What the Big Bass Splash is and when it happens

The Lake Guntersville Big Bass Splash is an annual bass tournament held on Lake Guntersville in Marshall County, Alabama. The event draws anglers from across the region who compete for prizes based on the weight of their catch, with a particular focus on the largest individual fish weighed in during the tournament.

The tournament typically takes place in spring, though the exact dates shift from year to year. The event is organized by local fishing clubs and the Lake Guntersville State Park area, and it has become one of the more recognized bass tournaments on the lake. Anglers fish from dawn until a set weigh-in time in the afternoon, usually between 2 and 4 p.m., depending on the year's schedule.

Lake Guntersville itself is the largest lake in Alabama by surface area, covering about 69,000 acres. The lake's size, depth variation, and abundant structure — including submerged timber, rocky points, and creek channels — make it a reliable fishery for largemouth and smallmouth bass year-round.

Key Takeaways

  • The Big Bass Splash is a spring tournament on Lake Guntersville where anglers compete based on fish weight, with prizes for the largest bass.
  • Tournament dates vary each year, so you should contact Lake Guntersville State Park or local fishing clubs directly to confirm the current year's schedule and entry details.
  • Lake Guntersville's 69,000 acres of water with timber, rocky structure, and creek channels provide habitat that supports both largemouth and smallmouth bass.
  • Most tournaments require pre-registration and charge an entry fee; some offer separate divisions for different angler skill levels or boat types.

How to find the tournament date and entry information

The Big Bass Splash does not run on a fixed calendar date each year. To learn when the tournament is scheduled, contact Lake Guntersville State Park directly at their main office or check their website for event announcements. The park's staff can tell you the exact dates, entry fee, and whether registration is still open.

Local fishing clubs around Guntersville also promote and sometimes co-host the event. The Guntersville Chamber of Commerce and local bait-and-tackle shops often have flyers or can point you toward the organizing group. Many tournaments now post details on Facebook pages dedicated to Guntersville fishing, where you can also see photos from past years and read reports from anglers who have fished it before.

Entry typically requires pre-registration rather than day-of sign-up, and spots may fill before the tournament date. Registering early also helps organizers plan for weigh-in logistics and prize distribution.

What to expect on tournament day

Most bass tournaments on Guntersville follow a similar structure: anglers launch at dawn from one of the lake's public ramps, fish until the weigh-in cutoff, and return to a designated location to have their catch weighed and recorded. The Big Bass Splash typically emphasizes the heaviest single fish rather than a five-fish limit format, though the specific rules vary by year.

Weigh-in is usually held at or near the launch area and is open to spectators. Watching other anglers bring in their fish is part of the tournament experience — you see what techniques worked that day, what the lake conditions produced, and you get a sense of the competition level. Many tournaments award prizes on the spot or within an hour of the final weigh-in.

Bring your own boat, or arrange to fish as a co-angler with someone who is registered. Some tournaments offer co-angler divisions where non-boat-owners can enter and split prize money with their boat captain. Ask when you register whether that option is available.

Fishing Lake Guntersville in spring

Spring on Guntersville is prime bass season. Water temperatures climb from the 50s in early March toward the 60s and 70s by late April and May, triggering spawning behavior and aggressive feeding. Bass move shallow to spawn, making them easier to locate and catch, though tournament rules may restrict fishing in spawning areas depending on the year.

The lake's creek channels and tributary arms warm faster than the main lake body, so they often hold active fish earlier in spring. Rocky points and submerged timber provide cover where bass ambush baitfish. If you are new to Guntersville, spend time before the tournament exploring different areas — a morning of scouting can reveal where fish are holding and what depth they prefer.

Spring weather on the lake can change quickly. Bring layers, sunscreen, and rain gear. Wind can pick up in the afternoon, making the lake choppy and affecting both fishing and the return trip to the ramp.

Preparing your boat and gear

Before tournament day, make sure your boat is in reliable condition: fuel tank full, battery charged, bilge pump working, and all safety equipment aboard. Tournaments require life jackets for all occupants, and most require a fire extinguisher and first-aid kit as well. Check your boat's registration and insurance — many tournaments ask to see proof before launch.

Bring rods and reels spooled with fresh line. Spring bass fishing on Guntersville often involves casting to structure, so you want line that will not fray on submerged wood or rocks. Have multiple rod-and-reel combinations rigged with different lures so you can switch tactics quickly if one is not producing.

Pack a cooler with water and food, a headlamp or flashlight for the early launch, and a net or lipping device for landing fish safely. Bring a scale if you want to weigh fish during the day to track your progress. Most importantly, know the tournament's specific rules about which areas of the lake are open to fishing and what the catch-and-release or live-well requirements are.

Understanding tournament rules and safety

Each year's Big Bass Splash may have slightly different rules, so read the tournament information carefully before you launch. Common rules include a requirement to keep fish alive in a live well until weigh-in, a limit on the number of rods you can fish at once, and restrictions on which parts of the lake are open. Some tournaments prohibit fishing in designated spawning areas to protect the fishery.

Safety is non-negotiable. Wear your life jacket at all times on the water, even if you are a strong swimmer. Tell someone on shore where you are fishing and when you expect to return. Check the weather forecast before dawn and be prepared to leave the water if conditions deteriorate. Lake Guntersville is large enough that wind and waves can build quickly, and getting caught in rough water far from the ramp is dangerous.

If you are unfamiliar with Guntersville's layout, consider running the lake with a local guide before the tournament or fishing with someone who knows the water. The lake has many similar-looking coves and creek arms, and it is easy to lose your bearings if you are focused on fishing.

What to do with your catch after weigh-in

Tournament rules determine what happens to fish after they are weighed. Some tournaments require immediate release; others allow you to keep your catch. If you are keeping fish to eat, handle them carefully during the tournament — a fish that has been in a live well all day and then stressed during weigh-in will not be as fresh as one you have just caught.

If you plan to cook your catch, keep the fish on ice as soon as possible after weigh-in. Guntersville bass are good eating, especially in spring when they are feeding heavily and their flesh is firm. Clean and fillet them the same day you catch them, or freeze them whole if you cannot cook them immediately. A simple pan-sear or bake brings out the mild, slightly sweet flavor of fresh bass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my own boat to fish the Big Bass Splash?

Most tournaments require a registered boat, but many offer a co-angler division for anglers without boats. As a co-angler, you fish with a registered boat captain and typically split any prize money you win. Ask the tournament organizers whether co-angler spots are available when you contact them about entry.

What is the entry fee for the tournament?

Entry fees vary by year and are set by the tournament organizers. Fees typically range from $50 to $150 per boat, though this can change. Contact Lake Guntersville State Park or the organizing club directly for the current year's fee and what it includes.

Can I fish Lake Guntersville the day before the tournament to scout?

Yes. Scouting the day before is common practice and can give you a significant advantage. Fish the areas you plan to target during the tournament, note the depth and structure, and see what lures are producing. Many anglers spend the afternoon before a tournament running the lake to get a feel for current conditions.

What size bass do I need to catch to place in the tournament?

That depends on how many other anglers catch fish and how large their catches are. There is no minimum size requirement to weigh in a bass, but larger fish will rank higher. On a given day, the heaviest single bass might weigh 6 or 7 pounds, or it might weigh 4 pounds — it depends entirely on what the lake produces that day.

Is Lake Guntersville open year-round for bass fishing?

Yes, but bass season in Alabama has specific dates for different methods. The general bass season runs year-round, though catch limits and size restrictions vary. Check the current Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources fishing regulations before you fish, as rules change and you want to make sure you are in compliance.