2025 Public Fishing Tournaments Across the U.S.: A Great Opportunity for Anglers of All Skill Levels

Fishing is more than just a pastime- it's a community, a challenge, and a celebration of the great outdoors. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, participating in a public fishing tournament can be an exciting way to test your skills, enjoy camaraderie, and even win some prizes. We encourage everyone to get out there and participate- it’s a great way to spend the day with your friends and family. We're committed to the sport of fishing we love by providing affordable, quality boat t-tops and boat accessories for every level of enthusiasts. Here are some notable freshwater and offshore fishing tournaments happening across the continental U.S. in 2025 that welcome anglers of all experience levels.

1. 2025 Memorial Day Fish Tournament

• Location: Cherokee, NC
• Dates: May 24–25, 2025
• Details: This annual tournament offers $10,000 in cash prizes. Open to all skill levels, it features a tagged fish competition. Participants can fish from sunrise to sunset, with tag turn-ins between 2–4 PM. Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

2. Hatteras Village Offshore Open

• Location: Hatteras, NC
• Dates: May 13–17, 2025
• Details: Celebrating its 31st year, this tournament attracts anglers from across the East Coast. It's a fantastic opportunity to experience offshore fishing in the Outer Banks. Outer Banks

3. Ultimate Angler Championship

• Location: Lake Guntersville, AL
• Dates: October 5–11, 2025
• Details: This high-stakes bass fishing event boasts a guaranteed $500,000 first-place prize, with over $1 million in total payouts. It's open to amateurs, pros, and college anglers. https://www.waff.com

4. Frederick Saltwater Anglers Offshore Challenge

• Location: Chincoteague, VA
• Dates: June 13–15, 2025
• Details: A premier saltwater tournament focusing on tuna fishing. The event includes a captain's meeting and requires participants to have the appropriate fishing licenses. wefishsalt.com

5. Coastal Bend Home Builders Association Fishing Tournament

• Location: Corpus Christi, TX
• Dates: June 20–21, 2025
• Details: An annual event that encourages both members and non-members to participate. The tournament offers a relaxed atmosphere suitable for anglers of all levels.

6. MLF Toyota Series – Southern Division

• Location: Various locations including Lake Okeechobee (FL), Harris Chain of Lakes (FL), and Lake Seminole (GA)
• Dates: February 13–15, March 27–29, April 24–26, 2025
• Details: These tournaments are part of the Major League Fishing series, offering competitive opportunities for anglers across the southern U.S. Bass Angler Magazine

7. The League – Stop Three

• Location: Douglas Lake, TN
• Dates: May 22–24, 2025
• Details: A no-entry-fee championship event with live streaming weigh-ins. It's designed to be accessible to anglers of all skill levels. The National Professional Fishing League

8. Tight Lines for Troops

• Location: Manistee, MI
• Dates: May 16–17, 2025
• Details: While primarily for veterans, this event offers a unique opportunity for the public to witness and support a fishing tournament that honors those who have served. Manistee News Advocate

9. Fritz Boyden Memorial Youth Tournament

• Location: Nags Head, NC
• Dates: June 11, 2025
• Details: A youth-focused tournament open to anglers aged 16 and under. It's a great way to introduce young anglers to competitive fishing. Outer Banks

10. Alice Kelly Memorial Ladies Billfish Tournament

• Location: Manteo, NC
• Dates: August 9–15, 2025
• Details: An all-female offshore tournament that has been a tradition for over 30 years. It's a fantastic opportunity for women anglers to showcase their skills. Outer Banks

Why Participate?

Engaging in a fishing tournament offers numerous benefits:

• Skill Development: Challenge yourself and improve your fishing techniques.
• Community: Meet fellow anglers and share experiences.
• Prizes: Compete for cash prizes, gear, and trophies.
• Scenic Locations: Fish in some of the most beautiful waterways across the U.S.

For those with center console boats, these tournaments provide an excellent platform to utilize your vessel's capabilities, whether it's for offshore adventures or navigating local waters.

Tips for First-Time Tournament Anglers:

• Preparation: Ensure your boat is in top condition and equipped with necessary safety gear.
• Research: Familiarize yourself with the tournament rules and local fishing regulations.
• Practice: Spend time honing your fishing skills before the event.
• Community: Engage with fellow anglers to learn and share tips.

Participating in a fishing tournament is not just about competition—it's about enjoying the sport, challenging yourself, and being part of a vibrant community of anglers. Whether you're casting from a center console boat or a kayak, there's a tournament out there for you. So, grab your gear, choose your event, and get ready for an unforgettable fishing experience in 2025.

Looking for an affordable boat t-top or center console boat accessories to upgrade your fishing setup? Stryker T-Tops has a full line of products designed to fit a wide range of center console boats, models and years. Stryker T-Top's customer boat photo gallery has thousands of images demonstrating a wide range of configurations and installations.