The Lake Greenwood Open Team Bass Tournament runs once a year and draws anglers from across the state
The Lake Greenwood Open Team Bass Tournament is an annual fishing competition held on Lake Greenwood in Ninety Six, South Carolina. Teams of two anglers fish a single day, competing to catch the heaviest bass. The tournament is open to anyone with a valid South Carolina fishing license, and entry fees typically run between $200 and $300 per team, though the exact amount changes year to year.
The event draws both serious competitors and recreational anglers who want to test their skills on one of South Carolina's most productive bass fisheries. Lake Greenwood itself spans over 11,000 acres and holds largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, making it a strong choice for a tournament venue. The lake's structure — coves, creek channels, and shallow flats — rewards anglers who know how to read the water and adapt their approach through the day.
Most years the tournament runs from early morning until mid-afternoon, with a weigh-in at a designated location on the lake. Prize money is distributed to top finishers, with the exact payout structure announced when registration opens. The tournament typically fills up weeks in advance, so planning ahead matters if you want to enter.
Key Takeaways
- Lake Greenwood Open is a one-day team tournament (two anglers per team) held annually on Lake Greenwood near Ninety Six, with entry fees that vary but typically fall in the $200–$300 range per team.
- You must hold a valid South Carolina fishing license to compete, and both team members need their own license.
- The tournament rewards the heaviest total catch, and prize money goes to the top-finishing teams, with exact payouts announced at registration.
- Registration fills quickly, so contact the tournament organizer early in the year to confirm the date and secure your spot.
- Lake Greenwood holds largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, and success depends on understanding the lake's structure and adjusting tactics as conditions change through the day.
When the tournament takes place and how to register
The Lake Greenwood Open typically runs in spring or early summer, though the exact date shifts from year to year. To find the current year's date and registration details, contact the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources or check with local bass clubs and fishing shops around Greenwood County — they often have flyers or can point you to the tournament organizer's contact information.
Registration usually opens several weeks before the event and closes when the field fills. You will need to provide both anglers' names, their South Carolina fishing license numbers, and proof that licenses are current. Some tournaments require a separate entry form for each team member; others use a single registration sheet. Confirm the format when you register so you have the right paperwork ready.
Entry fees are non-refundable in most cases, so make sure both team members can commit to the date before you pay. If the tournament is cancelled due to weather or unsafe water conditions, organizers typically offer a rain date or refund — ask about this policy when you sign up.
What to bring and how the weigh-in works
Bring your fishing rods, tackle, and a cooler with ice for keeping fish alive during the tournament. Most tournaments require that fish remain in a livewell or aerated cooler throughout the day — dead or damaged fish may be disqualified or penalized. Check the tournament rules when you register to confirm what equipment is allowed and what is prohibited.
The weigh-in is the official moment when your catch is measured and recorded. You will bring your fish to a designated location (usually a boat ramp or marina on Lake Greenwood) at the end of the fishing period. Tournament officials will weigh each fish, record the total, and rank teams by combined weight. Heaviest total wins. Some tournaments use a "big bass" prize as well — a separate award for the single largest fish caught that day, regardless of team.
Arrive at the weigh-in with time to spare. Late arrivals may forfeit their catch or be disqualified, depending on the rules. Ask the organizer for the exact weigh-in window and location when you register, and plan your route back to shore accordingly.
Understanding Lake Greenwood's bass fishery
Lake Greenwood is a 11,400-acre reservoir created by damming the Saluda River. The lake holds all three black bass species found in South Carolina: largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass. Largemouths dominate the shallow coves and weed lines; smallmouths and spots prefer deeper structure like rocky points and creek channels. Tournament success often comes down to understanding where each species lives and adjusting your approach as the day warms.
Early morning, bass feed in shallow water — coves, fallen timber, and grass beds hold active fish. As the sun climbs and water warms, bass move to deeper structure or shade. Mid-day fishing often requires moving to deeper channels, submerged humps, or the shade of docks and overhanging trees. Late afternoon can bring another shallow-water bite as light angles change.
The lake's creek channels are particularly productive. These deeper channels hold bass that have moved away from the shallows, and they concentrate fish in a smaller area, making them easier to locate. Spend time before the tournament scouting these channels if you can — knowing where the structure sits and how deep it is will save you hours on tournament day.
Tactics and tackle for Lake Greenwood bass
Largemouths respond well to crankbaits, soft plastics, and topwater lures in shallow water. Early morning, throw topwater plugs along the shoreline and around downed trees — the commotion attracts strikes. As the day warms, switch to crankbaits that reach the depth where bass have moved, or use soft plastics rigged Texas-style on a weighted hook to fish deeper structure.
Smallmouths and spotted bass often require a different approach. These species prefer smaller, more natural-looking baits. Tube jigs, small crankbaits, and finesse soft plastics work well on rocky points and in deeper channels. Dragging a jig along the bottom of a creek channel can be slow but productive — you are covering ground methodically and feeling for structure.
Bring a mix of lures in different colors and sizes. Water clarity on Lake Greenwood varies, so having options matters. On clear days, natural colors like green, brown, and silver work well. On cloudy days or in stained water, brighter colors like chartreuse and orange get more attention. A tournament day is not the time to experiment — use lures you have confidence in and that have worked for you on this lake before.
Rules, safety, and what disqualifies a team
All anglers must follow South Carolina fishing regulations, which means respecting size and bag limits even in a tournament. Lake Greenwood has specific regulations for each bass species — check the current rules on the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website before you fish. Using live bait is typically prohibited in bass tournaments; most allow only artificial lures.
Safety on the water is non-negotiable. Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times, especially if you are running the boat at speed. Know the lake's hazards — submerged stumps, shallow areas, and sudden drop-offs — and fish responsibly. If weather turns dangerous, return to shore immediately. No prize is worth risking lives.
Teams are disqualified for cheating, which includes weighing fish caught before the tournament started, using prohibited bait, or violating state fishing regulations. Scales are checked for accuracy, and tournament officials may inspect coolers and livewell systems. Fish that are dead, damaged, or undersized are typically disqualified or penalized. Read the full rule sheet when you register so you know exactly what is expected.
Preparing your boat and equipment before tournament day
Check your boat's engine, fuel system, and electrical systems at least a week before the tournament. A breakdown on the water costs you fishing time and may cost you the event. Make sure your battery is fully charged, your fuel tank is clean, and your bilge pump works. Test your livewell to confirm it aerates properly and keeps water at a safe temperature for bass.
Service your rods and reels. Clean the guides, check for line damage, and replace any line that looks worn or discolored. Backlashes and line breaks during a tournament are frustrating and costly. Bring a spare rod rigged and ready, just in case. Pack your tackle box the night before so you are not scrambling in the dark at the boat ramp.
Fill your cooler with ice the morning of the tournament, and bring extra ice in case you need to top it off during the day. Bring water and snacks for yourself — staying hydrated and fueled keeps your mind sharp and your reflexes quick. Sunscreen, a hat, and polarized sunglasses are not luxuries; they help you see fish and protect you from a long day on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fishing license to enter the tournament?
Yes. Both team members must have a valid South Carolina fishing license. You will need to provide license numbers when you register. Licenses are available online through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources or at most sporting goods stores and tackle shops.
Can I fish Lake Greenwood before the tournament to scout?
Yes. Scouting is allowed and encouraged. Spend time on the water before the tournament learning where bass hold, what depths they prefer, and which lures work best. Early morning and late afternoon are often the most productive times to scout, just as they are during the tournament.
What happens if my fish die before the weigh-in?
Dead or severely damaged fish are typically disqualified or penalized, depending on the tournament rules. Keep your fish in an aerated livewell or cooler with ice and fresh water throughout the day. Handle them gently when you land them, and avoid letting them flop around in the boat.
Is there a minimum or maximum size limit for bass in the tournament?
Tournament rules follow South Carolina state regulations, which set minimum sizes for each bass species. Check the current regulations on the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website before you fish. Undersized fish are disqualified at weigh-in.
What if I cannot make it on tournament day?
Contact the tournament organizer as soon as you know you cannot attend. Most tournaments do not refund entry fees, but some allow you to transfer your entry to another angler or reschedule for a future event. Ask about the cancellation policy when you register.