VAAL RIVER BASS CLASSIC
Event Programme & Tournament Schedule
Get Ready for South Africa’s Premier Bass Fishing Celebration!
The Vaal River Bass Classic is more than just a tournament—it’s an unforgettable weekend of world-class bass fishing, live entertainment, great food, exciting competitions, and an incredible atmosphere for anglers, families and supporters alike.
Mark your calendar and join us for three action-packed days on the banks of the magnificent Vaal River!
Tournament Dates
Thursday, 22 October 2026
- Registration & Compulsory Skippers’ Briefing
Friday, 23 October 2026
- Tournament Day 1
Saturday, 24 October 2026
- Tournament Day 2 & Prize Giving
Tournament Off-Limits Period
To ensure a fair competition, the tournament waters will be off-limits to all registered competitors from:
20h00 Sunday, 18 October 2026
Tournament Venue
Emerald Casino Resort
Launch Site: Emerald Casino Slipway, adjacent to the Self-Catering Chalets.
Enjoy a fantastic festival atmosphere throughout the weekend with:
- Live music
- Food court
- Cash bar
- Tournament expo
- Live Facebook broadcasts
- Exciting competitions and entertainment
Thursday | 22 October 2026
Entertainment & Tournament Kick-Off
12h00 onwards
- Food Court & Cash Bar open
18h00 – 22h00
- Live Music
19h00 – 19h30
- Compulsory Skippers’ Briefing
19h30 – 20h00
- Live Auction for the coveted 1st and 2nd Take-Off Positions
20h00 – 21h00
- Calcutta Pool Entries
Friday | 23 October 2026
Tournament Day 1
05h00 – 06h30
- Collection of pre-ordered Boat Packs & Ice
06h30
- Launch Slipway closes
- All boats must be in the starting area and ready for take-off
07h00
- First Flight take-off (Additional flight times will be announced.)
06h30 – 08h00
- Live Facebook Broadcast of the Tournament Take-Off
16h00
- Tag Board closes
16h00 – 17h00
- Official Weigh-In
- Live Facebook Broadcast
18h00 – 22h00
- Live Music
- Food Court & Cash Bar
Saturday | 24 October 2026
Tournament Day 2
05h00 – 06h30
- Collection of pre-ordered Boat Packs & Ice
06h30
- Launch Slipway closes
- All boats must be in the starting area and ready for take-off
07h00
- First Flight take-off (Additional flight times will be announced.)
06h30 – 08h00
- Live Facebook Broadcast of the Tournament Take-Off
15h00
- Tag Board closes
15h00 – 16h00
- Official Final Weigh-In
- Live Facebook Broadcast
19h00 – 20h30
Prize Giving Ceremony
Dress Code: Casual
Celebrate South Africa’s newest champions as over R525,000 in prizes is awarded!
The Prize Giving will also be broadcast live on Facebook.
18h00 – 22h00
- Live Music
- Food Court & Cash Bar
Boat Packs & Ice
Leave the catering to us and spend more time focusing on catching the winning fish!
Pre-orders are available from the Liquid Lounge (onsite).
Boat Pack – R180
The Fresh Wrap Pack includes:
- Chicken & Avo Wrap
- Mixed Nuts & Raisins
- Chocolate Bar
- Beef Biltong Snap Sticks
- Energade
- Frozen Bottle of Water
Ice Packs
R20 per 3kg bag
It’s More Than a Tournament…
Whether you’re competing for the championship, chasing the Big Fish Title, supporting your favourite team, or simply enjoying an incredible weekend on the Vaal River, the Vaal River Bass Classic promises unforgettable fishing, fantastic entertainment, and memories that will last a lifetime.