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Back to the Basics: What are Fishing Tournaments?

Competitions and tournaments focus on specific game fish-most commonly walleyes, muskie, salmon, trout, billfish, tarpon, and bass. In the United States, many organizations sponsor regional and national fishing tournaments. Of these, freshwater tournaments governed by B.A.S.S. are the most popular. Each year 750,000 members participate in local, state, and regional events. The competitions include cash awards and prizes for various categories, including the biggest fish caught, the first fish caught, the most fish caught, and heaviest cumulative weight of fish caught. During tournaments, anglers keep captured fish in aerated containers-called livewells-in their boats. At the end of the day the fish are measured and recorded at the tournament center. They are then released unharmed. Anglers who amass enough points by catching fish in local and regional tournaments are invited to fish in the annual Bassmasters Classic, held in August.

Many communities sponsor fishing derbies for local children. People loan tackle and bait to children who do not possess their own, and local bait shops and fishing clubs donate prizes. Derbies not only provide enjoyment for children but also teach proper fishing techniques, etiquette, and conservation.

Contributed By:

Jay H. Cassell, M.A.

Senior Editor, Sports Afield. Member, Outdoor Writers Association of America. Contributor, Business Week, Camping Journal, and other publications.

"Fishing," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2000
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