UPDATE: 12th Annual Arlington Bass Classic Postponed to May 2, 2026

Published on April 16, 2026

By Danica Dodson, Arlington Parks, Recreation & Culture

The City of Arlington Parks, Recreation & Culture Department will host the 12th annual Arlington Bass Classic at Lake Arlington on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Registration is $100 per team (1 or 2 people) and includes Big Bass contest entry. One boat per team. Cash prizes will be given to the top six teams for biggest stringer. The event was originally scheduled for Saturday, April 18, but was postponed because of expected inclement weather. 

The tournament is open to all anglers, however, anglers 17 or under MUST have a parent/guardian authorization on registration form.

Schedule of Events

5:30 - 6:30 am: Check-in (1st Live well check and draw poker chip, 2nd drop boat and park, 3rd come in to pay remaining $80 in cash/tournament meeting)
6:45 am: Pre-tournament meeting at the Richard Simpson Park Pavilion
6:50 am: Participants head to their boats
6:55 am: National Anthem
7:00 am: Tournament starts- boats are released based on random poker chip number drawn
2:00 - 3:00 pm: Weigh in at pavilion
2:30 pm: Tournament ends- boats must be inside buoys or face score penalty
3:00 pm: Weigh-in deadline
3:30 pm: Winners announced at the pavilion

The 2026 Arlington Bass Classic will be limited to 40 teams made up of one or two anglers per team. A $20 payment is required at the time of registration. Participants will need to bring the remaining $80 cash during check-in and purchase a day pass or annual permit if they do not already have one for 2026.

For more information, please contact Nate Pipkin at 817-459-5416 or by email at nathan.pipkin@arlingtontx.gov

Register for the 2026 Arlington Bass Classic