The 2026 Southern Illinois Kayak Club Season

The 2026 SIKC season is shaping up to be our biggest and most exciting year yet! Building on the momentum of an unforgettable 2025 trail, we’re raising the bar once again with new waters, new faces, and the same strong sense of community that defines the Southern Illinois Kayak Club.

Whether you’re a returning angler or joining SIKC for the first time, this season promises thrilling competition, close battles, and unforgettable moments on the water.

2026 SIKC Classic Championship

Event Details

  • Location: Banner Marsh State Fish & Wildlife Area

  • Dates: March 28 & 29, 2026

Anglers must qualify to compete in the 2026 Classic. Qualifications include:

  • Finishing inside the Top 20 of the 2025 AOY standings
    or

  • Completing at least 4 of the 6 AOY events in 2025

  • Classic entry does not require a new membership — 2025 memberships remain active until March 31, 2026

Email communications for this event will come from director@sikcfishing.org — please add us to your contacts so notifications don’t get lost.

2026 Regular Season Tournament Schedule

Regular Season Events

  • Kincaid Lake — April 18, 2026

  • Crab Orchard Lake — May 16, 2026

  • Coffeen Lake — June 13, 2026

  • Sangchris Lake — July 18, 2026

  • Cedar Lake — August 15, 2026

  • Newton Lake — September 19, 2026

Each stop on the trail is chosen to challenge anglers with different structure, conditions, and seasonal patterns — from power-plant lakes to big-fish reservoirs and technical finesse waters.

Tournament registration links will appear once membership opens or can be accessed directly via TourneyX.

🏅 What’s at Stake

Anglers will compete all season long for individual event victories and end-of-year honors, including:

  • Angler of the Year (AOY) — awarded to the most consistent and dominant angler across all trail events.

  • Rookie of the Year (ROY) — recognizing the top first-year competitor who makes an immediate impact.

  • Pineapple Man of the Year — SIKC’s highest honor, celebrating sportsmanship, leadership, and dedication.

  • Big Bass Awards — given at every event, with bonus payouts thanks to our generous sponsors.

Each stop on the 2026 trail will bring new challenges, stories, and standout performances — and you can follow it all right here.

👉 Check below for event summaries, photos, and AOY/ROY updates as the 2026 season unfolds.

💪 Join the Club

Membership for the 2026 Southern Illinois Kayak Club season opens in January 2026 — and this year, we’re offering more ways than ever to get involved both on and off the water.

Becoming an SIKC member gives you full access to:

  • All 2026 trail events, including eligibility for AOY and ROY points

  • Member-only raffles, giveaways, and sponsor discounts

  • Exclusive access to our private Discord server and Facebook group, where anglers share fishing reports, tournament prep tips, tackle discussions, and more

  • Priority registration for events with limited capacity

  • Opportunities to represent SIKC at regional and national tournaments

💵 Annual Membership Dues

  • $100 – Standard Membership

  • $80 - Renewing Membership

  • $75 – Young Angler (25 & under)

  • Optional payment plans available to spread the dues over several months.

Whether you’re a seasoned tournament angler or brand new to kayak fishing, SIKC is built to help you improve, connect, and compete in a supportive community that loves the sport.

📧 Questions or ready to join?
Email director@sikcfishing.org for membership information or join by clicking below.

Join now

💼 Seeking Sponsors for the 2026 Season

The Southern Illinois Kayak Club is actively seeking sponsors and partners for the upcoming 2026 tournament season.

Partnering with SIKC offers a unique opportunity to connect with a growing community of passionate outdoor enthusiasts, competitive anglers, and families across Southern Illinois and the surrounding region. Our events attract both veteran kayak anglers and newcomers to the sport, generating strong local engagement both on the water and online.

We welcome sponsorships of all levels — from product donations and prize support to full event partnerships and trail title sponsors.

Sponsors receive:

  • Recognition on our website and social media platforms

  • Logo placement on event banners, scoreboards, and promotional materials

  • Shoutouts in tournament recaps, press releases, and podium photos

  • Opportunities to connect directly with anglers and fans throughout the season

If your business or organization is interested in becoming part of the SIKC family, we’d love to hear from you.

📧 Contact: director@sikcfishing.org

Together, we can grow the sport of kayak bass fishing and make the 2026 season our best one yet!