CULLMAN, Ala. – The 12th annual Smith Lake Park Bass Fest is set for Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, offering anglers a chance to compete for a guaranteed $15,000 first-place prize and additional payouts for top participants. Early registration is now open, with a discounted entry fee of $200 for those who sign up in advance. Registration will also be available at the pre-tournament meeting (Oct. 3, at 6 p.m. at the Cullman County Agricultural Trade Center) for $220.
Anglers have the option to fish alone or with a partner. Parent/child teams compete in the main tournament but also have the opportunity to win an additional $500 if they place the highest in that category. A Big Fish prize of $500 will also be awarded, included in the entry fee.
A new addition this year is the No Weight Draw, offering a $500 prize for a randomly drawn participant who did not weigh in any fish. “We added a new no weight draw this year, so if your fishing day didn’t go as planned, you are still in the running to win some money,” said Sara Morgan, marketing & event coordinator for Cullman County Parks and Recreation.
To encourage early registration, the first 150 online registrants will get to choose their boat number (1-150), while all other participants will receive their boat number in order. Those who prefer to register in person can do so at Smith Lake Park or the Cullman County Agricultural Trade Center using a card payment. The pre-tournament meeting remains a requirement, where one angler from each team must attend to receive their boat number ticket. An additional $20 cash-only fee will be collected at the meeting.
“This has been a great tournament for tourism and our community. Anglers from all over the United States have come and fished our tournament and can’t wait to return back,” said Morgan.
The tournament will pay out to the top 40 anglers, making it a high-stakes event for competitors of all levels. Those interested in participating are encouraged to take advantage of early registration before spots fill up.
For more information or to register, call Cullman County Parks and Recreation at 256-739-2916 or visit www.cullmancountyparks.com. Additional information can be found on the Cullman County Parks and Recreation Facebook page.
