Atlantic Canada’s Premier Smallmouth Bass Fishing Tournament

2023 Tournament Recap

In May of 2023, Destination Nackawic partnered with Fredericton Capital Region Tourism, the New Brunswick Sport Fishing Association and the N.B. Bass Tour to host the first annual Destination Nackawic Smallmouth Open. With over $25,000 in cash and prizes, the smallmouth bass angling tournament offered the largest prize pool in Atlantic Canada. Sixty teams from Ontario, New York, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick competed in the two-day tournament at the Big Axe Marina on the beautiful Saint John (Wolastoq) River. Sheldon Shay and Pierre Dussault of Nova Scotia won the $10,000 first-place honours with a two-day (10 fish) total of 37.56 pounds. Lunker prizes of $1,250 per day sponsored by AV Group NB Inc. went to Terrence and Joe Ross on day 1 with their 4.52-pound smallmouth bass and to Clark Rayner and Brandon Jones on day 2 with their lunker weighing in at an even 5 pounds.

2024 Tournament – Planned Prizes and Events

For the 2024 edition of the Smallmouth Open being held on May 18 and 19, 2024, Destination Nackawic is already planning some exciting improvements over last year’s tournament.

  • Early bird draw to win back registration cost for teams registering with payment before March 31, 2024.
  • Increasing the cash prize pool to $15,000 first place, as well as payouts of registration cost to positions 11 through 20.
  • Total cash and prize payouts of over $40,000.
  • Inclusion of an online registration and payment for convenience.
  • Breakfast / box lunch available for one or both days at time of registration for pre-order and payment.
  • Youth fishing derby on the afternoon of May 19, 2024.
  • Welcome reception at Big Axe Brewery on May 17, 2024.
  • BBQ to coincide with closing ceremony on May 19, 2024 (fundraiser for local school group).

 

 

Why Destination Nackawic?

The Smallmouth Open is our way to promote the passion that surrounds bass fishing in New Brunswick, particularly in Destination Nackawic, which has earned its reputation as the bass capital of the Maritimes. Boasting a longer season than the rest of Canada, bass fishing begins on the Mactaquac Head Pond weeks ahead of some other Provinces. This makes Nackawic an ideal destination for anglers who are eager to test their skills amid the stunning natural beauty of the region. World-class fishing and competition amidst some of the most pristine scenery in New Brunswick awaits all anglers who enter the tournament.

For more information check us out at www.destinationnackawic.ca/smallmouth-bass-open