The Sturgeon Bay Open Bass Tournament draws anglers to Door County each year for a competitive event on Green Bay
The Sturgeon Bay Open Bass Tournament is a fishing competition held on the waters around Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, where anglers compete to catch the largest bass and compete for prize money. The tournament typically takes place in summer and attracts both local and visiting fishermen. Boats launch from Sturgeon Bay, and competitors fish the surrounding Green Bay waters during set hours, then return to weigh their catch at day's end.
This is a real tournament with real stakes — you need to understand the rules, the registration process, and what to expect on the water before you commit time and money. The information here covers how the event works, what it costs, and how to prepare.
Key Takeaways
- The Sturgeon Bay Open Bass Tournament is a competitive fishing event held on Green Bay waters near Sturgeon Bay, typically in summer months.
- You must register in advance and pay an entry fee; the exact amount and registration deadline vary by year and are set by the tournament organizers.
- Boats launch from Sturgeon Bay, and fishing hours are set by the tournament — you cannot fish before or after the official window without disqualification.
- Prizes are awarded based on total weight of your catch, with separate categories for individual anglers and team divisions depending on the year's format.
- Contact the Sturgeon Bay Chamber of Commerce or local fishing guides for current tournament dates, fees, and registration details before planning your trip.
How to Register and What It Costs
Registration for the Sturgeon Bay Open Bass Tournament happens through the tournament organizers, typically the Sturgeon Bay Chamber of Commerce or a local fishing organization. You will need to register before the deadline — this is not a walk-up event. The entry fee covers your boat's participation and is set each year; contact the organizers directly for the current amount, as it changes year to year.
When you register, you will provide your name, boat information, and emergency contact details. Some tournaments require proof of a valid Wisconsin fishing license for all anglers on your boat. If you are fishing as part of a team, all team members must be registered together. Ask the organizers whether you can fish solo or whether you must have a partner on board.
Tournament Rules and Fishing Hours
The Sturgeon Bay Open Bass Tournament has specific rules about when you can fish, what you can keep, and how your catch is weighed. Fishing hours are set by the tournament — typically you launch at a designated time in the morning and must return by a set time in the afternoon. You cannot fish before the official start or after the official end without risking disqualification.
Bass must meet a minimum size requirement, usually 12 inches, though this varies. Any bass under the minimum does not count toward your weight. You are typically allowed to keep a set number of fish — often five — and only your heaviest fish count. Dead fish are weighed the same as live fish, but some tournaments require fish to be brought back alive; ask before the event.
Check-in and weigh-in happen at a central location in Sturgeon Bay after fishing hours end. Arrive early — weigh-in windows close at a specific time, and late arrivals forfeit their catch. Bring your fish in a cooler with ice if the tournament allows dead fish, or in a live well if live fish are required.
What Waters You Will Fish and What to Expect
The Sturgeon Bay Open Bass Tournament takes place on Green Bay, the body of water that borders Sturgeon Bay to the east. Green Bay is large and can have strong currents, especially near the shipping channel. The water is coldest in early summer and warms through July and August. Bass in this area tend to hold near structure — docks, rocky points, and weed beds — rather than in open water.
Sturgeon Bay itself is a working harbor with commercial fishing traffic, so you will share the water with other boats. Stay alert for larger vessels and respect marked shipping lanes. The bay can get choppy in afternoon winds, so many anglers fish early morning when the water is calmer. Bring a map or GPS unit marked with your planned fishing spots; relying on memory in unfamiliar water costs time and fish.
Preparing Your Boat and Gear
Before tournament day, make sure your boat is in working order. Check your engine, fuel system, and battery. Bring a full tank of gas — you do not want to run out during fishing hours. Pack a spare prop, basic tools, and a first aid kit. Bring more ice than you think you need if you are keeping dead fish.
For tackle, bring rods and reels you trust. Bass in Green Bay respond to crankbaits, soft plastics, and topwater lures, depending on the season and time of day. Bring multiple rod setups so you can change tactics quickly without retying. Polarized sunglasses help you see fish in the water. Bring a net large enough to land a 5-pound bass without losing it at the boat.
Wear a life jacket — it is required by law and by tournament rules. Bring sunscreen, water, and snacks. The sun reflects off the water and intensifies; you will burn faster than you expect. Bring a rain jacket even if the forecast looks clear; weather on Green Bay can change quickly.
Finding Local Knowledge and Fishing Guides
If you are new to Sturgeon Bay or Green Bay, hiring a local fishing guide for a day or two before the tournament is one of the fastest ways to learn where bass hold and what they are biting. Guides know the seasonal patterns, the structure, and the current conditions. They can show you how to read your GPS and mark productive spots. A guide costs money upfront but often saves you from wasting tournament hours fishing dead water.
Local bait and tackle shops in Sturgeon Bay sell live bait and can tell you what lures are working that week. Talk to the shop staff — they hear reports from anglers coming off the water every day. Join local fishing forums or Facebook groups for Sturgeon Bay and Door County; anglers often share recent catch reports and conditions.
Lodging and Planning Your Trip
Sturgeon Bay has hotels, motels, and vacation rentals throughout the town. Book lodging well in advance if the tournament falls during peak summer season — rooms fill up fast. Many anglers stay the night before to be rested and ready for an early launch. Some tournaments offer a captain's meeting the evening before, where rules are reviewed and last-minute questions are answered; attend if one is offered.
Plan to arrive at least two hours before your launch time. You will need time to rig your boat, load gear, and check in at the launch. Sturgeon Bay has public boat launches; the tournament organizers will tell you which one to use. Arrive even earlier if you are unfamiliar with the launch — backing a trailer into a crowded ramp under pressure is how accidents happen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Wisconsin fishing license to fish the Sturgeon Bay Open Bass Tournament?
Yes. All anglers on your boat must have a valid Wisconsin fishing license. You can purchase a license online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website or at any bait and tackle shop. A one-day license is available if you do not want to buy an annual license.
Can I fish alone or do I have to have a partner on my boat?
This depends on the tournament format for that year. Some tournaments allow solo anglers; others require a two-person team. Contact the tournament organizers when you register to find out the format and whether solo entry is an option.
What happens if I am late to weigh-in?
Most tournaments have a hard deadline for weigh-in. If you miss it, your fish are not weighed and you receive no score for that day. Plan to return early and account for unexpected delays like engine trouble or traffic at the launch.
Can I practice on the water before the tournament?
Yes. You can fish Green Bay any day before the tournament to scout locations and learn the water. Many anglers spend a day or two beforehand fishing the same hours as the tournament to test their tactics and find productive spots.
Where do I find the current tournament dates and registration information?
Contact the Sturgeon Bay Chamber of Commerce or search online for "Sturgeon Bay Open Bass Tournament" along with the current year. Local bait shops and fishing guides in Sturgeon Bay also have registration details and can answer questions about the event.