Get Ready For Illinois’ Wild Redneck Fishing Tournament This Summer

Illinois is home to a unique fishing tournament focused on a rather unusual fish, and the 2026 dates have been announced.

The Redneck Fishing Tournament Returns To Illinois In 2026

When I was growing up, I did quite a bit of pond fishing. That's because there was one across the street from my parents' house. I had my Ronco Pocket Fisherman and was ready to go. I used whatever I could find in the fridge for bait. I didn't catch much, but it was fun. It was just something for my friends and me to do over the summer.

READ MORE: Spend The Night Among Big Cats In Wisconsin

According to WMBD Central Illinois Proud...

The Redneck Fishing Tournament will make a return this August to the Illinois River albeit in a different location.

 

This year’s event will be in Browning, a village in Schuyler County, which is around 10 to 15 river miles downstream of Bath, the tournament’s home for years before it was canceled in 2025.

 

Our town would host a fishing tournament at the pond every summer. I participated once, but it was way too serious for me. I liked to just fish for fun. There is a fishing tournament returning to central Illinois this year, and it's definitely more my speed. It's the Redneck Fishing Tournament in Browning. With a name like that, you know it isn't serious.

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This isn't your normal fishing tournament. No poles are used. Instead, all participants use nets. They are also encouraged to come in costume and decorate their boats. The goal of this experience is to catch Asian Carp. They jump out of the water and at boats, so the netting works much better. The event will be held on July 31st and August 1st. There will be food vendors and live entertainment. People will travel from all over the state to take part.