exciting moment of the
awards ceremony was the highly anticipated draw for a Jackson Kayak Cuda ,a top of the line kayak fishing machine, kindly donated by Jackson Kayak
one of our featured sponsors which was won by Wayne Westbury an avid
pontoon fisherman who may now be a convert to the world of kayak
fishing. With promises from participants to return and with the growing
interest in kayak fishing next year’s event is sure to see increased
growth and be bigger and better yet again. I’m already working on plans
for next year and can’t wait to see both familiar and new faces .
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| Wayne Westbury winner of the Jackson Kayak Cuda with event director, Stephen Laurie |
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A special thanks to all of our sponsors for their genorous contributions and helping to promote the growth of kayak fishing.
Jackson Kayak, Kokatat, Werner, Settles Bridge Supply House,
Undercurrents,Yak Attack, Kayak Angler Magazine, Jackfish Lures, The
Fishing Butler, The Fish Grip, Exofficio, Buff Headwear, Pure Fishing,
Amundson ,Cabela’s, Glenbow Flyfishing, The World Fishing Network,
Kayalu, The Bow Habitat Station, Valhalla Pure Outfitters, Scotty, Tie
Boss, Kayak Fishing Supplies, Campers Village and Greenfish.
