How to organise a camping fishing competition

A camping fishing competition needs more than rods and a good fishing spot. Start by securing the venue, checking permits and setting rules that cover registration, measuring catches, permitted equipment and tie-breaks. Then organise participants, assign fishing spots and prepare the site so registration, fishing, food and prize-giving follow a clear order. The details most often missed are weather checks, dietary requirements, lighting and reliable measuring equipment.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Reserve competition venue
2
Set competition rules
2 people
3
Send invitations
4
Process registrations
5
Collect dietary requirements
6
Check participant list
7
Check permits and regulations
8
Assign fishing spots
2 people
9
Check the weather forecast
10
Do the shopping
2 people
11
Check the catch measurement equipment
2 people
12
Prepare prizes and certificates
13
Fill coolers
2 people
14
Inspect the competition area
2 people
15
Mark fishing spots
2 people
16
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
17
Set up party tents
4 people
18
Hang lighting
2 people
19
Set up competition table
2 people
20
Prepare registration materials
21
Set up the food and drink area
3 people
22
Prepare coffee and tea
2 people

Event

23
Register participants
2 people
24
Explain the competition rules
25
Mark fishing spots
2 people
26
Guide the race start
2 people
27
Register catches
2 people
28
Refill drinks
2 people
29
Serve snacks
2 people
30
Prepare evening meal
3 people
31
Serve dinner
3 people
32
Refill coffee and tea
33
End the competition
2 people
34
Check final counts
3 people
35
Announce the winners
36
Present prizes
2 people
37
Safely release the catch
3 people

Aftercare

38
Collect waste
3 people
39
Dismantle furniture
4 people
40
Take down party tents
4 people
41
Clean dishes and equipment
3 people
42
Clean the grounds
3 people
43
Archive competition data
44
Collect lost property
45
Return materials
2 people
46
Take waste to the collection point
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 36
Registration desk
Waste binsqty 4

Sports equipment

Fishing rodsqty 4
Landing netsqty 4
Undocking matsqty 4
Measuring tapesqty 4
Digital scalesqty 2
Bucketsqty 6
Fishing linesqty 12
Fish hooksqty 60
Floatiesqty 30
Bait containersqty 30

Equipment

Megaphone
Power banksqty 3
Extension cordsqty 2
Kettleqty 2
Coffee maker
Barbecueqty 2
Coolersqty 4

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 4
LED lanternsqty 6
Headlampsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 36
Reusable bowlsqty 36
Reusable cupsqty 48
Cutlery setsqty 36
Serving jugsqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef and serving knivesqty 6
Serving tongsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Aluminum traysqty 6

Cleaning

Dishpanqty 2
Spongesqty 6
Dustpans and brushesqty 2

Camping

Ground pegsqty 24
Herring hammersqty 2
Tarpaulinsqty 2

Decorations

Competition flagsqty 8
Directional signsqty 6
Prize certificatesqty 6

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the rules before sending invitations, including the start and finish time, eligible catches, measurement method, handling requirements and how ties are decided. Give participants the rules with their invitation so questions are settled before arrival.
Close registration several days before the competition and use the final participant list to assign fishing spots. Keep a small number of spare spots or a change procedure in case someone withdraws or the weather affects part of the area.
Inspect the venue before setting up: mark each fishing spot, check access and place the competition table where measurements can be seen. Test measuring tapes and digital scales with a known object, and keep landing nets and undocking mats ready for safe handling.
Plan the site around the timetable rather than placing everything wherever there is space. Put registration near the entrance, keep food and drink away from fishing equipment, and position party tents, tables and chairs where people can shelter without blocking the marked spots.
Check the forecast the day before and again on the morning of the event. Fill coolers, prepare coffee and tea, test LED lighting and headlamps, and charge the megaphone and power banks before participants arrive; these are easy items to leave until too late.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a camping fishing competition?: Reserve the venue and check permits at least 6 to 8 weeks before the event. Send invitations once the rules, date and location are fixed, then close registrations several days before competition day.
How many fishing spots do I need?: Prepare one clearly marked fishing spot per registered participant, plus 1 or 2 spare spots if the venue allows it. Finalise assignments after registration closes so the list, seating and equipment match the actual numbers.
What should I include in the fishing competition rules?: State the fishing times, permitted rods and bait, eligible catches, measuring and weighing procedure, fish-handling requirements, scoring and tie-breaks. Explain the rules at registration as well, allowing at least 10 minutes for questions before fishing starts.
When should I check the equipment and weather?: Check rods, lines, hooks, landing nets, undocking mats, measuring tapes and scales 1 to 2 days beforehand. Check the weather the day before and again on the morning of the competition, then adjust tents, lighting and the timetable if necessary.

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.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

Organize for free and invite your contacts!