I will have to credit the online derbies for helping me to become a competent multi species angler. It will motivate you to get out as soon as the ice thaws (for us northerners) and help create goals of which species to target and learn when and where to fish for them.
This is the time of year that most of us Freshwater Kayak Anglers are looking to attend Fishing Shows, maybe buy a new kayak, change some rigging, purchase new electronics, or add some new fishing gear. Try and find an online derby to participate in. Most will get started in February or March.
Kayak Wars
The most popular and well known Derby is Kayak Wars where you assemble a team of 3 to 5 anglers that can be from anywhere in the region that you are selecting to fish in. Kayak Wars was originally a Saltwater competition and a few years ago added a Freshwater Division. Last year was my 1st year in Kayak Wars and I joined a team where the other 4 members I had never met before. Throughout 2012 I ended up meeting and fishing with all but 1 of them and we finished 8th overall out of 40 teams. We fished out of the North Central Region.
The 2013 Kayak Wars Derby opens for registration on January 16th, when you can start assembling your teams. The Derby will run from February 1st to December 14th. I encourage any Kayak Angler to try and assemble a team, you don't have to know your teammates or ever meet them, but it will help to motivate you to get out and fish not only your favorite species but others as well.
Kayak Angling Online Derbies
I will post other Freshwater online derbies over the next few weeks with brief descriptions from;
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CanadianKayakAnglers - 2013 AOTY
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Yakfisher - CPR 2013 Virtual Derby
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Kayakbassfishing - 2013 Challenge Series
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KFGL - Year Long Challenge