Big payouts are no longer reserved for bass boat tournaments. This year's Big Bass 250 kayak-only tournament promises to grow in its 2nd year. With bigger payouts, more giveaways and more anglers participating, year two is set to be one of the bigger in-person kayak tournaments in the country. Building on year one's popularity, the 2023 Big Bass 250 aims to obliterate the idea that kayak fishing tournaments are small.
One of the biggest misconceptions bass boat anglers have about kayak fishing is that there are no tournaments worth any real money. With $10,000 guaranteed (regardless of number of participant sign-ups) for the biggest bass caught, the Big Bass 250 is worth a shot for all levels of kayak anglers. All it takes is one cast.
Year one of the Big Bass 250 saw more than 100 anglers participate. Year two promises to have more, increasing the overall pool of money and giveaways. Year one also saw some rough weather. With that in mind, the tournament has been moved up a week in hopes to hit that perfect window of fall fishing. Let's look back at year one and details for year two.
2023 Big Bass 250 – Year 2
October 28th, 2023. Year two of the Big Bass 250. Even though year one was a big hit and largely a success, we still learned a thing or two. Our second go-around aims to have more anglers, a bigger prize pool and even more giveaways than year one.
Whether you are completely new to kayak fishing tournaments or a seasoned veteran, the Big Bass 250 is for you. This year's tournament will again pay out $10,000 guaranteed for the biggest bass caught. It only takes one cast to take home a huge payout.
Payouts will also be given for anglers who place 1-10. The prize pool will adjust depending on how many anglers sign up. If all 250 spots are filled, payouts will represent the number in the flyer.
How Do I Sign Up?
Registering for the Big Bass 250 is simple. Here are the easy steps:
Tournament Rules
Here are the rules as they stand (subject to change)
Don't wait to sign up. Word traveled quickly after the first Big Bass 250 and year two is expected to be much larger with bigger payouts and fantastic giveaways. If you are still unsure let's reflect on last year's inaugural Big Bass 250.
A Look Back on the First Big Bass 250
Year one of the Big Bass 250 was a success. With tons of giveaways and big payouts, most kayak anglers that participated walked away with something. And those that didn't win still walked away with new friends, connections and an appreciation for a large, in-person kayak-only tournament.
Big Payouts
2022's Big Bass 250 paid out for places 1-10. Payouts were based on number of participants. With more than 100 entries, our first place winner took home $5,000. With more projected entries for 2023, the first place prize will likely take home an even bigger payout.
One payout that did not rely on number of participants was the Biggest Bass winner. Last year's tournament guaranteed (2023 will as well) $10,000 for the lucky angler who reeled in the biggest bass. One cast, one bass, $10,000. Chad Davidson had a great day of fishing and took home both 1st place and the biggest bass.
Big Giveaways
Last year saw an amazing amount of sponsorship and brand support in the way of giveaways. Everyone who participated in the tournament was entered in a drawing for a wide range of giveaways. From small accessories to full kayaks.
Here are but a few of the items given away last year:
Big Banquet
One thing we heard from many of the anglers was their appreciation for a large, in-person kayak-only fishing tournament. With so many tournaments held strictly online and over the course of weeks to months, kayak anglers don't have as many opportunities to test their skills in one day, live tournaments.
Unlike in-person boat tournaments, kayak tournaments boast a much more friendly and helpful environment. Although anglers are competing against one-another, there is a camraderie amongst kayak anglers to help one-another get better. If you're looking for a place to meet new anglers and learn new techniques, an in-person kayak tournament is a great place to start.
2022 saw a great turn out for the awards banquet. Dinner was provided and tons of great giveaways were given out while anglers shared their stories of success, and failures, over good food and cold drinks.
Ask Questions & Use Your Available Resources
One of the best ways to learn about kayaks, kayak fishing and tournament fishing is to ask questions and share stories with anglers who have been there. Meet other anglers talking about kayak fishing and fishing tournaments in our public community the Kayak Anglers Resource. Here are a few conversations to help you get started:
If you don't see a topic you'd like, just start a new one and we will get you connected with members who can help. We hope to see you in the community and on the water for year two of the Big Bass 250!
Here are tournament hosts Johnathan Dominquez and Travis Randall talking about last year's Big Bass 250:
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