The second stop of the 716 Kayak Bass Trail takes place this Saturday on Bear Lake and the Cassadaga Lakes, inviting anglers to paddle, strategize and compete for cash, prizes and bragging rights — all from kayaks.

Kayak bass tournaments are equal parts fishing competition and a floating engineering challenge. In traditional bass tournaments, anglers enjoy deck space, storage compartments and horsepower. Kayak anglers? They become masters of efficiency. Where does the landing net go? How many rods are too many rods? How do you organize tackle without turning the kayak into a floating yard sale?

Then there’s sonar placement, mobility, stopping ability and holding position against wind or current. Every inch matters, every decision matters and creativity becomes part of the competition.

Tournament anglers must also master catch-photo-release precision. Fish are measured on certified boards carried aboard the kayak, photographed overhead using smartphones and submitted digitally to tournament headquarters while still on the water. No fish tales here — the scoreboard demands receipts.

Among watercraft that deserve special consideration on busy weekends are increasing numbers of angler kayakers that are also on the water during summertime periods. Photo courtesy of Forrest Fisher

This Saturday’s tournament offers flexibility that adds another layer of strategy. Competitors may launch from any public or legally accessible location on Bear Lake or the Cassadaga Lakes, and anglers are even permitted to switch waterways during the day, including fishing outlets until impassable. Translation: if the bass aren’t cooperating in one spot, there’s still time to paddle toward greener — or fishier — pastures.

For anglers unfamiliar with the waters, Bear Lake is a hidden gem tucked north of the Village of Stockton in north-central Chautauqua County. The 114-acre kettle lake, formed thousands of years ago by retreating glaciers, offers a fascinating landscape where more than 70% of its roughly 2.5-mile shoreline consists of wetlands — prime habitat for bass and forage species alike. While the lake reaches depths of 35 feet, late-May bass action is expected mostly along shoreline cover. Kayak anglers can access the hand launch on Bear Lake Road north of Stockton.

Nearby, Cassadaga Lake provides a very different but equally exciting challenge. Made up of three interconnected lakes totaling 217 acres, Cassadaga features more than 5 miles of shoreline loaded with fish-friendly habitat. Its extensive wetlands, brushy edges and structure provide excellent largemouth bass cover, while smallmouth bass tend to favor gravel bottoms and drop-offs. Anglers often find success using spinnerbaits, surface plugs, crankbaits and plastic worms, and more. Public access is available through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation launch site on Glasgow Road at Middle Cassadaga Lake, featuring a hard-surface ramp and parking for up to 20 vehicles with trailers.

Tournament logistics are straightforward but important. Check-in takes place from 5-5:30 a.m., with launches allowed after 5:15 a.m. First cast cannot happen before 5:30 a.m. Lines-out is 1:30 p.m., and all fish submissions must be completed by 2 p.m. Anglers should pay close attention: fish entries must be made while on the water or they will not count.

Entry is $30, plus a $10 fee covering Tourney X and PayPal costs. Anglers may also enter an optional $5 big bass side tournament.

Awards begin at 2:30 p.m. at Valley Outdoors, 16 S. Main St. in Cassadaga, where competitors will gather to celebrate victories, near misses and probably at least one story beginning with, “You should’ve seen the one I lost.”

Prize payouts include 50% of entry fees for first place, 25% for second and 15% for third. Fourth- and fifth-place finishers receive a Valley Outdoors prize package, while the top three also earn AJ Customs plastics prizes. Ten percent of registration fees are withheld toward Angler of the Year standings and championship awards.

In kayak bass fishing, the platform may be smaller — but the fun, innovation and competitive spirit are anything but.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

May 28: Erie County Federation of Sportsmen, monthly meeting, Erie County Conservation Society, 13319 Miller Road, Chaffee, 7 p.m.

May 30: 716 Kayak Bass Trail Tournament, Bear Lake and Cassadaga Lake, 5:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., $30 entry, $5 big bass option, register at Tourney X on smart phone. CPR Tournament.

June 1: NYS Inland (Chautauqua Lake) Muskellunge/Tiger Musky opening day, minimum length 40 inches, daily limit of one, season ends Nov. 30. Great Lakes musky season opens June 15.

June 6: Take-A-Kid-Fishing Day, 9 a.m. to noon, Memorial Park at Dunkirk Yacht Club, ages 16 and under, life jackets required. Sign up at the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club, 1 N. Mullet St., Dunkirk; 716-366-8836.

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