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Whether you're a competitive angler looking to qualify for national championships or a weekend enthusiast wanting to test your skills against others, the Keystone State provides numerous opportunities to participate in organized bass fishing competitions.
Pennsylvania offers a thriving tournament scene for bass anglers in 2025, with events spanning the commonwealth’s diverse waterways from early spring through late fall. For competitive anglers seeking to qualify for national championships or weekend enthusiasts looking to test their skills, the Keystone State provides abundant opportunities to participate in organized bass fishing competitions.
The 2025 tournament season brings significant rule changes that all participants should note. According to PA B.A.S.S. Nation, all boaters must complete a Boater Safety Course to participate in any tournament – with absolutely no exceptions permitted. This certification must be included with your application or acknowledged during online registration.
Other notable changes for 2025 include:
These changes reflect the growing emphasis on safety and conservation in competitive bass fishing throughout Pennsylvania.
PA Bass Federation
The Pennsylvania Bass Federation hosts numerous events in 2025, including the TBF National Championship, Mr. Bass Kickoff, State Championship, and regional qualifiers. Their tournaments attract anglers from across the state competing for spots in prestigious national events.
PA B.A.S.S. Nation
One of the primary organizations conducting bass tournaments throughout Pennsylvania, PA B.A.S.S. Nation offers state events, team trails, a dedicated kayak series, and college qualifiers. All events follow B.A.S.S. Nation rules unless specifically modified by tournament directors.
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC)
While not a tournament organization itself, the PFBC regulates all fishing tournaments on Pennsylvania public waters, requiring permits and establishing specific conditions for bass tournaments.
April (Early Month)
April 7
If you’re interested in fishing during other seasons in Pennsylvania, check out our comprehensive guide to Pennsylvania fishing seasons.
May 3-4
May 3
May 4
For anglers interested in non-tournament fishing opportunities, explore our guide to free fishing days across different states.
June 20-21
June 21
June 22
July 11-12
July 18-19
July 19
July 20
July 20
July 20
July 22-26
If you’re planning to fish across state lines, check our guide to Michigan fishing regulations for neighboring opportunities.
The tournament calendar above represents the confirmed events as of April 2025. For the most current information, always check the official websites of tournament organizations for any schedule changes or updates.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) requires permits for all fishing tournaments on public waters. The application process follows specific timelines:
Tournament organizers must use form PFBC-500 (Special Activity Permit Application) when applying for permits. If tournament sponsors plan to stock fish for their event, they must also submit a Notice of Stocking form.
For bass tournaments specifically, the PFBC may include conditions that allow culling of uninjured largemouth, smallmouth, or spotted bass if the tournament rules include:
These conditions are designed to protect bass populations while enabling competitive events to continue.
On the Susquehanna River (downstream of Sunbury, PA) and portions of the Juniata River (downstream of Port Royal, PA), tournament fishing is restricted to catch and immediate release events only. Organizers and participants must follow specific guidelines for these waters.
The most significant requirement for 2025 is the mandatory Boater Safety Course completion for tournament participation. PA B.A.S.S. Nation has implemented this rule with no exceptions permitted. Additional rules for PA B.A.S.S. Nation events include:
For comprehensive information on tournament regulations, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s official website.
Pennsylvania bass tournaments utilize diverse waters throughout the state and neighboring regions. Here are some of the primary tournament venues for 2025:
Potomac River
While primarily in Maryland, the Potomac hosts several Pennsylvania-based tournaments at Smallwood State Park, including the Mr. Bass Kickoff and PA B.A.S.S. Nation State Event #1.
Cayuga Lake
Located in New York’s Finger Lakes region, Cayuga Lake is a popular tournament destination for Pennsylvania organizations, hosting the State Championship, PA Jr. Championship, and Team Regional events.
Lake Erie
This Great Lakes fishery offers world-class smallmouth bass fishing and hosts multiple tournaments including PA B.A.S.S. Nation State Event #3, Team Trail #3, and College Qualifier events.
Three Rivers
The confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers in Pittsburgh hosts PA B.A.S.S. Nation State Event #2 and Team Trail #2 from the South Side Ramp.
If you’re planning to fish in other states, consider exploring our guides to New York fishing or Florida fishing license exemptions.
When participating in tournaments, anglers must comply with Pennsylvania’s fishing regulations in addition to tournament-specific rules. All participants must possess valid Pennsylvania fishing licenses unless participating during Fish-for-Free Days.
For detailed information on seasons and regulations, refer to our complete guide to Pennsylvania fishing seasons.
Pennsylvania offers several youth-focused bass tournaments in 2025:
PA Jr. Championship
SAF PA High School Championship
Junior World Championship
These events provide young anglers with competitive opportunities while encouraging conservation ethics and fishing skills development.
Conservation practices are increasingly important in bass tournaments to ensure the health of fish populations and sustainability of the sport.
Cleaning of boats and fish holding and handling gear is now a legal requirement in Pennsylvania. Section §71a.12 of Pennsylvania regulations states that watercraft may be subject to inspection and potentially confined until invasive plants or animals are removed. This helps prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species between Pennsylvania waters.
The PFBC provides specific guidance for bass tournaments:
These measures help protect Pennsylvania’s valuable bass fisheries while allowing tournament anglers to enjoy competitive fishing.
Registration procedures vary by organization but generally follow similar patterns:
PA B.A.S.S. Nation
PA Bass Federation
Registration details are provided on their website (pabass.com), with specific entry requirements and deadlines for each tournament.
Most tournaments require registration well in advance of the event date. Always verify specific tournament requirements with the organizing body, as procedures can change.
Pennsylvania’s 2025 bass tournament calendar offers diverse competitive opportunities across the state’s premier fisheries. With new safety requirements implemented for the 2025 season, participants should ensure they complete necessary certification courses well before their first tournament. Whether you’re targeting the prestigious State Championship events or enjoying more casual club tournaments, Pennsylvania’s bass competition scene provides options for anglers of all skill levels.
By understanding tournament regulations, preparing properly, and practicing conservation-minded fishing techniques, anglers can enjoy competitive fishing while helping to preserve Pennsylvania’s excellent bass fisheries for future generations.
For more information on fishing opportunities across the United States, visit TeenFish.com for comprehensive guides to licenses, regulations, and premier fishing destinations.