Kentucky’s first kayak fishing tournament will take place at Burnside Island State Park on October 30.  A Captain’s meeting will be held at Burnside Island campground on Friday October 29th.  The tournament runs from safe light till 4pm.  There will be three divisions: men’s, women’s and youth.  Tournament fees are $50 and $25.   The Grand Prize is a Wilderness Systems Tarpon120 kayak worth $995.00 with more prizes in each division.  A raffle will also be held.

Proceeds benefit Reel Recovery.  Reel Recovery is a national non-profit organization that conducts free  fly-fishing retreats for men battling all forms of cancer.  Combining  expert fly-fishing instruction with supportive conversations, Reel Recovery offers a unique experience for men with cancer: a time to share their stories, learn a new skill, form lasting friendships and gain renewed hope as they confront the challenges of their recovery. 

The raffle prize is a TFO flyrod package worth $275.00 and tickets are $10.00. 

Live music will be performed all weekend by Down River Country and two catered dinners will be available on Friday and Saturday.  Vendors will also be available. 

CanoeKY will have kayaks for demonstrations and Pitman Creek Paddlers will be available for lessons.  Free fly tying and casting demonstrations and lessons from a professional will also be available.

Lake Cumberland is located in Clinton, Laurel, McCreary, Pulaski, Russell, and Wayne counties.   Its shoreline measures 1,255 miles and it is spread over 65,530 acres. The reservoir ranks 9th in the U.S. in size, with a capacity of 6.1 million acre-feet of water, enough to cover the entire Commonwealth of Kentucky with 3 inches of water. The main lake is 101 miles long and about 1.5 miles across at its widest point.

For more information visit www.kayakfishingtournamentlakecumberland.com or contact Suzy Powell at powellrangers@aol.com  or 606-383-3061.