Things You'll Need:
- Sponsors Prizes or trophies Record-keeping system Weighing scales Table First-aid kits Mobile telephone All required permits Loudspeaker Whistle
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Step 1
Decide on a location for your contest. Research your local lakes, ponds and rivers to find out about the fishing in the different areas. Find out if the locales you are interested in are public or private, and get necessary permissions to host your event at the site you choose.
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Step 2
Determine what type of tournament you will have. Do you want to make it one where only fishing from the land is permitted, or will you have boats? What type of fish will anglers be vying for? Consider a theme for your contest such as "Parent and Child," "Seniors," "Individuals," "Partners" or "Teams." Also, decide whether you will make a profit from the contest or donate the money to a cause or charity.
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Step 3
Apply for necessary permits to hold your fishing tournament. Check with your local branch of government that deals with wildlife or natural resources for information regarding these permits. You may also choose or be required to purchase insurance for the event. You are strongly encouraged to thoroughly research your own state's regulations and may want to speak directly with a local wildlife area agent.
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Step 4
Get sponsors for your event. Call or make visits to businesses and clubs that may be interested in your event. Check with local fishing groups; businesses that sell fishing supplies; and community businesses located near where your event will be held. Sponsors often donate prizes and help fund tournaments in exchange for advertising.
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Step 5
Set your entry fees and develop regulations for your event. Entry fees should be high enough to pay for the expenses involved with the tournament, but low enough that you can obtain a large turnout. Document in writing the rules you are setting for the tournament including such information as minimum size of the fish kept and the number of fish which may be submitted for prize or trophy consideration.
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Step 6
Schedule your event and begin promoting. Choose your date and time and advertise whether the event will be "rain or shine," or "clear weather only" with a make-up date. Promote online and on bulletin boards in your neighborhood businesses. Spread the word to churches, clubs and other organizations close by to gain interest.
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Step 7
Require preregistration so you know how large a crowd to expect. Obtain each entrant's address, telephone number and emergency contact number. You may also want to get email addresses so that if you repeat your event the following year you can send out a mass announcement to former participants. Keep an accurate record of your numbers and choose a cut-off date and maximum number of entrants.
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Step 8
Prepare for the day of the tournament by having your prizes amassed, and the location readied with weighing scales and sign-in table. If you are providing drinks and food you need to have this set up an hour before start time. Also, have first aid kits on hand and a mobile telephone with area coverage in case of accidents.
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Step 9
Sign in your entrants during the day. Check to make sure they have a valid fishing license. Keep accurate records of the weights of the fish entered for prize consideration along with the angler's name and information. Be prepared to award prizes at the end of the tournament.
