The Coastal Conservation Association of California is bringing back its season-long STAR Tournament for 2026, expanding the event with more eligible species, major prizes, and broader opportunities for anglers of all experience levels. Designed to be accessible and conservation-minded, the tournament continues to grow as one of the most anticipated saltwater fishing events in California.
The 2026 STAR Tournament will run from May 23 through September 7, coinciding with Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day and covering the heart of the summer fishing season. During the 15-week tournament, anglers who catch, photograph, and properly register qualifying fish will earn entries toward weekly prize drawings and ten grand prizes awarded at the conclusion of the season. The top prize is a Mako 17 Pro Skiff CC equipped with a 60-horsepower outboard and trailer, accompanied by more than $50,000 in additional prizes distributed throughout the tournament.
Unlike traditional fishing derbies that reward only the largest fish, the STAR Tournament focuses on participation. Dave Brown, chair of the 2026 CCA CAL STAR Committee, explained that anglers simply need to catch, photograph, and register a qualifying fish using the Fishing Chaos app. Each registered catch earns a chance to win, regardless of size beyond the minimum length requirement.
The list of eligible species has expanded for 2026, creating new opportunities for shore-based anglers, divers, kayakers, private boaters, and those fishing aboard party boats. Eligible species include surf perch from the Embiotocidae family, kelp bass, barred sand bass, spotted bay bass, California halibut, California yellowtail, tuna, white seabass, striped bass, lingcod, and king salmon. Qualifying fish must be caught in California state waters, U.S. Pacific waters, or along the Pacific coast of Baja California south to Cabo San Lucas.
Brown noted that the inclusion of surf perch significantly broadens participation, allowing anglers from nearly every corner of the state to take part. He also pointed out that anglers need to register only one qualifying fish to be eligible for prizes, citing a previous grand prize winner who entered just two fish and still won a new boat.
Entries are based on length rather than weight, encouraging live releases whenever possible. Registration includes an official STAR measuring device, and anglers submit catches using the free Fishing Chaos app. Participants may submit up to two entries per species category per day, with each entry counting toward weekly prize drawings and the season-ending grand prizes.
Minimum length requirements vary by species, including 9 inches for surf perch; 18 inches for barred sand bass and kelp bass; 15 inches for spotted bay bass; 22 inches for lingcod and striped bass; 26 inches for king salmon; 28 inches for California halibut; and 36 inches for California yellowtail, white seabass, and tuna.
Youth anglers remain a key focus of the program. Anglers ages 13 to 17 may participate in the STAR Tournament Youth Division, with a free tournament entry included with a $10 CCA CAL youth membership. In 2026, CCA CAL and its sponsors will award three $5,000 scholarships to youth participants, with qualification rules matching the adult division.
Registration is $40 for current CCA CAL members, with non-members able to join and register simultaneously. Anglers can register online at CCACalifornia.org/STAR or through participating tackle shops, landings, and dive shops statewide.
Beyond the prizes, the STAR Tournament supports CCA CAL’s advocacy efforts to conserve marine resources and protect recreational fishing access. Founded in 2015, CCA CAL is a nonprofit organization representing recreational anglers across California, working to ensure healthy fisheries and continued public access for future generations.
