THE “BASS PRO TOUR” TOURNAMENT
The Bass Pro Tour, operated by Major League Fishing (MLF), is one of the highest-level competitive bass fishing series in the sport. It features an elite group of professional anglers who compete at multiple locations throughout the season, including well-known lakes and river systems across the country.
The tournament format is fast-paced and conservation-focused, using a catch, weigh, and immediate release system. This keeps fish healthy while allowing real-time scoring, which adds excitement for both anglers and fans. Events are typically structured with qualifying rounds, followed by knockout stages, and ending with a final championship round where the top performers battle for the win.
| Event | Location | City/State | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 – Lake Hartwell | Lake Hartwell | Oconee County, SC | Feb 19 – 22, 2026 |
| Stage 3 – Lake Whitney & Waco | Lake Whitney and Lake Waco | Waco, TX | Mar 5 – 8, 2026 |
| Stage 4 – O.H. Ivie & Brownwood | O.H. Ivie and Lake Brownwood | Early, TX | Mar 26 – 29, 2026 |
| REDCREST 2026 | Table Rock Lake | Springfield, MO | Apr 17 – 19, 2026 |
| Stage 5 – Beaver Lake | Beaver Lake | Rogers, AR | Apr 30 – May 3, 2026 |
| Heavy Hitters 2026 | Orange Lake | Ocala, FL | May 16 – 21, 2026 |
| Stage 6 – Grand Lake | Grand Lake | Grove, OK | Jun 18 – 21, 2026 |
| Stage 7 – Lake Erie | Lake Erie | Sandusky, OH | Aug 6 – 9, 2026 |
The “Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit” Tournament
The Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit is a premier nationwide bass fishing tournament series operated by Major League Fishing (MLF). It attracts many of the sport’s most skilled professional anglers, who compete at various lakes and waterways throughout the season. The circuit acts as a key stepping stone for anglers seeking to advance to the Bass Pro Tour and qualify for the prestigious REDCREST Championship, both considered top-tier levels of professional bass fishing.
For the 2026 season, the Pro Circuit includes several tournament stops, typically around six, with fields of up to 150 professional anglers. Each event follows a classic five-fish weigh-in format over three days of competition. Participants fish for substantial prize money, including six-figure payouts for event winners, along with additional incentives and opportunities to move up within the professional ranks.
| Event | Presented By | Location | City/State | Circuit/Championship | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harris Chain of Lakes | B&W Trailer Hitches | Harris Chain | Leesburg, FL | Pro Circuit | Feb 6 – 8, 2026 |
| Santee Cooper Lakes | — | Santee Cooper | Clarendon County, SC | Pro Circuit | Feb 26 – 28, 2026 |
| Wheeler Lake | Suzuki Marine | Wheeler Lake | Decatur, AL | Pro Circuit | Mar 19 – 21, 2026 |
| Douglas Lake | Phoenix Boats | Douglas Lake | Jefferson County, TN | Pro Circuit | May 8 – 10, 2026 |
| Lake Eufaula | K&N Filters | Lake Eufaula | Eufaula, OK | Pro Circuit | Jun 5 – 7, 2026 |
| Lake Champlain | — | Lake Champlain | Plattsburgh, NY | Pro Circuit | Jul 24 – 26, 2026 |
| Kissimmee Chain of Lakes | — | Kissimmee Chain | Kissimmee, FL | Championship | Sep 18 – 20, 2026 |
The “Toyota Series” Tournament
The Toyota Series, part of Major League Fishing (MLF), is a nationwide bass fishing tournament program designed to give anglers strong competition opportunities at the regional level. It’s well known for offering high payouts with affordable entry costs, making it appealing to both seasoned pros and up-and-coming competitors. Anglers compete in multi-day events within regional divisions to earn points and qualify for the Toyota Series Championship, a major event with significant prizes. Top finishers also gain opportunities to advance to higher professional circuits, helping them progress through the competitive bass fishing ranks.
| Event / Lake | Presented By | Location | City/State | Division | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Okeechobee | — | Lake Okeechobee | Clewiston, FL | Southern | Jan 29 – 31, 2026 |
| Sam Rayburn Reservoir | Suzuki Marine | Sam Rayburn | Brookeland, TX | Southwestern | Feb 12 – 14, 2026 |
| Lake Guntersville | — | Lake Guntersville | Guntersville, AL | Central | Feb 18 – 20, 2026 |
| Kissimmee Chain of Lakes | Suzuki Marine | Kissimmee Chain | Kissimmee, FL | Southern | Mar 4 – 6, 2026 |
| Lake of the Ozarks | — | Lake of the Ozarks | Osage Beach, MO | Plains | Mar 10 – 12, 2026 |
| Grand Lake | — | Grand Lake | Grove, OK | Southwestern | Mar 26 – 28, 2026 |
| Pickwick Lake | Suzuki Marine | Pickwick Lake | Counce, TN | Central | Mar 31 – Apr 2, 2026 |
| Kentucky Lake | — | Kentucky-Barkley | Gilbertsville, KY | Plains | Apr 9 – 11, 2026 |
| Lake Seminole | — | Lake Seminole | Bainbridge, GA | Southern | Apr 30 – May 2, 2026 |
| Lake Eufaula | — | Lake Eufaula | Eufaula, AL | Central | May 13 – 15, 2026 |
| Arkansas River | — | Arkansas River | Muskogee, OK | Southwestern | Jun 11 – 13, 2026 |
| Lake Dardanelle | — | Lake Dardanelle | Russellville, AR | Plains | Jun 18 – 20, 2026 |
| Potomac River | — | Potomac River | Marbury, MD | Northern | Jun 25 – 27, 2026 |
| St. Lawrence River | — | St. Lawrence River | Massena, NY | Northern | Jul 30 – Aug 1, 2026 |
| Lake Champlain | — | Lake Champlain | Plattsburgh, NY | Northern | Aug 27 – 29, 2026 |
| Pickwick Lake Championship | — | Pickwick Lake | Counce, TN | Championship | Nov 5 – 7, 2026 |
The “Phoenix Bass Fishing League” Tournament
The Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL), supported by T‑H Marine, is one of the nation’s largest grassroots bass tournament circuits. Designed for both weekend anglers and those aspiring to compete professionally, the league hosts numerous events throughout the year across regional divisions. Competitions include one-day and multi-day formats, giving anglers frequent opportunities to test their skills close to home.
Tournament results are based on the total weight of bass caught, with prize money awarded to a portion of participants, including both boaters and co-anglers. Top performers at regional stops can advance to the BFL All‑American Championship, and from there, potentially qualify for larger stages such as the Toyota Series Championship and even REDCREST, creating a clear path from local competitions to national prominence.
| Event / Lake | Alternate Name | Location | City/State | Division | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lay Lake | — | Lay Lake | Columbiana, AL | Bama | Feb 7, 2026 |
| Lake Guntersville | — | Lake Guntersville | Scottsboro, AL | Choo Choo | Feb 14, 2026 |
| Clarks Hill Lake | Clark Hill | Clarks Hill Lake | Appling, GA | Savannah River | Feb 14, 2026 |
| Lake Norman | — | Lake Norman | Huntersville, NC | North Carolina | Feb 14, 2026 |
| South Holston Reservoir | — | South Holston | Bristol, TN | Volunteer | Feb 14, 2026 |
| Harris Chain of Lakes | — | Harris Chain | Leesburg, FL | Gator | Feb 21, 2026 |
| Lake Murray | — | Lake Murray | Columbia, SC | South Carolina | Feb 21, 2026 |
| Ross Barnett Reservoir | — | Ross Barnett | Brandon, MS | Mississippi | Feb 21, 2026 |
| Toledo Bend | Toledo Bend Lake | Toledo Bend | Zwolle, LA | Cowboy | Feb 21, 2026 |
| Lake of the Ozarks | — | Lake of the Ozarks | Osage Beach, MO | Ozark | Feb 21, 2026 |
| Toledo Bend – RESCHEDULED | Toledo Bend Lake | Toledo Bend | Zwolle, LA | Cowboy | Feb 22, 2026 |
| Lake Lanier | — | Lake Lanier | Gainesville, GA | Bulldog | Feb 28, 2026 |
The “Columbia PFG College Fishing” Tournament
Columbia PFG College Fishing is the top collegiate bass fishing circuit in the U.S., bringing together student anglers from colleges nationwide. Teams compete in regional tournaments to earn points, with the best advancing to the College Fishing National Championships. Sponsored by Columbia PFG, the series emphasizes skill, strategy, and sportsmanship, while offering scholarships and a pathway for future professional anglers. It’s a key platform for college students to gain competitive experience and connect with a nationwide community of bass fishing enthusiasts.
| Event / Lake | Presented By | Location | City/State | Division/Conference | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Murray | Abu Garcia | Lake Murray | Columbia, SC | Championship | Feb 12 – 14, 2026 |
| Lake Seminole | — | Lake Seminole | Bainbridge, GA | National Conference | Feb 20, 2026 |
| Lake Eufaula | — | Lake Eufaula | Eufaula, AL | National Conference | Mar 13, 2026 |
| Table Rock Lake | Suzuki Marine | Table Rock Lake | Branson, MO | National Conference | Apr 10, 2026 |
| Potomac River | — | Potomac River | Marbury, MD | National Conference | Jun 28, 2026 |
| Lake Guntersville | — | Lake Guntersville | Guntersville, AL | National Conference | Sep 25, 2026 |
| Cherokee Lake | — | Cherokee Lake | Jefferson City, TN | National Conference | Oct 23, 2026 |
The “Abu Garcia High School Fishing” Tournament
Abu Garcia High School Fishing is a nationwide tournament series for student anglers in grades 9–12. Sponsored by Abu Garcia, the circuit offers high school teams the chance to compete in regional bass fishing events where anglers earn points and vie for advancement. Top performers qualify for national championship competitions, showcasing their skills and teamwork on the water. The program promotes outdoor education, sportsmanship, and a pathway for young anglers to grow in the sport. It’s a popular entry point for youth anglers seeking structured competition and community within high school bass fishing.
| Event / Lake | Location | City/State | Division | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Seminole | Lake Seminole | Bainbridge, GA | Open | Feb 21, 2026 |
| Lake Eufaula | Lake Eufaula | Eufaula, AL | Open | Mar 14, 2026 |
| Table Rock Lake | Table Rock Lake | Branson, MO | Open | Apr 11, 2026 |
| Lake Cumberland | Lake Cumberland | Jamestown, KY | Championship | Jun 24 – 26, 2026 |
| Lake Guntersville | Lake Guntersville | Guntersville, AL | Open | Sep 26, 2026 |
| Cherokee Lake | Cherokee Lake | Jefferson City, TN | Open | Oct 24, 2026 |
The “The Champions” Tournament
The Champions is a prestigious tournament series in the bass fishing world that brings together top‑performing anglers from various competitive circuits. Instead of open entry, only anglers who have earned qualifying wins or high rankings throughout the season are invited to compete, making it a showcase of elite fishing talent. At The Champions, competitors fish for significant titles and prizes in a high‑stakes, winner‑takes‑all format that highlights skill and strategy. The event stands out as one of the most competitive and respected in professional bass fishing.
| Date | Event(s) & Description | Location(s) |
|---|---|---|
| October 26-27 | Practice Days 50 anglers familiarize themselves with Old Hickory Lake | Old Hickory Lake |
| October 28 | Media Day (Press conferences & angler introductions) Opening Ceremonies (Welcome reception & official kickoff) | Gaylord Opryland Resort |
| October 29 | Shotgun Start of Competition (National Anthem & Fly Over) World Bass Enterprises Expo Opens (Vendors, exhibits, fan experiences) Round 1 Weigh-in (Live on stage, ranked by heaviest five fish) | Old Hickory Lake, Sanders Ferry Gaylord Opryland Resort Convention Center Old Hickory Lake, Sanders Ferry |
| October 30 | World Bass Enterprises Expo Reopens Round 2 Weigh-in (Live on stage with A-List concert) Top 15 Announced (Advance to Championship Round) | Gaylord Opryland Resort Convention Center Old Hickory Lake, Sanders Ferry |
| October 31 | Championship Day World Bass Enterprises Expo Reopens Championship Round ($1,250,000 winner announced) Crowning of the Champion ($1,250,000 winner announced) Champions Dinner (VIP celebration, 500 attendees) | Gaylord Opryland Resort Convention Center Location TBD |
| November 1 | Pro-Am (Top 15 anglers, influencers & fans) | Percy Priest Lake |
Looking Forward to an Exciting Year of Fishing
As we look ahead to the 2026 season, it’s clear that anglers and fishing fans alike are in for an action-packed year. With a diverse set of lakes, rivers, and top-tier venues spread across the nation from the legendary waters of Lake Guntersville and Lake Okeechobee to thrilling championship events at Old Hickory Lake and beyond there’s something for everyone in this impressive tournament lineup.
Whether you’re a seasoned competitor, an aspiring pro, or a dedicated fan, these tournaments promise not only fierce competition and big catches but also unforgettable experiences. Enthusiasts will have the chance to witness pro anglers in action, discover the latest gear at expos, and join celebrations that unite the entire fishing community.
Don’t forget to mark your calendars and follow each event as the best in the sport battle for prestige, prizes, and the honor of being crowned champion. Stay connected with updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes access through official channels and event coverage.
See You on the Water
Thank you for exploring this year’s tournament schedules with us. Whether you’ll be on the dock, in the stands, or streaming from home, we wish all participants safe travels, tight lines, and memorable days on the water. Here’s to a fantastic 2026 fishing season may it be full of success, camaraderie, and plenty of fish stories!