The 2027 Southern Illinois Kayak Club Season

The 2027 season marks the 10-year anniversary of the Southern Illinois Kayak Club.

For a decade, SIKC has brought kayak anglers together through competition, camaraderie, sportsmanship, and a shared passion for bass fishing across Southern Illinois.

What started as a local tournament club has grown into a strong fishing community built by the anglers, volunteers, board members, sponsors, and supporters who have helped shape SIKC over the years.

As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, the 2027 season will honor that history while continuing to build toward the future of competitive kayak fishing in Southern Illinois.

Whether you’re chasing Angler of the Year, fishing your first kayak tournament, or simply looking for a group of anglers who share your passion for bass fishing, there’s a place for you in SIKC.

2027 Official Rules

All anglers are responsible for reviewing the current SIKC Official Rules before competing in an event. The 2027 rulebook includes the complete tournament, equipment, judging, scoring, safety, and conduct requirements for the season.

2027 SIKC Classic Championship

The 2027 SIKC Classic will crown our 2026 Champion and bring together anglers who earned their qualification during the 2026 regular season.

Event Details

Location: TBA
Dates: TBA

Anglers qualify for the 2027 Classic by meeting either of the following requirements during the 2026 regular season:

  • Finish inside the Top 20 of the 2026 Angler of the Year standings; or

  • Compete in at least four of the six 2026 regular-season AOY events.

The Classic is a championship event and does not count toward the 2027 Angler of the Year standings.

Eligible 2026 memberships remain active through Classic participation.

Additional event details, registration information, launch locations, and tournament-specific rules will be sent directly to qualified anglers.

Email communications from SIKC will come from director@sikcfishing.org.

2027 Regular Season Tournament Schedule

The 2027 SIKC regular season will once again challenge anglers across a variety of Southern Illinois fisheries, seasonal conditions, and fishing styles.

Regular Season Events

Tournament #1 — [LAKE TBA]
[DATE TBA]

Tournament #2 — [LAKE TBA]
[DATE TBA]

Tournament #3 — [LAKE TBA]
[DATE TBA]

Tournament #4 — [LAKE TBA]
[DATE TBA]

Tournament #5 — [LAKE TBA]
[DATE TBA]

Tournament #6 — [LAKE TBA]
[DATE TBA]

Tournament #7 — [LAKE TBA]
[DATE TBA]

Each event awards points toward the SIKC Angler of the Year and Rookie of the Year standings. Under the current AOY format, an angler’s best five regular-season finishes count toward the final standings.

Tournament registration and individual event details will be posted as they become available.

🏅 What’s at Stake

Every SIKC tournament offers an opportunity to compete for event wins, Big Bass honors, season-long standings, sponsor prizes, and recognition within the club.

Throughout the 2027 season, anglers will compete for:

  • Angler of the Year (AOY) — Recognizing the angler who puts together the strongest season across the SIKC regular-season trail.

  • Rookie of the Year (ROY) — Awarded to the top qualifying first-year SIKC competitor.

  • Tournament Championships — Each regular-season stop crowns an individual tournament champion and contributes toward the season standings.

  • Big Bass — Awarded at each regular-season tournament for the longest qualifying bass.

  • Pineapple Man of the Year — One of SIKC’s most meaningful honors, recognizing an angler who represents the sportsmanship, generosity, camaraderie, and character of the club.

  • Most Improved — The angler who makes the best jump in competition from year to year.

  • Strongest Arm — The angler who catches big fish even if they don’t always get a limit.

  • Ambassador — The angler whose efforts help promote and expose SIKC and the sport of kayak bass fishing to non members.

  • And many more!

Additional year-end awards recognize outstanding performances, improvement, involvement, and contributions to the SIKC community.

Follow this page throughout the season for tournament recaps, photos, standings updates, and stories from the 2027 trail.

(R) denotes 2026 rookies.

(27R) denotes 2027 rookie.

💪 Join the Club

SIKC membership is about more than tournament eligibility. It connects anglers from throughout Southern Illinois and the surrounding region who share a passion for kayak fishing and competitive bass fishing.

Membership includes:

  • Eligibility to compete in SIKC regular-season events and earn AOY and ROY points

  • Member-only giveaways, raffles, and sponsor opportunities

  • Access to the private SIKC Facebook group and Discord community

  • Fishing reports, tournament discussion, tackle talk, and opportunities to learn from other members

  • Priority access to club programs and limited-entry events when applicable

  • A vote and a voice in the continued direction of the club

Whether you’re an experienced tournament angler or entering your first event, SIKC is built around helping anglers compete, improve, and enjoy the sport together.

💵 Annual Membership Dues

$100 — Standard Membership

$80 — Returning Member Renewal

$75 — Young Angler Membership (25 & under)

Optional payment plans are available for anglers who prefer to spread membership dues across multiple payments.

SIKC memberships run from April 1 through March 31.

Prorated memberships are available later in the season:

  • After June 1 — 75% of annual dues

  • After July 1 — 50% of annual dues

Questions about membership can be directed to director@sikcfishing.org.

Celebrating 10 Years — and Building What Comes Next

The 2027 season is an opportunity to celebrate a decade of SIKC while recognizing everyone who helped make the club what it is today.

Ten years of tournaments means thousands of fish submitted, countless miles traveled, friendships built, lessons learned, tough days on the water, unforgettable finishes, and a community that continues to grow.

We’re proud of where SIKC has been — and even more excited about where it is headed.

Thank you to every angler, volunteer, board member, sponsor, family member, and supporter who has been part of the first 10 years.

Here’s to the next 10.

Become a 2027 SIKC Sponsor

The Southern Illinois Kayak Club is actively welcoming businesses and organizations interested in partnering with us during our 10th anniversary season.

SIKC brings together competitive anglers, recreational fishermen, families, outdoor enthusiasts, and an active online community throughout Southern Illinois and the surrounding region.

Partnership opportunities range from product donations and tournament giveaways to event partnerships and larger season-long sponsorships.

SIKC partners may receive recognition through our website, social media channels, tournament coverage, event graphics, podium photos, giveaways, banners, and other club media.

We are especially interested in building long-term partnerships with companies that share our commitment to fishing, outdoor recreation, sportsmanship, and the local community.

For sponsorship information, contact:

director@sikcfishing.org

Help us celebrate 10 years of SIKC and continue building the next chapter of competitive kayak fishing in Southern Illinois.