After a two-year pandemic related hiatus, Debbie Jones, President of the Bayou La Batre Chamber is pleased to announce the Bayou Kayak Classic will be held on August 6 and 7 – as a virtual fishing tournament. “This new format opens up the tourney to anglers from all over the state, allows us to expand it to 2 days and still give bonus points to anyone fishing in the Bayou”; she explained. “We’re excited to be working with Reel Tournament Management and Fishing Chaos to create a whole new way to promote the abundant resources and natural beauty of our piece of the Alabama Coast”.

Additionally, following the unanimous vote of the Chamber Board and with consent of family, the event is being renamed in honor of former Chamber President and lifelong Bayou resident, as the Sam Schjott Memorial Bayou La Batre Kayak Classic. From Alabama Power Division Vice President Patrick Murphy: “Sam was beloved both within our Alabama Power family as well as the communities where he lived and served. He was a true son of the bayou, and his heart always remained in the community where he grew up. On behalf of the Alabama Power family, we are honored that Sam will be remembered in this way in his hometown.”

The format for the virtual tourney is “Catch, Photo, and Submit”. Please note that because of the switch to virtual, there will not be a junior division in this event. However, there will be a Junior Fishing Tournament included as part of “Hooked on the Bayou” on October 1. Finally, during the tournament, the Chamber is hosting a “Clean Waters” contest encouraging anglers to collect trash from the waterways while they’re fishing. All proceeds from this registration benefits the Alabama Coastal Foundation.

Full details and registration information can be found on the Chamber’s website at Sam Schjott Memorial Bayou La Batre Kayak Classic

For sponsorship info, contact David Calametti at [email protected] or 251-623-1751.