COVID-related concerns result in rescheduling national competition in Cookeville, Tenn. 
For Immediate Release
State College, PA – August 26, 2021

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Top anglers from across the country are delaying their travel plans as the 2021 U.S. Kayak Open and accompanying events have been postponed to next year. Previously scheduled for next month, Sept 9-12, the event hosted by U.S. Angling, in partnership with the Cookeville-Putnam County Visitors’ Bureau, will now take place April 29- May 1, 2022.
 
The decision was made following continued feedback from local officials, USAngling and the kayak fishing community. The safety of the anglers, which includes international travelers, trumps the need to have the competition at this time. Both parties also want to do their part to reduce the spread of the Covid virus in the Cookeville area.
 
“We want to do what is best for our competitors as well as our host community of Cookeville, TN,” said Tony Forte, USAngling co-founder and USA Kayak Fishing president. “Postponing the Open will push the World Championships to 2023, but will also offer more time for international travel restrictions to, hopefully, be lifted and back to business as usual. Cookeville, TN and its surrounding waters are such an amazing venue, and we look forward to holding these events there.”
 
The U.S. Kayak Open and FIPSed Kayak Fishing World Championship were awarded to Cookeville-Putnam County as a host destination in late 2020 with official announcement and planning beginning in January of this year.
 
Set to take place Center Hill Lake and area rivers, the event was anticipated to welcome 150 to 250 attendees along with fans and families.
 
“The southern hospitality of Cookeville continues as our partners there are willing to adjust the contract to allow for a safer and more successful event as we push these dates to next spring,” said John Knight, USAngling International Organizer.
 
For local businesses, organizations, or clubs looking to volunteer, sponsor, or get involved with the 2022 or 2023 USAngling events in the Cookeville area, including a Youth Angler Education Day, contact Knight at [email protected].
 
For more information about USA Kayak Fishing, click here. 

About USAngling
USAngling, a 501c3 charitable organization, provides leadership for USA National Fishing Teams as they compete worldwide, shares our love of competitive angling by engaging America’s youth, supports conservation actions, and interacts with the community.

USAngling is the sole U.S. representative to the Confederation International de la Peche Sportive (CIPS), the world sport fishing governing body as recognized by SportAccord. CIPS has 115 member nations representing over 50 Million competitive anglers in freshwater, fly, and saltwater fishing. USAngling has the privilege of representing all of these United States fishing sports teams. Currently, there are 13 freshwater sports, 4 fly fishing sports, 17 saltwater sports, and 1 casting sport.

USAngling’s mission centers around three principles:
 
  • Competition: Develop Sport Fishing teams to compete in the amateur world championship events. Serve as host to the world and national championships and national qualifying events.
  • Conservation: Promote environmental stewardship, catch and release angling, responsible harvest initiatives, and natural resource management.
  • Community: Enrich local communities economically and socially by conducting fishing events, educating local fishing clubs, and executing regional outdoor initiatives.
 
For more information on USAngling, visit www.usangling.org
Join USAngling and help grow fishing for future generations.
Membership types offered

  • USAngling Athlete
  • USAngling Athlete / Ambassador
  • USAngling Volunteer / Member
  • USAngling Ambassador
  • USAngling Coach
  • USAngling Coach / Ambassador

YOUTH ANGLER EDUCATION
A one day program designed to expose youth and their families to various aspects of fishing.
Participants will have the opportunity to explore three separate areas to learn about Basic Fishing Skills, Aquatic Ecosystems, and Water/Boating Safety
USAngling Teams on Facebook
To learn more about a USAngling Team click on their logo.
For more information contact:
Tony Forte | USAC Board Member | 574-202-4877 | [email protected]