What the Big Cat Quest is and who runs it
The Bass Pro Shops Big Cat Quest is a catfish tournament series run by Bass Pro Shops, the outdoor retail company with locations across the country including Tennessee. The tournament focuses on catching catfish — channel cats, flatheads, and blues — rather than bass, and it draws anglers who fish for eating as much as for competition. The events take place on different Tennessee waters throughout the year, and entry fees go toward prize pools that reward both the heaviest fish and the most fish caught.
Bass Pro Shops hosts the Big Cat Quest as part of a larger tournament calendar that includes events for different species and skill levels. The company uses the tournaments to build community among anglers and to connect people who fish for food with others who share that focus. If you fish catfish in Tennessee and want to compete alongside people who take the catch seriously, this tournament series is one of the main organized routes.
Key Takeaways
- The Big Cat Quest is a catfish-only tournament series run by Bass Pro Shops with events on different Tennessee waters throughout the year.
- You will need to register before the tournament date, and entry fees vary by event but typically range from $25 to $75 per angler.
- Tournaments reward both the heaviest single fish and the total weight of all fish caught, so strategy depends on whether you target trophy cats or volume.
- Most Big Cat Quest events run from dawn until a set weigh-in time in the afternoon, and you must bring your catch to the official weigh-in location to compete for prizes.
- Bass Pro Shops locations in Tennessee can provide current tournament dates, registration details, and rules specific to each event.
How to find current tournament dates and locations
Bass Pro Shops updates its tournament calendar on its website and at individual store locations. The easiest way to find Big Cat Quest events in Tennessee is to visit the Bass Pro Shops website, look for the tournament section, and filter by state and species. You can also call or visit your nearest Bass Pro Shops location — the staff there will have printed schedules and can tell you which waters are hosting events in the coming months.
Tournament dates change year to year and sometimes shift based on water conditions or seasonal factors. Because catfish behavior changes with water temperature and time of year, the company often schedules events in spring and fall when catfish are most active. Checking directly with Bass Pro Shops rather than relying on old information will save you from showing up to a water on the wrong date.
Registration, entry fees, and what you need to bring
To enter a Big Cat Quest event, you register at a Bass Pro Shops location or online through their tournament portal. Entry fees typically range from $25 to $75 per angler depending on the specific event, though some tournaments offer team entries or multiple-angler discounts. When you register, you will receive a tournament packet with the rules, the exact weigh-in location and time, and any special instructions for that particular water.
On tournament day, bring your fishing license (required in Tennessee for all anglers), your boat or arrange access to one, and your tackle. You will also need a cooler or livewell to keep your catfish fresh from the time you catch them until weigh-in. Some tournaments allow you to fish from shore, but most require a boat. Check the specific event rules when you register, because requirements vary by water and by tournament.
Tournament structure and how weigh-ins work
Most Big Cat Quest events run from sunrise or early morning until a set weigh-in time in the afternoon — typically 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. You fish during that window and keep any catfish you want to count toward your score. At the end of the fishing period, you bring your catch to the official weigh-in location, usually at a Bass Pro Shops parking lot or a designated boat ramp.
Catfish are weighed individually, and tournaments typically award prizes in two categories: the heaviest single fish and the total weight of all fish caught. Some events also have a "big bass" style prize for the largest catfish. The weigh-in staff will record your weight, take photos if you place high, and announce results the same day or shortly after. Prize money or gift cards are distributed to top finishers in each category.
Preparing your catfish for the tournament
How you handle your catfish from the moment you hook it affects both the weight and the quality of the meat if you plan to eat it afterward. Keep catfish in a livewell or cooler with fresh water and ice to maintain their condition until weigh-in. Catfish are hardy fish and survive well in livewells, but they do better in cooler water, so add ice if the day is hot.
When you land a catfish, handle it carefully to avoid injury to yourself — catfish have sharp spines on their pectoral and dorsal fins. Wet your hands before handling to protect the fish's slime coat, which helps it stay healthy. If you are keeping multiple fish, keep them separated if possible so they do not damage each other. At weigh-in, the fish should be alive and in good condition, so avoid letting them sit in the sun or in warm water for long periods.
What happens after weigh-in and what to do with your catch
After weigh-in, your catfish are returned to you. If you caught them to eat, you can take them home and prepare them that day or the next. Catfish keep well on ice for a day or two, and they freeze well if you want to save them longer. Many anglers who fish tournaments also fish to eat, so the Big Cat Quest gives you both competition and a meal.
If you do not plan to keep your catch, some tournaments allow you to release fish after weigh-in, though policies vary. Ask the tournament staff at registration whether catch-and-release is permitted for your event. Some waters have restrictions on live release, so it is worth checking before the day of the tournament.
Connecting with other catfish anglers in Tennessee
The Big Cat Quest brings together people who fish catfish seriously — both competitive anglers and people who fish primarily to eat. Tournaments are a way to learn techniques from other anglers, find out which baits and methods work best on specific waters, and build relationships with people who share your interest in catfish. Many anglers return to the same tournaments year after year and develop friendships that extend beyond the competition.
If you are new to catfish fishing or new to tournament fishing, arriving early to the weigh-in and talking with other anglers is a good way to pick up tips. Most catfish anglers are willing to share information about what is working, what the water conditions are like, and where fish are holding. The community aspect of the Big Cat Quest often matters as much to participants as the prizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fishing license to fish the Big Cat Quest?
Yes. Tennessee requires all anglers to carry a valid fishing license, and tournament organizers will ask to see it at registration or weigh-in. You can purchase a license online through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website or at any Bass Pro Shops location.
Can I fish from shore, or do I need a boat?
Most Big Cat Quest events require a boat, but some tournaments on certain waters allow shore fishing. Check the specific rules for the event you want to enter when you register. If you do not own a boat, you can often find a fishing partner through the Bass Pro Shops community or local fishing groups.
What if I catch more fish than I can keep alive until weigh-in?
Keep your best fish — the heaviest ones or the ones that will give you the highest total weight. You do not have to weigh every catfish you catch, only the ones you want to count toward your score. Leave smaller fish in the water or release them if you run out of livewell space.
How much do prizes usually pay out?
Prize amounts vary by tournament and depend on how many anglers enter. Smaller local events might offer $200 to $500 in total prizes, while larger tournaments can pay out several thousand dollars. Bass Pro Shops will tell you the prize breakdown when you register.
Can I fish with live bait, or are there restrictions?
Most catfish tournaments allow live bait, cut bait, and prepared stink baits. Check the specific rules for your event, as some waters or tournaments have restrictions on certain bait types. The tournament packet you receive at registration will list what is allowed.