Bassmaster Elite Series: 2025 Schedule & How to Watch From the Water
Last Updated on December 20, 2024 by Boatsetter Team
Yes, you can watch Bassmaster Events from a boat on the water. It’s a unique opportunity to watch someone at the top of their profession over the course of a competition, seeing all the highs, lows, and in-betweens that don’t make it to TV or highlight reels. Plus, unlike other professional sporting events, there’s no ticket or admissions cost to do so. Spectator boats watch their favorite pro anglers fish at all Elite events, including the Bassmaster Classic. Just bring or rent a boat, pick the anglers you want to watch, and follow a few tips to be respectful to the anglers and other boaters on the water.
Every year, the locations and dates change for the Bassmaster Elite Series, the highest level of competition in bass fishing. The full list of tournament stops for 2025 is below, along with boat rental options at or nearby each location.
2025 Bassmaster Elite Series Schedule
Feb. 20-23, Palatka, Fla., St. Johns River
Feb. 27-March 2, Okeechobee, Fla., Lake Okeechobee
March 21-23, Bassmaster Classic, Fort Worth, Texas, Lake Ray Roberts
April 10-13, Elizabeth City, N.C., Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound
April 24-27, Anderson, S.C., Lake Hartwell
May 8-11, Yantis, Texas, Lake Fork
May 15-18, Orange, Texas, Sabine River
June 12-15, Cookson, Okla., Lake Tenkiller
Aug. 7-10, Macomb County, Mich., Lake St. Clair
Aug. 21-24, La Crosse, Wis., Mississippi River
Once you’ve got a boat lined up to watch the competition from the water, keep in mind these do’s and don’ts.
Do’s
- Try to attend takeoff at least one day, though launch away from the takeoff point. Hearing the names announced and watching a hundred of the top anglers leave the dock racing to spots in back-to-back succession is one of the most exciting parts of attending a Bassmaster event. All that excitement draws a crowd though, and the closest ramps to the takeoff point will be the busiest. Save yourself some stress by finding an alternative boat ramp nearby.
- Keep your distance and keep an eye out for any signals the pro anglers or media boats may send to you and other spectator boats (e.g. I’m coming to fish a spot near you and need all boats to make way). Steve Bowman has covered the Bassmaster Classic since the ‘80s and explains this one well.
- Match the angler’s energy. If they’re interacting with you and other fans, feed them back with enthusiasm. However, if they prefer to be quietly locked in, take the cue. Some anglers like Lee Livesay like it loud, airhorns and all, while others may prefer to stay low-key. If you feel you’re having to hold it back on the water, don’t worry… there will be plenty of opportunity to let it all out at weigh-in.
Don’ts
- Don’t sit or anchor in a spot that’s (1) too close to the angler, (2) a potential fishing hole, or (3) along a primary travel path that boats will need to run through.
- Don’t do anything that spooks fish. Turn off motors and any noisy electronics, and try to stay put once you get to a spot. While there’s debate around whether fish can hear or feel sonar, you shouldn’t need it once you settle into a viewing spot.
- Don’t fish a hole after a pro leaves it. They may come back to that spot later that day or in the course of the tournament, or another pro may be planning to try it too.
- Don’t leave any trace. This is the highest level of competition of the sport, and anglers are using everything in their tackle box to find an edge, including scents. Don’t throw food scraps or dump leftover drinks into the water. We’re all in it together to keep waterways clean for everyone to enjoy long after the competition ends.
What to Bring
- Binoculars – if you don’t need them, you’re too close.
- Plenty of food, snacks, water – minimize the amount of cruising you’ll need to do, including for food and drink. If you’re used to boating in a place with multiple dock-and-dine or pull-up restaurants and gas docks, keep in mind these events are held in less-trafficked waters so it’s best to be fully prepared for the day.
- Camera – who knows when you might get to witness tournament history!
Are there any tips we’re missing? Reach out to us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boatsetterfishing/
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Luke is a Director of Boatsetter’s Fishing team, supporting fishing operators and boat owners earning income on Boatsetter along with guests planning fishing experiences. Previously, Luke co-founded Fisher Guiding, a platform for booking fishing guides, with his friend Edward before both joined Boatsetter in an acquisition in 2020. The best part of his job is meeting fishing captains, boaters, and fellow anglers across the country and helping people try a new experience, whether it’s fishing for the first time or exploring new waters.
