What you need for a fishing competition

A fishing competition needs more than rods and bait. You also need reliable measuring equipment, safe fish-handling supplies, clear participant identification and enough shelter for registration and judging. Plan food and drinks around the number of registered anglers, then add a small buffer for volunteers and late arrivals. This checklist helps you prepare the items that are often forgotten until the competition area is already busy.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 40
High tablesqty 4
Waste binsqty 6

Sports equipment

Fishing rodsqty 20
Landing netsqty 20
Undocking matsqty 20
Measuring rulersqty 4
Scalesqty 4
Keepnetsqty 20
Ashtraysqty 20
Bucketsqty 12
Conesqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 2
Bib numbersqty 20
Fishing umbrellasqty 6

Equipment

Megaphone
Speakersqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6
Battery lanternsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Platesqty 70
Cutlery setsqty 70
Coffee cupsqty 50

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Food warmersqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 3
Serving traysqty 6
Tongs and serving spoonsqty 8
Water jugsqty 6
Stoolsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Still water - 8 bottles
- Carbonated water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Iced tea - 4 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 3 cases
- Beer - 3 crates
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- White rolls - 60 pieces
- Brown rolls - 60 pieces
- Butter - 4 packs
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Cooked ham - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilogram
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Arugula - 6 bags
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Soup - 12 liters
- Soup sticks - 6 packs
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Cocktail nuts - 4 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Apples - 5 kilograms
- Bananas - 4 kilogram
- Lemons - 2 kilograms
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Paper napkins - 8 packs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 2 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Toilet paper - 3 packs
- Nitrile gloves - 4 boxes

Decorations

Competition flagsqty 6
Directional signsqty 8
Prize tablecloth
Chalkboardsqty 4
Markersqty 12
Name badgesqty 70
Table numbersqty 8

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 3
Litter pickersqty 3
Bucketsqty 4

Tips

Bring one measuring ruler and one scale for every active judging station, plus at least one spare of each. Test both before participants arrive and place them where catch registration happens.
Prepare one bib number for every registered participant and keep at least 5 extra numbers available for replacements or last-minute registrations. Hand them out at check-in rather than at the fishing spots.
Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Fill coolers and thermos flasks before registration opens so volunteers are not leaving the competition area.
Use one landing net, undocking mat and keepnet per fishing spot where possible. Count these against the marked spots, not just against the number of registered anglers, because shared equipment slows down catch handling.
Set aside battery lanterns or LED lamps before the event starts, especially if setup or prize presentation may run into low light. Test extension cords, power strips, speakers and the microphone together at least 60 minutes before the first briefing.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a fishing competition?: Plan for fishing and judging equipment, including rods, landing nets, undocking mats, measuring rulers, scales and keepnets. Add one complete handling and measuring setup per active fishing spot, plus safety, registration, shelter and serving supplies.
How many drinks do I need for a fishing competition?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one drink per person for every additional hour. Add 10% extra for volunteers, warm weather and participants who stay for the prize presentation.
How many bib numbers should I prepare?: Prepare one bib number per registered participant and keep at least 5 spare numbers, or 10% extra for larger groups. Bring the final participant list to check-in so replacements can be recorded immediately.
When should I set up the fishing competition equipment?: Set up tables, tents, marked fishing spots and safety materials before participant arrival. Test the sound system and lighting at least 60 minutes before the briefing, and prepare measuring equipment before registration opens.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.