To the casual observer, fishing events are just that: People catch fish, others watch and then everyone moves on. But thatís not how Alex Fine, director of tourism for Rhea County, Tennessee, views them.
“Competitive fishing is about strategy, skill and timing,” she says. “Anglers have to read the water, understand the fish’s behavior and adapt their techniques. This combination of athleticism and strategy keeps participants and fans engaged, as it’s not just about luck but about competing at a high level of skill.”
The fishing landscape is ever evolving. Elena Blevins, executive director of the Kentucky, Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau in southwestern Kentucky notes that there’s more livestreaming, more prize money and major brand sponsorships and more junior- and college-level tournaments that are expanding the sport’s base. There’s also a greater emphasis on sustainability, with enhanced catch-and-release policies and habitat restoration.
Plus, many anglers and fans simply are inspired by the chance to see big fish weighed in, especially in prestigious tournaments like the Bassmaster Classic, where records for largest catches are often broken.
Rhea County, Tennessee
Rhea County’s Lake Chickamauga in Dayton, a 36,240-acre reservoir on the Tennessee River known for its populations of largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, regularly hosts major fishing tournaments like the Bassmaster Elite Series and events for Major League Fishing (MLF). Meanwhile, Watts Bar Lake in Spring City is home to catfish, crappie, bass and striped bass. It spans 39,000 acres and hosts several tournaments in a lower-pressure environment compared to Lake Chickamauga, Fine says.
“The mild Tennessee climate allows for year-round fishing, which is a significant advantage over other lakes in colder climates that may have a shorter fishing season,” she adds. “Both Chickamauga and Watts Bar also have excellent amenities, including boat ramps, marinas and lodging, which make them accessible for large-scale tournaments. The local infrastructure in Rhea County supports tourism and outdoor activities, and local businesses and residents are accustomed to fishing tourism, making them enthusiastic about hosting events that bring economic activity and exposure to the area.”
Auburn, Alabama
The Auburn-Opelika region of Alabama, centrally located near Birmingham, Montgomery and Atlanta, offers Lake Martin, which spans 44,000 acres and boasts healthy populations of largemouth and spotted bass, according to Travis Harrison, experience and marketing specialist at Auburn-Opelika Tourism. Multiple top-tier fishing events in the area bring together high school, college and professional anglers, he says.
For example, the 2024 Nitro Logan Parks Fishing Foundation NSANE Tournament presented by Abu Garcia welcomed 150 teams, each consisting of a high school angler and a college angler to compete on Lake Martin. The format fosters mentorship and skill development, while allowing high schoolers to win thousands of dollars in prize money and new fishing technology.
“What truly sets Auburn-Opelika apart as a fishing tournament destination is the seamless blend of outdoor adventure and modern convenience,” Harrison says. “Tournament planners gain access to a dynamic host city that offers a full spectrum of accommodations, and Auburn-Opelika’s farm-to-table culinary scene and collegiate atmosphere create an all-encompassing experience for anglers and spectators.”
Erie, Pennsylvania
In 2024, Bassmaster ranked Erie County’s Presque Isle Bay among the top 15 best bass lakes not only in Pennsylvania but throughout the entire Northeast. (The bay also was named one of the top 10 ice fishing destinations for 2025 by Fishing Booker, the world’s largest platform for booking fishing trips.)
Presque Isle State Park, a 3,200-acre peninsula arching into Lake Erie, the southernmost of the Great Lakes, offers four boat launch areas; the bay itself is protected from the lake and renowned for its smallmouth bass. Erie hosts several high-profile events, including the 2024 Major League Fishing General Tire Team series featuring the B&W Trailer Hitches Challenge Cup Series, marking the first time MLF held an event in Pennsylvania.
“Advancements in technology such as improved rods, reels and lures transformed fishing into an important part of Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation industry,” says Sydney Dietz, events and marketing manager for the Erie Sports Commission. “Erie is a year-round fishing destination, with Lake Erie being the shallowest, warmest and most biologically productive of the Great Lakes.”
Harford County, Maryland
Located in north-central Maryland, Harford County is part of the state’s Fly Fishing Trail via Deer Creek, which is stocked with trout and offers fly fishers three seasons of three very different fly-fishing experiences, according to Tyler Zeisloft, executive director of Visit Harford. He adds that there also are several parks in the county that offer competitive and recreational fishing.
“The size of the tournaments and the distance people will travel for these tournaments have absolutely grown over the years,” Zeisloft says. “With access to fishing on land, on a pier or on a boat, Harford County delivers a multitude of options for the novice, the expert and all of the anglers in between. Many anglers come to Maryland on the hunt for rockfish, more commonly known as the striped bass, Maryland’s official state fish. In addition, we have seen growth in excitement for anglers to snag their share of blue catfish and the Chesapeake Channa [the polite term for the northern snakehead] which is wonderful news, because this fish is an invasive species to Maryland’s waters. The more that are caught, the better it is for Maryland’s waters and the things that live in it.”
Kentucky Lake, Kentucky
Kentucky Lake, located on the Tennessee River, has hosted several prestigious tournaments targeting bass, crappie and catfish. This year alone, those events include the 2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Open, the 2025 MLF Toyota Series, the 2025 MLF Bass Pro Tour Stage 5 and the 2025 Phoenix Bass Fishing League.
“Kentucky Lake is one of the largest man-made lakes in the U.S., offering vast open water and numerous coves ideal for tournament fishing,” Blevins says, adding that the lake is strategically positioned between major cities such as Nashville, Memphis and St. Louis. “The area features multiple boat ramps, marinas and lodging options tailored to tournament participants, and the local tourism industry, businesses and officials actively support and promote fishing events.”
Knoxville, Tennessee
Tennessee offers more than 320 species of freshwater fish, with approximately 285 considered native to the state; smallmouth bass is the official state sport fish. Knoxville, located in the eastern part of the state, is surrounded by lakes in all directions (nine of them), which make the area an ideal location for fishing tournaments and events.
The lakes are home to a diverse fish population that includes include bass, crappie, walleye, catfish, trout and bluegill, according to Chad Culver, senior director of the Visit Knoxville Sports Commission and Convention Sales.
The Hobie Bass Open Series Tournament of Champions and the Kayak Anglers’ Society of Tennessee State Championship were held in Knoxville in 2020, and the Bassmaster Classic (often considered the “Super Bowl of Bass Fishing”) was in Knoxville in 2021 and 2023 at Fort Loudon Lake, and it will return again in 2026.
“The sport of fishing has grown immensely in recent years,” Culver says. “Skilled anglers have become increasingly popular, leading to larger crowds at events. As more people become fans of the sport, it’s a great boost for events in our community. The popularity at the events is not only tied to the anglers but to the approachability of fishing as a sport. The average Joe (or Jane) can fish the same waters as professional anglers.”
Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
The Lake of the Ozarks spans 92 miles in length and covers more than 54,000 acres, making it one of the premier fisheries in the nation, according to Heather Brown, executive director of the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitors Bureau. While fishing opportunities exist across the area, many fishing tournaments are hosted at the Lake of the Ozarks State Park, launching from the Pa He Tsi Boat Launch or one many public launch areas. The lake is home to largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and more.
“One of our key advantages is our central location. Situated in the heart of both the United States and the State of Missouri, we typically attract higher attendance for fishing tournaments,” Brown says, adding that the area hosts as many as 500 fishing events every year, from local charity competitions to nationally televised events like MLF’s Toyota Series finale. “Social media has helped highlight not only the incredible fishing opportunities here but also the many tournaments that take place in the area. The promotion of these events has further established the lake as a premier fishing destination.”
Shores & Islands Region of Ohio
The Shores & Islands region, located in northern Ohio on the shores of Lake Erie, offers several prime launch spots that attract fishing tournaments and events. They include the Shelby Street Launch in Sandusky, which provides easy access to Sandusky Bay and Lake Erie for anglers looking to fish for walleye, bass and yellow perch; the Huron River Boat Access for those targeting walleye and smallmouth bass in the Huron River and Lake Erie; and the Catawba Island State Park Launch Ramp, which offers easy access to Lake Erie for those seeking walleye, perch and bass.
“Lake Erie’s rich fish populations make it one of North America’s top fishing spots, providing consistent and reliable fishing conditions that attract tournaments year after year,” says Tiffany Frisch, assistant director of group accounts for Shores & Islands Ohio, citing high-profile events affiliated with MLF, the Master Walleye Circuit and Bassmasters Limited. “The lake’s relatively shallow waters, particularly in the Western Basin, and its mild winters contribute to more predictable and manageable fishing experiences. Additionally, the region’s strategic location near major cities like Cleveland and Toledo makes it easily accessible to anglers from surrounding states.”
The Ohio Department of Resources even proclaimed in late March that “as walleye from Lake Erie’s recent large hatches continue to grow, anglers can expect a breadth of sizes and increased trophy potential in the Walleye Capital of the World.” On top of that, the Shores & Islands Event Support Grant helps offset costs associated with putting on fishing tournaments by providing financial assistance up to $5,000.
Southern Illinois
Two southern Illinois fishing destinations stand out as tournament hotspots in Williamson County, according to Ashlee Spiller, executive director visitSI. Lake of Egypt is a favorite for tournament circuits such as U.S. Angler’s Choice, American Bass Trail, ICCASS, Crappie USA and others, as well as for charity tournaments. Similarly, Crab Orchard Lake attracts major events including USA Bassin, U.S. Angler’s Choice, Steel City Bassmasters and benefit tournaments.
“What gives these lakes a competitive edge over other Midwest locations? Lake of Egypt, as a power plant lake, offers heated waters year-round, resulting in a longer and more flexible tournament season,” Spiller says, noting that both lakes feature diverse aquatic structures such as rocky points and submerged timber, quiet coves and lush vegetation.
“Fishing events in Southern Illinois have grown from small local gatherings into highly anticipated tournaments that draw anglers from across the region,” she adds. “As more people seek outdoor recreation and connections to nature, fishing tournaments have become a popular way to enjoy the scenic beauty of Southern Illinois while also supporting local businesses and charitable causes. With well-maintained lakes, diverse fish populations and modern tournament facilities, Southern Illinois continues to stand out as a premier fishing destination in the Midwest.” SDM
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