The Big Bash is Rend Lake's largest open fishing tournament, held each spring

The Big Bash is an annual spring tournament on Rend Lake that draws hundreds of anglers to compete for prizes across multiple fish species. The event typically runs over a weekend in April or May — the exact dates shift year to year, so check the Rend Lake Fisheries office or the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for the current year's schedule before you plan your trip.

The tournament is open to anyone with a valid Illinois fishing license. You fish from your own boat or rent one from the marina, weigh your catch at the designated weigh-in station, and compete in categories that usually include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, and crappie. Entry fees vary but typically run between $50 and $150 per angler, depending on the species categories you enter.

Unlike some tournaments that require you to catch and release, the Big Bash allows you to keep your fish — which means the tournament doubles as a chance to stock your freezer while you compete. Many anglers fish the tournament seriously in the morning and afternoon, then cook their catch for dinner that night.

Key Takeaways

  • The Big Bash runs one weekend each spring on Rend Lake, with dates that change annually — confirm the year's dates through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources or Rend Lake Fisheries office before you register.
  • You need a valid Illinois fishing license to enter, and entry fees typically range from $50 to $150 depending on which fish species categories you choose to fish.
  • The tournament allows you to keep your catch, so you can compete for prizes and bring home fish to cook at the same time.
  • Weigh-in happens at a central location on the lake, usually in the afternoon — arrive early to avoid lines and confirm the exact time and location when you register.

How to register and what you need to bring

Registration typically opens a few weeks before the tournament and closes the day before or the morning of the event. You can register in person at the Rend Lake Marina or through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website. When you register, you will choose which species categories you want to fish — you do not have to fish all of them, and you pay only for the ones you enter.

Bring your valid Illinois fishing license, your boat (or arrange a rental ahead of time), and your tackle. You will also need a cooler with ice to keep your fish fresh between the time you catch them and the weigh-in. Many anglers bring two coolers — one for fish and one for food and drinks — so you can stay comfortable during a long day on the water.

The tournament organizers will give you a packet at registration that includes the exact weigh-in location, the time weigh-in closes, and any rules specific to that year's event. Read it carefully, because rules can change — for example, some years the tournament requires a minimum fish size, and other years it does not.

Rend Lake conditions in spring and what fish are biting

Rend Lake is a 19,000-acre reservoir in southern Illinois, roughly 50 miles south of Effingham. In April and May, water temperatures typically range from the mid-50s to the low 60s Fahrenheit, which means fish are moving shallow to spawn and feed. Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, while catfish bite throughout the day.

Spring crappie fishing on Rend Lake can be excellent if you know where to look. Crappie move into shallow brush and fallen trees to spawn, so focus on areas with structure — downed timber, dock pilings, and the edges of weed beds. Many tournament anglers catch their limit of crappie in the first two hours of the morning.

The lake has multiple public boat ramps, including ones at the North Shore Marina and South Shore Marina. If you do not own a boat, both marinas rent fishing boats by the day. Reserve a rental at least a week ahead during tournament weekend, because boats fill up quickly.

Tackle and techniques that work on Rend Lake

For largemouth bass, bring a mix of topwater lures, soft plastics (especially creature baits and worms), and shallow-running crankbaits. The bass spawn in shallow water in spring, so focus on areas with cover — lily pads, submerged brush, and rocky banks. Fish early and late in the day when the light is low.

Smallmouth bass on Rend Lake respond well to jigs, tube baits, and small crankbaits fished around rocky structure and deeper drop-offs. Smallmouth tend to stay slightly deeper than largemouth in spring, so do not ignore the 8- to 15-foot zone even when largemouth are shallow.

For catfish, live bait works best — shiners, bluegill, or chicken liver all catch fish. Fish the deeper channels and holes, especially near the dam. Catfish bite throughout the day and into the evening, so you can fish for them while you wait for the bass bite to turn on in the late afternoon.

Crappie fishing means small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce) tipped with minnows or fished with live shiners under a bobber. Vertical jigging around structure is fast and effective — drop your jig straight down next to a dock or fallen tree and work it slowly.

What to expect at weigh-in and how prizes work

Weigh-in typically happens in the afternoon, often between 2 and 4 p.m., though the exact time is in your registration packet. You bring your cooler of fish to the weigh-in station, where tournament staff will weigh each fish individually and record the total weight for each species category you entered.

Prizes are usually awarded for the heaviest total weight in each species category — so the angler with the heaviest largemouth bass wins that category, the angler with the heaviest smallmouth wins that category, and so on. Some tournaments also award prizes for the single largest fish caught, regardless of species. Prize money or gift certificates typically go to the top three finishers in each category.

After weigh-in, your fish are yours to keep. Many anglers take their catch home to clean and cook, while others donate fish to local food banks or share them with other anglers at the tournament site.

Lodging and food near Rend Lake

The closest towns to Rend Lake are Benton and Sesser, both about 15 minutes from the lake. Benton has several motels and a few restaurants, including local diners and pizza places. If you want to stay closer to the water, the Rend Lake Resort and Conference Center offers rooms and is right on the lake.

Many tournament anglers camp at one of the lake's campgrounds — Rend Lake has both full-hookup RV sites and tent camping areas. Booking a campsite ahead of time is wise during tournament weekend. If you prefer a hotel, book early, because rooms fill up quickly when the tournament is on.

Bring food and drinks for the day — convenience stores near the lake sell sandwiches and snacks, but you will save time and money by packing a cooler with lunch and water. Many anglers cook their tournament catch for dinner, so plan to have a grill or kitchen access if that appeals to you.

Other fishing opportunities on Rend Lake year-round

The Big Bash is one event, but Rend Lake is fishable all year. Summer brings good catfish and crappie fishing, fall is excellent for largemouth and smallmouth bass, and winter offers ice fishing for crappie and bluegill on the shallow bays. If you enjoy the lake during the tournament, you have plenty of reasons to come back.

The lake also hosts other tournaments throughout the year — check with the Rend Lake Fisheries office or the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for a calendar of events. Some are species-specific, others are open to all anglers, and entry fees and rules vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my own boat to fish the Big Bash?

No. Both the North Shore and South Shore marinas rent fishing boats by the day. Reserve a rental at least a week ahead during tournament weekend, because availability fills up quickly. Rental costs typically range from $75 to $150 per day depending on boat size.

What if I catch more fish than I can weigh in?

You can only weigh in one fish per species category in most tournaments, so you keep only your best fish for each species. The rest you can keep to take home, release, or share with other anglers. Check your registration packet for the specific rules that year.

Can I fish the tournament if I have never fished Rend Lake before?

Yes. Many first-time anglers fish the Big Bash. Arrive a day or two early if you can, spend time learning the lake, and talk to other anglers at the marina — most are happy to share general information about where fish are biting.

What happens if I am late to weigh-in?

Most tournaments have a hard deadline for weigh-in. If you miss it, your fish cannot be weighed and you forfeit your entry fee. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early to avoid traffic or delays.

Is there a minimum fish size for the tournament?

Rules vary year to year. Some years the tournament requires a minimum size, other years it does not. Your registration packet will list any size requirements. If you are unsure, call the Rend Lake Fisheries office before the tournament.