INDIAN HEAD, Md., May 2, 2025 — Charles County will host Hooked! on the Potomac, a free fish-themed festival, on June 28 and 29 at Village Green Park in Indian Head, coinciding with the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour’s Stage 6 competition on the Potomac River. The event, running from 1 to 6 p.m. each day, will feature local seafood, live music, giveaways, and appearances by Skye and Marshall from Paw Patrol.
The festival at 100 Walter Thomas Road, Indian Head, MD 20640, complements the MLF Bass Pro Tour, where 66 of the nation’s top professional anglers will compete for a $150,000 prize and points toward the Fishing Clash Angler of the Year title. Attendees can meet anglers during autograph sessions and watch the competition live via an MLF watch party.
The Bass Pro Tour’s Stage 6, hosted by Charles County Recreation, Parks, and Tourism, spans four days from June 26 to 29. On June 26 and 27, all 66 anglers compete in Qualifying Rounds, catching, weighing, and releasing bass with a minimum scorable weight of 1 pound, 8 ounces. Each day includes three 2.5-hour periods with two 15-minute breaks, and anglers are limited to using forward-facing or 360-degree sonar for one period, declared during a break. Total weight carries over from Day 1 to Day 2, with the highest combined weight earning a direct spot in the Championship Round.
On June 28, the Knockout Round sees 19 anglers start with zero weight. The top nine advance to the Championship Round on June 29, while the bottom 10 are eliminated. The Championship Round, also starting at zero weight, includes 10 anglers, with the day’s heaviest weight determining the winner. Every scorable bass, meeting the 1-pound, 8-ounce minimum, counts toward the totals.
Fans can follow the action live on MLFNOW! across all four days, with real-time fish catches tracked via SCORETRACKER®. The event is part of the 2025 Bass Pro Tour season, which includes seven stages, REDCREST 2025, and the General Tire Heavy Hitters All-Star Event. The Potomac River, known for its diverse bass fishery, is a new venue for the tour, promising a competitive showdown.
Hooked! on the Potomac offers a family-friendly experience, blending the excitement of professional fishing with community festivities. Local seafood vendors will showcase regional flavors, and live music will create a festive atmosphere. The Paw Patrol characters, Skye and Marshall, will engage younger attendees, while giveaways add to the fun. The autograph sessions provide a chance to connect with anglers like Jacob Wheeler, the 2024 Fishing Clash Angler of the Year, and REDCREST champions Dustin Connell, Edwin Evers, Bobby Lane, and Bryan Thrift.
Charles County’s hosting of the event highlights its growing reputation as a destination for outdoor recreation. The Potomac River, a historic fishery, challenges anglers with its tidal waters and varied habitats, making it an ideal stage for the Bass Pro Tour’s catch-weigh-release format. The MLF Fisheries Management Division sets the 1-pound, 8-ounce minimum to ensure sustainable competition based on the river’s bass population and average fish size.
The 2025 Bass Pro Tour season, which began January 30 at Lake Conroe, Texas, features 66 anglers competing for millions in prizes. The tour’s new format, introduced this year, has all anglers fishing simultaneously on the first two days, with live broadcasts on MLFNOW!, MajorLeagueFishing.com, and the MLF app. The season will air on Discovery starting in July 2025 and on Outdoor Channel in early 2026.
Hooked! on the Potomac is a chance for Charles County to shine, drawing fishing fans and families to Indian Head. The event underscores the region’s commitment to tourism and community engagement, supported by local partners like Explore Charles County. Whether cheering for a favorite angler or enjoying the festival’s offerings, attendees will experience a unique blend of sport and celebration.
