Bayou Kayak Classic Returns Virtually With New Name

BAYOU LA BATRE, Ala. — The Bayou La Batre Chamber of Commerce has announced the return of the Bayou Kayak Classic, to be held on August 6-7 as a virtual fishing tournament. The virtual format allows for the event to be open to anglers from all over the state and last for two days. The chamber said in a press release it was working with Reel Tournament Management and will use the Fishing Chaos app “to create a whole new way to promote the abundant resources and natural beauty of our piece of the Alabama Coast.” Additionally, the event is being renamed in honor of a former chamber president and lifelong Bayou resident as the Sam Schjott Memorial Bayou La Batre Kayak Classic. The format for the virtual tournament is “Catch, Photo, and Submit.” There will not be a junior division in this event this year; however, there will be a Junior Fishing Tournament included as part of the chamber’s Hooked on the Bayou seafood festival on October 1. Also during the tournament, the chamber is hosting a “Clean Waters” contest encouraging anglers to collect trash from the waterways while fishing. All proceeds from that registration benefit the Alabama Coastal Foundation.