No hooks, no bait, no fear!
The 2023 Okie Noodling Tournament is a once-a-year chance for noodlers and handfishing enthusiasts to compete and meet up in Pauls Valley’s Wacker Park. Beginning 20 years ago at Bob’s Pig Shop, it is truly one-of-a-kind and has grown to be the world’s largest handfishing tournament and the pulse of the noodling community.
Created for the 2001 documentary “Okie Noodling,” the event is steeped in backwoods tradition and given modern cultural relevance, attracting a crowd of local fishing enthusiasts, curious spectators and media outlets from around the world including the BBC, National Geographic, The New York Times, ESPN, The Discovery Channel and Sports Illustrated in previous years. It’s even inspired books, feature films and television shows.
Don’t miss your chance to experience it for yourself June 16-17!
How the competition works
Noodlers pay an entry fee and begin noodling in strictly Oklahoma waters at a designated start time. They have until 6 p.m. to have their live fish to weigh in at Wacker Park.
Variety of Divisions
Noodlers can sign up for scuba, natural, women’s and 17 & under. The grand prize is the prestigious Big Fish Award, given to the entrant with the overall biggest fish.
Activities for every age
The fun doesn’t stop when you leave the water; throughout the day on Saturday, you can stop by the Okie Noodling Queen contest, Catfish Cook-Off, Kids Catfish Eating Contest, Watermelon Crawl and a Cornhole Tournament.
Live Music & Tournament Schedule
This year’s musical lineup features Kat Hasty opening for Eli Young Band on Friday, June 16. Tickets are $25, available online or at the gate. Then, on Saturday, June 17, Gannon Fremin & CCREV opens for Shane Smith and the Saints, a free show included with your purchase of $5 parking.
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