The Music City Division Bass Tournament runs year-round in Tennessee waters
The Music City Division Bass Tournament is a series of competitive fishing events held throughout Tennessee, organized under the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.) framework. Anglers fish individual tournaments at different lakes and reservoirs across the state, competing in a division structure that feeds into larger regional and national competitions. The tournament year typically runs from spring through fall, with specific event dates and locations announced by the division each season.
If you fish competitively or want to start, this tournament series offers a structured way to test your skills against other anglers in your region. Entry fees, boat requirements, and rules are standardized, so once you understand the basics, you can focus on fishing rather than logistics.
Key Takeaways
- Music City Division tournaments are open to anglers who hold a current B.A.S.S. membership and meet the division's registration requirements.
- Each tournament has a specific entry fee, typically ranging based on the event format and location, and you register through the B.A.S.S. website or at the tournament host site.
- Tournaments follow catch-and-release rules with a five-fish daily limit per angler, and fish are weighed at a designated weigh-in location on tournament day.
- The division competes across multiple Tennessee lakes, so you fish the same body of water as other competitors on the same day under identical rules.
- Top finishers in division events accumulate points that may may have access to them for regional and national B.A.S.S. competitions.
How to Register and What You Need
To fish a Music City Division tournament, you first need a current B.A.S.S. membership. You can join through the B.A.S.S. website; membership includes tournament insurance and access to division events. Once you are a member, you register for individual tournaments through the B.A.S.S. website or at the tournament's host location, usually a local marina or boat launch.
Registration typically closes a few days before the tournament date. You will need to provide your B.A.S.S. membership number, boat information (if you are running your own boat), and payment of the entry fee. Some tournaments allow boaters and non-boaters to register separately, since not every angler owns a boat. If you do not have a boat, you can often be paired with another angler's boat through the tournament organizer.
Bring your valid fishing license on tournament day—Tennessee requires one for all anglers, regardless of tournament status. Have your boat inspected and fueled before you arrive at the launch site, since tournaments start early and delays cost you fishing time.
Tournament Rules and Fishing Format
Music City Division tournaments follow B.A.S.S. rules, which means a five-fish daily limit per angler. You keep the fish you catch in a livewell during the tournament day, then bring them to the official weigh-in. Dead fish are penalized, so livewell management—keeping water cool and aerated—matters for your final weight.
Most tournaments run from early morning (often a 6:00 or 7:00 a.m. launch) through mid-afternoon, with a mandatory weigh-in window. You must return to the weigh-in location by the announced time, or you are disqualified. The angler or team with the heaviest total weight wins the tournament. Ties are broken by the weight of the largest single fish caught that day.
All fish must be caught during the official tournament hours. Catch-and-release is mandatory after weigh-in, so the fish are returned to the water alive. This protects the fishery and keeps tournaments sustainable across multiple events per season.
Where Tournaments Take Place in Tennessee
Music City Division events rotate among Tennessee's major bass fisheries. Common tournament locations include Watts Bar Lake, Norris Lake, Percy Priest Lake, and Old Hickory Lake, though the specific schedule changes year to year. Each lake offers different conditions and bass populations, so the division spreads tournaments across the state to give anglers variety and fair competition.
Before each tournament, the division releases the specific lake, launch site, and weigh-in location. Check the B.A.S.S. website or the Music City Division's social media pages for the current year's schedule. Knowing the lake ahead of time gives you a chance to scout if you are unfamiliar with it, though many anglers fish new water successfully by focusing on standard bass habitat—deep channels, structure, and cover.
Entry Fees and What They Cover
Entry fees for Music City Division tournaments vary by event but typically fall between $100 and $200 per angler, depending on whether you are running your own boat or fishing as a non-boater. Some tournaments charge a separate co-angler fee for anglers fishing from another person's boat. The fee covers your tournament insurance, access to the event, and weigh-in services.
Prize money is usually distributed to top finishers—typically the top 10 to 20 places, depending on the number of entries. Larger tournaments with more entries offer larger payouts. Entry fees and prize structures are posted when each tournament is announced, so you know the financial stakes before you register.
Preparing Your Boat and Gear
Your boat must be tournament-ready: a functioning livewell with aerator, working bilge pump, and reliable engine. Most tournaments require a safety inspection at registration, checking for life jackets, fire extinguisher, and proper registration. Bring more fuel than you think you need—running out of gas during a tournament ends your day.
Pack tackle for the lake you are fishing. If you are unfamiliar with the water, research what bass are biting there recently. Local tackle shops near the tournament lake often have current reports and can point you toward productive areas. Bring backup rods, extra line, and a variety of lures so you can adjust if conditions change during the day.
Dress for the weather and bring water and snacks. Tournament days are long, and you need to stay sharp from launch to weigh-in. A cooler with ice keeps your livewell water cold and your body hydrated.
How Points and Advancement Work
Each tournament you fish awards points based on your finishing position. Higher finishes earn more points. Over the course of the season, your points accumulate, and top point-earners in the Music City Division may may have access to for the B.A.S.S. Regional tournament. Regional qualifiers then compete for spots in the B.A.S.S. National Championship.
The exact point structure and advancement thresholds are published by B.A.S.S. at the start of each season. If you are serious about advancing, track your points throughout the year and plan which tournaments you will fish to maximize your opportunities. Some anglers fish every division event; others pick tournaments strategically based on lakes they know well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own boat to fish a Music City Division tournament?
No. You can register as a non-boater and be paired with a boater's boat through the tournament organizer. Non-boaters typically pay a lower entry fee and fish from the boater's vessel. Both the boater and non-boater compete for prizes based on the fish they catch.
What happens if I catch more than five fish?
You keep only five fish in your livewell. Any fish over the limit must be released immediately. If you are found with more than five fish at weigh-in, you are disqualified and may face additional penalties under B.A.S.S. rules.
Can I fish a tournament if I have never competed before?
Yes. You need a B.A.S.S. membership and a valid Tennessee fishing license, but there is no experience requirement. Many first-time competitors fish conservatively and focus on learning the format. Start with a lake you know or fish with an experienced boater to build confidence.
What if the weather is bad on tournament day?
Tournaments run in most weather conditions. Rain, wind, and cold are part of competitive fishing. However, if conditions become dangerous—lightning, severe storms—the tournament director may delay the start or cancel the event. Check the B.A.S.S. website or contact the tournament director if severe weather is forecast.
How do I find out about upcoming Music City Division tournaments?
Visit the B.A.S.S. website and navigate to the Music City Division schedule. You can also follow the division on social media or contact a local B.A.S.S. club in Tennessee for information about upcoming events and registration deadlines.