Hey, hey the first of May . . . outdoor fishing starts today. Well not really. People can fish outdoors every day of the year if they like. However, beginning in May the number of fishing contests that are held in America explodes. Historically in America May has more fishing contest opportunities than any other month of year. Reasons for this are probably due to the fact that many state legal fishing seasons begin in May, consistent warm weather arrives, many fishing circuits begin their seasons and a host of single event tournaments like opens and memorials take place.
Beginning in May and running through August, every state in America will have a fishing contest held within its boundaries. While most of the fishing tournaments are tied to organizations with their own defined seasons with weekly or monthly events, there are many other opportunities for individuals to sign up for and participate in a fishing event. These can be one day or a weekend event or even others that run for as long as a week or a month.
The most popular type of these annual single events are memorials or charities that started and whose proceeds go to support their favorite cause like cancer research. They are usually held every year close to the same date as on “the second Saturday in June” so people can easily remember to attend. Others are community run events that offer more than just a fishing contest and run by a club, a chamber of commerce, a city, a county, or a state run “Governor’s Cup.”
Major holidays like Memorial Day, Moher’s Day, Father’s Day, and the 4th of July are popular times that fishing contests are held. Some of the most prestigious or well-known state events have Shootout, Rodeo, Challenge or A-Rama in their name. One of the most unusual tournaments that has gained quite a following is the Okie Noodling Tournament that began over 20 years ago. Today it is a weekend festival offering concerts, a cornhole tournament and other fun family activities like eating and watermelon rolling contests. Many others are similar like “Catfish Days” in Trempealeau, WI. They have parades, Queens, serve food and beverages and offer activities for all members of a family.
Once May arrives fishing season begins in earnest with a full slate of fun fishing activities held through August and beyond. Now is the time to plan to attend one near you. Find them all on AmericanFishingContests.com.