What the US Open National Bass Fishing Amateur Team Championships is
The Bass Pro Shops US Open National Bass Fishing Amateur Team Championships is an annual tournament where two-person teams of non-professional anglers compete for prizes and recognition. Bass Pro Shops, the fishing and outdoor retailer, sponsors the event. Teams fish across a designated body of water over multiple days, with the highest combined weight of fish determining the winners. The tournament draws hundreds of teams from across the country and has been running for decades as one of the largest amateur bass fishing competitions in the United States.
The event is open to anglers who have not earned their living as professional fishing guides or tournament competitors. This distinction matters: it keeps the field genuinely amateur and gives weekend anglers a legitimate shot at winning. The tournament format typically requires teams to weigh in their catch each day, with a final standings determined by total weight across all competition days.
Key Takeaways
- The US Open is an annual two-person team tournament for non-professional anglers, sponsored by Bass Pro Shops and held at a different location each year.
- Entry fees and exact dates vary by year and location, so you need to check the current year's announcement on the Bass Pro Shops website or contact them directly for details.
- Teams compete by fishing a designated body of water and weighing in their catch daily, with winners determined by total combined weight.
- The tournament draws hundreds of teams nationwide and offers cash prizes, merchandise, and the prestige of winning a national amateur championship.
- Registration typically opens several months before the tournament and fills up, so early entry increases your chances of securing a spot.
How the tournament is structured and what to expect
The US Open runs over multiple days—typically three to five days of competition—at a single fishery announced well in advance. Each day, teams launch from a designated area, fish during daylight hours, and return to weigh in their catch. The tournament usually has a daily weigh-in window, and fish must be brought to the official weigh station within that time. Dead fish are typically penalized or disqualified, so fish care during the day matters.
Teams compete in a single division or sometimes in separate divisions based on boat type or other criteria, depending on that year's rules. The angler who does not own or operate the boat is often called the "co-angler," though both team members fish. Prize money is usually distributed to the top finishers—often the top 10 to 20 teams—with the first-place team receiving the largest payout. Beyond cash, winners may receive merchandise, sponsorship opportunities, or invitations to other tournaments.
Where the tournament takes place and how location changes
The US Open moves to a different lake or reservoir each year. Past tournaments have been held at fisheries across the South and Midwest, including locations in states like Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and others. The specific location for each year's tournament is announced by Bass Pro Shops, usually several months before the event. Choosing a new location each year keeps the competition fresh and gives anglers in different regions a chance to host and participate.
The host location matters because it determines which fish species you will target, what tackle and techniques work best, and what lodging and travel costs you will face. A tournament in a clear, rocky reservoir plays very differently from one in a murky river system. Before you commit to entering, research the specific fishery for that year so you understand the fishing conditions and can plan accordingly.
Entry fees, registration, and how to sign up
Entry fees for the US Open vary by year and location. Bass Pro Shops sets the fee structure for each tournament, and it typically ranges from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars per two-person team, though this varies. The fee usually covers your team's entry into the competition, daily weigh-in access, and sometimes a tournament t-shirt or other merchandise. Some years may include additional costs for optional events or side tournaments.
Registration opens several months before the tournament date and closes when the field is full or on a set deadline—whichever comes first. To register, visit the Bass Pro Shops website, look for the current year's US Open announcement, and follow the registration link. You will need to provide team member names, contact information, and boat details if required. Because spots fill up, registering early is wise if you want to may provide your entry.
may be able to access and what makes an angler "amateur"
To compete in the US Open, you must be classified as an amateur angler. This means you have not earned money as a professional fishing guide, tournament director, or professional bass tournament competitor. Some tournaments allow former professionals to compete after a waiting period, but the US Open's specific rules on this can change year to year. Before you register, confirm your may be able to access by reading the tournament rules posted on the Bass Pro Shops website or by contacting the tournament director.
Both team members must meet the amateur requirement. If either angler has professional credentials, the team may be ineligible or placed in a different division. Age restrictions may also apply—some years require anglers to be at least 16 or 18 years old, though rules vary. Check the current year's rules document to confirm you and your partner meet all requirements before you pay the entry fee.
What to bring and how to prepare
Bring a boat that meets the tournament's specifications—usually a bass boat or similar fishing vessel with a functioning livewell to keep fish alive during the day. You will need rods, reels, and tackle suited to the specific fishery. Many anglers spend weeks before the tournament pre-fishing the lake to learn where bass are holding and what lures work. This scouting is not required but gives you a real advantage, especially if you are unfamiliar with the water.
Bring safety gear: life jackets for both anglers, a first aid kit, and a working radio or cell phone for communication. Bring coolers with ice or water to stay hydrated during long days on the water. Pack sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a hat—tournament days are long and exposure is real. If you are traveling from out of state, book lodging well in advance, as tournament weeks fill hotels quickly.
Prizes, payouts, and what winners receive
Prize money for the US Open is distributed among the top-finishing teams. The exact payout structure changes year to year, but typically the first-place team receives the largest cash prize, with smaller amounts going to second, third, and so on down the list. Some years, all teams that weigh in fish may receive a small payout or merchandise credit. Bass Pro Shops also awards merchandise prizes, gift cards, or sponsorship opportunities to top finishers.
Beyond cash and merchandise, winning the US Open carries real prestige in the amateur fishing community. Your names are published in fishing media, you may be invited to other high-profile tournaments, and you gain credibility as skilled anglers. For many competitors, the experience and the title matter as much as the money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish the US Open if I have never competed in a tournament before?
Yes. The tournament is open to any amateur angler, regardless of tournament experience. Many first-time competitors enter each year. If you are new to tournament fishing, expect a learning curve—weigh-in procedures, fish care rules, and competition pace are different from casual fishing—but nothing prevents you from entering and competing.
Do I need my own boat to enter?
Most years, yes. The tournament requires a boat that meets certain specifications, and you are responsible for providing it. Some tournaments offer a "co-angler" division where you can fish without owning a boat, but you would need to partner with a boat owner. Check the current year's rules to see if a co-angler option exists.
What happens if I catch fish that are too small or undersize?
Undersize fish are typically penalized or disqualified from your weight total. Tournament rules specify a minimum size for each species. Any fish below that size either counts as zero weight or results in a penalty. Read the rules carefully before you fish so you know the size limits for the specific fishery and year.
How far in advance should I register?
Register as soon as registration opens. The tournament fills up, and spots are limited. Registering early guarantees your entry and gives you more time to prepare and arrange travel. Waiting until the last minute risks the tournament being full.
Can I fish the US Open if I live outside the United States?
The tournament is open to anglers from various states, and some years international anglers have competed. Check the current year's rules to confirm whether non-US residents are permitted and what documentation or requirements apply.