Summer on Toledo Bend is starting with a serious splash, and if you are an angler, you will want to make sure your gear is ready to go. On Saturday, June 6th, 2026, the lake and surrounding community are playing host to two incredible events that make Mid Lake Campground the absolute perfect base camp for your weekend. Whether you are looking to test your competitive edge against the region’s top bass fishermen or simply want to hunt down rare, custom lures, this double-header weekend brings a vibrant competitive energy straight to your lakeside getaway.
The Ultimate Open-Water Showdown
Taking place on the legendary waters of the Bend, the Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail is arriving for Stop #5 of the Texas East Division schedule. This high-stakes trailering tournament, proudly presented by Farrell Transport and Hubert Glass Oil Co., is a massive local favorite that draws top-tier talent to our small-town paradise. Competitors will be testing their patterns and pushing their boats to the limit, but the camaraderie starts early; the action officially begins the night before on Friday, June 5th, with a Free Pre-Tournament Banquet hosted at FBC Hemphill, Texas. Family, friends, and supporters are explicitly invited to join the banquet festivities to swap stories and build anticipation before the boats launch.
The atmosphere surrounding a Fishers of Men event is electric, genuine, and profoundly family-friendly. Guests get to experience the thrill of the weigh-in, admire precision bass rigs, and soak in the legendary outdoor culture that makes Toledo Bend famous. What visitors remember most from these tournaments is the incredible sense of community, the friendly rivalry, and the absolute beauty of a Texas sunrise over a lake full of eager anglers.
Hunting for Hidden Treasures
There is something quietly meaningful about a weekend that celebrates every facet of the fishing lifestyle. If you aren’t out on the water competing in the tournament, you need to head over to the Rodeo Arena in Hemphill for the Big East Texas Fishing Tackle Swap Meet. Running simultaneously on Saturday, June 6th from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, this massive gathering is the ultimate buy-sell-trade meet for anything fishing-related. Everyone is welcome to come shop and swap unique gear.
For guests staying at Mid Lake Campground, taking a short trip into town for the swap meet offers an amazing change of pace. The tables under the covered roof will be packed with antique and modern lures, rods, reels, tackle boxes, trolling motors, depth finders, and custom hand-poured plastic baits—plus a special spotlight on crappie gear! It is a wonderful way to experience true Texas hospitality, find a legendary piece of vintage tackle, and chat with local guides who know these waters inside and out.
Plan Your Angler’s Day Trip
Don’t “sleep on this opportunity” – whether you want to launch your boat in pursuit of a prize-winning limit or simply browse the tables for your next favorite lure, you’ll want to map out your Saturday early! If you are planning to fish the tournament, remember that all entries must be submitted by Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026. For those heading to the swap meet, vendor spaces are just $25 under a fully covered roof, with setup windows open on both Friday and early Saturday morning. Pair a day of high-energy fishing action with a relaxing evening back by the campfire at the campground to create a summer weekend you won’t soon forget.
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Tournament Event: Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail (Stop #5)
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Banquet Location & Time: Friday, June 5th, 2026 at FBC Hemphill, Texas
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Tournament Registration & Info: Sign up online at www.fishersofmentexas.com (Deadline June 3rd)
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Swap Meet Location: Rodeo Arena, Hemphill, TX
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Swap Meet Hours: Saturday, June 6th, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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Vendor Info & Contact: Spaces are $25. Reach out to Mike Knight at 936-635-2427 to secure a spot.
