COVID-related concerns of national travel result in rescheduling national competition in Cookeville
COOKEVILLE – Top anglers from across the country are delaying their travel plans as the 2022 U.S. Kayak Open and accompanying events have been postponed to next year. Previously scheduled for April 25-30, the event hosted by U.S. Angling, in partnership with the Cookeville-Putnam County Visitors’ Bureau, will now take place Spring 2023.
“More than anything, we want this event to be a huge success for both U.S. Angling and Cookeville,” said Chamber President Amy New. “It is with that in mind that our organization, along with representatives from U.S. Kayak, has made the difficult decision to postpone the event until next year.”
The decision was made following continued feedback from fishing anglers noting their concerns of national and international travel, leaving expected attendance to be decreased dramatically.
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 2021.
Set to take place on Center Hill Lake and area rivers, the event was anticipated to welcome 150 to 250 attendees along with fans and families.
For local businesses, organizations or clubs looking to volunteer, sponsor or get involved with the 2023 U.S. Angling events in the Cookeville area, including a Youth Angler Education Day, contact USAC International Organizer John Knight at jknight@usangling.org.
For more information about USA Kayak Fishing, click here.
