USAngling Saltwater Kayak Nationals

The USAngling Saltwater Kayak Nationals brings together the top saltwater kayak anglers from across the country for an elite competition in the world-class waters of San Diego Bay. Competitors will battle it out for the opportunity to earn a coveted spot on the USAngling Kayak Saltwater National Team, representing the United States on the international stage. From tactical inshore fishing to navigating the scenic bay by kayak, this event showcases the skill, passion, and competitive spirit of the nation’s best kayak anglers in one of Southern California’s premier fisheries.

New for this year, the USAngling Saltwater Kayak Nationals introduces an exciting Team Competition that brings regional pride into the spotlight. Anglers will not only compete individually for a place on the USAngling Kayak Saltwater National Team, but also battle alongside their region for team honors. The top three teams will be recognized with awards at the conclusion of the tournament, adding another layer of strategy and camaraderie to the event. Every fish matters, as the top five scores from each team will count toward the final standings. Rally behind your region and help lead your team to the podium in San Diego Bay.

Friday Night – Captain’s Meeting (August 15th)

Kick things off with an unforgettable evening overlooking San Diego. Enjoy incredible waterfront views and great food as we go over tournament details. Anglers will receive tournament materials including maps, species tracking lists, and a family packet packed with ideas to explore the city while competition is underway. Meeting location and time TBD

Tournament Schedule

Captains Meeting – TBD
All tournament anglers must attend the Captain's Meeting

8/15 Day 1 Launch – Pepper Park Launch Ramp (Back Bay)
Check-in: 6:00 AM
Shotgun Start: 7:00 AM
Lines Out: 2:00 PM

8/16 Day 2 Launch – Shelter Island Launch Ramp
Check-in: 5:00 AM
Shotgun Start: 6:00 AM
Lines Out: 2:00 PM

8/16 Awards Ceremony & Raffle

TBD

Join us for the awards ceremony dinner featuring sponsor giveaways, raffles, and celebration as we recognize the top anglers.

🎥 Live Coverage: The tournament will be broadcast live on YouTube.

Format & Rules

Kayaks only
Catch Video and Release (CVR)
Multi species tournament
No Motors Allowed
Full rules available below

Why Fish This Tournament?

San Diego offers a rare blend of world-class fishing and unmatched tournament infrastructure. With both the Front Bay and Back Bay, anglers will face diverse structure, dynamic tides, and a wide range of target species-all within a proven, productive fishery.

Off the water, San Diego delivers a complete experience. A strong and passionate kayak fishing community, top-tier local shops, and established fishing organizations provide a level of support few locations can match.

For traveling anglers and families, it’s more than a tournament - it’s a destination. With everything from beaches and waterfront dining to iconic attractions like SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, and Legoland, there’s something for everyone while you’re on the water.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WHERE TO STAY, EAT, and PLAY HERE

From Out of Town? Need a kayak?

Select "Yes I need a kayak rental" on the registration form and we will contact you about loaners/rentals

About F.I.S.H.

The Fishing Initiative for Stewardship and Habitat (F.I.S.H.) is a nonprofit dedicated to advancing habitat conservation through recreational and tournament fishing. By combining competition with environmental awareness, F.I.S.H. empowers anglers to become stewards of the resource and leaders in conservation.

Using the HOOKED Field App for scoring

Whether you're a tournament regular or entering your first competition, the HOOKED Field App puts everything you need right in your hands on the water. In this walkthrough, Nick covers the core features and shows you exactly how easy it is to log catches, submit verification, and stay in the hunt — all from your kayak.

Rules

TOURNAMENT RULES Catch Video and Release (CVR) This tournament uses a Catch-Video-Release (CVR) format to promote conservation and fair competition. All fish must be caught on video and safely released. To submit a valid catch: 1. Fish must be caught legally using rod and reel. 2. The video must clearly show the fish and the angler's tournament identifier (ID band, token, or identifier announced at the captain’s meeting). 3. The fish must be clearly identifiable by species. 4. The video must show the fish being released alive back into the water. 5. Videos must be uploaded before the tournament submission deadline. Fish that cannot be clearly identified or verified on video will not count toward scoring. GENERAL RULES - Fish must be caught from a kayak. - Rod and reel only. - No electric reels. - No spearing or diving for fish. - No sharing fish between anglers. - No outside assistance during a catch. - Anglers must remain in their kayak while fishing. - No Motors allowed - No towing or assistance of any kind may be provided to a kayak angler. - Bait must be self caught during tournament. No buying of live or dead bait. - Maximum of 2 hooks per line. - Alabama (A-rigs) can have only two hooks, no matter how many arms it has. All additional baits must be hookless teasers, dummy baits, or spinner blades. - Scents are permitted to be applied to artificial baits. - The dispersal of scents, attractants, or any material intended to draw fish (i.e., chumming) is prohibited. - One line in the water at a time All F&G rules apply Please use angler etiquette. SCORING SYSTEM Point Scoring Format This is a multi-species point format designed to reward anglers who catch a variety of fish. Points - Each eligible species carries a fixed point value. - Fish size and weight do not matter. - A maximum of 3 fish per species may be counted. - Total points are calculated by adding the point values of all verified fish. Species Strategy The tournament encourages anglers to catch as many different species as possible. - Anglers may catch multiple species to increase their total points. - Strategy, knowledge of the bay, and adaptability are key. - The angler with the highest total points wins. ELIGIBLE SPECIES Eligible species may include, but are not limited to: Spotted Bay Bass Calico Bass (Kelp Bass) Sand Bass Halibut Sculpin Barracuda Bonito Corvina Corbina Yellowfin Croaker Spotfin Croaker Sargo White Seabass Bonefish Striper Tournament directors may add or adjust species prior to the event. TOURNAMENT FORMAT This is a two-day kayak fishing tournament. Schedule Day 1 Pepper Park Check-in begins: 6:00 AM Fishing begins: 7:00 AM Ends: 2:00 PM Day 2 Shelter Island Check-in begins: 5:00 AM Fishing begins: 6:00 AM Ends: 2:00 PM All anglers must launch from the designated launch area and must be off the water by the posted cutoff time. Any violation may result in disqualification at the discretion of the tournament director. SAFETY REQUIREMENTS Each kayak must have: - Personal flotation device (PFD) - Paddle - Sound producing device (whistle or horn) - Safety flag - Working cell phone Safety is the responsibility of each competitor. TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR AUTHORITY The Tournament Director reserves the right to: - Interpret or modify rules as necessary - Disqualify anglers for violations or unsafe behavior - Adjust tournament times due to weather or safety concerns All decisions by tournament officials are final.

USAngling Saltwater Kayak Nationals