The World's Largest
Kayak Bass Fishing
Club
Founded in 2009 by U.S. Navy Veteran Chad Hoover while on active duty, KBF has grown from a small community of passionate anglers into a 100,000-member club spanning 48 states and running 150+ challenges and tournaments a year.
100,000+
Community Members
150+
Annual Challenges & Tournaments
48
States Active
18
Years Running
Chad "Knot Right" Hoover
Chad Hoover founded Kayak Bass Fishing (KBF) in 2009 while still serving on active duty with the U.S. Navy. A lifelong angler who grew up fishing the backwoods and backwaters of Louisiana and Georgia, Chad turned a passion into the world's largest Kayak Bass Fishing club.
What started as a forum and a few local challenges and tournaments has become a national movement, complete with a proprietary Catch, Photo & Release format, a nationwide challenges and tournaments circuit, and a community that spans every corner of the country.
Book a TripWatch Chad on YouTube
Kelly Wells
Event and Sponsorships Director
Kelly brings more than two decades of sports tourism and event development experience to KBF. As founder and Executive Director of the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission, he led the organization from startup to hosting more than 680 events and producing millions in annual economic impact.
He has hosted the Bassmaster Classic (2009 & 2012), the Forrest Wood Cup, and supported events for Major League Fishing, the Fishers of Men National Championship, and the B.A.S.S. Central Open. After hosting two KBF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS in Shreveport-Bossier, Kelly joined the team to expand opportunities at every level of the sport while delivering tangible value to host communities.
Read Full BioEvery Fish Counts.
KBF exists to grow the sport of kayak bass fishing by providing accessible, fair, and exciting competition for every skill level - from the first-time angler stepping into a kayak to the seasoned pro chasing a national title.
Accessible Competition
From free GreenHorn challenges and tournaments to the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP, we have a path for every angler.
Fair Play
Our KBF Official Rules and CPR format ensure every challenge and tournament is judged consistently and honestly.
Community First
KBF is more than challenges and tournaments - it's 100,000 people who love the sport and support each other on the water.
KBF Timeline
KBF founded by Chad Hoover while on active duty with the U.S. Navy
Chad retired from the U.S. Navy after 20 years of service. KBF's first national challenges and tournaments series launched
Inaugural KBF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP held - a history-setting event with 750+ anglers and a first-place payout of $100,000. KBF's trail series and STATE CHALLENGES expand to anglers across the country
100,000 members and counting
Expanded series offerings, improved membership benefits, and more ways to compete than ever before
Ready to Join the Movement?
Choose your membership and start competing in the world's best kayak bass fishing community.