Overview

The ABW Open on Lake Fork is an open tournament where anglers will use only American Baitworks brands products, excluding rods. ABW’s family of brands includes BaitFuel, Freedom Tackle, Netbait, Halo Fishing, Scum Frog, Snag Proof, and STH. ABW products only- excluding rods. 

  • Tournament Date Sunday, May 28, 2023
  • 100% Payback
  • $2500 Guaranteed 1st place
  • Entry Fee $110 (Includes Big Bass)
  • On-Site Registration Saturday, May 27th from 4:00-6:00 pm @ Lake Fork Resort.
  • The tournament begins at 6:00 am on Sunday, May 28, 2023 and ends at 3:00pm.

Register

Tournament Details

Location Lake Fork, TX Date May 28, 2023 Prize 100% Payback

Lake Details

Lake Fork Resort

5004 FM 17

Alba, TX 75410

For largemouth bass, the length limit is a 16-24” slot. Bass 16 inches and less or 24 inches or greater in length may be retained. Only one bass 24 inches or greater may be retained each day. The minimum length limit for smallmouth bass (if present) is 14 inches.

Daily bag limit for all black bass species is 5 in any combination.

To combat the spread of invasive zebra mussels, the law requires draining of water from boats and onboard receptacles when leaving or approaching public fresh waters.

 

Boat Launch Details:

You may launch from anywhere on the lake and trailer into weigh-in at Lake Fork Resort.

Lake Fork Resort
  • Located on FM 17 a half mile south of the intersection with FM 515
  • Single-lane concrete ramp
  • Fee required
  • Open all year
  • Privately operated (903) 765-2987

  • On-Site Registration Saturday, May 27th from 4:00-6:00 pm @ Lake Fork Resort with a meeting to follow.
  • You may also register on the morning of the tournament at the ramp at Lake Fork Resort.

You may launch from anywhere on the lake and trailer into weigh-in. There will be a set “lines in” time to begin the tournament.

Trailering is allowed. You may put in anywhere.

Weigh-in will be held at Lake Fork Resort.

 

 

Largemouth Bass only

 

Black Bass

For largemouth bass, length limit is a 16-24” slot. Bass 16 inches and less or 24 inches or greater in length may be retained. Only one bass 24 inches or greater may be retained each day. For smallmouth bass (if present), minimum length limit = 14 inches.  Daily bag limit for all black bass species is 5 in any combination.

A Check it Stick will be the official ruler for the slot limit.

The fish’s tail cannot touch 16″.

Eligiblity

All individuals, 18 years of age or older with paid entry fee is eligible to fish. A parent or legal guardian must accompany anyone under 18 years of age. A team may consist of one (1) angler per boat or two (2) anglers per boat.

Prizes

$2500 Guaranteed 1st Place Payout top 10 places. 11th-20th place will receive Halo Rods. Based on a 50-boat field.

Results

Location

Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. HOW DO I REGISTER?
A. Register here https://americanbaitworks.fish/registration/

Q. WHAT IS THE REGISTRATION DEADLINE?
A. Online registration is open from March 1- May 26, 2023. In-person registration is Saturday, May 27, 2023, from 4:00-6:00 pm at Lake Fork Resort.

Q. CAN I REGISTER ON THE DAY OF THE TOURNAMENT?
A. Yes, you may register at the American Baitworks Tent at Lake Fork Resort from 6:00-6:30 am.

Q. DO I HAVE TO CHECK IN AT REGISTRATION?
A. All anglers are expected to check in for registration and attend the pre-tournament meeting Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 6:00 pm at Lake Fork Resort.

Q. ARE WE REQUIRED TO ATTEND THE PRE-TOURNAMENT MEETING?
A. Yes, at least one member from each team is required to attend the pre-tournament meeting. If you have a conflict, please contact Valerie Dixon at [email protected]

Q. DO WE HAVE TO LAUNCH AT LAKE FORK RESORT BOAT RAMP?
A. No, you can put in anywhere on Lake Fork. Lines in will be at 7am.

Q. CAN I USE A COMPETITOR’S BRAND JIG IF I ADD AN AMERICAN BAITWORKS TRAILER?
A. No, you must use American Baitworks Freedom Tackle jigs. They can be purchased at Lake Fork Resort or at your local retailer.

Q. AM I REQUIRED TO USE HALO FISHING RODS?
A. No, but there is a contingency prize for the highest finisher using Halo Rods. The highest finisher using Halo rods will receive 2 Halo HFX rods.

Q. DO I NEED TO REMOVE ALL COMPETITOR’S PRODUCTS FROM MY BOAT PRIOR TO THE TOURNAMENT?

A. No, but American Baitworks reserves the right to polygraph all participants.

Q. WHAT IS THE OFFICIAL MEASURING STICK OF THE TOURNAMENT?
A. A Check-it Stick is the official ruler of the tournament.

Q. CAN THE TAIL OF THE FISH TOUCH THE 16″ LINE?
A. No, the tail of the fish cannot touch 16″

Q. DOES AMERICAN BAITWORKS CARRY CRANKBAITS?
A. Yes, our Freedom Tackle line includes crankbaits.

Q. WHERE CAN I SEE WHAT PRODUCTS AMERICAN BAITWORKS BRANDS CARRY?
A. You can purchase American Baitworks products at Lake and Trail USA, local retailers, or view the American Baitworks catalog here.