Bassmaster Elites Tournament Returns to Orange with Exciting Events

Orange, Texas — The Bassmaster Elites professional fishing tournament will return to Orange from May 15-18 on the Sabine River. Workers with the Orange County Maintenance Department are setting up a new covered pavilion for hospitality at the event, funded by $8,200 from the Hotel Occupancy Tax collections approved by Commissioners Court last month.

Local females interested in fishing will have an opportunity to improve their skills through a BassmastHER workshop on May 17, which coincides with the tournament. The registration deadline is May 15. This workshop is open to females aged 14 and older, costing $25, which includes lunch, a hat, a tote, notebooks, and more.

The event aims to create a “community of females interested in bass fishing,” where participants can ask questions and develop skills in a supportive environment. Topics covered will include the fundamentals of bass fishing, familiarization with bass boats and kayaks, and casting techniques.

The workshop is set to take place in the BassmastHER tent near the take-off area along the river. The main tournament begins at 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 15, when professional anglers launch their colorful boats to compete for the biggest catch over the four-day event. Daily weigh-ins will take place at 2:30 p.m.

Orange has historically attracted large crowds to the Bassmaster events, with nearly 50,000 attendees two years ago. The Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors the fishing tournament and organizes the Sabine River Festival at the Boat Ramp-Riverside Pavilion grounds.

The festival will feature a carnival with rides, food trucks, and vendor booths from Bassmaster national sponsors, along with children’s fishing opportunities. Live entertainment will fill the festivities, highlighted by the Josh Abbott Band performing on Saturday night.