The Back Bay Bass Fishing Tournament runs annually in Virginia Beach, drawing anglers to one of the state's most productive shallow-water fisheries
The Back Bay Bass Fishing Tournament is a seasonal event held on Back Bay, the brackish water system between Virginia Beach and the North Carolina border. The tournament typically runs from spring through fall, with specific dates and divisions announced each year by the tournament organizer. Anglers fish for largemouth bass in a system known for consistent catches and shallow structure — docks, marsh edges, and grass beds that hold fish year-round.
Back Bay itself is a working fishery, not a closed tournament lake. You can fish it any day the bay is open to the public, but the tournament creates a formal competition with weigh-ins, prize payouts, and a community of anglers who return season after season. Entry fees vary by division and event, and most tournaments require you to register before the fishing day begins.
Key Takeaways
- Back Bay Bass Fishing Tournament events run on a seasonal schedule from spring through fall, with dates posted by the tournament organizer before each season begins.
- You must register and pay an entry fee before the tournament day; registration typically closes the night before or the morning of the event.
- Largemouth bass are the target species, and the bay's shallow structure — grass, docks, and marsh edges — holds fish in predictable locations.
- A Virginia fishing license is required, and you must follow all state regulations for bass size and creel limits even during tournament competition.
- Weigh-ins happen at a designated location and time, usually in the afternoon; fish must be alive and in good condition to count.
How to Register and What It Costs
Registration for Back Bay Bass Fishing Tournament events opens several weeks before each tournament date. You can register through the tournament organizer's website or by phone; some events also accept registration on the morning of the tournament, though early registration is encouraged because spots can fill. Entry fees typically range from $50 to $150 per angler, depending on the division and whether it is a single-angler or team event.
When you register, you will provide your name, contact information, and fishing license number. Some tournaments require proof of a valid Virginia fishing license at registration or at the weigh-in. If you are fishing as part of a team, all team members must be registered individually, and team fees may be higher than single-angler fees.
What You Need to Bring and Know Before You Go
A valid Virginia fishing license is non-negotiable. You can purchase a one-day license online through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website or at most tackle shops and sporting goods stores in the area. The license costs less than $10 for a single day and is required whether you are fishing a tournament or fishing on your own.
Bring your boat or arrange to fish from a rental or a guide's boat — Back Bay is open water, and you will need a way to reach the fishing grounds. A cooler with ice is essential for keeping fish alive and in good condition until the weigh-in. Most tournaments require fish to be weighed alive, so a livewell or aerated cooler is standard equipment. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat; Back Bay is exposed water with little shade, and the sun reflects hard off the water.
Check the tournament rules for any restrictions on tackle, lures, or fishing methods. Most Back Bay tournaments follow standard bass fishing rules — artificial lures only, no live bait — but confirm before you fish. The tournament organizer will provide the exact weigh-in location, time, and any other rules specific to that event.
Understanding Back Bay's Bass Habitat and Seasonal Patterns
Back Bay is a shallow, brackish system with an average depth of 3 to 5 feet. The water is murky to stained, which means bass rely heavily on structure and vibration to find food. Docks, pilings, and boat slips hold fish year-round, especially in spring and fall. Marsh grass — particularly cordgrass and widgeon grass — creates edges where bass hunt. Deeper holes and channels running through the shallows are travel routes and holding areas.
Spring tournaments (March through May) find bass moving shallow to spawn and feed heavily before the spawn. Summer tournaments (June through August) require fishing early in the morning or late in the afternoon when water temperatures are coolest; midday fishing is slow. Fall tournaments (September through November) see bass feeding aggressively as they prepare for winter, and the bite is often consistent throughout the day.
The brackish water means salinity varies with rainfall and tidal flow. After heavy rain, the bay freshens and bass may move to different areas. Tidal movement affects water level and current, which can concentrate bass in channels and around structure. Local anglers and the tournament organizer can advise on current conditions before you fish.
Tournament Rules and What Happens at Weigh-In
Most Back Bay Bass Fishing tournaments follow these standard rules: anglers fish during a designated window (usually 6 or 7 a.m. to 3 or 4 p.m.), keep their five largest bass (or however many the tournament specifies), and bring them to the weigh-in alive. Fish must meet the minimum size limit set by Virginia law and the tournament — typically 12 inches for largemouth bass, though some tournaments set a higher minimum.
At weigh-in, your fish are weighed on a certified scale. Dead fish or fish below the size limit are disqualified and not weighed. Penalties for rule violations — fishing after the cutoff time, undersized fish, exceeding the fish limit — can result in disqualification or a weight penalty. Winners are determined by total weight of all fish weighed, with ties broken by the largest single fish.
Prize payouts vary by tournament size and entry fees. Larger tournaments with more entries offer bigger payouts; smaller local events may award tackle or gift certificates. The tournament organizer will announce the prize structure when you register.
Finding Tournament Dates and Connecting with Other Anglers
The Back Bay Bass Fishing Tournament schedule is posted on the tournament organizer's website and social media pages. Most organizers announce the full season schedule in late winter, with registration opening 4 to 6 weeks before each event. If you are new to the tournament, follow the organizer on Facebook or sign up for their email list to stay informed about dates, rule changes, and special events.
Back Bay has a strong community of tournament anglers who fish together regularly. Attending your first tournament is a good way to meet other bass fishers, learn the water, and find fishing partners for non-tournament days. Many anglers fish Back Bay year-round and are happy to share information about seasonal patterns and productive areas.
Virginia Fishing License and Regulations You Must Follow
Virginia requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. A one-day license covers you for 24 hours from the time of purchase and costs under $10. You can buy it online, by phone, or in person at tackle shops and sporting goods retailers. Bring proof of purchase or your license number to the tournament.
Virginia's largemouth bass regulations set a 12-inch minimum size and a daily creel limit of five fish per angler. These limits apply during tournaments as well as regular fishing. If you catch a fish below 12 inches, you must release it immediately. If you reach five fish, you must stop fishing for bass, though you can continue fishing for other species if the tournament allows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own boat to fish the tournament?
No. You can fish from a rental boat, hire a guide, or fish with a friend who has a boat. Many anglers share boats or team up for tournaments. Check the tournament rules to see if there are any restrictions on boat sharing or guide services.
What if I catch more than five bass during the tournament?
You keep your five largest fish and release the rest immediately. Only the five fish you bring to weigh-in count toward your score. Releasing fish quickly and carefully improves their survival and is part of responsible tournament fishing.
Can I fish Back Bay the day before the tournament to scout?
Yes. Back Bay is open to the public year-round, and scouting the day before a tournament is common practice. Many anglers spend time on the water beforehand to locate fish and plan their tournament strategy.
What happens if the weather is bad on tournament day?
Most tournaments proceed unless conditions are dangerous — high winds, lightning, or severe storms. Check with the tournament organizer the morning of the event if weather looks questionable. Some tournaments have a rain date or will reschedule if conditions are unsafe.
How do I know if I caught a fish that meets the size limit?
Virginia's minimum size for largemouth bass is 12 inches, measured from the mouth to the tip of the tail with the fish's mouth closed. Bring a measuring device on the water so you can check fish before bringing them to weigh-in. Tournament officials will measure all fish at weigh-in as well.