The 4th Annual Hardcore Invitational will be held OCTOBER 6th 2012 ! Will we have a maximum of 53 anglers allowed. That is how many we had last year and if the majority of them take advantage of the right to sign up first (which they will, in August) then there will not be that many spots left open. New anglers be ready to jump in when September rolls around!
SPONSORED BY GREAT OUTDOOR PROVISION CO.
1st Place BIG FISH PRIZE will be a brand new Wilderness Systems RIDE 115 !
Follow link to full specs, info, and alot more pics of this yak
Click the logos for write ups on 2009 and 2010 tourneys at NCangler by Jeff Oestrich.
To be held October 1st 2011 on the scenic and fish filled Catawba River. (upper end of Lake Wylie) Awards will be cash payback, gear or a combination of the two. Of course Big Fish of the day will take home the Wilderness Systems Ride 115. Gear that will be awarded will be bought from GOPC with entry fees. This is a "cash payback" tourney. It is not for profit or charity- all fees that do not cover lunch or a few small things will be paid back or used for prizes. Between donations from Great Outdoor Provision Co. it will be around $2500 in cash and prizes if we hit the maximum of 50 anglers. There will be at least 7 prizes spots and we will announce later exactly what each will be. Just know that in the end, and our tradition, it will be bigger and better than ever.
HISTORY OF THE HARDCORE INVITATIONAL---
After several years of discussing it, we decided to go for it. At the time I`m pretty sure no club or organization had put on a tourney in N.C. yet- only retailers- and we were also the 1st tourney in the Charlotte area. We decided to have it at "Bobby`s" in Mt. Holly and weren`t sure how many people we could comfortably handle. We decided on a maximum of 30 anglers. It is called the Invitational because that is how it started. I (stew-rat) figured I knew enough people who`d be interested so they were all personally invited by me. A majority of these inauguaral anglers have attended both years and will return for 2011. We had 26 anglers the 1st year. From the start we decided that we wanted to keep it small and anyone who entered would be given first chance to sign up the following year. After the initial month`s sign-up period for returning anglers the remaining spots can be filled by anyone new wishing to compete. Things went so well for the 1st we decided we could bump up the max to 40 anglers for 2010 and we still had some room with a total of 38 anglers. We are going to let it go up to 50 for 2011 if needed. This is in no way meant to be exclusive. Merely a reward for supporting the event previously. We have not turned anyone away who wished to enter any year. We`ll see how it goes this year but due to protecting the quality and atmosphere of the tournament overall plus seeing that the water isn`t overcrowded, 50 anglers may be as big as it is ever allowed to get. Get in this year because there may not be much room for new anglers in 2012.
What`s special about the Invitational ? This tourney represents the BEST paddle powered anglers in the region- bar none. These guys are the backbone of paddle fishing in the region. Some of the guys are sponsored, other club members, fishing team members, and guides. Some have been kayak fishing over a dozen years. As much as we love the competition we have a very informal and especially friendly atmosphere. You will meet some really nice guys who share the love of kayak/canoe fishing. Of course some of the anglers are fairly new to the sport and that`s fine too. Part of being Hardcore is meeting new anglers and helping them anyway we can. The Invitational will always be a smaller, single launch tourney and only once a year.
Not only do we do things a little different, some of the things we`ve done have been emulated at other tourneys, but we always have some new things each year and have a different format. Our LIVE, electric Star Spangled Banner launch played by local musician Trip Rogers is a good example of what makes this tourney stand out. Last year Drew Gregory brought a Jackson Kayak Coosa prototype to let anglers demo months before you could get your hands on one. We will again pull a few strings and be lucky to have the Mt. Holly fire and Rescue on hand as a safety boat should anyone need them during the tourney.
Once again this year my sister, Karen Stewart, is gonna feed everybody and that is nice after a hard day paddling and fishing. The BBQ received rave reviews last year and may stick with that or chicken. It will be cooked by the same guy either way.
The 2009 format was a 4 fish CPR (catch, photo, release) limit, proceeds went to the Mt. Island Wildlife Stewards and prizes were donated by Great Outdoor Provision Co.
The 2010 tourney AKA "Back in Black" was a Big Fish CPR format with cash payback prizes. $500 for 1st aint too shabby for a day`s fishing.
For 2011 AKA "Screamin For Vengeance" we will be having a format that has never been done ! It will be a 4 fish limit, CPR format with a twist. 1st place will get thr Ride 115, 2nd, and 3rd Big Fish anglers will receive a cash prize or combo of gear and cash. These 3 will be the top tier prizes compared to the others. (see below) Anglers will only be eligible to win ONE of these 3 spots with their biggest fish but will still be eligible for other prize slots.
Now for the innovative part-
There will be 4 additional places to win prizes (at least) and will be determined by DRAWING within 4 different slot limits.
1st place slot will be for any fish scored OVER 16 inches.
2nd will be from 16 inches down to 14 inches.
3rd will be from 14 inches down to 12 inches.
4th place will be any fish under 12 inches.
There will be no minimum length. As usual in a CPR tourney each angler will be given a unique identifier at sign up to be included in ALL fish pictures. IF you catch your limit of 4 fish you will then be given 3 more identifiers and they will be placed in the corresponding slot/prize box for the drawings.
So- if someone catches 4 fish that are scored over 16 inches they will have 4 cards in the drawing for 1st place slot. If you catch a fish that falls into each slot then you will have a chance to win all 4 prizes. Or any other combination depending on how many fish you score and their size. NO FISH=NO CARDS. Although we may come up with a "skunk" prize/slot.
Of course we realize, besides the 3 big fish awards, this means the angler with the biggest fish may not win in each slot but it is skill based since more fish equals more chances to win and bigger fish equals chances to win better prizes. If you have a 13 3/4 in card in the 14-12 in box and a 12 1/4 in fish is drawn as the winner-Well you`re gonna have to live with that. We think it will make for a very interesting tourney and unlike most tourneys where everybody talks about what they have when they come in and before long everybody pretty much knows who has won ahead of time- this one won`t be decided until the drawings. Fishing isn`t all skill. There is always some luck involved so we like the idea of your skill determing your chances to win and Lady Luck deciding the actual winner.
There will be a separate drawing (box) for a custom wood stand up paddle. It is 5 ply mahogany and tiger stripe maple with a nice flex and only 2 lbs. One of a kind designed by Stew-rat. Any angler that wishes to be in the drawing for the paddle may elect to place their smallest fish card in the box for it.
 
We Are pleased to announce that Chad "Knot Right" Hoover will be fishing the tourney with us this year. Chad is a founding member and former president of the Tidewater Kayak Anglers Association (www.tkaa.org). He owns KayakBassFishing.com where he shares his passion and experiences with other kayak anglers and hosts a popular online challenge series. He also serves as the KAYAK ANGLER Magazine Regional Editor for the Mid-Atlantic and Carolinas. Chad has competed in tournaments across the country with many top places and wins at notable tournaments such as Jamaica Bay in 2005 and the TKAA Charity tournament in 2006. He conducts seminars throughout the Southeast and guides custom trips throughout Virginia and North Carolina. His first book, Kayak Bass Fishing, was released recently and is receiving great reviews.
Chad will be giving a seminar and answering questions at the Charlotte Great Outdoor Provision Co. on Sept. 30th at 7:00 pm. Chad has been on the Widerness Systems Pro Staff since 2005 and is currently the Dircetor.
Thread on NCangler regarding the tourney.This will be full of info. I think it went about 15 pages last year. A good way to stay up on what is being discussed and who will be coming. As well as a little "smack" talk.
REGISTRATION---
Will still be done the old fashioned way. You MAIL $40.00 REGISTRATION FEE and when received you will be added to the registered angler page. Lunch is included in the registration fee.
Include NAME, NICKNAME or screen name (required-you gotta have a nickname or one will be assigned to you!) and HOME CITY. We have people come from all over N.C. and normally a few from VA and SC and it`s always cool to see where everybody is from. Also include a legible EMAIL ADDRESS. At sign up tourney day we will get your CELL # for emergency use during the tourney as well as an emergency contact #.
Returning anglers from 2010 may sign up NOW until August 15th exclusively. Any new anglers may register after August 15th until September 25th. Registered anglers page will be updated as entries are received.
Make out checks payable to TIM STEWART.
MAIL ALL REQUIRED TO- Hardcore Invitational
116 Johnson St.
Mt. Holly N. C. 28120
Who can be in the Invitational?
ANYONE who can PADDLE their OWN craft.
Are there separate divisions ?
Nope. Regardless of age, craft, or type of rod/reel used there is only one division- the Hardcore Division.
Every registered angler must possess a valid NC fishing license to compete.
Waiver/ Covenant not to sue MUST be signed prior to the tournament starting.
When you arrive, find a parking space and go straight to the registration table to sign your waiver. It must be done before the Captains meeting and launching. You can unload gear after signing the waiver. It is YOUR responsibility to see to it the waiver is signed. If you do not, and fish, you will not be disqualified because you were never IN the tournament. Tourney starts for you when you sign the waiver.
We ask that the closer you are to the launch the earlier you arrive to help make the process smooth to help get everyone in the water on time. Allow for issues along the travel. If we START to launch without you- you are not eligible to compete or win. After signing you can unload all your gear and be ready to move it but leave it behind or near your vehicle until we announce to hit the water after the captains meeting.
We do not own the boat ramp for the day. At least not officially- but basically we will by default due to the lot size and the number of us. We have seen other boaters show up the morning of and just turn around and leave. IF someone chooses to launch that is not there for the tourney we will make every attempt possible to allow them. This mainly means not blocking up the ramp or driving lanes with a bunch of boats sitting around. Leave them at your vehicles until told to get in the water. Park vehicles as close as is comfortable to maximize available space. Arriving early will get you a spot closer to the ramp.
Catch, Photo, Release Rules-
All anglers must supply their own commercially available fish measuring board or ruler. No homemade jobs, flexible measures, or measuring stickers. There are many brands out there and if you have any questions ASK NOW- not right before the tourney starts! Good pictures and a good board make for easy scoring. Be sure the numbers and marks on your ruler are easily seen in a photo. For example-if you have a white board the numbers should be made black with a sharpie. Many of the rulers out there are good for measuring fish to be legal but very poor for pictures. Judges will use their discretion and deduct when it seems reasonable. The criteria below MUST be met or that photo/fish will not count. All decisions of the judges will be final.
I am pleased to announce we will have 2 judges from Carolina Yakfish that have been with us every year. Bob (aka Toba) and Joey (aka Turtlestew) will be judging and I (Stew-Rat) will be the 3rd judge. That way they judge all of the "local" guys who are close to Hardcore and I will judge their entries. Except for the 3 biggest fish we hope to do most of the judging ON the cameras without actually uploading to a laptop. Since in most cases we are just trying to determine which slot/box your fish falls in. This will save alot of time and practically the only way to do it with a limit tourney and as many anglers as we expect. Any questionable calls will be shown to other judges for a consensus decision.
EVERY picture MUST contain your unique tournament identifier or it will not be counted. DO NOT FORGET. More than a few prizes have been lost from forgetting.
NO other pictures should be on your card. If we need to upload your pictures to score them- though your dog , car, and girlfriend may all be cool (or hot)- we don`t need to see them. If you want to take pitcures during the tourney that is understandable and fine. We just don`t need to wade through a card full of photos trying to find the fish pictures. BRING your cable in case it is needed to upload your photos. Any pictures turned in become the property of Hardcore Kayak Fishing Team.
All eligible fish will face to the LEFT, dorsal fin on top, with the nose clearly visible touching the ZERO end and the tail clearly visible on the other. If the mouth is open we may take some off but will not be grounds for disqualification. If you need to hold the fish with your hand in the middle while taking the shot that is OK as long as both ends can be clearly seen. If you are holding it by the lip make sure the nose can be seen touching the end. Take all the pics straight down as close to perpendicular with the measuring device as possible. Do not take low angle shots from either end.
ALL fish must be released. Even with the best of intentions some fish may be hooked badly, and though unfortunate, fish are tougher than you may think. At least give them a chance. If the worst happens and they die- realize that nothing goes to waste in nature. Do your best to handle them as little as possible, get your pic, CHECK IT, then release the fish.
The "1/2 Inch Rule" (which we pioneered in 2009) will NOT be in effect. BUT realize if any fish are close to the same length they better have an identifying characteristic or be easily distinguished in some form, like body shape, or they MAY not be counted this will be up to the judges and will be decided by all the judges in consensus.
Any ties will be decided by length of 2nd biggest fish scored by the anglers. If neither angler has any other fish the winner will be determined by who checked in first.
Camera PHONES are NOT allowed for submitting photos.
Here`s a pic from 2009 by Bob " Toba" Dainton as an example.
Safety-
All NC boating and game laws must be followed. If observed breaking any of these rules you will be disqualified from this year as well as all future Hardcore events.
We will have the Mt. Holly rescue boat on hand. Have your phone available until after the Captains Meeting. I will give everyone my # then and anyone needing assistance during the tourney can contact me to let them know. They will probably be on the water part of the time but just in the lot on standby some of the time.
There is NO CANCEL in Hardcore. The show will go on regardless of weather conditions. You will sign the waiver taking resposibility for your own safety so if you think it is too bad for you to be out there then you may choose not to compete for part or all of the time.
NO MOTORS or towing. (unless it is needed due to an injury)
Method of fishing is by hook and line only. Trolling is OK and more than 1 rod at a time may be used. ALL fish must be caught while IN the boat. No wading or casting from shore. Fly or conventional tackle is acceptable. ONLY artificial lures may be used. Commercial attractants are OK. Pork trailers are OK. Nets and fish grippers are allowed. No help shall be received by any angler when landing or photographing fish.
Sportmanship and conduct- Though it is a competition we expect all participants to exhibit an exemplary level of conduct. This extends to everyone on the water- fellow competitors or not. On the water and at the ramp. You are not only representing yourself but Hardcore and the sport as a whole. Even though there are prizes on the line realize this is a social event. Be sure to share the water and take the chance to meet folks and make some new friends. When out on the water feel free to ask other anglers how they are doing. Whether they tell you the truth or not is up to them ; ) Paddle anglers overall are much more used to being closer together than other anglers. Give ample room to others, in the tourney or not, and communicate with each other.
Rule changes- and interpretations are exclusively the decision of the tournament director (stew-rat) and are final in all matters. If you have ANY questions feel free to email me for clarification. Certainly some of this will be discussed in the NC angler thread by people on there.
"Weigh" In- All registered anglers must return to the launch and be out of the boat before 2 pm EST whether they have photos to submit or not. If you do not have any pictures to submit you do not need to check in with the judges but we want everyone back to see everyone is accounted for and safe. If you are close to the cut-off time and have pictures to submit go straight to the judges and make sure they know you arrived within the limit. When your turn, you will assist the judge in viewing your pictures on the camera and see exactly what score you receive when it is judged and why. Your drawing cards will be placed in the proper slot boxes as you watch. Boxes will be sealed before any judging begins. If any fish are in range for the top 3 fish prizes that will be recorded and uploaded as well for posting results pictures after the event.
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