Lexington’s Tyson Peterson wins Hobie Bass Tournament

A fisherman gets in some final casts on Sunday before the 3:00 deadline.
A fisherman gets in some final casts on Sunday before the 3:00 deadline.

GILBERTSVILLE – Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park was host to the 2nd Annual Hobie Bass Open fishing tournament Saturday and Sunday. Anglers fish from non-motorized vessels such as a kayak, canoe, and SUP (stand up paddling) with only one person per vessel.

Anglers were allowed to launch at any public access ramp on Kentucky and Barkley Lakes and must have a valid Kentucky or Tennessee fishing license for whichever state they will be fishing in.

Anglers checked in at the pavilion by the beach to hear the final results.
Anglers checked in at the pavilion by the beach to hear the final results.

The Hobie Bass Open is a catch, photograph and release kayak fishing tournament and is a qualifier for the Hobie Bass Fishing Worlds to be held in China in November. The tournament’s top two win the chance to fish at Worlds.

Seventy-three anglers from across the United States caught 420 fish in the tournament with first place going to Tyson Peterson of Lexington with a total of 116 inches from his top three fish from both days. Second place went to Tom Michael of New Jersey with 109.75, barely beating out Jay Wallen who recorded 109.25 for third place.

What makes this fishing tournament unique is a mobile application that is used by each competitor. A photo of the fish is taken and the basic information recorded while on the water, then the fish is released.

The catch is immediately transmitted to the web portal to be reviewed by the Tournament Director. Accepted catches are then scored and posted to a Live Leaderboard. Anglers are immediately notified if a catch is rejected.

In conjunction with the tournament, Hobie along with Hoopers in Paducah, conducted kayak demonstrations from the beach area.

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