A New Chapter for AZ Kayak Bass Fishing

AZ Kayak Bass Nation Becomes a Nonprofit, Builds on a Shared Foundation

Pat Hanning founded AZ Kayak Bass Nation in 2023, creating a place for Arizona kayak anglers to compete and connect. Zoltan Simone took over in 2024, carrying the series forward and helping grow the tournament community.

We thank both Pat and Zoltan for the time, effort, and leadership they devoted to the club. Their contributions helped make this next chapter possible, alongside the anglers, volunteers, and supporters who have been part of the journey.

Effective June 1, AZ Kayak Bass Nation transitioned from an LLC to a nonprofit organization. With Joe Kaufman serving as president and a board of club members guiding its future, the club is building on that foundation with a commitment to transparency, giving back to anglers, and helping members grow in the sport.

Leadership That Reflects Our Membership

The board brings together anglers with different backgrounds and a shared investment in the club’s success:

Joe Kaufman — President
Paul Travis — Vice President
Eric Peterson — Treasurer
Andrew Martin — Director at Large
Bradley Kuhlin — Director at Large

Brett Crowther was originally elected to the Board of Directors but stepped down for personal reasons. We thank Brett for his willingness to serve and support the club. The board subsequently voted to appoint Bradley Kuhlin as Director at Large to fill the vacancy. In accordance with the club's bylaws, Bradley will serve until May, when he will be required to seek reelection.

Lance Engel support the board in nonvoting roles, helping put approved decisions into action. Thomas Reynolds supports the club’s social media presence through Instagram.

Eric brings the perspective of a newer kayak angler, while the rest of the board brings years of kayak tournament experience. Joe, Bradley, and Lance are among the group’s most experienced competitors, and Andrew, Bradley, and Lance have also competed on the national stage.

That mix helps keep different needs in view—from someone preparing for a first tournament to an experienced competitor pursuing bigger goals.

Clear Communication With Our Members

Transparency is a top priority for the board. One practical commitment is communicating tournament payout dollar amounts before each event.

Anglers commit time, money, and preparation to competing. Clear tournament information helps them plan and understand what to expect when they register.

The move to a nonprofit reflects a commitment to giving back to anglers and continuing the support the club has provided since its beginning. Member feedback matters in that work. Listening, communicating clearly, and following through will help the club move forward together.

Competition With Room for Every Angler

Arizona kayak bass fishing tournaments remain at the heart of AZ Kayak Bass Nation.

Our goal is to provide professionally run events where anglers can challenge themselves, develop their skills, and pursue the goals that brought them to the water. For one member, success might mean completing a first tournament with newfound confidence. For another, it might mean a first victory, an Angler of the Year title, or preparing to compete nationally.

Each of those goals deserves a place in the club.

Anyone can join. Whether you are new to kayak fishing or have spent years competing, we want you to feel welcome at the launch and proud to represent the club.

Growing the Community—and Each Other’s Skills

We want Arizona’s kayak fishing community to grow, and we want the anglers within it to become more knowledgeable, capable, and confident.

Many of us have improved because another member shared advice, explained a technique, or helped us see familiar water differently. A conversation at the ramp can introduce an approach you had never considered. A friendship built through tournaments can become a lasting source of encouragement and learning.

We want every member to have those opportunities.

Competition gives us a reason to test our skills. The relationships around it help us develop them. Whether you are entering your first event or have competed for years, there is always something to learn and something worth sharing.

Come Fish With Us

The club’s future will take work from its leadership, participation from its members, and support from sponsors and partners. Your ideas, feedback, and willingness to help will shape what comes next.

To everyone who has competed, volunteered, sponsored an event, or supported AZ Kayak Bass Nation: thank you for helping build this community.

Join AZ Kayak Bass Nation, come fish with us, and expand your fishing knowledge alongside anglers who want to see you succeed.