No stranger to tournament bass fishing, former Elite Series Bass Pro Darrin Schwenkbeck has retired from high-powered bass boats to kayak fish in all parts of the country. He recently took this pre-spawn smallmouth bass from his kayak, a big fish. Submitted photo

There’s something refreshingly simple about slipping a kayak into the water at sunrise. No roar of an outboard motor. No rush across open water. Just the quiet dip of a paddle, the anticipation of the first cast, and the calm that comes from being fully immersed in nature. That’s exactly the spirit behind the 716 Kayak Bass Trail, a five-event tournament series set to make a splash in 2026.

Kicking off May 2 at Chautauqua Lake, the trail offers anglers a unique and rewarding way to compete. Fishing hours for this tourney will run from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., giving participants a full morning and early afternoon to explore, adapt, and chase their best five fish. But unlike traditional tournaments, this is a CPR format — catch, photo, release — where fish are measured in inches using certified boards rather than weighed. The result is a format that emphasizes conservation, precision and strategy.

Each angler’s total is based on the combined length of their top five bass, turning every inch into an opportunity. It’s a format that levels the playing field and keeps the competition tight, while also ensuring fish are returned safely to the water where they were caught. With minimal handling and no long-distance transport, fish mortality is kept low, making this style of tournament appealing for anglers who value sustainability as much as sport.

The schedule continues with stops at Bear and Cassadaga Lakes on May 30, Findley Lake on June 27, Red House and Quaker Lake on July 18, and wraps up at Clear Lake on Aug. 22. These smaller, quieter and largely undisturbed bodies of water are ideal for kayak anglers, offering a more intimate fishing experience where stealth and positioning often matter more than speed.

Early season events bring an added layer of excitement. Pre-spawn conditions often mean larger, more aggressive fish, giving anglers a real shot at landing impressive catches. And with a $30 entry fee, 90% payout, and an optional $5 big bass pool, the series strikes a balance between accessibility and competitive reward.

Kayak fishing continues to grow because it strips the experience down to its essentials. It invites anglers to slow down, read the water more carefully, and connect with their surroundings in a way that’s often lost in faster-paced formats. For some, it’s the peacefulness that draws them in. For others, it’s the challenge of doing more with less. It’s more affordable, that’s for sure.

The 716 Kayak Bass Trail captures all of that — competition, conservation and camaraderie — wrapped into a series that welcomes both seasoned anglers and newcomers alike. It’s not just about catching fish; it’s about enjoying the process, respecting the resource, and maybe discovering a new favorite way to fish along the way.

For registration or more information, anglers can reach out via email at 716kayakbasstrail@gmail.com, or check the Facebook page for this group.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

April 28: Children in the Stream, Youth Fly Fishing program, free, Costello Room, Rockefeller Art Center, SUNY Fredonia, 7-8:30 p.m., 12 years old and older, info: 716-410-7003 (Alberto Rey).

May 1: Opening Day for walleye, northern pike, pickerel, tiger musky. Visit dec.ny.gov.

May 1-31: NYS spring turkey season, visit dec.ny.gov.

May 4: Chautauqua County Sportsmen Annual Federation Banquet, Lakewood Rod and Gun, 433 East Terrace Ave., Lakewood.

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Submit calendar items to forrestfisher35@yahoo.com at least 10 days in advance.