So the last few weeks and months there have been some inquiries about what's happening with NTKBF. There have also been several new developments: most notably the announcement of the TKAA a few weeks back. Basically here's where things lie: I myself will no longer be planning, organizing, judging or otherwise running any tournaments that fall under the NTKBF banner. I am still about 75 percent committed to helping Brent with the Red River Rivalry at Texoma in the fall as perhaps a stand alone event, but there may even be some questions about that as well. There are a few reasons for this, but the fact of the matter is that the primary reason is that, well, I never really wanted to run tournaments in the first place LOL! When Jason O' Brien came up with the original series idea, he was going to be the primary guy doing these, and I was going to be the moral support, but a few short weeks later he got a new job that requires him to be on call on most weekends, so all those duties kind of fell to me if the idea was going to get off the ground. I didn't want to see it fail, so I took it up. One event became two events, , two events became four, and before you know it, all the guys asking me "hey Tom, when's the next event?" made me feel sort of an obligation to keep doing them. I guess I did about 7-8 events total give or take? Make no mistake-- I've enjoyed all the tourneys we did and certainly don't regret any of them, but the idea (for me, at least) was to run a few entry level events now and then with an emphasis on smaller lakes and then get out of the way when another entity was ready to take on the role of doing events up here in North Texas. To my mind, that day has arrived. I'm personally very excited about the TKAA, and I'm confident that a few other unique events may be popping up on the horizon in the next few weeks and months. I won't lie: I don't claim to know any of the exact details concerning these new events, but I'm cautiously hopeful that the angler who liked the NTKBF for its laid back feel and focus on fellowship will not be disappointed in what's being planned. They can be sure of one thing: I myself will be at these events and look forward to the DFW kayak fishing community growing as a result of them.

As for what this means for the NTKBF itself, well, as I said before: this was Jason's idea from the start. I think he wants to keep the option open of other possible future NTKBF events down the line, so any questions about that I'll let him answer. I'm really looking forward to seeing all you guys out there at all the very promising events people have in store for us this year! It's gonna be a blast!

Tom,

First I want to thank both you and Jason for all the work ya'll did in putting together the NTKBF events over the past couple of years. I think in many ways, this was possibly the most successful of the tournament trails we've had in this area. And I think it should be noted that several anglers who have been successful in the "higher dollar" tournaments first cut their tournament teeth in these events.

When looking at the information put out so far regarding the TKAA, it does sound like this group will have a mission similar to that of the NTKBF, so this may well be a great time for the transition. I know I am excited to hear more about what Rick, Patti, and the APT crew have planned!

Hat's off to you Tom!

Thanks especially for your efforts in promoting camaraderie and fun for the kayak fishermen in your area! Nicely done! I am excited that the TKAA will soon be able to add to the mix of fun kayak fishing events in our area. Welcome guys and congratulations on your new endeavor. Our own MSKFC is excited about our upcoming season of clinics, weekend outings, demos and fundraising charity events for Heros on the Water. (And yes, we'll be adding a few fun surprises too!) It looks like there are going to be a lot of great opportunities for folks to get out and enjoy kayak fishing with some great company. I hope we'll get to see you on this side of town sometime soon and thanks again for your volunteer and giving spirit for this sport.

Sincerely
Aris

Thanks Tom.. and Jason too. been fun fishing with this NTKBF bunch when I could get away. seems to me there are many more opportunities to fish small groups and tourneys now than there were just a few years ago due, in no small part, to your efforts I think. thanks for the memories and encouragement ya'll provided for me and for the sport of kayak fishing. Hope to see ya' on the water soon!