What the Hoosier Open is and who can fish it
The Hoosier Open Team Bass Tournament is an annual fishing competition held in Indiana where anglers fish in two-person teams for largemouth and smallmouth bass. The tournament runs on one of Indiana's major lakes — the specific lake and dates change year to year, so you'll need to check the current year's details before you commit to travel or entry fees. Teams compete to catch the heaviest bass during the tournament day, and payouts go to the top-finishing teams.
Most years, the tournament is open to anyone with a valid Indiana fishing license, though some divisions or entry categories may have restrictions based on age or prior tournament experience. You fish as a team of two, meaning you need to find a partner or enter with someone you already know. The tournament typically runs from early morning until a set weigh-in time in the afternoon — usually between 2 and 4 p.m. — so you'll be on the water for six to eight hours.
Entry fees vary by year and by which division you enter. Some tournaments offer a boater division (where you own or operate the boat) and a non-boater division (where you fish from someone else's boat). Check the official tournament information for the current year to learn which divisions are offered and what the fees are.
Key Takeaways
- The Hoosier Open is a two-person team bass tournament held annually in Indiana on a rotating lake, with entry open to anyone holding a valid Indiana fishing license.
- Teams fish from early morning until afternoon weigh-in, competing to catch the heaviest bass during the tournament window.
- Entry fees and tournament dates change each year, so you need to contact the tournament organizer or check their website for current information before registering.
- You can fish as a boater (bringing your own boat) or non-boater (fishing from a partner's boat), depending on which divisions the current year offers.
- All fish must meet minimum size requirements set by Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the tournament rules, and you'll need to keep your catch alive until weigh-in.
How to find the current year's tournament details
The Hoosier Open information changes annually, so the best source is the organization running the tournament. Search online for "Hoosier Open Bass Tournament" along with the current year to find the official website or contact page. Many Indiana bass tournaments are promoted through fishing clubs, local marinas, and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website.
Once you find the official page, you'll find the lake location, exact dates, entry fee, registration deadline, and division options. Some tournaments allow online registration; others require you to register by phone or in person at a local marina. The registration deadline is usually two to four weeks before the tournament date, so plan ahead if you want to enter.
What you need to bring and prepare
You'll need a valid Indiana fishing license — both team members must have one. If you don't have a license, you can purchase one online through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources or at most sporting goods stores and bait shops. A one-day license costs less than an annual license if you only plan to fish this tournament.
Bring a boat (if you're fishing as a boater) or arrange to fish from your partner's boat. You'll need a cooler or livewell to keep caught fish alive and fresh until weigh-in. Most modern fishing boats have built-in livewells, but if you're fishing from an older boat or a borrowed one, bring a cooler with ice or a portable aerator to keep fish in good condition.
Pack tackle suited to the lake and the season — largemouth and smallmouth bass respond to different presentations depending on water temperature, depth, and structure. Bring more rods and lures than you think you'll need, because losing tackle happens. Sunscreen, water, snacks, and a life jacket are essentials. Check the weather forecast the night before and dress in layers so you can adjust as the day warms up.
Tournament rules and fish handling
All fish must meet the minimum size requirement set by Indiana Department of Natural Resources — currently 12 inches for both largemouth and smallmouth bass, though rules can change. Any fish below that length must be released immediately. The tournament may also have its own rules about catch limits, so read the official rules before you fish.
Fish must stay alive in your livewell or cooler until weigh-in. Dead fish are typically penalized or disqualified, so keep your livewell aerator running and check water temperature throughout the day. If the water is very warm, change the water in your cooler or add ice to keep it cool enough for the fish to survive.
At weigh-in, your fish are weighed together as a team total. The heaviest total weight wins. After weighing, most tournaments release the fish back into the lake, so handle them gently and keep them in water as much as possible during the weigh-in process.
Where to fish and what to expect on tournament day
The tournament lake changes year to year, so you'll be fishing whatever body of water the current year's tournament uses. Before tournament day, spend time on the lake if you can — even a few hours scouting the water will help you understand where bass are holding and what structure they're using. Look for shallow weed beds, rocky points, fallen trees, and depth changes where bass like to hunt.
On tournament day, you'll launch at a designated time, usually in the early morning. You'll have a set window to fish — typically six to eight hours — and then you must return to the weigh-in location by the announced time. Arriving late to weigh-in can result in penalties or disqualification, so plan your route back and leave the water with time to spare.
Expect other tournament boats on the water. Some areas may be crowded, especially early in the day. Fish the spots you scouted, but be ready to move if you're not catching. Tournament fishing rewards patience and persistence — sometimes the best bite comes in the last hour of the day.
Entry fees, payouts, and what happens after weigh-in
Entry fees vary by year and division. Boater divisions typically cost more than non-boater divisions because the boater is responsible for the boat and fuel. Fees usually range from $100 to $300 per team, but check the current year's information to know for certain. Some tournaments offer a big fish award or other side pots that cost extra to enter.
Payouts go to the top-finishing teams based on total weight. First place typically receives the largest payout, with smaller payouts for second, third, and sometimes more places depending on how many teams enter. The exact payout structure is listed in the tournament rules — some tournaments pay out a percentage of entry fees, while others have a fixed prize pool.
After weigh-in, fish are released and the tournament is over. Results are usually posted the same day or within a day or two. If you placed in the money, you'll be notified how to collect your payout — some tournaments mail checks, while others pay at a local marina or fishing club meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own boat to fish the Hoosier Open?
No. Most tournaments offer a non-boater division where you fish from your partner's boat. The non-boater entry fee is usually lower than the boater fee. You and your boater partner split any winnings, so confirm how payouts work before you enter.
What if I don't have a fishing partner?
Some tournaments allow you to enter without a partner and will pair you with another angler looking for a team. Contact the tournament organizer to ask if they offer a pairing service. Otherwise, you'll need to find a partner before you register.
Can I keep the fish I catch in the tournament?
No. Tournament fish are weighed and then released back into the lake. This protects the fishery and keeps the competition fair. If you want to keep fish to eat, you can fish the lake on other days when you're not in the tournament.
What if the weather is bad on tournament day?
Most tournaments proceed unless conditions are dangerous — high winds, lightning, or flooding. Check the tournament's weather policy in the rules. If the tournament is postponed, you'll be notified and given a new date. Bring rain gear and be prepared for changing weather.
How do I know if I'm fishing the right lake?
The tournament organizer will announce the lake location when they release the current year's details. Write it down, put it in your phone, and double-check the night before you fish. Launching at the wrong lake is a costly mistake, so confirm the location with your partner before you leave home.