Southwest Outfitters Kayak Fishing Club

🎣 Join the Havasu Kayak Fishing Community! 🎣

At Southwest Outfitters Kayak Fishing Open, our mission is simple: get people out on the water and fishing. Whether you’re a seasoned kayak angler or just curious to give it a shot, we’ve got a spot for you.

Fish out of anything you want—a float tube, paddle kayak, pedal drive, or even a motorized kayak. As long as you’re following lake rules, you’re welcome here. It’s all about connecting the local community and enjoying the water together.

🔥 Exciting News! 🔥
We’re releasing our 2025 tournament schedule next week! We’re working with our communities up in Las Vegas and down in Phoenix to create a schedule that works for everyone. While there may be some overlap, we’re making an effort to keep things flexible so more anglers can join in.

Whether you’re interested in:
✅ Fishing fun, small group outings with no competition
✅ Competing in local kayak tournaments at an affordable level
✅ Meeting others who love fishing and sharing tips

We’ve got something for you! Even if you don’t have a kayak yet, no excuses—you can rent one and join us.

If the big-money Bassmaster tournaments aren’t your thing, this is your chance to fish in a relaxed, friendly, and welcoming environment. You don’t need the fanciest gear or experience—just a love for the water and the thrill of fishing.

Got questions? Reach out to Justin Butel at 480-440-5867—call, text, or message me here on Facebook. I’m always happy to help you get involved.

Let’s build this community and make 2025 a year to remember. We can’t wait to fish with you!

📢 Stay tuned for our schedule drop next week!

Tagging:

Catch and release practices in bass fishing tournaments play a crucial role in maintaining healthy fish populations and protecting aquatic ecosystems. Here’s a breakdown of why these practices are essential:

1. Population Sustainability

• Reproductive Contribution: Bass, especially larger ones, are prolific breeders. Releasing these fish ensures that they can reproduce and contribute to the population, supporting a balanced ecosystem.
• Avoiding Overfishing: Tournament circuits often target prime fishing spots. Without catch and release, these areas could experience significant population declines, impacting recreational anglers and the environment.

2. Conservation of Trophy Fish

• Larger, older fish are prized in tournaments and vital for sustaining the gene pool. By releasing these fish, anglers preserve the genetic stock that produces trophy bass, encouraging growth in both size and numbers over generations.

3. Economic and Recreational Benefits

• Healthy fish populations drive the fishing industry, tourism, and local economies. Catch and release ensures that future generations of anglers can enjoy thriving fisheries.

4. Ecosystem Balance

• Bass are predators that regulate populations of smaller fish and maintain the food web’s balance. Removing too many bass can lead to overpopulation of prey species, which might harm vegetation and other aquatic life.

5. Public Perception and Education

• Tournament organizations practicing catch and release set an example for recreational anglers, promoting ethical fishing and environmental stewardship. This approach fosters awareness about conservation and sustainability.

Challenges and Solutions in Catch and Release

• Stress and Mortality: Mishandling, extended time out of water, and inadequate livewell care can lead to stress or death. Tournament circuits mitigate this by using:
• Proper livewell systems with aeration.
• Immediate weigh-ins and release practices.
• Education on proper handling techniques (e.g., supporting fish horizontally, minimizing time out of water).
• Post-Tournament Stress: Some tournaments use recovery tanks or relocate fish to different areas to ensure their survival after release.

By prioritizing catch and release, bass fishing tournaments help sustain vibrant ecosystems, protect the sport’s future, and enhance the overall health of aquatic environments.

🎣 Southwest Outfitters Kayak Club Meeting Announcement 🎣

Kick off the new year with us and get ready for prime striper fishing season!

Date: January 4th, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Southwest Outfitters, 159 Paseo del Sol, Lake Havasu City

Topic: Striper Fishing in Lake Havasu
January and February are two of the best months for catching stripers, and we’re here to help you make the most of it. During the meeting, we’ll cover:

✅ Top baits and techniques for success
✅ Recommended rods and tackle setups
✅ Best locations and how to find the fish
✅ Expert advice to up your fishing game

BONUS EVENT:
We’re planning a Striper Fishing Derby to test your skills, followed by a Fish Taco Parking Lot Party with:
🌮 Delicious tacos (made with striper if you catch one!)
🏆 Prizes and a trophy for the derby champion
🎉 A fun way to connect with fellow anglers

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced kayak angler, this meeting is packed with valuable info and good times.

👉 RSVP in the comments or stop by the shop to sign up. Let’s kick off 2025 with tight lines and full nets!

We can’t wait to see you there. 🎣

Beginner Bass Fishing Rod Setup for Kayak Anglers

Getting into bass fishing from a kayak can feel overwhelming with so many gear options, but starting with the right rods and reels makes it simple and fun. Here’s a beginner-friendly, budget-conscious setup featuring Daiwa’s Crossfire and CC80 series that will get the job done and help you land more fish:

1. Spinning Rod Setup

• Rod: Daiwa Crossfire 7’2” Medium Heavy, Fast Action
• Reel: Daiwa Crossfire LT 2500
• Line: 20lb braided line
This versatile setup is perfect for finesse techniques like drop shots, shaky heads, or small jigs. The 2500 size reel offers smooth casting and reliable drag for lighter lures.

2. Baitcasting Rod Setup (Fluorocarbon Line)

• Rod: Daiwa crossfire 7’ Medium Heavy, Fast Action
• Reel: Daiwa CC80 Baitcaster
• Line: 12-15lb fluorocarbon
Great for soft plastics, spinnerbaits, or Texas rigs, this setup provides sensitivity and excellent control in clear water or for deeper presentations.

3. Baitcasting Rod Setup (Braided Line)

• Rod: Daiwa crossfire 7’ Heavy, Fast Action
• Reel: Daiwa CC80 Baitcaster
• Line: 30-50lb braided line
This heavy-duty option excels with frogs, jigs, or topwater lures, giving you the power to pull bass out of cover while maintaining casting accuracy.

These setups use quality Daiwa gear known for durability and performance while staying within a reasonable budget. Ideal for kayak anglers, the rods are manageable in tight spaces, and the reels provide smooth and consistent retrieves.

Let me know if you need help finding these products or tips on using them effectively!

Fishing Lake Havasu by Kayak: Top Tips for Bass Anglers

Lake Havasu is a dream destination for kayak anglers looking to target both largemouth and smallmouth bass. With crystal-clear waters, rocky points, submerged brush, and ample fishing opportunities, it’s a playground for any bass enthusiast.

Why Kayak Fishing?

Kayaks give you the stealth and access that larger boats can’t provide. You can sneak into shallow coves, explore rocky drop-offs, and maneuver around docks with ease. Plus, it’s an affordable and peaceful way to enjoy the water while catching some trophy-worthy bass.

Tackle & Baits for Lake Havasu Bass

Whether you’re chasing big largemouth or feisty smallmouth, here are some go-to baits and techniques:

Largemouth Bass

1. Jigs: A 3/8 oz or 1/2 oz jig paired with a craw-style trailer works great around submerged brush and rocky areas. Try natural colors like green pumpkin or brown.
2. Topwater Baits: Early morning or late evening, tie on a walking bait or popper for explosive strikes along the w**d lines or over submerged grass beds.
3. Soft Plastics: Stick baits like Senkos rigged Texas or wacky-style are always a safe bet. Target shaded areas under docks or around overhanging vegetation.

Smallmouth Bass

1. Drop Shot Rigs: A finesse go-to on Lake Havasu. Use a 4.5” straight-tail worm in shad or morning dawn colors. Fish the edges of rocky points or near submerged boulders.
2. Crankbaits: Smallmouth love a medium-diving crankbait in crawfish or chartreuse patterns. Work them along rocky shorelines and submerged rock piles.
3. Ned Rigs: The subtle presentation of a Ned Rig is irresistible to smallmouth. Use a small worm or creature bait in natural tones like green pumpkin or watermelon.

Where to Stock Up on Tackle

Before heading out, make a stop at Bass Tackle Master, the ultimate tackle shop in Lake Havasu. They have everything you need, from jigs to drop-shot worms and crankbaits. Plus, their staff knows the local waters and can point you to the hot spots and best lures for the day’s conditions.

Explore the Lake, Catch More Fish

With a kayak and the right tackle, Lake Havasu offers endless opportunities for bass anglers. Plan your trip, load up your gear, and don’t forget to swing by Bass Tackle Master to stock up before hitting the water. Happy fishing, and tight lines!

Anyone want to get together this next week and fish for a few hours?

Another successful Southwest Outfitters Kayak Fishing Club meeting is in the books! As mentioned, member badges will be available for pickup at the shop this week. If you’d like one, just let me know, and I’ll be happy to make one for you.

Remember, the club is free to join, and we’re always excited to welcome new members! Our next meeting will focus on community outreach and improvements to kayak launch areas. I’ll be setting the date later this afternoon, so stay tuned for details!

🎣 Great Turnout at Our Fishing Club Meeting! 🎣

We had an amazing turnout at this Saturday’s meeting! 🌟 We discussed essential rod and reel combos and shared our go-to baits for fishing here on Havasu, which we rely on almost year-round. If you missed out but want a recap of what was covered, don’t hesitate to reach out.

We’re available Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM and would be thrilled to assist you with any questions. Stay tuned for details on our next meeting—we can't wait to see you there!

Tight lines and happy fishing! 🎣🚤

🛶 Welcome to the Southwest Outfitter Kayak Fishing Club! 🎣

Are you passionate about kayak fishing? Do you love exploring the beautiful waters of Lake Havasu City, AZ? If so, you've found your new fishing family!

🌊 About Us:
We're a vibrant community of kayak fishing enthusiasts who come together to share tips and tricks, discover the best fishing and launch locations, and enjoy fun-filled fishing derbies. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, there's a place for you in our club.

🏞️ What We Do:

Share expert tips and tricks to help you up your fishing game
Explore the best fishing spots and launch locations around Lake Havasu
Host exciting and friendly fishing derbies
Build lasting friendships with fellow kayak fishing enthusiasts
🤝 Join Us:
We welcome everyone who shares our love for kayak fishing. Our goal is to create an inclusive and supportive community where everyone can learn, share, and enjoy the sport together.

📅 Get Involved:
Stay tuned for our upcoming events and meet-ups. Don't miss out on the fun and camaraderie—be a part of the Southwest Outfitter Kayak Fishing Club today!

Calling All Kayak Anglers! Join Southwest Outfitters Striped Bass Showdown! 🎣
📅 Date: Sunday, January 14th, 2024
🏆 100% Goes to the Winner!
💰 Entry Fee: Just $50
🌊 Where: Awesome Lake Havasu City
Get ready to peddle, paddle, cast, and reel your way to victory!
If you love kayak fishing, this event is tailor-made for you. Gather with fellow kayak anglers for a day of friendly competition on the waters of Lake Havasu. It's all about the thrill of the chase and the joy of the catch!
🏆 Go Big or Go Home 🏆
Think you've got what it takes? Put your skills to the test, and you could pocket the entire buy-in pool as the top dog! The challenge is to hook the longest measured striped bass. Are you up for it? Picture-Perfect Setting
Lake Havasu City offers more than just great fishing—it's a paddler's paradise. Surround yourself with serene natural beauty as you chase your dream catch. Bring the Crew!
This tournament isn't just for the pros; it's for everyone who loves kayak fishing. Bring your buddies and make it a fun day out on the water. Enjoy the friendly competition and the great outdoors together.
Save the Date!
Circle January 14th, 2024, on your calendar and get ready for the Striped Bass Showdown!!! If you have any questions or comments contact Ben Ristie tournament Director. 928-208-1032 email [email protected] or [email protected]

Who’s ready for some Fall Fishing?!

Don’t forget our event Saturday October 7, 2023!

If you have any questions about the event please feel free to reach out.

$20 BUY IN - with 100% PAYOUT!!
Payout-
1st 50%
2nd 30%
3rd 20%
Side Pots- $5 each additional
BIG Fish
Small Fish
Open Launch (Lake Havasu only)
Tournament Check-in begins at Southwest Outfitters 1 hour prior to tournament start time- as well as, you will have 30 mins to travel to and from your starting location.
The tournament begins at 7:00am
Regsitration is 6:00am-6:30am
The tournament ends at 3:00pm
You must arrive at Southwest Outfitters to check in with a score card by 3:30pm- any later you will be DQ.
• There is a $20 entry fee to participate- Payout is 100% divided into 1st-3rd place. (You will pay cash at event for the tournament- payment will not be taken online!)
• You register at the time of event on site. You will receive a scorecard to use as an identifier for photos. All participants subject to inclusion in event-related photos.
• Catch, Photo and Release - Grand total of your top 3 longest measured Largemouth or Smallmouth Bass. Side pots excluded from top three bass submitted.
• First three positions place: First Place awarded 50% payout; Second 30% payout; Third 20% payout. Each receives a Award. Each placing winner has the responsibility to share at least one successful technique that led to their catch with other participants as part of the educational purpose of this event.
• Side, optional pools are usually available for big and small fish. .
• Participating anglers must be 18 or older or accompanied by an adult.
• Anglers must follow all AZ Game and Fish and event locale rules.
• Single kayaks only
• No live bait; artificial lures only
• No fishing in designated off-limits areas
• No use of alcohol or drugs during event
• Bass - facing left on measure board, dorsal fin toward top of photo, tail centered and in a relaxed, un-pinched condition, mouth completely closed - with jaw / lip touching fence of measuring board.
• Bass length is determined by its tail touching or crossing a quarter-inch line on the measuring board.
• If it falls short of a line, the length is rounded down to nearest 1/4 inch mark
• Tie breakers - biggest bass in group if still tied, then earliest timestamp on photo of biggest bass in group
• All Bass must be caught on rod, reel, line and hook only. An angler may only have one line in the water at a time.
• Digital photographs of each bass submitted must meet these requirements:
• Unique - one photo for each bass caught
• Legible - photo must be clear enough to read the identifier and judge length accurately
• Eligible - photo must have been created within the official competition start and end times
• Kayak clearly visible in the photo
• No late returns - must be out of the water at the launch point by the stated end time - otherwise, you are disqualified


Registration is at

Southwest Outfitters
159 Paseo Del Sol, LHC

Saturday, October 7th is our next event, and we look forward to seeing everyone on the water. If you have any questions about the event please feel free to reach out.
$20 BUY IN - with 100% PAYOUT!!
Payout-
1st 50%
2nd 30%
3rd 20%
Side Pots- $5 each additional
BIG Fish
Small Fish
Open Launch (Lake Havasu only)
Tournament Check-in begins at Southwest Outfitters 1 hour prior to tournament start time- as well as, you will have 30 mins to travel to and from your starting location.
The tournament begins at 7:00am
Regsitration is 6:00am-6:30am
The tournament ends at 3:00pm
You must arrive at Southwest Outfitters to check in with a score card by 3:30pm- any later you will be DQ.
• There is a $20 entry fee to participate- Payout is 100% divided into 1st-3rd place. (You will pay cash at event for the tournament- payment will not be taken online!)
• You register at the time of event on site. You will receive a scorecard to use as an identifier for photos. All participants subject to inclusion in event-related photos.
• Catch, Photo and Release - Grand total of your top 3 longest measured Largemouth or Smallmouth Bass. Side pots excluded from top three bass submitted.
• First three positions place: First Place awarded 50% payout; Second 30% payout; Third 20% payout. Each receives a Award. Each placing winner has the responsibility to share at least one successful technique that led to their catch with other participants as part of the educational purpose of this event.
• Side, optional pools are usually available for big and small fish. .
• Participating anglers must be 18 or older or accompanied by an adult.
• Anglers must follow all AZ Game and Fish and event locale rules.
• Single kayaks only
• No live bait; artificial lures only
• No fishing in designated off-limits areas
• No use of alcohol or drugs during event
• Bass - facing left on measure board, dorsal fin toward top of photo, tail centered and in a relaxed, un-pinched condition, mouth completely closed - with jaw / lip touching fence of measuring board.
• Bass length is determined by its tail touching or crossing a quarter-inch line on the measuring board.
• If it falls short of a line, the length is rounded down to nearest 1/4 inch mark
• Tie breakers - biggest bass in group if still tied, then earliest timestamp on photo of biggest bass in group
• All Bass must be caught on rod, reel, line and hook only. An angler may only have one line in the water at a time.
• Digital photographs of each bass submitted must meet these requirements:
• Unique - one photo for each bass caught
• Legible - photo must be clear enough to read the identifier and judge length accurately
• Eligible - photo must have been created within the official competition start and end times
• Kayak clearly visible in the photo
• No late returns - must be out of the water at the launch point by the stated end time - otherwise, you are disqualified

Registration is at Southwest Outfitters, 159 Paseo Del Sol, LHC