There’s something special about gliding across calm water under your own power. No roaring outboard, no rush to beat the crowd — no noise. Just the sound of a paddle dipping into the water and maybe a bass reminding you who’s really in charge. As many kayak anglers will tell you, the fish don’t care what brand of kayak you’re paddling. They’re equal-opportunity humblers.

That growing enthusiasm is easy to see in Western New York, where the 716 Kayak Bass Trail has quickly built a loyal following. This weekend, the trail heads into the scenic Allegany Mountains for a tournament on Red House Lake and Quaker Lake.

One of the unique aspects of the event is that anglers may launch from any public access point on either lake and are free to fish both waters during the day. There is one rule fishing event competitors won’t want to overlook: electric motors are prohibited on Red House Lake. Using one there results in immediate disqualification, while electric motors remain legal on Quaker Lake. For some anglers, the where to fish decision may be simple.

Tournament activities begin with launches from 5:45 a.m., with the first cast allowed at 6 a.m. Fishing ends with the last cast at 1 p.m., and all fish submissions must be entered by 2 p.m. Competitors should also be aware that cell service can be spotty on both lakes, so they’ll need to find a signal before submitting catches to the online leaderboard. Fortunately, better reception is available near the lakes, but not always on the lakes.

Getting a kayak from your vehicle to the water can sometimes be the toughest challenge of the day. Anglers can save time and energy by outfitting their kayak with a set of wheels called a kayak cart. Photo courtesy of Mike Pehanich

Awards will be presented at 3 p.m. First place earns 50% of the registration purse, second receives 25% and third takes home 15%. Ten percent is reserved for Angler of the Year and championship awards, while the top three finishers will also receive prizes from A.J. Custom Plastics. Tournament entry is $40, with an optional $10 Big Bass contest for anglers hoping to land the day’s heavyweight.

Whether you’re competing or simply watching from shore, kayak bass fishing offers a refreshing reminder that sometimes slowing down is the best way to enjoy the outdoors. You may not always catch the biggest bass, but chances are you’ll come home with something even better — a story worth telling and a little less stress than when you arrived.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

July 16-19: Sunset Bay Walleye Shootout, www.walleyeshootout.com; Chairman Don Ruppert, 716-435-4137; donaldjruppert1970@outlook.com.

July 18: Saturday 50s Trap Shoot, Celoron Rod/Gun Club, 210 Livingston Ave., Celoron, registration 9-10 a.m.; Info: Jerry Martin: 814-688-9209.

July 18: 716 Kayak Bass Trail, Red House/Quaker Lakes, 5:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., $30 entry, visit Tourney X online to register.

July 19: Fly Fishing 101 Class, $25 adults, $20 kids, The Hairy Trout, 3891 Seneca St., West Seneca, 716-575-5037.

July 19: Ellington Rod and Gun, “Don’t Know Partner Trap League,” 1045 Hagerdon Hill Road, Ellington; Info: 716-287-3987.