The Ride the Bull is a kayak fishing tournament held annually in Louisiana, drawing anglers who fish from small boats in coastal and inland waters
Ride the Bull takes place each year in Louisiana and invites kayak anglers to compete for prizes by catching fish from their kayaks. The tournament focuses on species that matter to Louisiana anglers — redfish, speckled trout, and flounder are typical targets, though the specific rules change year to year. Entry fees, tournament dates, and the waters where you fish all depend on which year's event you're entering and which division you choose.
The tournament is organized by local fishing clubs and kayak outfitters who know the Louisiana coast and inland fisheries. If you've fished Louisiana waters before, you already understand the tidal patterns, seasonal movements, and structure that make these tournaments work. If you're new to the state, Ride the Bull is a way to fish alongside people who fish these waters regularly and learn where and how they catch fish.
Key Takeaways
- Ride the Bull is an annual kayak fishing tournament in Louisiana with entry fees and prize divisions that vary by year and skill level.
- You fish from your own kayak, targeting species like redfish, speckled trout, and flounder in Louisiana coastal or inland waters.
- Tournament rules, dates, entry deadlines, and specific fishing locations are announced by the organizing clubs or outfitters each season.
- Most kayak tournaments require you to weigh fish at a designated location on a specific day, so you need to know the weigh-in time and place before you enter.
- Fishing with other kayak anglers in a tournament setting is a way to meet people who fish Louisiana waters and learn new techniques and locations.
How to Find the Current Tournament Details
The Ride the Bull tournament information — entry fees, dates, division options, and registration deadlines — is released by the clubs or outfitters running that year's event. Because tournament details change annually, your first step is to search for "Ride the Bull kayak fishing tournament Louisiana" along with the current year, or contact local kayak fishing shops and guides in the region where you want to fish.
Louisiana kayak fishing clubs often post tournament schedules on their websites or social media pages. If you fish a particular area — the Atchafalaya Basin, Vermilion Bay, Lake Pontchartrain, or the coastal marshes — the local clubs in that region will have the most current information. Outfitters who rent or sell kayaks also know which tournaments are running and can tell you what you need to bring and how to register.
What You Need to Bring and Know Before You Fish
You'll fish from your own kayak, so you need a kayak that's stable enough to fish from and a paddle. A personal flotation device (PFD) is required by law in Louisiana and by tournament rules. Bring rods, reels, and tackle suited to the species you're targeting — redfish and speckled trout fishing in Louisiana typically means medium-weight spinning gear and lures or live bait depending on the season and water conditions.
Know the tournament's weigh-in location and time before you launch. Most tournaments set a specific time window — often late afternoon — when you must have your fish at the weigh station. Arriving late means your fish won't count, so plan your fishing day around that deadline. Ask the tournament organizers whether you need to keep fish alive in a livewell, on a stringer, or in a cooler, because the rules vary.
Check the weather forecast and tide schedule for your fishing day. Louisiana's coastal waters and marshes change dramatically with tide and wind. If you're new to the area, fish with someone who knows it, or ask the tournament organizers which spots are good for beginners and which require more experience navigating shallow water or strong current.
Understanding Tournament Divisions and Prize Structure
Kayak fishing tournaments often have divisions based on skill level or age — a beginner division, an open division, and sometimes a youth or senior division. Entry fees and prize money vary by division. A beginner division might have a lower entry fee and smaller prizes, while an open division draws more experienced anglers and offers larger payouts. Ask the organizers which division fits your experience level and what the prize structure looks like before you register.
Some tournaments award prizes for the heaviest single fish, the heaviest total catch, or a combination of both. Others use a points system where you earn points for each fish you weigh in. Read the rules carefully so you know what you're fishing for — that changes how you approach the day and which species you focus on.
Preparing Your Kayak and Gear for Tournament Fishing
Your kayak should be stable enough to cast from and land fish without tipping. Sit-on-top kayaks are common for fishing tournaments because they're forgiving if you lose your balance. Make sure your kayak has rod holders, a way to secure a cooler or livewell, and enough storage for tackle, water, and a first aid kit. Test your setup on the water before tournament day so you know how it handles.
Bring more tackle than you think you'll need — hooks, lures, weights, and line. Louisiana waters have oyster shells, submerged wood, and other structure that breaks tackle. A backup rod is smart insurance. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water to drink. Fishing from a kayak in the sun for six to eight hours is physically demanding, and dehydration and heat exhaustion are real risks.
What Happens at Weigh-In and After
At the designated weigh-in time and location, you'll bring your fish to the tournament officials. They'll weigh each fish, record the weight, and check that your catch meets the tournament's size and species requirements. Some tournaments require a photograph of your fish for verification. Once your fish are weighed, they're typically donated to a food bank or released, depending on the tournament's policy.
After weigh-in, the organizers tally the results and announce winners. Some tournaments hold an awards ceremony the same day; others announce results online or at a follow-up gathering. This is when you meet other kayak anglers, hear stories about where people fished and what worked, and learn about the next tournament.
Getting Ready to Fish Alongside Other Kayak Anglers
Kayak fishing tournaments in Louisiana bring together people who fish the same waters you do. You'll see how other anglers rig their kayaks, what tackle they use, and where they fish. If you're new to Louisiana or to kayak fishing, a tournament is a low-pressure way to learn — you're fishing for yourself, not competing against anyone directly, and the other anglers are usually happy to talk about what they caught and where.
If you've never fished a tournament before, start with a beginner division or a smaller local event. The structure and rules are the same, but the atmosphere is less intense, and you'll get a feel for how the day works. After one tournament, you'll know what to expect and whether you want to fish more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own kayak to fish the Ride the Bull tournament?
Yes, you fish from your own kayak. Some outfitters may offer rental kayaks on tournament days, but you'll need to confirm that with the organizers or local shops before you register. Having your own kayak that you've practiced with is ideal.
What if I don't know where to fish on tournament day?
Ask the tournament organizers for recommendations on beginner-friendly spots. Many tournaments have a pre-tournament meeting or online forum where anglers share information. You can also fish with a guide or a friend who knows the area before the tournament to scout locations.
Can I fish with a partner in a two-person kayak?
Tournament rules vary. Some allow two-person kayaks; others require single kayaks. Check the specific rules for the year you're entering. If two-person kayaks are allowed, confirm whether you both need to register or if one registration covers both anglers.
What happens if I don't make it to weigh-in on time?
Fish weighed after the deadline typically don't count toward your score. Know the weigh-in time and location before you launch, and plan your fishing day so you have time to get back with a buffer. If weather or an emergency delays you, contact the organizers as soon as possible.
Is there a minimum fish size or species requirement?
Yes, tournaments set minimum sizes for each species to protect the fishery. These rules change year to year and may differ from Louisiana's regular fishing regulations. The tournament rules will list the minimum size for each species you can weigh in. Fish below the minimum don't count.