With the weather getting warmer and trees and flowers blooming, spring is finally here. That means it’s time to grab your fishing pole and get out on the water. Whether you are new to the hobby or have been competing for years, here are a few tournaments to get you ready for the summer season.
Open to the public
Fourth Annual Crappie Fishing Tournament
April 28, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Spend the afternoon at Izaak Walton League Pond with all the crappies, bass trout and bluegill fish you can imagine. The top three anglers who catch the most crappies will win gift cards worth up to $50. Advanced registration is required. // Izaak Walton League of America – Loudoun County Chapter: 19237 Mountain Spring Lane, Leesburg; free
Kids’ Fishing Tournament
May 4 & June 1, 9-11 a.m.
It’s never too early to learn how to fish. Have your youngsters bring their own gear or borrow some from the park. Fishers ages 2 to 15 are welcome to participate. // Leesylvania State Park: 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive, Woodbridge; free
2019 Kickin’ Bass Tournament for Special Olympics Virginia
May 17, 6 a.m.
Hook up your boat and drive down to Leesylvania State Park as the Prince William County Sheriff’s Office holds its annual Kickin’ Bass Tournament. Don’t miss out on this 100%-payback tournament. Proceeds benefit the year-round programs of Special Olympics Virginia. // Leesylvania State Park: 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive, Woodbridge; $100-$140
Friday Night Bass Tournament
Fridays from May 31 through October, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Relax after a long week at work with the weekly Friday-night fishing tournaments on Lake Anna. Cash prizes will be awarded to the team who catches the heaviest haul. All fish are released back into the lake. // Lake Anna State Park: 6800 Lawyers Road, Spotsylvania Courthouse; $40 per team
2019 Youth Fishing Derby
June 2, 8 a.m.-noon
Have your kids try their hand at fishing before the start of summer with the Potomac Bassmasters. Members will be on hand to help new fishers who need assistance. While all participants will receive a gift to take home, trophies and prizes will be awarded to the fisher with the heaviest creels. // Burke Lake Park: 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station; free
Father’s Day Fish-a-Rama
June 16, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Make Father’s Day extra special this year by competing in a fishing tournament with your child. Prizes are at stake for the team that hooks the largest fish and most fish during the final hour of competition. Worms will be available for sale, but participants must bring their own equipment. // Great Country Farms: 18780 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont; $10 for adults, $8 for kids
Member-only competitions
2019 Dakota Lithium KBF Trail
April 27, 6 a.m.-2 p.m.
Leave the boat at home and grab the kayak for this fishing competition. The top 10 finishers will be awarded cash prizes with the winner collecting the $2,000 jackpot. Participants must be a member of Kayak Bass Fishing in order to compete. // Lake Anna State Park: 6800 Lawyers Road, Spotsylvania Courthouse; $75
VA Top 100
May 3 & June 7
If you’re looking for big payouts, this amateur contest is for you. With a full field of competitors, winners can receive up to $40,000 for the largest creel. All registrants must be a member of Va Top 100 to compete. // Leesylvania State Park: 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive, Woodbridge; $995 per team
Extreme Bass Anglerz
May 18, 6 a.m.-3 p.m.
Spend the day out on the Potomac River with other fishing aficionados. Compete against an average of 20 teams as you try to catch the biggest fish and the cash prize that comes with it. All participants must be a member of Extreme Bass Anglerz before competing. // Leesylvania State Park: 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive, Woodbridge; $60
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