What MLF BIG5 is and how it works

MLF BIG5 is a competitive bass fishing tournament series run by Major League Fishing. The circuit was formerly known as the FLW Tour before Major League Fishing acquired it in 2019 and rebranded it as BIG5 in 2024. The series runs across multiple states throughout the year, with tournaments held on different lakes and rivers depending on the season.

The BIG5 format brings together professional and semi-professional anglers who compete for prize money and ranking points. Each tournament typically lasts two or three days, with anglers fishing from boats and weighing in their catch at the end of each day. The angler or team with the heaviest total weight of fish wins the tournament and the associated purse.

Unlike some other circuits, BIG5 tournaments follow specific rules about fish handling, boat safety, and equipment. These rules exist to protect the fishery and ensure fair competition. If you are thinking about entering a tournament or watching one, understanding how the series operates helps you know what to expect.

Key Takeaways

  • MLF BIG5 is a multi-state bass tournament series that replaced the FLW Tour name in 2024, though it operates under the same Major League Fishing organization.
  • Tournaments run year-round across different states and lakes, with schedules published well in advance so anglers can plan which events to enter.
  • Entry fees, prize purses, and may be able to access requirements vary by tournament and state, so you need to check the specific event details before registering.
  • The series includes both individual and team divisions, and rankings accumulate throughout the season to determine year-end standings.

Tournament schedule and locations

BIG5 tournaments take place throughout the year across different regions. The schedule typically includes events in the spring, summer, and fall, with the specific lakes and rivers chosen based on seasonal fishing patterns and fish populations. Major League Fishing publishes the full schedule on their website, which lists each tournament location, dates, and registration details.

Because tournaments move to different bodies of water, the fishing conditions and target species can shift significantly from event to event. An angler fishing a spring tournament on a southern reservoir faces entirely different conditions than one fishing a summer event on a northern lake. This variety is part of what draws competitors to the circuit — success requires adaptability and skill across different fisheries.

If you want to follow the series or enter a tournament yourself, check the official Major League Fishing website for the current year's schedule. Tournament dates are typically announced months in advance, which gives anglers time to prepare and register.

Entry requirements and registration

To enter a BIG5 tournament, you must register through Major League Fishing's official registration system. The specific requirements depend on which tournament you want to enter and which division you are competing in. Most tournaments require you to be at least 18 years old and hold a valid fishing license for the state where the tournament takes place.

Entry fees vary by event and division. Some tournaments cost several hundred dollars to enter, while others may be less. The entry fee typically covers your tournament slot, official weigh-in, and access to the event. Prize money is distributed among the top finishers, with the amount depending on the total number of entries and the tournament's purse structure.

You will also need a boat and a co-angler or partner, depending on the division format. Some tournaments run as individual competitions, while others pair anglers together. Check the specific tournament rules before you register to understand what format applies and what equipment or documentation you need to bring.

Fish handling and tournament rules

BIG5 tournaments enforce strict rules about how fish must be handled and weighed. All fish caught during a tournament must be kept alive in a livewell until the official weigh-in. Dead fish are typically penalized or disqualified, depending on the specific tournament rules. This requirement protects the fishery by ensuring that fish not kept by the angler can be released alive after weighing.

Anglers must follow all state fishing regulations, including size and species limits. If you catch a fish that does not meet the legal minimum size for that state, you cannot weigh it. Tournament officials inspect catches at weigh-in to verify that all fish are legal and properly documented.

Safety rules also apply to all participants. Boat operation, life jacket requirements, and equipment standards are set by Major League Fishing and must be followed. These rules exist to protect anglers and maintain the integrity of the competition.

Prize money and rankings

Prize money in BIG5 tournaments is distributed based on final placement. The angler or team with the heaviest total weight finishes first and receives the largest share of the purse. Payouts typically extend through the top 10 or top 20 finishers, depending on the tournament size and structure.

Throughout the season, anglers accumulate ranking points based on their tournament finishes. These points determine their standing in the overall BIG5 standings. Anglers who compete in multiple tournaments throughout the year can build up points and compete for year-end titles and bonuses. The exact point system and year-end payout structure are detailed on the Major League Fishing website.

Some tournaments also offer bonus prizes for specific achievements, such as the heaviest single fish or the most consistent performance across multiple days. These bonuses add another layer of competition and opportunity for prize money.

How to watch BIG5 tournaments

Major League Fishing broadcasts BIG5 tournaments on television and through streaming platforms. Coverage typically includes highlights from each day of competition, interviews with top anglers, and analysis of fishing strategies. If you want to watch live coverage, check the Major League Fishing website or their social media channels for broadcast schedules and streaming links.

Some tournaments also allow spectators to watch from the shore or designated viewing areas. If you are interested in attending a tournament in person, contact the tournament organizers or check the event details to see whether spectator access is available and what the rules are for watching.

Watching tournaments is a good way to learn fishing techniques, see how top anglers approach different fisheries, and understand what competitive bass fishing looks like. Many viewers use tournament broadcasts to pick up tips they can apply to their own fishing.

Getting started as a competitor

If you want to compete in BIG5 tournaments, start by getting comfortable fishing in your home state or region. Build your skills on local lakes and rivers, learn how to handle fish properly, and practice the techniques that work in your area. Many successful tournament anglers start by fishing local and regional events before moving up to larger circuits.

Next, review the BIG5 schedule and pick a tournament that interests you. Read through the specific tournament rules, entry requirements, and registration process. Make sure you have a valid fishing license, a boat if required by the division, and the entry fee. Register through the official Major League Fishing website.

Before the tournament, study the lake or river where it will be held. Look at maps, read fishing reports, and talk to local anglers about what is biting and where. Prepare your boat, check your equipment, and make sure your livewell is working properly. On tournament day, arrive early, attend the mandatory meeting, and fish according to the rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a professional angler to enter a BIG5 tournament?

No. BIG5 tournaments include divisions for different skill levels and experience. Some events have amateur divisions specifically for non-professional anglers. Check the specific tournament details to see which divisions are offered and which one matches your experience level.

What happens if I catch a fish that is too small to keep?

If a fish does not meet the legal minimum size for that state, you must release it immediately. You cannot weigh it or count it toward your total. Tournament officials check all fish at weigh-in to verify they are legal size.

Can I fish a BIG5 tournament if I do not own a boat?

Many tournaments offer co-angler divisions where you fish as a partner with another angler who provides the boat. Check the tournament format to see if a co-angler division is available. You will still need to register and pay an entry fee, but you do not need to own or operate the boat.

How much does it cost to enter a BIG5 tournament?

Entry fees vary by tournament and division. Fees can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars, depending on the event. Check the specific tournament details on the Major League Fishing website for the exact entry fee before you register.

Where can I find the BIG5 tournament schedule?

The full schedule is published on the Major League Fishing website. You can view all upcoming tournaments, their dates, locations, and registration information in one place. Schedules are typically released well in advance so anglers can plan which events to enter.