Tournament Registration

See all the  rules and guidelines at our tournament general information page before registering.

Here’s where you sign up for each of our tournament season events in our kayak fishing series for 2024.  Simply check out from this page like a “product” as either a free or paid participant selected from the dropdown.  You will add personal info initially, and sign up for each event one at a time; the next one will open up shortly after one ends.  If you choose the "Top Dawg" option, nothing is charged until right before the registration cutoff.  With either option, you should receive a confirmation email for your "order"; check your SPAM filter if not showing in a few minutes.

Everyone free or paid is in the same competition, but the "Top Dawgs" are eligible for a bigger payout if they are the overall winner (see details below).  Either way it’s your chance for cash prizes at every event AND a new Hobie Outback at season end. The more times you attend, even if you get skunked, the better your odds on winning the Outback!  Every angler catching a fish earns AOY points.

These outings are lots of fun and it's your chance to win big without much expense - maybe just some gas money and a few lost lures.  Participants in our new optional “Top Dawg” sub-series do pitch in $29 to a pool that is paid out 100% to any top placing angler that is in the pool for that event.  If a free participant wins, the top prize is $100 that we fund.  Free and paid anglers are eligible for the same prizes for places 2 thru 5.  

The dates, lake locations and estimated times for 2024 are below. All are on Saturday, and all are about 6 hours out on the water. The launch location shown can be subject to change, so check our tournament Facebook page for the latest updates before departing for the lake.

March 2 – Saguaro-Butcher Jones – 6:30 am (completed)

April 20 – Bartlett Flats – 5:30 am

June 1 – Roosevelt-Cholla (night) – 5:30 pm

September 7 – Roosevelt-Cholla – 5:30 am

October 19 – Bartlett-Flats– 6:00 am

First-timers should watch the video below to learn what to expect.  We usually have a Hobie banner or EZ up near each check-in/camping spot, and we launch at first safe light for morning starts.

More on the “Top Dawg” optional series:  This replaces the traditional "big fish" side pots we've had in previous years.  Pool entry is $29, paid via checkout/registration on this page (not at the site).  Pool is then paid out at the event 100% for First Place (only if the winner was a Top Dawg participant in that event).  Examples - if a free-entry participant comes in first, they get $100 and the entire Top Dawg pool rolls over to the next event.   If a Top Dawg participant comes in first, they get the entire pool from that event and anything rolled over from a prior one, instead of the $100. Since there can't be a rollover from the last event of the season, the pool for that event will be paid out to the highest placing Top Dawg participant regardless of placement overall.  

Signing up here is quick and easy, and by doing so, helps us better plan for the event. Cutoff to pre-register for free or participate as a “Top Dawg” is at noon the day before each event.  Also, cancel by noon the day before to avoid the charge for the optional pool participation (if you chose that) by sending email to tournament (at) lowergear.com.  You can still sign up as a free participant at our check-in table on site. If you're under 18, we need a sign-off by your guardian who must be participating with you.

A number of us often camp nearby the night before, and that is always fun - check comments on any of the relevant angler social pages for where most will camp, but you can certainly drive out the day of as well. Just arrive 45-60 minutes ahead of launch to get your score card, unloaded, and ready to roll. Late check-in is sometimes possible as long as an admin is still at the table, but there's no guarantee - in other words, don't be late!

If you have any questions, see the video below and/or give us a call at 480-348-8917 or stop by our store on the SW corner of University and the 101 in Tempe.

By registering here, you are agreeing to rules and waiver liability below, so please review carefully.

I have read and agree to abide by all rules of the tournament. All can be read at https://www.lowergear.com/kayak-fishing-tournaments.

In consideration of being allowed to participate in any way in the tournament program, its related events and activities, the buyer of this 'ticket', being of at least 18 years of age, acknowledge, appreciate, and agree that:

1. The risk of injury from the activities involved in this program is significant, including the potential for permanent paralysis and death, and while particular skills, equipment, and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious injury does exist; and,

2. I KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, both known and unknown, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES or others, and assume full responsibility for my participation; and,

3. I willingly agree to comply with the stated and customary terms and conditions for participation. If, however, I observe any unusual significant hazard during my presence or participation, I will remove myself from participation and bring such to the attention of the tournament organizer immediately; and,

4. I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, HEREBY RELEASE, INDEMNIFY, AND HOLD HARMLESS Dallas Shewmaker, Lowergear Outdoors, The Tonto National Forest and their officers, officials, agents and/or employees, other participants, sponsoring agencies, sponsors, advertisers, and, if applicable, owners and lessors of premises used for the activity ("Releasees"), WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH, or loss or damage to person or property, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

5. I will wear a PFD at all times while on the water.

I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT , FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT, AND REGISTER HERE FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT.

FAQs

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

Must be 18 unless accompanied by guardian who must also sign your waiver.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Call us at 480-348-8917

What's the refund policy?

For free entrants, it’s 100% satisfaction or your money back!  For those participating in the “Top Dawg” program, you can cancel out up to the point we charge the card on file for the $29.  Otherwise, consider it a donation to the winner’s pool.

Do I have to bring my printed receipt to the event?

No. But do bring a pen or pencil for your score card.

Is it ok if the name on the registration doesn't match the person who attends?

We need to know who you are, so no.