Sunday Jackpot Bass Tournament
Program Details & Spotlights
Cast your line and test your skills at Lake Anna’s premier weekly jackpot fishing tournament, organized by Sturgeon Creek Marina. Local anglers and visitors alike launch early in search of the heaviest limit of largemouth bass. The tournament concludes with an exciting, highly competitive public weigh-in dockside. Come out to see who takes home the cash prizes and hear the latest fishing reports and techniques from the lake's best fishermen.
There is nothing quite like dawn at Sturgeon Creek Marina. Long before the sun fully clears the treeline, the mist rises off the glass-like water of Lake Anna, cut only by the low rumble of outboard motors and the quiet, focused chatter of anglers prepping their gear. The Sunday Jackpot Bass Tournament is a local institution—a weekly ritual where the lake's most dedicated fishermen and eager visitors square off to see who can find the heaviest limit of largemouth bass. Whether you are launching a boat to compete or just sipping coffee on the docks, the energy in the air is electric.
Lake Anna is widely recognized as one of Virginia’s premier freshwater fisheries, famous for its healthy population of hard-fighting largemouth bass. Because of the lake's unique layout—split into the public "cold" side and the private "warm" side—anglers must use every ounce of their local knowledge to pattern the fish. During this six-hour sprint, competitors navigate submerged structure, bridge pilings, and secret willow grass beds, hunting for that one kicker fish that will seal the jackpot win.
While the fishing happens on the water, the real show for the public starts just before noon back at Sturgeon Creek Marina. As the boats idle back into the cove, tension mounts. The dockside weigh-in is highly competitive, fast-paced, and incredibly fun to watch. Spectators gather to see giant bass pulled from livewells, watch the digital scale lock in the weights, and listen to the anglers swap stories of the ones that got away—and the lures that actually produced.
Sturgeon Creek Marina serves as the perfect host for this weekly showdown. As one of the oldest and most respected marine hubs on the lake, they offer a classic, welcoming Lake Anna vibe. It's a place where novice anglers can rub elbows with seasoned local guides, making it an invaluable learning experience for anyone looking to crack the code of catching big bass on this beautiful reservoir.
Why You Should Attend
- ✔ The Thrill of the Weigh-In: Experience the high-stakes drama as anglers weigh their catches to claim the cash prize.
- ✔ Free Local Education: Listen to the winning fishermen explain exactly what depths, patterns, and baits worked best.
- ✔ Family-Friendly Fun: A great Sunday morning outdoor activity to get kids excited about fishing and the great outdoors.
- ✔ Community Spirit: Connect with Lake Anna’s welcoming and passionate local boating and angling community.
Insider Tips
- 💡 Arrive by 11:30 AM: To get the best viewing spot on the docks for the noon weigh-in, arrive a little early before the boats return.
- 💡 Check out the Tackle Shop: Sturgeon Creek Marina has an excellent, fully stocked tackle shop. Stop in to grab the exact lures the pros are using.
- 💡 Bring a Camera: Anglers are usually happy to pose with their biggest catches of the day before safely releasing them back into the lake.
- 💡 Ask Questions: Don't be shy! After the scales close, the anglers are generally very open to sharing tips and tricks with aspiring fishermen.
⚓ Local Visitor Navigation Tips & Parking
Launch ramps open early. Boat ramp fees with parking are $15. Register at the Tackle Shop before launching. Boat-in spectators are welcome to anchor nearby to watch the weigh-in from the water, ensuring they stay clear of the active launch lanes.