The tournament runs each summer on Ohio's largest inland lake

The Grand Lake St. Marys Catfish Tournament takes place on Grand Lake St. Marys, the 13,500-acre reservoir in Mercer County near the Indiana border. The event typically happens in mid-summer, though the exact dates shift year to year — check with the Grand Lake St. Marys State Park office or the Celina-Mercer County Chamber of Commerce for the current year's schedule. The tournament draws anglers who fish for channel catfish, flathead catfish, and blue catfish, with weigh-ins held at the state park.

The lake itself is known for catfish populations that grow large and fight hard. Channel catfish run 2 to 5 pounds on average, though 10-pounders are caught regularly. Flatheads and blues grow bigger — 20 to 40 pounds is not uncommon — and they feed differently than channels, preferring live bait and hunting at night. Understanding which species you are targeting and how they behave changes everything about how you fish.

Key Takeaways

  • The tournament is held on Grand Lake St. Marys in Mercer County, Ohio, with weigh-ins at the state park, and dates vary by year so you should confirm the schedule before planning your trip.
  • Channel catfish, flathead catfish, and blue catfish all inhabit the lake, and each species requires different bait, timing, and technique to catch consistently.
  • You will need a valid Ohio fishing license and should check current state regulations for catfish size limits, daily catch limits, and any seasonal restrictions before the tournament.
  • The lake has multiple public boat ramps and shore fishing access through the state park, and camping is available nearby if you want to fish multiple days before the event.
  • Catfish tournaments often have entry fees, team divisions, and prize categories for different species, so contact the organizers directly for rules, costs, and registration deadlines.

What you need to fish the tournament

You must have a valid Ohio fishing license before you cast a line. You can purchase one online through the Ohio Division of Wildlife website, at any Ohio Division of Wildlife office, or at most sporting goods stores and bait shops around the lake. Licenses are available for one day, three days, or a full year, and the cost varies by license type and duration.

Check the current Ohio catfish regulations before you fish. Size limits, daily catch limits, and any seasonal closures can change, and tournaments sometimes have their own rules that are stricter than state law. The tournament organizers will provide specific rules when you register — read them carefully, because violations can result in disqualification.

Bring a cooler with ice to keep your catch fresh from the moment you land it. Catfish meat deteriorates quickly in warm weather, and if you plan to eat what you catch, proper cooling makes the difference between fish worth cooking and fish that should go back. A stringer works for keeping fish alive in the water during the tournament, but ice is essential for the ride home.

Bait and tackle for catfish

Channel catfish respond to strong-smelling baits: chicken liver, cut shad, stink baits, and dip baits all work. You can buy prepared stink baits at bait shops, or make your own by fermenting chicken liver or mixing flour, cornmeal, and fish oil. Cast near structure — fallen trees, channel ledges, and deeper holes — and let the bait sit. Channel catfish hunt by smell, not sight, so they will find your bait if it is in the right place.

Flathead catfish and blue catfish prefer live bait: live bluegill, live shad, or live shiners. Flatheads especially are ambush hunters and will ignore dead bait entirely. Fish live bait at night or in low-light conditions, and use heavier tackle because these fish run larger and fight harder than channels. A 6-foot to 7-foot medium-heavy rod with 20- to 30-pound line is standard for flatheads and blues.

Bring more tackle than you think you will need. Catfish fishing means snags — they hide in brush and wood, and you will lose rigs. Pack extra hooks (size 2/0 to 8/0 for channels, larger for flatheads), sinkers, swivels, and line. A headlamp or flashlight is essential if you fish at night, and a net makes landing big fish safer and faster.

Where to fish on Grand Lake St. Marys

Grand Lake St. Marys State Park offers public boat ramps and shore fishing access. The main ramp is at the state park marina, where you can launch for a small fee. Several other ramps are scattered around the lake — the Chamber of Commerce or state park office can point you to the one closest to where you plan to fish.

Catfish concentrate in deeper water during the day and move to shallower areas to feed at night. Look for channel ledges, submerged timber, and the old river channel that runs through the lake. Many anglers fish the deeper holes during the day and move to shallower structure after dark. If you are new to the lake, ask at the bait shop — locals know where catfish are holding and will point you in the right direction.

Shore fishing is possible at the state park and at several public access points around the lake. If you do not have a boat, ask the bait shop or the state park office which shore spots produce catfish. Some areas are better than others, and local knowledge saves time.

Tournament rules and registration

Contact the tournament organizers — usually the Celina-Mercer County Chamber of Commerce or the state park — for the current year's rules, entry fees, and registration deadline. Most catfish tournaments have entry fees per angler or per team, prize money for the heaviest fish or the most fish caught, and sometimes separate categories for different species. Some tournaments limit the number of entries, so registering early matters.

Read the rules before you register. They will specify which species count toward your total, whether you can keep fish in a livewell or must weigh them immediately after catching them, what time the tournament starts and ends, and where and when weigh-ins happen. Tournaments also usually have rules about which baits are legal — some ban live bait, others require it — so know what you are allowed to use.

Ask whether the tournament is catch-and-release or whether you keep your fish. If you keep them, you will need that cooler and ice. If it is catch-and-release, bring a large net and a measuring device, because the fish must be alive and unharmed at weigh-in.

Camping and lodging near the lake

Grand Lake St. Marys State Park has a campground with sites for RVs and tents. Reservations fill up during tournament season, so book early if you want to stay at the state park. The nearby town of Celina has hotels, motels, and bed-and-breakfasts if you prefer not to camp.

Many anglers arrive a day or two before the tournament to scout the lake and practice. If you are new to catfish fishing or new to this lake, spending extra time on the water before the tournament starts pays off. You will learn where catfish are holding, what baits work best, and which areas produce the most fish.

Cleaning and cooking your catch

Catfish are excellent eating if you handle them well. A sharp fillet knife and a cutting board make cleaning easier. Catfish skin is tough and slippery — many anglers use a fish-skinning tool or pliers to grip the skin while they cut. Cut behind the head at an angle, then run the knife along the backbone to separate the fillet from the bones. Remove the dark lateral line (the strip of darker meat along the side) because it can taste muddy.

Catfish flesh is mild and firm, and it holds up to frying, baking, and grilling. Fried catfish is traditional — dredge fillets in cornmeal seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika, then fry in hot oil until golden. Baked catfish with lemon and herbs is lighter. The key is not to overcook it — catfish dries out quickly, so cook it just until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish the tournament, or can I fish from shore?

You can fish from shore at the state park and other public access points, but most tournament anglers use boats because they can reach deeper water and more productive structure. Ask the tournament organizers whether shore fishing is permitted in the tournament itself — some events allow it, others do not.

What is the difference between channel catfish and flathead catfish?

Channel catfish have a forked tail and barbels (whisker-like sensory organs) around their mouth; they hunt by smell and eat dead bait. Flathead catfish have a flat, broad head, an unforked tail, and hunt live fish at night. Flatheads grow larger and fight harder, but channels are more predictable and easier for beginners to catch.

When is the best time to fish for catfish on Grand Lake St. Marys?

Channel catfish bite throughout the day, especially in early morning and late evening. Flathead catfish and blue catfish feed primarily at night. Water temperature matters — catfish are most active when water is between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, which typically means late spring through early fall.

Can I keep the catfish I catch in the tournament?

That depends on the tournament rules. Some tournaments are catch-and-release, others allow you to keep your fish. The organizers will specify this when you register. If you keep them, ice them immediately and keep them on ice until you get home.

Where do I find the tournament registration and current dates?

Contact the Celina-Mercer County Chamber of Commerce or call Grand Lake St. Marys State Park directly. They have the current year's tournament dates, entry fees, rules, and registration information. You can also check the Ohio Division of Wildlife website for a calendar of fishing tournaments across the state.