What STAR Tournament Is and Who Can Enter
The State of Texas Anglers' Rodeo (STAR) is a recreational fishing tournament program run by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. It is open to anyone with a valid Texas fishing license — you do not need to be a member of a club, pay an entry fee, or register in advance. You fish during designated tournament periods, keep a record of your catch, and submit your results to TPWD afterward.
STAR tournaments happen throughout the year in different regions of Texas. Each tournament targets specific fish species — largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, crappie, or saltwater species depending on the event — and runs for a set number of days. The goal is to catch the heaviest fish or the most fish in your category, depending on how that tournament is structured.
Because STAR is a catch-and-report system rather than a weigh-in event, you can fish from shore, a boat, a pier, or any legal access point. You do not have to travel to a central location or stand in line at a weigh station. This makes STAR tournaments accessible to people who fish casually or who live far from tournament headquarters.
Key Takeaways
- STAR tournaments are free to enter and require only a valid Texas fishing license; you register by submitting your catch report after the tournament ends.
- Each tournament targets a specific fish species and runs for a defined period — check the TPWD website for the current tournament schedule and rules.
- You report your catch by weight or count depending on the tournament type, and winners are determined by the heaviest single fish or the largest total catch.
- All fish must be caught legally during the tournament dates using legal methods, and you must follow all Texas fishing regulations including size and bag limits.
- Results are submitted online or by mail to TPWD, and winners are announced on the TPWD website after the tournament closes.
How to Find the Current Tournament Schedule
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department publishes the STAR tournament calendar on its official website. You can search for tournaments by region, species, and dates. Each tournament listing includes the exact start and end dates, which fish species are may be able to access, the waters where you can fish, and the specific rules for that event.
Tournament periods vary. Some run for a single week, while others span a month or more. Before you fish, read the full rules for the tournament you want to enter — they specify whether you are competing for the heaviest fish, the most fish, or a combination, and they list any restrictions on where you can fish or what methods you can use.
You can also contact your local TPWD office or visit a Texas Parks and Wildlife office in person if you prefer to get the schedule on paper or have questions about a specific tournament.
What You Need to Know Before You Fish
You must have a valid Texas fishing license before you enter any STAR tournament. The license type depends on where you plan to fish: a freshwater license for lakes and rivers, a saltwater license for coastal waters, or a combination license if you fish both. You can purchase a license online through the TPWD website, at sporting goods stores, or at many bait and tackle shops.
All standard Texas fishing regulations apply during STAR tournaments. That means you must follow size limits, bag limits, and seasonal closures for the species you are targeting. If a tournament allows you to keep five largemouth bass but Texas law says the bag limit is five, you follow the law. If a fish is below the legal minimum size, it does not count toward your tournament catch, even if you caught it during the tournament period.
You can only use legal fishing methods — rod and reel, hand line, trotline, or other methods permitted by law in that water. Spearfishing, netting, and other prohibited methods disqualify your catch. Check the specific tournament rules to see if there are additional restrictions, such as a ban on live bait or a requirement to use artificial lures only.
How to Report Your Catch and Submit Results
After the tournament ends, you submit your catch report to TPWD. Most tournaments allow you to report online through the TPWD website — you enter the date you caught each fish, the weight or count, and the water where you caught it. Some tournaments also accept reports by mail or phone, though online submission is faster and more common.
You will need to provide basic information: your name, address, fishing license number, and details about each fish you caught during the tournament period. Keep notes while you fish so you remember the dates and weights accurately. If you weighed your fish on a scale at a bait shop or marina, ask for a receipt or written record to back up your report.
Reports must be submitted by the deadline listed in the tournament rules — usually within a week or two after the tournament ends. Late reports are typically not accepted, so mark the deadline on your calendar and submit early if you can.
Understanding Tournament Categories and How Winners Are Determined
STAR tournaments use different scoring methods depending on the event. Some tournaments crown a winner based on the single heaviest fish caught during the period — you catch one large bass, weigh it, and that weight is your entry. Other tournaments score by total weight, meaning you add up the weight of multiple fish (usually your five largest, or however many the rules allow) and compete on the combined total.
A few tournaments score by count — the angler who catches the most fish of the target species wins, regardless of size. Read the specific tournament rules to know which method applies. The rules also specify whether you are competing in a single statewide category or whether there are separate divisions by age, gender, or region.
Winners are announced on the TPWD website after the submission deadline passes and results are verified. Prizes vary by tournament — some offer cash, tackle, or merchandise, while others are recognition-only events. Check the tournament listing to see what prizes are available.
Tips for Preparing and Handling Your Catch
If you plan to weigh your fish for a tournament, keep it alive and cool from the moment you catch it. Use a livewell on your boat, a cooler with ice, or a mesh bag in the water to maintain the fish's weight and condition. A stressed or dehydrated fish loses weight quickly, which can cost you points in a tournament where ounces matter.
Weigh your fish as soon as possible after catching it, ideally on a certified scale at a bait and tackle shop, marina, or sporting goods store. If you weigh at home, use a scale you trust — digital scales designed for fishing are affordable and reliable. Write down the weight immediately and keep the receipt or a photo of the scale reading as backup for your report.
Handle fish with wet hands or a wet cloth to protect their protective slime coating. Avoid squeezing or dropping them, and keep them out of direct sun. If you are fishing for a tournament where you will release the fish after weighing, minimize air exposure and return it to the water quickly and gently.
What Happens if You Have Questions or Need Help
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department maintains a customer service line and email address for questions about STAR tournaments. You can reach them through the TPWD website, which lists phone numbers for regional offices and a general inquiry email. Staff can answer questions about tournament rules, submission deadlines, and how to interpret specific regulations.
Local bait and tackle shops often have printed tournament schedules and can answer basic questions about where to fish and what methods work best for the target species in your area. Many shop owners fish STAR tournaments themselves and can offer practical advice based on recent catches.
If you catch a fish you cannot identify or are unsure whether it meets the size requirement, take a photo with a ruler or measuring tape in the frame. You can show the photo to TPWD staff or a knowledgeable angler before you submit your report, and they can help you determine whether it counts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to register before the tournament starts?
No. STAR tournaments are open to anyone with a valid Texas fishing license. You do not register in advance or pay an entry fee. You simply fish during the tournament period and report your results afterward.
Can I fish multiple STAR tournaments at the same time?
Yes, if the tournaments overlap and target different species or different waters, you can participate in both. However, read each tournament's rules to confirm there are no conflicts or restrictions on competing in multiple events simultaneously.
What if I catch a fish that is below the legal size limit?
It does not count toward your tournament score. You must follow all Texas fishing regulations, including minimum size limits, even during a tournament. Release the fish immediately and unharmed.
How do I know if my fish weighs what I reported?
Use a certified scale at a bait shop, marina, or sporting goods store. Keep the receipt or take a photo of the scale reading as proof. If TPWD has questions about your report, you can provide this documentation.
Can I fish in a STAR tournament if I do not have a boat?
Yes. You can fish from shore, a pier, a public dock, or any legal access point. STAR tournaments do not require a boat, and many anglers compete from land.