The Brody Bates Youth Redfish Open returns to Charleston on March 28, 2026, bringing young anglers together for a meaningful day of competition, community, and scholarship opportunity in honor of Brody Bates.
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•The Brody Bates Youth Redfish Open advances youth development through scholarships, with over $100,000 awarded to date.
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•Divisions by age—Elementary, Middle and High School—ensure fair competition and allow teams of one or two youths with winnings shared when two anglers compete.
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•The event relies on community support and sponsorship, including a SALTT partnership, and limits participation to 50 boats to preserve a quality experience.
The Lowcountry’s next generation of anglers will once again take to the water this spring for a meaningful and exciting event as the Brody Bates Youth Redfish Open returns to Charleston.
Scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026, with a weather make-up date of April 11, 2026, this special youth tournament will launch from Garris Landing Public Boat Ramp and bring together young anglers from across the region for a day of competition, learning, and community.
Fishing in Honor of Brody Bates
The Brody Bates Youth Redfish Open is held in loving memory of Brody Bates and continues to serve as a platform that celebrates youth participation in fishing while supporting educational opportunities through scholarship awards. Over the past several years, the tournament has helped award more than $100,000 in scholarships, reinforcing its mission to invest in young anglers both on and off the water.
Divisions for Every Age Group
To ensure fair and engaging competition, the tournament is structured into three youth divisions:
• Elementary Division — Grades 1–4
• Middle School Division — Grades 5–8
• High School Division — Grades 9–12
Teams may consist of one or two youth anglers, and when two anglers compete together, winnings are shared between them. To preserve the youth-focused nature of the event, adults age 21 and older may operate the vessel but are not permitted to fish.
Tournament Format and Participation
Participation is limited to 50 boats, helping maintain a quality experience for competitors while encouraging early registration. The tournament is hosted in partnership with SALTT (Student Angler League Tournament Trail) and remains a free event for registered SALTT members.
Young anglers and families interested in participating can register online by visiting SALTT Fishing, selecting the Brody Bates Redfish Open, and completing the registration process.
Community Support and Sponsorship Opportunities
The success of the Brody Bates Youth Redfish Open is made possible through strong community support and sponsor involvement. Sponsorship tiers are available for organizations and individuals who wish to contribute to the tournament’s mission and scholarship impact, with levels ranging from Patron to Platinum.
A Day That Means More
Beyond competition, the Brody Bates Youth Redfish Open represents something deeper — mentorship, opportunity, and the continuation of a passion for fishing within the next generation. It’s a day where families, friends, and the coastal community come together to celebrate youth anglers while honoring a legacy that continues to inspire.
As March approaches, anticipation is already building for another memorable day on the water. For young anglers ready to compete and families eager to support them, the 2026 Brody Bates Youth Redfish Open promises to be one of the standout youth fishing events of the season.
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