Appalachian Kayak Anglers Club (AKAC) started their 2023 season at Jennings Randolph Lake on April 22, 2023.

AKAC is a smaller kayak club that fills a void in kayak fishing in WV/MD/PA, providing anglers with the opportunity to reach across borders and gain experience on the bodies of water in the eastern panhandle and western Maryland. Although small, they are quickly gaining traction by reaching a demographic that previously didn’t have many opportunities for kayak tournaments.

Jennings Randolph is a deep, rocky, clear reservoir that is split by the WV/MD border. The lake is known for having an abundance of 10-14” smallmouth, nearly reaching “overpopulation” status.

Saturday found a slew of kayak anglers at the Howell Run launch on the WV side, preparing for a day on the water. Kayaks were adorned with motors, graphs, and lights; not much different than what you’re used to seeing at a typical boat tournament. At 6:30 AM, members performed a “shotgun start”. While unorthodox for kayak fishing, it was very entertaining. Anglers raced to their starting spots to get settled in for the day in anticipation of a 7 AM “lines in” time.

7 AM would bring a “slick calm” lake and pink skies which would serve as a warning for what was to come. By 8 AM the wind picked up and a slight chop was on the water. Storms blowing in from the southwest could be seen on the horizon miles away. By 9 AM the once calm lake had turned into a madhouse with heavy rains and 30 MPH wind gusts. This challenging weather continued off and on for the rest of the day. But how did the AKAC members fair against Mother Nature?

The top spot was secured by Daniel Elam of Clarksburg, WV. Daniel was able to hold off the rest of the field with 68.25”. He credits his success to finesse fishing along with live scoping in 5-18’ on rocky banks. His baits of choice were a Keitech swimbait and drop shot to make small culls throughout the day while trying to maintain boat position in the windy conditions. Elam explained, “You just had to weed through the small fish to find slightly better quality making .25-inch culls here and there. I’ve finished in 2nd place there twice before, so it felt great to get the win.”

Holding down 2nd place was Richie Derr of Keedysville, Maryland with 67”. When asked, Richie stated, “I targeted rocky banks with a gradual slope on points/benches. The weather did affect the way I fished the tournament. The water was a few degrees cooler now than when I practiced so I slowed things down and used a little more finesse. The wind kept me from traveling across the lake, so I stayed hunkered down in calm areas. I caught 16 fish, culled some fish, and had a crucial fish flop off the board during a downpour.

I fished a jig most of the day and it was working so I didn’t try to fix something that wasn’t broken. I spent most of my effort in 20′ or less which was tricky on Jennings. It was only the second time I’d ever been to the lake. I didn’t go out seeking new spots on parts of the lake, I didn’t practice on and stuck with what I knew. Overall, I’m grateful for finding AKAC and I’m looking forward to this season.”

3rd place was Chuck Twigg of Cumberland, Maryland with 66”. Twigg commented, “It was a really good day for me since it was the first time, I’ve fished Jennings Randolph. I caught 10 keepers and probably another 5 short fish. I caught all of them on a jerk bait fishing deep bluff walls in 12-20’. I think the rain helped the bite. When the rain stopped and the wind picked up, it was harder for me to get a bite.”

Rounding out the top spots in 4th place was Mikey Holcombe of Goodhope, WV with 65”. Mikey said, “I’ve only been to this lake once 2 weeks ago, but I found good fish in practice. I caught 3 fish early on the outside edge of a spawning flat before the wind picked up using Livescope and a 3” paddle tail. As soon as the weather set in, I swapped to a crankbait and just covered water for the next 7 hours. I primarily targeted main lake rock veins and the edge of potential spawning grounds in 8-12’, making small culls throughout the day trying to battle the wind. I’m not sure if I’ve ever caught more keepers in a tournament than I did Saturday, but I never found a kicker fish.”

Lunker was a 16” smallmouth caught by 2nd-place finisher Richie Derr.

For more info about joining AKAC or checking out their 2023 schedule, please click here.