So you hear people talking about fishing tournaments, but the names get thrown around like jargon—Bassmaster Opens, Kayak Bass Fishing events, Walleye Leagues. It can be confusing. What are fishing tournaments actually called, and more importantly, what do those names mean for you as an angler? The short answer is that tournaments are named based on their target species, format, rules, and governing body. Getting into the scene means learning this vocabulary. I've fished a mix of these over the last decade, from small local derbies to bigger team events, and I'll tell you straight—the name tells you almost everything you need to know about what you're signing up for.

Your Quick Guide to Tournament Fishing

Major Types of Fishing Tournaments and What They're Called

Let's break down the main categories. This isn't just about labels; it's about understanding the culture, the rules, and the commitment level each one demands.fishing tournament names

Tournaments Based on the Catch: Weigh-Ins vs. Catch-Photo-Release

This is the biggest divide. The classic format is the weigh-in tournament. Anglers bring their catch to a central scale, alive in a livewell, and the heaviest combined weight wins. These are often called Pro-Am Events, Team Trail Championships, or simply Bass Tournaments (like those run by B.A.S.S. or MLF). The pressure to keep fish alive is immense, and the logistics are complex.

Then you have the growing world of catch-photo-release (CPR) tournaments, often called Kayak Fishing Tournaments or Kayak Bass Fishing (KBF) events. You measure the fish on a standardized board, take a photo with an identifier, and release it immediately. The score is based on total length. It's more accessible, environmentally friendly, and has exploded in popularity. Names here often include "Trail Series" or "National Championship."

Tournaments Based on Technique or Vessel

Fly Fishing Tournaments are a niche world, often focused on specific species like trout or tarpon. They're sometimes called Fly Fishing Derbies or Catch & Release Classics. The vibe is different—more about technique and conservation.

Big Game Fishing Tournaments target marlin, tuna, and sailfish. These are high-stakes events with names like The Bisbee's Black & Blue Marlin Tournament or The White Marlin Open. We're talking massive entry fees and even bigger prizes. You'll hear them called Billfish Tournaments or Offshore Classics.types of fishing tournaments

A Quick Reality Check: Don't let the glamorous names fool you. I entered a local "Walleye Slam" thinking it would be straightforward. The rules on legal fishing zones (detailed in the fine print) were so complex that half the field nearly got disqualified for accidentally drifting a few yards into restricted water. Always, always read the complete rules packet.

Tournaments Based on Location and Scale

Local Club Tournaments are your entry point. They might be called the "Saturday Morning Bass Club" or the "Lake Pleasant Walleye Series." Low cost, low pressure, great for learning.

Open Tournaments or Pro-Am Opens are the next step. These are often qualifying events for larger circuits. Anyone can enter, but the competition is stiff. Examples include the Bassmaster Opens or FLW Toyota Series.

At the top are the Elite Series or Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour events. These are for the pros, but understanding their structure helps you follow the sport.

Charity and Fun-Focused Events

These are fantastic for beginners. Look for names like "Buddy Bass Derby," "Kids Fishing Tournament," or "Conservation Cup." The goal is fun and fundraising, with simpler rules. I've helped run a few, and the atmosphere is always welcoming.

How to Choose the Right Fishing Tournament for You

Picking your first event is critical. Jump into a high-level pro-am as a rookie, and you might get discouraged. Start small and match the tournament to your skills and goals.how to enter fishing tournaments

Tournament Type (Common Name) Best For... Typical Skill Level Average Entry Cost Key Gear Needed
Local Club Tournament Beginners, networking, low-pressure practice. Novice to Intermediate $20 - $100 Basic rod/reel, tackle, boat (optional for some).
Kayak CPR Tournament (e.g., KBF Trail) Solo anglers, environmentally conscious, low budget. Intermediate $50 - $150 Fishing kayak, measuring board, camera/phone.
Team Bass Tournament (Open) Anglers with a reliable partner, competitive drive. Intermediate to Advanced $200 - $500 per team Bass boat with livewell, quality electronics, extensive tackle.
Charity Derby / Fun Fish Families, absolute beginners, social fishing. All Levels $10 - $50 Basic fishing gear. Often rods provided for kids.
Big Game Offshore Tournament Experienced anglers with significant resources. Expert $2,000 - $20,000+ Offshore sportfishing boat, heavy tackle, crew.

My advice? For your first real competition, ignore the fancy names and find a local catch-and-release event or a small club tournament. The goal isn't to win money but to learn the rhythm: checking in, understanding boundaries, handling fish under time pressure, and dealing with nerves. I learned more from finishing last in my first club event than I did from months of casual fishing.fishing tournament names

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Entering a Fishing Tournament

Let's make this actionable. Here's exactly how to go from spectator to participant.

Step 1: Find an Event. Don't just Google randomly. Go to specific organization websites. For bass, check B.A.S.S. and Major League Fishing for their open events. For kayak fishing, Kayak Bass Fishing (KBF) is the hub. For local stuff, visit your nearest tackle shop's bulletin board or Facebook page. Ask the staff—they always know.types of fishing tournaments

Step 2: Decode the Tournament Name and Rules. Found an event called the "2024 Clear Lake Team Bass Classic"? That tells you it's a team event (likely two-person), targeting bass, on Clear Lake, and it's a major ("Classic") event for that circuit. Now, download the PDF rules. Read them twice. Pay attention to:
- Start/stop times and check-in procedures.
- Off-limits areas (this is a common trap).
- Scoring method (total weight? biggest fish?).
- Livewell inspection requirements.
- Polygraph clause (yes, many have them).

Step 3: Register and Pay. Do this early. Many events cap entries. You'll usually need your partner's name (if a team event) and boat/kayak info. Have your fishing license number ready.

Step 4: The Pre-Tournament Meeting. This is mandatory and usually the night before. GO. This is where rule changes are announced, questions are answered, and you get your boat number. It's also prime networking time. I've gotten my best tips just chatting with others in the parking lot.how to enter fishing tournaments

Step 5: Tournament Day Execution. Arrive early. Get your boat inspected if required. Listen to the final announcements. Have a simple plan (don't overcomplicate it). Focus on getting a limit (catching your allowed number of fish) first, then try to upgrade. Watch the clock for check-in—being late results in huge penalties or disqualification.

Step 6: The Weigh-In or Photo Submission. For weigh-ins, handle fish carefully. For CPR, know the photo submission app (like TourneyX) inside and out. Submit photos immediately after catching to avoid tech issues. I once lost a placing because I waited until the end and had poor cell service.

That's the blueprint. It seems like a lot, but after one event, it becomes routine.fishing tournament names

Fishing Tournament FAQ: Expert Answers to Your Burning Questions

I'm a complete beginner. What's a fishing tournament I can enter without feeling overwhelmed?
Look for a "Buddy Tournament" or a "Charity Fun Fish." These are designed for newcomers. The rules are simple, the atmosphere is supportive, and the primary goal is fun, not cutthroat competition. Many local fishing clubs also host "open" events that are welcoming. Avoid any tournament with "Open," "Elite," or "Pro" in the name for your first time. Your goal is to learn the flow, not to cash a check.
What's the biggest mistake new tournament anglers make with the rules?
It's not reading the boundary maps closely enough. Tournament waters are strictly defined. A common mistake is fishing near a creek mouth or a buoy line that marks the off-limits zone. A slight drift or cast over the line can mean disqualification. Get a paper map, highlight the boundaries, and use your GPS to set alarms. Another big one is not understanding the official time. Tournament time is almost never your phone's time—it's set by the director at the meeting.
How much does it really cost to fish tournaments regularly?
Beyond the entry fee, budget for gas (lots of it for pre-fishing and the event), lodging, meals, bait, and tackle wear-and-tear. A local club event might cost $150 all-in. A regional team trail event can easily run $600-$800 for the weekend when you factor everything in. Kayak tournaments are cheaper on fuel and logistics, but you still have travel costs. It adds up fast, so start with a budget and stick to it.
Are there "catch-and-release only" tournaments that are better for the fish?
Absolutely. The entire kayak bass fishing tournament scene is built on catch-photo-release (CPR). Many inshore saltwater tournaments for redfish or speckled trout are also moving to CPR formats. Even in traditional weigh-in events, the survival of the fish is a top priority, with strict livewell management rules and penalties for dead fish. If conservation is a primary concern for you, seek out events explicitly labeled "CPR," "Catch & Release," or "100% Release." Organizations like Kayak Bass Fishing are leaders in this.
What if I don't have a fancy bass boat? Can I still compete?
Yes, in many formats. Kayak tournaments are the obvious answer. Also, many local lake tournaments allow smaller aluminum boats or even jon boats, as long as they have a working livewell (or aerated cooler) if it's a weigh-in event. Some team events even have a "small boat" division. Don't let gear envy stop you. I've seen guys in 16-foot boats out-fish pros in $80,000 rigs on small waters because they knew the lake better.

Ultimately, what fishing tournaments are called is your key to unlocking the right experience. It tells you the target, the rules, and the culture. Start with a name that matches your skill level—like a local derby or club event—and build from there. The community, the challenge, and the sheer fun of it are worth taking the plunge. See you on the water.