Top 10 American Fishing Tournaments To Look Out for in 2025
Fishing is more than just a hobby—it’s a lifestyle. Whether you love the thrill of catching big bass, the strategy of deep-sea fishing, or the joy of cooking and eating your fresh catch, exploring the world of fishing tournaments is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the world of angling.
In 2025, numerous fishing competitions across the U.S. will offer opportunities for both amateur and professional anglers to showcase their skills. But don’t worry, if you’re not much of a fisherman yourself, you can join in on the fun as an attendee. Though it varies from competition to competition, most tournaments include spots for attendees to eat, watch, and relax.
Here are 10 fishing tournaments you should know about:
Major League Fishing (MLF) Toyota Series
Dates: January 23 – November 8, 2025
This tournament is open to various skill levels and is split regionally, making it easier for anglers all across the U.S. to participate. If you want to learn more about bass fishing techniques, watching this event is a great experience. Fans can attend in person or watch the live broadcast on the MLF website.
MLF Bass Pro Tour
Dates: January 30 – August 10, 2025
This prestigious event brings 65 of the world’s top professional anglers together to compete for a massive prize. The competition takes place in stages that span the country, from Florida, Alabama, and South Carolina to Texas, Tennessee, and Michigan. If you love bass fishing, this is a must-watch tournament.
The National Professional Fishing League
(NPFL)
Dates: March 6 – TBD Fall 2025
With a focus on creating opportunities for up-and-coming anglers, the NPFL offers a highly competitive yet welcoming environment for new participants. The six different qualifying tournaments take place in locations such as Lake Norman in North Carolina, Lake Eufaula in Oklahoma, and St. Lawrence River in New York.
Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic
Dates: March 21 – 23, 2025
This year’s Bassmaster Classic will be taking place on Lake Ray Roberts in Fort Worth, Texas. Watch some of the best bass anglers in the U.S. compete to see who comes out on top!
Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament
Dates: June 6 – 15, 2025
If deep-sea fishing is your passion, this is the tournament for you. The competition targets massive blue marlin, making it one of the most exciting offshore tournaments in the U.S. It takes place in Morehead City, North Carolina, at (you guessed it!) Big Rock Landing.
Ike’s Pro Am Bass Tournament
Dates: June 21, 2025
The Ike Foundation was founded to get kids into the outdoors and fishing. Support the cause by attending Ike’s Pro Am Bass Tournament, which will be taking place in Anchor Marina in Northeast, Maryland, later this year.
Salmon-A-Rama
Dates: July 12 – 20, 2025
If you enjoy fishing for salmon and trout in the Great Lakes, this tournament is one of the best in the Midwest. Plus, it’s a great place to learn about fish conservation! Salmon-A-Rama takes place in Racine County, Wisconsin, each year.
The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo
(ADSFR)
Dates: July 18 – 20, 2025
The three-day event includes 33 categories, attracts around 75,000 spectators, and typically brings in about 4,000 fishermen. This huge competition takes place in Dauphin Island, Alabama, and offers fun for the whole family, including live music and various tournaments to participate in.
White Marlin Open
Dates: August 4 – 8, 2025
This deep-sea fishing tournament has been around for over 50 years and is held in Ocean City, Maryland. Last year it attracted over 3,000 anglers with a top prize of about $3.7 million. If you prefer ocean fishing, this is a competition you can’t miss.
U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament
Dates: October 2 – 4, 2025
This tournament is perfect for saltwater anglers who want to chase after one of the fastest fish in the ocean, the king mackerel. It is expected to take place at Dutchman Creek Park in Southport, North Carolina.
Whether you want to participate in a competition, learn from seasoned anglers, or simply enjoy watching the excitement of a weigh-in, tournaments are a fantastic way to connect with the fishing community. For those who love fresh fish, these events also highlight the best places to catch delicious bass, salmon, marlin, and more.
Mark your calendars and get ready to cast your line at (or tune into) one of these incredible tournaments in 2025!
