Join the Southern Illinois Kayak Club

Connect. Compete. Grow.

Become a Member
Multiple kayakers on a calm river at sunset with trees on both sides.

Why Join SIKC

Being part of the Southern Illinois Kayak Club means more than just fishing tournaments. It’s about joining a passionate community of anglers who share their knowledge, celebrate each other’s success, and work together to grow the sport of kayak bass fishing across Southern Illinois.

  • Eligibility to compete in all trail events and earn AOY/ROY points

  • Access to our private Facebook group and Discord server for sharing tips, reports, and rig setups

  • Entry into member-only raffles and giveaways

  • Early event registration and special discount opportunities

  • The chance to represent SIKC at regional and national events

  • Connection with a supportive community that values sportsmanship, conservation, and fun

Join now
Young man holding a green fish-shaped sign at a lakeside, with trees and water in the background, wearing a cap with sunglasses and a T-shirt.

Membership Options

These prices are for the 2026 membership and all memberships expire on March 31, 2027.

Young Angler (now 50% off)
$37.50
One time

Full membership benefits at a reduced rate for members under the age of 26 at the time of signing up.

✓ Eligibility to compete in all trail events and earn AOY/ROY
✓ Access to our private Facebook group and Discord server for
✓ Entry into member-only raffles and giveaways
✓ Early event registration and special discount opportunities
✓ The chance to represent SIKC at regional and national events
Group of men standing by a lake with green forest in the background.
Renewing Members (now 50% off)
$40.00
One time

Only for 2025 SIKC Members

✓ Eligibility to compete in all trail events and earn AOY/ROY
✓ Access to our private Facebook group and Discord server
✓ Entry into member-only raffles and giveaways
✓ Early event registration and special discount opportunities
✓ The chance to represent SIKC at regional and national events
Two men standing by a lake, holding kayak and canoe cart boxes, smiling, with trees and blue sky in the background.
Standard (now 50% off)
$50.00
One time

Standard Memberships are for new members or persons who were not members in the 2025 season.

✓ Eligibility to compete in all trail events and earn AOY/ROY
✓ Access to our private Facebook group and Discord server
✓ Entry into member-only raffles and giveaways
✓ Early event registration and special discount opportunities
✓ The chance to represent SIKC at regional and national events

Rules & Eligibility

Before your first event, please review our SIKC Tournament Rules to understand scoring, safety, and photo submission guidelines.

View Rules

FAQs

Membership

  • Visit the Membership page, choose your plan, and complete payment. After confirmation, you’ll receive invites to our private Discord Server and Facebook Group, plus event-day details.

  • Standard: $100. Young Angler (25 & under): $75. Renewing members: $80. Payment plans are available.

  • Memberships run with the SIKC season which is generally considered April 1 to March 31 of the next year. This way memberships cover the first tournament in April and the SIKC Class the following year in March.

  • Public pages are open. Members-only benefits (discounts, video library, archives) live in the Members Portal and require an active subscription/login.

Events & Registration

  • See the Tournaments pages (e.g., 2025 / 2026). Event listings will include links to registration (often via TourneyX) and launch information. All events can be found on the TourneyX app and website at the start of the season. Events require a member password to register. Members can find this password in their membership packet and in the membership portal.

  • Most events close sign-ups 36 hours prior, but check each event’s listing for exact cutoffs and on-site check-in times.

  • Sometimes—launch capacity and safety factors can limit entries. If an event fills, a waitlist will be made available on TourneyX and members can join the waitlist on a first-come first-serve basis.

Rules, Scoring & Photo Submissions

  • We follow SIKC Rules posted on the Rules page (CPR: Catch–Photo–Release). Some details evolve each season—always review the current version before fishing.

  • By length (inches) from an approved board with proper photo criteria. Tie-breakers and deductions are defined in the Rules.

  • Typically through TourneyX. Log in, upload a clear photo with all criteria visible, and confirm submission. See the Rules page for the step-by-step checklist.

Safety & Eligibility

  • Only vessels the manufacturer sells and identifies as a kayak are permitted—including inflatables, modular kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs). Homemade boats are not allowed. All kayaks must be between 9 and 18 feet in length, and any other watercraft must receive prior approval from the SIKC Executive Board.

  • Yes—anglers must hold all required state fishing licenses for the waters they fish.

  • We monitor conditions closely. Delays, modifications, or postponements will be announced on the event page and club channels.

Payments & Payouts

  • For the 2024 to 2026 season entry fees for each regular season event are $55. This includes $5 to the pot for big bass and $50 for the main entry fee.

  • Event pages list payment instructions (often via TourneyX). Membership is paid on the site (PayPal).

  • Refund windows vary by event and cutoff times. See the specific event listing; once an event starts, refunds generally aren’t available.

  • Posted in the event details (and recaps). Often payouts are done via Paypal. Big Bass is awarded separately when applicable. Payouts total all entry fees minus state permit and ramp fees (10%) and TourneyX administrative fee (~5%).

Members Portal (Discounts, Videos, Archives)

  • Inside the Members Portal on the Dashboard, look for Exclusive Member Discounts (accordion). Please keep codes private.

  • Members-only tutorials, rigging walk-throughs, lake breakdowns, and selected podcast episodes—updated through the season.

  • Yes—check AOY & Awards and Tournament Archives inside the Members Portal for year-by-year standings and recaps.

Community & Media

  • Invites are sent after your membership is confirmed. Didn’t get one? Email director@sikcfishing.org and we’ll resend.

  • On YouTube—there’s a featured embed on the Home page and recent episodes on the Season pages.

Contact

Still have questions?
Email director@sikcfishing.org and we’ll help you out.

Testimonials & Member Quotes

  • Man in a fishing wheelchair holding a largemouth bass fish.

    “What makes SIKC special isn’t just the fishing — it’s the people. Every event feels like friends pushing each other to get better.”

    Dustin S.

  • Young man on a boat holding a largemouth bass fish, with fishing gear and a scenic lake background.

    “The camaraderie and competition are unmatched. I’m proud to wear the SIKC jersey.”

    Darren H.

  • A man with sunglasses and a cap standing outdoors near a river, holding a sign that reads 'Southern Illinois Kayak Club' with a date of 9/13/25, and surrounded by greenery.

    “SIKC is like fishing with family. I’ve learned more here than I ever expected.”

    Kevin C.

  • A man smiling outdoors holding a trophy in one hand and a box of Huggies Snugglers diapers in the other, standing near a lake with trees in the background.

    “SIKC tournaments are competitive, but the atmosphere is always positive. It’s the perfect mix of fun, challenge, and good company on the water.”

    Wil A.

  • A woman smiling and holding a trophy in front of a body of water with a dock in the background.

    “SIKC feels like family. The support, encouragement, and laughs we share make every tournament memorable—win or lose.”

    Susie R.

  • "Joining SIKC has been the best decision I’ve made since I began fishing a year ago. The club is welcoming, competitive, and always willing to share and help each other on and off the water."

    "Joining SIKC has been the best decision I’ve made since I began fishing a year ago. The club is welcoming, competitive, and always willing to share and help each other on and off the water."

    Keith G.