Book Your Stay
By Elisa Parhad on January 14, 2025
While fishing is often a solo sport, it’s great fun to gather from time to time with other fishing enthusiasts and compete for prizes (as well as bragging rights.) Whether saltwater or freshwater fishing is your jam, Ventura County has plenty of options to compete and commune with like-minded anglers.
Plan your trip with our fishing destination planning guide. For current fishing regulations, visit California Department of Fish & Wildlife.
The Channel Islands Billfish Tournament
Since 1971, the weekend after Labor Day signals one of Ventura County’s biggest sportfishing events, The Channel Island Billfish Tournament (CIBT). Marking its 54th season in 2025, the CIBT is the longest running billfish tournament on the West Coast.
For this contest, boats head out to sea at the morning start time to catch the highest poundage of billfish, such as marlin. While you’ll need a boat, some knowledge and gear, the tournament is open to the public and features camaraderie and great raffle prizes, not to mention the pride you’ll feel upon pulling in the biggest catch. Keep an eye on the CIBT Facebook page for the latest information on this annual September event.
CCA California STAR Tournament
This unique tournament, hosted by the Coastal Conservation Association of California, takes place between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day Weekend, during which anglers fish for eight different species, including lingcod, tuna and saltwater bass. Each catch qualifies competitors to win weekly prizes and grand prizes, including fishing excursions and boats. This tournament is open CCA member anglers ($40 for 1 year) of all types, abilities and ages, including anglers on private boats, kayakers and those fishing from a pier or the shore.
Freshwater Bass Tournaments at Ventura Area Lakes
Freshwater bass tournaments take place year-round in Ventura County lakes, including Lake Casitas and Lake Piru. Most bass tournaments are organized by the local chapters of the American Bass Association (ABA) with fishing opening in the early hours of the morning with weigh in the afternoon to see who caught the most pounds of fish. Contestants typically participate as a team (on the same boat) and pay a fee to enter. Those who do well can expect to win prize money, a recognition plaque and the pride of a good catch. Not an early riser? Afternoon and even night tournaments are offered as well.
All American Bass Association tournaments are listed at the ABA website as well as on the social media sites of local lakes and chapters.
Ventura County Bass Club
For bass enthusiasts, the Ventura County Bass Club hosts bass tournaments and organizes fishing excursions for both veterans and beginners. Members can compete in the monthly bass fishing tournaments, which take place at various lakes in the county on the first Saturday of the month.
Pier Tournaments
Other local tournaments take place on local piers or on the shore. One local organization, Reel Guppy Outdoors, hosts pier tournaments, family fish days, rod and reel repairs and other community events. Social media, local anglers and local tackle shops (such as Eric’s Tackle Shop in Ventura), are all good places to check in on the latest pier and shore events for sportfishing in the area.
Ventura County Sportfishing Club Events and Meetings
The Ventura County Sportfishing Club is a local group of fishing enthusiasts who meet weekly to share information on local off-shore fishing scene and further their knowledge about the technical aspects of sportfishing. Meetings typically feature guest speakers who talk about an educational topic so that members can learn the latest and greatest sportfishing tips and tricks.
The club meets the first Wednesday of each month at The Flatfish Brewery in Camarillo from 6:15 pm and lasts until about 9 pm. Yearly dues are $60, but the public is welcome to come check out what the club is all about.
The Ventura County Sportfishing Club also organizes fishing charters, a summer BBQ and other gatherings throughout the year and offers a wealth of information for those hooked on rod and reel action.
West Coast Outdoors and Sportfishing Expo
Finally, Ventura hosts the annual West Coast Outdoors and Sportfishing Expo at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, where you can get inspiration, gear up for your next fishing adventure and peruse the newest developments in fishing gear, excursions, boats, technology and activities. The 2025 expo will be held from May 2 through May 4.
Get Inspired and Plan Your Trip
Get inspiration and travel tips for your stay with our guide to fun things to do in Ventura County.
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