Welcome to Day at the lake

Fishing. Mentorship. Memories Made.

Day at the Lake connects kids and community through unforgettable fishing tournaments guided by generous volunteer captains.

Volunteer as a Captain

SPring Classic may 17, 2026

    • 📍 Location: Potholes Resservior

    • 📅 Date & Time: 05/17/2026

    • 🛥️ Who Can Join: Kids ages 7–17 (with signed parent/guardian waiver)

    • 📋 Forms Required: Parent/guardian waiver must be signed ahead of time or at check-in

    • 🎣 Fishing License Required: All participants 15+ must bring a valid 2025 WA State freshwater fishing license

    • Life vest (MANDATORY — no extras available)

    • Snacks/lunch, plastic bottled drinks (no cans)

    • Rain gear, waterproof shoes, layers for changing weather

    • Rod & reel (if unavailable, request one via email)

    • Life vests must be worn at all times

    • Captains will be on-site at 5:25 AM to meet families

    • Boats launch in numbered order after national anthem

    • Weigh-ins start at 1:15 PM

    • This event is rain or shine

    • No refunds unless cancelled due to weather for safety.

🙌 Special Notes

The 2026 tournament season kicks off with the Youth Spring Bass Classic on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at Potholes Reservoir! Additional tournament dates and lake locations are still being finalized. Be sure to follow us on social media or sign up for email updates—so you’ll be the first to know when new events are added and registration opens for upcoming youth tournaments. Let’s make this season unforgettable!

🎣 What to Expect at a Day at the Lake Youth Tournament

Each Day at the Lake event pairs up to two youth anglers with an experienced volunteer boat captain for a fun, safe, and fully mentored fishing tournament.

Young anglers stay on board with their captain from launch through weigh-ins. Captains help coach, guide, and net fish during the entire day — making sure every participant learns, has fun, and gets their lines wet (and hopefully their hands fishy).

    • A life jacket (required and must be worn at all times on the dock or in the boat)

    • A fishing rod & reel, if they have one (captains may provide extras)

    • A lunch and drinks for the boat

    • Weather-appropriate rain gear or layers — these events happen rain or shine

    • A boat ride and coaching from a vetted volunteer captain

    • A tournament-style fishing experience

    • Awards for top catches and prizes for all participants

    • Hydration and smiles at the end of the day

    • An optional parent-organized BBQ or snacks when available

    • Each child must have a signed waiver from their parent or guardian before they can participate.

    • We strive to match kids with captains as early as possible so families can communicate ahead of time.

    • While we aim to screen all captains, we rely on transparency, communication, and personal accountability at check-in.

Volunteer as a Captain

Step Up and Share Your Boat & Knowledge

Do you own a boat and love to fish? Volunteer to be a Captain and mentor a new generation of anglers. Whether you're a seasoned tournament pro or a weekend warrior, you can make a lasting impact by sharing your boat, your skills, and a few great stories.

  • Help 1–2 kids experience a real day of fishing

  • Provide basic instruction, encouragement, and safety

  • DATL supplies bait, signs, and post-event giveaways

  • Captains are eligible for MVC prizes, swag, and support

Volunteer Now

Register a Child for an Unforgettable Day on the Water

Important Reminder:

🛑 Minors must have a parent or guardian sign a release form. No exceptions — this is required by law and for everyone’s safety.

Ages 7–17 welcome

Must bring own life vest (required on docks & boats)

Fishing license required for kids age 15+

Rods can be provided if needed (just let us know)

Registration Begins Jan 1, 2026

Contact Us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!