The Sooner Lake Team Bass Tournament runs twice a year on Oklahoma's largest lake

The Sooner Lake Team Bass Tournament is a spring and fall event held on Eufaula Lake, about 90 miles southeast of Oklahoma City near the town of Rentiesville. The tournament draws teams of two anglers who compete for cash prizes by catching the heaviest bass during a single day of fishing. Entry fees run between $200 and $300 per team, depending on the season, and the tournament typically draws 50 to 100 teams.

The event is organized by local bass fishing clubs and the Eufaula Lake Chamber of Commerce. Weigh-ins happen at the public boat ramp near the dam, and the tournament usually runs from dawn until mid-afternoon. If you fish Eufaula Lake regularly or want to test your skills against other Oklahoma anglers, this tournament offers a straightforward format and a chance to fish alongside people who know the lake well.

Key Takeaways

  • Sooner Lake Team Bass Tournament runs twice yearly on Eufaula Lake with entry fees between $200 and $300 per two-person team.
  • The tournament is a single-day event with a dawn start and weigh-in at the public boat ramp near the dam.
  • You need a valid Oklahoma fishing license and a boat to enter, and most teams fish the entire lake rather than a designated zone.
  • Cash prizes go to the top-finishing teams, with amounts varying by tournament size and entry count.
  • Registration typically opens two to four weeks before each tournament and fills up, so checking with the Eufaula Lake Chamber of Commerce early matters.

When the tournaments happen and how to register

The spring tournament usually takes place in April or May, and the fall event runs in September or October. Exact dates shift year to year based on lake conditions and organizer scheduling. Registration opens about four weeks before each event and closes one to two weeks before the tournament date, or when the team limit fills—whichever comes first.

To register, contact the Eufaula Lake Chamber of Commerce directly by phone or visit their office in Rentiesville. You will need to provide both anglers' names, valid Oklahoma fishing license numbers, and a boat registration number. Some tournaments also require a signed liability waiver. Payment is due at registration, and most organizers accept cash or check.

What you need to bring and know before you launch

You and your partner each need a current Oklahoma fishing license. Bass tournaments on Eufaula Lake follow standard state regulations: a daily limit of five bass per angler, with a 12-inch minimum length. Any bass under 12 inches must be released immediately. Bring a livewell or cooler with ice to keep your catch fresh during the day, and weigh your fish at the official weigh-in station—no off-site weighing is permitted.

Eufaula Lake is a 105,000-acre reservoir with deep channels, shallow flats, and plenty of structure. Spring tournaments favor shallow water and spawning areas; fall fishing often requires deeper presentations. The lake has multiple public boat ramps, but most teams launch from the main ramp near the dam because it is closest to the weigh-in location. Arrive early on tournament day—parking fills quickly and you will want time to fuel up and check your equipment before the 6 a.m. or 7 a.m. launch window.

Prize money and how payouts work

Prize pools depend on the number of teams entered. A tournament with 60 teams and a $250 entry fee generates a $15,000 pool. Typically, the top five to ten teams win cash, with the heaviest total weight taking first place. Some tournaments also award a separate prize for the largest single bass of the day.

Payouts are calculated after weigh-in and announced the same day. Winners receive their checks on site or by mail within a week. If you place in the money, the tournament organizer will ask for your tax information; prize winnings over $600 may be reported to the IRS, so keep your tournament receipt for your records.

Rules specific to Sooner Lake tournaments

All fish must be caught during the official tournament window—usually from 6 a.m. or 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. You cannot pre-fish the morning of the tournament; most organizers require teams to stay off the water until the official start time. Artificial lures only—no live bait is permitted. This keeps the playing field level and protects the lake's ecosystem.

Both anglers must remain in the boat during the tournament. You cannot fish from the bank or split up. If your boat breaks down, you may transfer to another registered team's boat with permission, but you cannot continue fishing alone. Any violation of these rules results in disqualification and forfeiture of entry fees.

What to expect at weigh-in

Weigh-in is a public event held at the boat ramp near Eufaula Dam. Teams pull up in order, and tournament officials measure and weigh each fish on certified scales. Your total weight is recorded, and you receive a receipt. The process moves quickly—expect 15 to 20 minutes from launch to receipt if you are mid-pack.

Dead fish are permitted and expected; most anglers ice their catch immediately after landing it. If a fish is too small or you have too many, officials will note it and you lose that fish from your total weight. After all teams have weighed in, the organizer announces the standings and pays out prizes. The whole event is usually finished by 5 p.m., so you can be home by evening.

Preparing your boat and gear

Make sure your boat is in good working order before tournament day. Check fuel, battery, bilge pump, and all safety equipment. A functioning GPS or map is helpful on a lake as large as Eufaula, especially if you are new to it. Bring extra line, hooks, and lures in case you break off or lose tackle during the day.

A quality livewell keeps your fish alive and healthy for weigh-in. If your boat does not have a livewell, bring a large cooler with ice and aeration—some anglers use battery-powered aerators to keep fish oxygenated. Sunscreen, water, and snacks matter too; you will be on the water for eight to ten hours and the Oklahoma sun is intense in spring and fall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have fished Eufaula Lake before to enter?

No. Many teams enter without prior experience on the lake. Arriving a day or two early to scout and fish practice rounds helps, but it is not required. The tournament is open to all anglers with valid licenses.

Can I fish alone, or do I have to have a partner?

You must enter as a two-person team. If you do not have a partner, contact the tournament organizer—they sometimes maintain a list of anglers looking for teammates and can make introductions.

What happens if I catch more than five bass?

You can only weigh five bass per angler (ten total for a two-person team). If you catch more, release the extras immediately. At weigh-in, officials will only count your five heaviest fish per angler.

Is there a rain date if the tournament is cancelled?

Most tournaments proceed unless conditions are dangerous. Check with the organizer about their weather policy when you register. If a tournament is cancelled, entry fees are usually refunded or rolled over to the next event.

How do I find out about next year's tournaments?

Contact the Eufaula Lake Chamber of Commerce in fall for spring tournament dates, and in summer for fall dates. They maintain a mailing list and will notify registered anglers when registration opens.