21st Annual Octoberfish
Reel in the season with two days of angling and festival excitement!
Welcome to OctoberFISH!
Fall fishing season in Sargent means one thing — OctoberFISH! Now in its 21st year, this two-day tournament is more than just a chance to reel in a trophy catch. It’s a community celebration on the Texas coast, with prizes, raffles, vendors, and plenty of fun for the whole family. Anglers of all ages are invited to cast their lines and join in the tradition.
What is OctoberFISH?
OctoberFISH is Sargent’s annual fall fishing festival and tournament, hosted by the Sargent Area Chamber of Commerce. Held October 10–11, 2025, it brings together anglers from across the region to compete in surf and boat divisions, with special categories for kids. Whether you’re chasing redfish, trout, or just a good time, OctoberFISH offers a mix of competition, community spirit, and coastal adventure. Sponsorships help raise funds for chamber projects and scholarships, so every cast makes a difference.
With weigh-ins, side pots, and cash prizes on the line, Octoberfish keeps the competition lively, but it’s also about more than just fishing. Families come out to cheer on participants, enjoy the festival atmosphere, and support local businesses and vendors. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-time visitor, OctoberFISH is a fall tradition that captures the spirit of Sargent — friendly, welcoming, and full of coastal charm.
How to Enter:
Signing up for OctoberFISH 2025 is simple — and anglers of all ages are welcome!
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Register in advance or on-site at the tournament.
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In-person registration will be held at Bayside Bar & Grill on Thursday, October 9.
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On-site check-in and registration continues at Pirates Cove on Friday, October 10 at daybreak.
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Entry fees: $65 for Adults (must choose Boat or Beach division) and $15 for Kids (12 & under).
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Kids will compete for trophies and plaques, with the Master Kid Angler earning a $200 Academy Outdoors gift card.
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Adults compete for cash payouts, with opportunities to join side pots for extra prizes.
Rules & Regulations
OctoberFISH follows Texas Parks & Wildlife Department regulations, and all anglers must have a valid fishing license. Tournament guidelines are designed to keep things fair, fun, and family-friendly, so please review the guidelines before casting your line:
Fishing Times: Tournament fishing runs from 12:01 AM Friday, October 10 through 5:00 PM Saturday, October 11, 2025.
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Licensing: All fish must be caught by rod and reel with a valid TPWD license and in compliance with state rules and regulations.
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Guides: Licensed fishing guides may not enter the tournament. However, anglers may hire a guide at their own expense. Guides may assist with baiting hooks, netting fish, or handling equipment issues (such as backlash), but cannot cast or retrieve.
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Eligible Fish: No oversized or tagged redfish or speckled trout will be accepted.
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Side Pot: A special category for Redfish with the Most Spots is available. Spots must be larger than a pencil eraser and will be judged by the weigh master/tournament director.
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Weigh-In: Anglers must personally attend weigh-in. All fish must be in line by 5:00 PM on Saturday, October 11. The line will be capped at that time. Frozen, mutilated, or deformed fish will not be accepted and may be subject to gutting and inspection.
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Winners: Individual winners are determined by weight. In case of a tie, the first fish entered and weighed wins. No pooling of fish is allowed. Each participant may receive a maximum of two awards.
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Decisions: All rulings by the weigh master and/or tournament director are final.
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Prizes & Funds: Prizes will be paid per the printed entry form. Any unclaimed category monies will be added to the SACOC General Fund and/or Scholarship Fund.
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Weather: The tournament is rain or shine — it’s all part of the adventure and challenge!
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Minors: All children under 18 must have parental supervision during fishing hours and at weigh-in.
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Registration: The deadline to register is Thursday, October 9 at 9 PM. Registration forms are available online below, as well as during final sign-up at Bayside Bar & Grill.
For a copy of the full details, including tie-break rules, liability waiver, and payout breakdowns, download the Official OctoberFISH 2025 Rules & Entry Form.
Award Categories
Adult Boats
– Flounder
– Croaker
– Redfish Under 28″
– Speckled Trout
– Whiting
– Spanish Mackerel
– Crevalle jack
Adult Beach
– Croaker
– Redfish Under 28″
– Speckled Trout
– Whiting
Kids
– Hardhead Catfish
– Gafftopsail Catfish
– Redfish Under 28″
– Speckled Trout
– Flounder
– Croaker
Download a copy of the award categories here.
Register Now
OctoberFISH 2025 Angler Registration
Quick Pay Options
Use the QR codes below to register and pay directly through the Chamber’s Square account:
ADULT Registration – $65
Beach or Boat
CHILD Registration – $15
12 years of age or younger
Sponsorship Opportunities
Support the Sargent community while getting your business noticed at one of the coast’s most popular fall events! Octoberfish relies on the generosity of local businesses and individuals, and sponsorships directly fuel the tournament’s prize pool, scholarships, and Chamber projects.
As a sponsor, your name or logo will be featured on event banners, t-shirts, the Chamber website, and recognized throughout the weekend festivities. With Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze levels available, there’s an opportunity for every budget to make an impact.
Ready to get involved? Download the Octoberfish 2025 Sponsorship Form and secure your spot today!
Platinum Sponsorship – $1,000
Includes 2 tournament entries, top recognition at the event, your large logo on banners, website & t-shirts.
Gold Sponsorship – $500
Includes 1 tournament entry, recognition at the event, and your medium logo featured on banners, website & t-shirts.
Silver Sponsorship – $250
Recognition at the event plus your logo on the website, name on banners, and on t-shirts.
Bronze Sponsorship – $100
Your business name displayed on banners and your logo featured on the Chamber website.
Disclaimer
Participation in Octoberfish is at your own risk. By entering the tournament, all anglers agree to abide by the official rules and regulations and to hold harmless the Sargent Area Chamber of Commerce, its officers, directors, staff, and volunteers from any liability for injuries, damages, or losses that may occur during the event.
Entry fees are non-refundable. Fishing will take place rain or shine as part of the adventure and challenge of the tournament. The tournament committee reserves the right to refuse any application or entry at its discretion; in such cases, a full refund of the entry fee will be provided.
All decisions by the weigh master and/or tournament director are final. Children under 18 must have parental supervision during fishing hours and at weigh-in.