Species Encyclopedia

Tournament Fish Species

Explore 20 of the most popular tournament fish species in America. From largemouth bass to blue marlin — know your target.

Freshwater Species

14 species

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

The largemouth bass is the undisputed king of freshwater tournament fishing in America. Known for its explosive strikes ...

freshwater · Lakes, ponds, reservoirs, rivers, and streams with warm, calm water. Prefer areas with abundant cover including submerged vegetation, fallen timber, docks, and rocky structures. Thrive in water temperatures between 65-85°F.Details

Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus dolomieu

Often called the 'bronze bomber' or 'bronzeback,' the smallmouth bass is pound-for-pound one of the hardest fighting fre...

freshwater · Clear, cool lakes and rivers with rocky or gravel bottoms. Prefer water temperatures between 60-75°F. Found near rocky points, ledges, current breaks in rivers, and deep clear lakes.Details

Spotted Bass

Micropterus punctulatus

The spotted bass, sometimes called the Kentucky bass, bridges the gap between largemouth and smallmouth bass in both app...

freshwater · Deep, clear reservoirs and flowing streams. Prefer rocky bluffs, deep points, and current areas. More tolerant of current than largemouth bass.Details

Walleye

Sander vitreus

The walleye is the most sought-after freshwater game fish in the northern United States and Canada. Named for their dist...

freshwater · Large lakes, reservoirs, and rivers with moderate clarity. Prefer cool water (55-70°F) with rocky or sandy bottoms. Often found near reefs, points, and river channels.Details

Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

The rainbow trout is one of the most beautiful and popular game fish in North America. Native to the Pacific Coast, they...

freshwater · Cold, clear streams, rivers, and lakes with water temperatures between 50-65°F. Require well-oxygenated water with gravel bottoms for spawning. Found from mountain streams to large tailwater rivers.Details

Brown Trout

Salmo trutta

Originally from Europe, the brown trout has become one of the most challenging and rewarding game fish in American water...

freshwater · Cold to cool streams, rivers, and lakes. More tolerant of warmer and murkier water than other trout species. Prefer undercut banks, deep pools, and areas with overhead cover.Details

Crappie

Pomoxis spp.

Crappie (both black and white species) are among the most popular panfish in America and have developed a dedicated tour...

freshwater · Lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and ponds. Found near brush piles, standing timber, docks, and bridge pilings. Move shallow in spring to spawn and retreat to deeper structure in summer and winter.Details

Catfish

Ictalurus spp.

Catfish (including channel, blue, and flathead species) are among the largest and most powerful freshwater game fish in ...

freshwater · Rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and ponds. Channel catfish prefer moderate current and clean bottoms. Blue catfish favor large rivers and reservoirs with deep channels. Flatheads prefer slow-moving rivers with log jams and deep holes.Details

Northern Pike

Esox lucius

The northern pike is a fearsome apex predator of northern lakes and rivers, known for its explosive strikes and toothy g...

freshwater · Weedy bays, river backwaters, and shallow flats in lakes and reservoirs. Prefer cooler water temperatures (55-75°F). Found near vegetation, fallen trees, and other ambush points.Details

Muskellunge

Esox masquinongy

Known as the 'fish of ten thousand casts,' the muskellunge is the ultimate trophy freshwater predator. These massive fis...

freshwater · Clear, cool lakes and large rivers with abundant forage. Prefer water temperatures between 60-75°F. Found near weed edges, rocky structures, and deep points.Details

Salmon

Oncorhynchus spp.

Salmon (including Chinook/King, Coho/Silver, Sockeye, Pink, and Atlantic species) are among the most iconic game fish in...

both · Ocean waters, Great Lakes, and rivers during spawning runs. King salmon prefer deep, cold water (50-55°F). Found in open water, river mouths, and tributary streams during migration.Details

Striped Bass

Morone saxatilis

The striped bass, or 'striper,' is one of America's most versatile game fish, found in both saltwater and freshwater env...

both · Coastal waters, estuaries, rivers, and large inland reservoirs. Prefer water temperatures between 55-68°F. Found near structure, current breaks, and areas with abundant baitfish.Details

Bluegill

Lepomis macrochirus

The bluegill is America's most popular panfish and often the first fish caught by young anglers. Despite their small siz...

freshwater · Ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and slow-moving streams. Found near vegetation, docks, brush piles, and other structure. Prefer warm water (65-80°F) with moderate clarity.Details

Common Carp

Cyprinus carpio

Once dismissed by American anglers, the common carp has emerged as a serious tournament species with a growing competiti...

freshwater · Lakes, rivers, ponds, and reservoirs. Highly adaptable to various water conditions. Prefer warm, shallow water with muddy or silty bottoms. Found near vegetation and areas with abundant food sources.Details

Saltwater Species

8 species

Salmon

Oncorhynchus spp.

Salmon (including Chinook/King, Coho/Silver, Sockeye, Pink, and Atlantic species) are among the most iconic game fish in...

both · Ocean waters, Great Lakes, and rivers during spawning runs. King salmon prefer deep, cold water (50-55°F). Found in open water, river mouths, and tributary streams during migration.Details

Striped Bass

Morone saxatilis

The striped bass, or 'striper,' is one of America's most versatile game fish, found in both saltwater and freshwater env...

both · Coastal waters, estuaries, rivers, and large inland reservoirs. Prefer water temperatures between 55-68°F. Found near structure, current breaks, and areas with abundant baitfish.Details

Blue Marlin

Makaira nigricans

The blue marlin is the pinnacle of big game fishing, a magnificent ocean predator that can exceed 1,000 pounds. Blue mar...

saltwater · Deep, warm ocean waters (70-85°F). Found along continental shelf edges, underwater canyons, and areas with temperature breaks. Migrate long distances following warm currents and baitfish.Details

Red Drum (Redfish)

Sciaenops ocellatus

The red drum, commonly known as redfish, is the premier inshore saltwater game fish of the Gulf Coast and Southeast Atla...

saltwater · Shallow coastal waters, estuaries, marshes, grass flats, and oyster bars. Prefer water temperatures between 65-85°F. Found in both brackish and full saltwater environments.Details

Snook

Centropomus undecimalis

The snook is one of the most prized inshore game fish in Florida and the Gulf Coast. Known for their distinctive black l...

saltwater · Tropical and subtropical coastal waters, mangrove shorelines, inlets, beaches, and estuaries. Very sensitive to cold water - rarely found where temperatures drop below 60°F.Details

Tarpon

Megalops atlanticus

The tarpon, known as the 'Silver King,' is one of the most spectacular game fish on earth. These prehistoric fish can ex...

saltwater · Warm coastal waters, bays, estuaries, rivers, and passes. Can tolerate both salt and fresh water. Prefer water temperatures above 72°F. Often found rolling on the surface in channels and passes.Details

Yellowfin Tuna

Thunnus albacares

The yellowfin tuna is one of the ocean's most powerful and sought-after game fish. These torpedo-shaped predators are bu...

saltwater · Warm, deep ocean waters (65-80°F). Found near offshore structure, oil rigs, floating debris, and temperature breaks. Often associated with dolphins and whale sharks.Details

Mahi-Mahi (Dolphinfish)

Coryphaena hippurus

The mahi-mahi, also known as dolphinfish or dorado, is one of the most beautiful and acrobatic fish in the ocean. Their ...

saltwater · Warm, tropical and subtropical ocean waters (72-82°F). Strongly associated with floating debris, weed lines, and current edges. Highly migratory, following warm currents.Details

America's Largest Fishing Tournament Directory

JOIN REELTOURNAMENTS.COM

Start free and upgrade anytime. Access 2,000+ tournaments across all 50 states.

Free Member

$0/forever

Browse 2,000+ tournaments nationwide
Search by state, species & category
View tournament details & registration
Access species guide & state directory
Submit your own tournaments

JOIN REELTOURNAMENTS.COM

Pro Member

$9.95/month

Everything in Free, plus:
Priority email alerts for new tournaments
Advanced search filters & saved searches
Exclusive tournament deals & early access
Detailed angler stats & leaderboard insights
Ad-free browsing experience
Priority customer support

Upgrade to Pro — $9.95/mo

JOIN REELTOURNAMENTS.COM

Free to join · Pro $9.95/mo

Join Free Pro