What is Largest Tournament on West Coast

Whop cares about how many guys fish the tournament, hows the food?  Thats where NCKA RULES!!!  How many other events have lechon, paella, AND balut to mention just a few...

Size only really matters to those with big egos,small penises,and corporate ambitions. Real people know it is about the brotherhood,the food,the location and giving back.This is NCKA so please check your ego at the door.

That's funny, especially given that we participate in a sport where one of the things you're measured by is how big a fish you catch or how many.   

-Allen

We need an SOTY. Smallest of the year.

But no other tournament measures up to the Jedmo nation karaoke dancing ,pig cooking and chicken roasting!  Along with all other potlucks we have! 

It would be fun to see one of the big tourneys and see how they run but I am just fine with all the ones we have. I love attending them all and it makes my life a whole lot funnier!   Thanks to all who put them together ( Eric,Eric, Craig, Jim) just to name a few.

Who cares?
Quality, not quantity.
Purpose, not numbers.

+1

The guy asked what is the biggest West Coast tourney...not the funnest or the coolest. And I'd like to know the answer too! So, which kayak fishing tourney on the west coast had the most participants in 2013?

I don't know that anyone tracks those numbers. You may have to actually do the research yourselves. My guess is gs7 but i have no idea what happens in socal or oregon.

GS for sure.  There are no more real kayak fishing tourneys in SoCal.  The scene died.  And the NW is still growing.  I think ORC had 80+ participants.

-Allen

Who is who is not important right now.

Couldn't agree more,
We had 112 otw at Turner Cut, and over 200 in attendance, but it was more about friends, family, and good memories. Don't care if it's the biggest as long as its fun and friendly ;0)

See Ya Soon,
Eric / Yakhopper

We're a tribe! 
It would be fun to tour as many as possible across country, meet lots of cool folks, learn different methods, but it wouldnt be near as badass as GS Or Albion. It would still be fun but 400 people in a tourny I dont think would be as Tribal. At every tourny here, I see friends giving bait freely to someone who left theirs on shore. Or tackle, people have saved my ass lending and giving me stuff otw at ncka tourneys, pretty cool.

I see the appeal of keeping things focused on quality over quantity, but there's much to consider when we generalize about how to best form up the group.  I initiated the sponsor structure for GS with quality in mind, and the same is true of the requirement that each participant be an NCKA member. Registration closing a month prior to the event is also designed with quality in mind - I want people who are committed to a fun family weekend and not just focused on a fishing opportunity.

Within this debate about quality vs quantity it's important to consider the dynamics of holding such events.  Those who have attended GS should certainly have the opportunity to return, and new members, friends and family will add on each year.  What type of limitation can be put in place without denying someone's opportunity to participate?

Here are some things I've considered:

- raise the entry fee
- don't offer as many prizes
- don't advertise or promote

Can I get a "Hell No!"?!!!   

I'm leaving my entry fee the same, seeking quality prizes, and not avoiding promotion, though I don't intend to blow it up.

In the end, the sponsorship requirement, NCKA membership requirement, and early registration deadline are good enough controls for assuring quality participation at this time.

...and, the sentiment expressed in this thread has led me to another determination:  charitable acts by this group are a big component of our gatherings, and this year's GS will have that focus.  TBA announced soon...

I find that although we have passed the hat to "help a brother out", the main contribution at my events has been to the brotherhood of kayak fisherpeople. I do these events as a way to thank the community for helping me through some tough times in my life. For these reasons, I have not charged a entry fee and will only do these events if I can continue without a fee. I have been lucky enough to be in a position to have a bit of pull with many fishing industry reps and enjoy sharing and promoting the sport that has changed so much in my life.
Thank you all for "helping a brother out" ;0)

See Ya Soon,
Eric / Yakhopper

I find that although we have passed the hat to "help a brother out", the main contribution at my events has been to the brotherhood of kayak fisherpeople. I do these events as a way to thank the community for helping me through some tough times in my life. For these reasons, I have not charged a entry fee and will only do these events if I can continue without a fee. I have been lucky enough to be in a position to have a bit of pull with many fishing industry reps and enjoy sharing and promoting the sport that has changed so much in my life.
Thank you all for "helping a brother out" ;0)

See Ya Soon,
Eric / Yakhopper

I should have mentioned your tourneys too Eric, free, awesome prizes, great locals, AND Crabfest, MBK, Berriessa slam, we have it all here.

I see the appeal of keeping things focused on quality over quantity, but there's much to consider when we generalize about how to best form up the group.  I initiated the sponsor structure for GS with quality in mind, and the same is true of the requirement that each participant be an NCKA member. Registration closing a month prior to the event is also designed with quality in mind - I want people who are committed to a fun family weekend and not just focused on a fishing opportunity.

Within this debate about quality vs quantity it's important to consider the dynamics of holding such events.  Those who have attended GS should certainly have the opportunity to return, and new members, friends and family will add on each year.  What type of limitation can be put in place without denying someone's opportunity to participate?

Here are some things I've considered:

- raise the entry fee
- don't offer as many prizes
- don't advertise or promote

Can I get a "Hell No!"?!!!   

I'm leaving my entry fee the same, seeking quality prizes, and not avoiding promotion, though I don't intend to blow it up.

In the end, the sponsorship requirement, NCKA membership requirement, and early registration deadline are good enough controls for assuring quality participation at this time.

...and, the sentiment expressed in this thread has led me to another determination:  charitable acts by this group are a big component of our gatherings, and this year's GS will have that focus.  TBA announced soon...

Quality and Quantity are not mutually exclusive.

-Allen

To Me it depends on the goal,

The Jamaica Bay tournament is to raise money for Casting For Recovery, breast cancer patience and survivors, that is why the entry fee is paid directly to the them. For a cause like that the more the better.

There is a big camping, motor home area and clubs from up and down the east coast attend. Have the same camaraderie as local tournament plus meet other people.

Great Fun, well organized raise 10's or 1000's of dollars for good cause.

We're a tribe! 
It would be fun to tour as many as possible across country, meet lots of cool folks, learn different methods, but it wouldnt be near as badass as GS Or Albion. It would still be fun but 400 people in a tourny I dont think would be as Tribal. At every tourny here, I see friends giving bait freely to someone who left theirs on shore. Or tackle, people have saved my ass lending and giving me stuff otw at ncka tourneys, pretty cool.

And I can Vouch for that. I was so excited to fish and participate at Cambria last year that when I got there I realized I left ALL my tackle at home. If it wasn't for my good bro Rob/Diroblo for lending me some killer tackle, my luck wouldn't have been so. The central coast guys were an awesome group of fishermen who pretty much lived it up just like NCKA. I felt like I was at an NCKA event. Just like all other ncka event Host, I started and created BSS for the soul purpose of giving back, sharing my knowledge, educating, and Introducing Inland/freshwater Salmon Fisheries to kayak anglers.