Tennessee River Swamp Monster Catfish Challenge

Test your skills — and the legends — at the Tennessee River Swamp Monster Catfish Challenge, a catch-photo-release catfish tournament held during the Inaugural Swamp Monster Festival. Teams of two to four anglers ($50 entry per team) compete from the bank for cash prizes: $500 for 1st place, $350 for 2nd, and $200 for 3rd — plus each winning team takes home a 3D catfish trophy. Eligible species: Blue, Channel, and Flathead Catfish. Bank fishing only, from shorelines, piers, and approved docks — limited to 50 teams for this inaugural competition. All catches are photographed, verified, and safely released. Complete rules, schedule, and requirements — including the official tournament start time — will be provided to registered teams.

While you fish, the whole family can enjoy the Swamp Monster Festival — live music, food trucks, vendors, and Tennessee River folklore — from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM. 
 
 

Tennessee River Swamp Monster Catfish Challenge
Something is stirring beneath the waters of the Tennessee River… For generations, fishermen have whispered about a mysterious creature lurking in the Tennessee River's deepest waters and hidden back channels. Now it's your turn to see what legends you can pull from the water at the Tennessee River Swamp Monster Catfish Challenge, held during the Inaugural Swamp Monster Festival.

Tournament Information
Date: Saturday, May 22, 2027
Location: Chester Frost Park, 7989 Causeway Road, Hixson, TN 37343
Tournament Start Time: TBD (provided to registered teams)

Tournament Format
• Catch-photo-release catfish tournament
• Eligible species: Blue, Channel, and Flathead Catfish
• Bank-fishing division only (shorelines, piers, and approved docks)
• Limited to the first 50 teams

Team Entry
• $50 entry fee per team
• Two to four anglers per team
• One registration covers your entire team

Prize Payout
1st Place: $500
2nd Place: $350
3rd Place: $200
Each winning team will also receive a custom 3D Catfish Trophy.

Tournament Rules & Requirements
Trotlines, jug lines, limb lines, noodling, snagging, boats, and fish caught before the official starting time are prohibited. All catches must be photographed, verified, and safely released in accordance with the official tournament procedures. Complete tournament rules, catch verification requirements, schedule, permits, insurance requirements, and the official tournament start time will be provided to all registered teams.

Make It a Full Day
While you fish, the whole family can enjoy the Inaugural Swamp Monster Festival from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM, featuring live music and entertainment, food trucks and festival favorites, unique artists and specialty vendors, Swamp Monster photo opportunities, storytelling and Tennessee River folklore, contests, games, family activities, and a fog-filled ghostly riverbank inspired by river legends.

Questions?
Email: vendors@shopthemarketat.com