Crews search for missing Apopka fisherman on Lake Okeechobee

Second day of fishing tournament canceled

Nik Kayler.

SOUTH BAY, Fla. – A fishing tournament on Lake Okeechobee has been canceled as authorities search for a missing fisherman.

The search continues for Nik Kayler, who is from Apopka, according to officials with the Fishing League Wordwide.

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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials said Kayler and Bill Kisiah, another angler competing in a Fishing League Worldwide event on Lake Okeechobee, didn't check in at the designated weigh-in location Thursday at C. Scott Driver Recreational Area, prompting a massive search.

The men were fishing in Kisiah's boat, which capsized, according to Clewiston police.

Kisiah was found alive about 11:30 p.m. Thursday, but Kayler hasn't been found.

Authorities said they believed the men planned to travel to the South Bay side of Lake Okeechobee from the north end. 

Friends said Kayler is an avid fisherman who loves spending time on the water. They're holding onto hope that he will be found safe.

"He goes as much as possible. He's an avid fisherman," Kayler's neighbor Pastor Randy Green said.

The second day of the Costa FLW Series event was canceled Friday so the other participants could aid in the search.

"To assist with the ongoing search efforts for co-angler Nik Kayler, Fishing League Worldwide (FLW) has canceled Friday’s day two of competition," a statement from FLW read.

Update: Multiple agencies are actively searching for Nik Kayler. Crews have been on the water overnight searching and...

Posted by Clewiston Police Department on Friday, January 5, 2018

Watch News 6 and stay with ClickOrlando.com for updates.


About the Authors:

Daniel started with WKMG-TV in 2000 and became the digital content manager in 2009. When he's not working on ClickOrlando.com, Daniel likes to head to the beach or find a sporting event nearby.

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