What Big Bass Splash Is
Big Bass Splash is a recreational fishing tournament series run by the Bass Fishing League (BFL), a division of Major League Fishing. The tournaments are open to anglers of all skill levels — you do not need to be a professional or a member of any club to enter. You fish a single day, weigh your catch at a designated location, and compete for cash prizes and merchandise based on the weight of your bass.
The format is straightforward: you register before the tournament date, fish during the announced window (usually dawn to mid-afternoon), and bring your fish to the official weigh-in site. The angler with the heaviest total weight wins the division prize. Most Big Bass Splash events also award a separate prize for the single largest bass caught that day, which draws both serious competitors and people fishing for fun.
These tournaments happen throughout the year in different states and on different bodies of water. The specific lakes, dates, and entry fees vary by location and season, so the first step is finding which event is scheduled near you.
Key Takeaways
- Big Bass Splash tournaments are one-day events open to any angler, with no membership or experience requirement to enter.
- You register in advance, fish during the announced hours, and weigh your catch at the official site to compete for prize money.
- Entry fees, lake locations, and tournament dates differ by state and season, so you will need to check the current schedule for your region.
- The tournament awards prizes for both total weight and the single largest bass, giving different anglers a chance to win.
- Bring a valid fishing license for your state and follow all local regulations — the tournament does not override state fishing rules.
How to Find and Enter a Big Bass Splash Near You
The Bass Fishing League posts the full tournament schedule on their website, organized by state and month. You can search by your state to see which lakes are hosting events and when. Each tournament listing includes the entry fee, the lake name, the registration deadline, and a link to register online.
Registration typically closes a few days before the tournament date. You will need to provide your name, contact information, and proof that you hold a valid fishing license for that state. Some tournaments also ask which division you want to fish (if multiple divisions are offered) so organizers can pair you with anglers at a similar skill level.
Entry fees vary widely depending on the lake and region — some tournaments cost $50 to $100, while others may be higher. The fee covers your spot in the tournament and your weigh-in, but not your gas, bait, or tackle. Prize payouts come from entry fees and sponsorships, so larger tournaments with more entries typically have bigger prize pools.
What to Bring and How the Day Works
Bring your fishing rod, tackle, and a cooler with ice to keep your fish fresh. You will also need your valid state fishing license — the tournament cannot override state regulations, and you must follow all local rules about bag limits, size limits, and closed seasons. Check your state's fishing regulations before you go, especially if you are fishing a lake you have never visited.
The tournament will announce a start time (usually sunrise or shortly after) and a weigh-in window (the hours during which you must bring your fish to the official site). You fish during that window and cannot weigh in fish caught before or after. Most tournaments run from early morning until mid-afternoon, giving you a full day on the water.
At weigh-in, tournament staff will measure and weigh your bass in front of you, record the total, and return your fish to the water (or to a live well if the tournament is catch-and-release). Your weight is posted, and prizes are awarded based on final rankings. Some tournaments announce winners the same day; others mail checks or deposit prize money within a few weeks.
Tournament Rules and What Disqualifies You
Each Big Bass Splash event publishes its own rules before the tournament date. Common rules include a requirement to fish alone (no team fishing), a limit on the number of bass you can weigh (usually five), and a rule that all fish must be caught during the official tournament window. Some tournaments also specify which tackle or techniques are allowed — for example, some ban live bait or electric trolling motors.
You can be disqualified for fishing before the start time, bringing fish caught on a different day, or violating state fishing laws. Falsifying your weight or the number of fish is grounds for permanent removal from future tournaments. Read the full rules for your specific event before you register, because they vary by location.
If you are unsure whether something is allowed — a particular lure, a technique, or a piece of equipment — contact the tournament organizer before the day of the event. They will give you a clear answer and save you from a problem at weigh-in.
Divisions and Prize Structure
Most Big Bass Splash tournaments offer multiple divisions so anglers compete against others at a similar level. A common structure includes a recreational division (for newer or casual anglers) and a boater division (for people with their own boat). Some events also have a non-boater division for anglers fishing from shore or as a passenger in someone else's boat.
Prizes are usually awarded to the top three or top five finishers in each division, with the largest share going to first place. A separate prize — often called the "Big Bass" award — goes to whoever catches the single heaviest bass of the day, regardless of their total weight. This means you could fish a recreational division, catch one very large bass, and win the Big Bass prize even if your total weight does not place you in the top finishers.
Prize money is paid out in cash or check, and some tournaments also award merchandise like tackle boxes, rods, or fishing gear from sponsors. The exact prize amounts depend on how many people enter and how much sponsorship money the event receives.
Preparing for Your First Big Bass Splash
If you have never fished a tournament before, start by scouting the lake if you can. Visit a few days early, talk to local bait shops or other anglers, and get a sense of where bass are holding. Ask what lures and techniques are working. This research takes a few hours but can make a real difference in your catch.
Practice your casting and your ability to set the hook quickly — tournament days move fast, and you want to land fish cleanly without losing them. If you are nervous about the weigh-in process, call the tournament organizer and ask them to walk you through it. They want you to succeed and will answer questions.
Arrive early on tournament day so you have time to launch your boat (if you are boating), gather your gear, and get to your first fishing spot without rushing. Rushing leads to mistakes and missed fish. Bring more water and snacks than you think you will need — a long day on the water is tiring, and staying hydrated and fed keeps you sharp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boat to fish Big Bass Splash?
No. Most tournaments offer a non-boater division for anglers fishing from shore or as a passenger. Some lakes also allow kayak fishing. Check the tournament rules to see which options are available at your event.
What happens to the fish after weigh-in?
Most Big Bass Splash tournaments practice catch-and-release, meaning your fish are returned to the water immediately after weighing. A few tournaments may keep fish for a short time in a live well before releasing them. The tournament rules will specify the practice for your event.
Can I fish with someone else in the same boat?
Most tournaments require you to fish alone, meaning only you and the tournament observer (if present) are in the boat during competition. Check your event rules — some allow a non-fishing passenger, but that person cannot help you fish or handle your equipment.
What if I do not catch any fish?
You can still weigh in — your score will be zero pounds, and you will not place, but you will not be disqualified. You will not win a refund of your entry fee, but you are welcome to fish again in future tournaments.
How long does it take to get my prize money?
Some tournaments pay winners on the day of the event. Others mail checks within two to four weeks. The tournament organizer will tell you the payment timeline when you register or at weigh-in.