The Possum Kingdom Sand Bass Tournament runs annually on Possum Kingdom Lake, drawing anglers who fish for smallmouth bass in a competitive format with cash payouts and prizes.
Possum Kingdom Lake, about 90 miles northwest of Fort Worth near Graford, hosts this tournament as a chance to fish against other anglers and compete for money and gear. The event typically takes place in spring or early summer, though the exact dates shift year to year. The tournament is open to anglers of varying skill levels, and most participants fish from their own boats or rent one locally.
The lake itself is known for its clear water and rocky structure, which makes it good habitat for smallmouth bass. Sand bass — also called white bass — are also present, though the tournament name reflects the regional fishing culture more than a strict species requirement. Check the current year's rules to confirm which species count toward your catch and what the size and bag limits are.
Key Takeaways
- Possum Kingdom Sand Bass Tournament is held annually on Possum Kingdom Lake near Graford, Texas, with dates that vary by year.
- The tournament is open to recreational anglers and offers cash prizes and gear awards for top finishers.
- You will need your own boat or access to a rental, a valid Texas fishing license, and entry fee money to participate.
- The lake's clear water and rocky bottom make it productive for smallmouth bass, the primary target species.
- Rules about species, size limits, and bag limits change annually, so confirm current requirements before you register.
How to Find the Current Tournament Date and Rules
The Possum Kingdom Sand Bass Tournament does not have a single permanent website or organizer that runs every year. Instead, the event is often organized by local fishing clubs, the Possum Kingdom Lake Chamber of Commerce, or regional bass fishing associations. Your best first step is to contact the Possum Kingdom Lake Chamber of Commerce directly — they maintain current information about tournaments held on the lake and can point you to whoever is running this year's event.
You can also check with local tackle shops around Graford or Stephenville, which often post tournament flyers and registration details. Many shops will have entry forms or contact information for the tournament director. If you are already a member of a bass fishing club or association in Texas, ask whether they have details about the Possum Kingdom event or know someone who does.
What You Need to Bring and Register
To fish the tournament, you will need a valid Texas fishing license, which you can purchase online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website or at any tackle shop. You also need your own boat or a way to rent one — several marinas on Possum Kingdom Lake rent boats by the day, though availability and pricing vary by season. Call ahead if you plan to rent, especially during peak fishing months.
Registration typically happens a few days or a week before the tournament, either in person at a local tackle shop or online through the tournament organizer's website or social media page. You will pay an entry fee, which usually ranges from $50 to $150 depending on the year and the prize pool. Bring your fishing license and photo ID to registration, and ask the organizer for a copy of the rules packet so you know the exact species, size, and bag limits for that year.
Understanding Possum Kingdom Lake and Its Fish
Possum Kingdom Lake is a 17,000-acre reservoir with clear water and a rocky, irregular shoreline. The lake sits in the Brazos River system and is known for smallmouth bass fishing, particularly around rocky points, ledges, and submerged structure. The water clarity means fish can see your lure from farther away, so presentation and lure choice matter more than they do in murky water.
Sand bass (white bass) are also present in the lake and are a fast-growing species that school and feed aggressively. They tend to be smaller than smallmouth bass but fight hard and are good eating. The lake also holds largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie, though the tournament will specify which species count. Spring and early summer are peak seasons for both smallmouth and sand bass, which is why the tournament is typically scheduled then.
Boat Rentals and Lodging Near Possum Kingdom
Several marinas on Possum Kingdom Lake rent boats, including Possum Kingdom Marina and Caddo Marina. Rental rates depend on boat size and season but typically run $150 to $300 per day for a center console or bass boat. Reserve early if you are coming during a tournament weekend, as boats fill up quickly. Most marinas also sell fuel, ice, and basic tackle supplies.
Lodging options near the lake include RV parks, cabins, and motels in Graford and nearby towns. Many anglers camp at one of the lake's public parks or private campgrounds. If you are driving from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the drive is about two hours, so day trips are also possible if you have access to a boat or can arrange a rental the night before.
Tackle and Technique for Possum Kingdom Bass
Smallmouth bass on Possum Kingdom respond well to crankbaits, jigs, and soft plastics worked around rocky structure. The clear water means you can often see the fish, so accuracy and a natural presentation matter. Early morning and late evening are typically the most productive times, though overcast days can produce all day. Bring a variety of lure colors and sizes so you can adjust if the fish are not responding to what you started with.
Sand bass are more aggressive and will chase faster-moving lures. Spinnerbaits, small crankbaits, and topwater plugs can all work. Sand bass often school, so if you find one, more are usually nearby. Keep your lines tight and your rod tip ready — they hit hard and can break off if you are not paying attention.
Tournament Day: What to Expect
Most tournaments start with a morning takeoff, where all boats leave the marina within a short window — often 6:30 to 7:00 a.m. You will receive a takeoff time and a boat number at registration. Bring your fishing license, your tournament paperwork, and any required safety gear (life jackets, fire extinguisher). Fill your tank the day before so you are not rushed on tournament morning.
Fishing typically runs for six to eight hours, with a weigh-in at a set time in the afternoon. You keep your fish alive in a livewell and bring them to the weigh-in station. Fish are weighed, recorded, and usually released. Prizes are awarded based on total weight or number of fish, depending on the tournament format. Even if you do not place, you will have spent a day fishing a good lake with other anglers who care about the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own boat to fish the tournament?
No. You can rent a boat from one of the marinas on Possum Kingdom Lake, though you should reserve early during tournament season. You can also fish with a partner who has a boat, as long as both of you are registered for the tournament.
What if I have never fished a tournament before?
Many tournaments welcome beginners and have divisions for different skill levels. Call the tournament organizer and ask whether they have a beginner division or a non-boater category. Fishing with an experienced partner is also a good way to learn the format and the lake.
Can I keep the fish I catch in the tournament?
Most tournaments require fish to be released after weigh-in, so you cannot keep them. Some tournaments may have different rules, so ask the organizer before the event. If you want to keep fish to eat, you can fish the lake on other days when you are not in a tournament.
What happens if the weather is bad on tournament day?
Most tournaments proceed unless conditions are dangerous. High wind or lightning may delay the start or cancel the event. The organizer will communicate any changes through the contact information you provided at registration, so make sure they have your phone number.
Where do I find out about other tournaments on Possum Kingdom Lake?
Contact the Possum Kingdom Lake Chamber of Commerce, check local tackle shops, or search online for "Possum Kingdom Lake tournaments" along with the current year. Many tournaments are announced on social media or through local fishing clubs, so joining a club can keep you in the loop.