101 anglers set to compete on 2026 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Coming off the heels of a record-breaking 2025 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series season that awarded 11 century belts, saw four-first time champions (two of which were members of the 2025 rookie class) and garnered over 183 million social media impressions, B.A.S.S. has announced the 101-angler field for an exciting 2026 Elite Series season.

Next year, anglers will be put to the test with the use of forward-facing sonar only being allowed at five of the nine regular-season Elite events. Anglers will be competing for a $100,000 first-place prize at each stop of the season, while also accumulating valuable Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year points in hopes of making it to the 2027 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.

“Each season, the Bassmaster Elite Series showcases the very best in professional bass fishing, and 2026 will be no exception,” said B.A.S.S. Elite Series Tournament Director Lisa Talmadge. “We’re excited to welcome 101 incredibly talented anglers who represent the heart of this sport — a mix of proven champions, rising stars and hungry newcomers all ready to compete on some of the most iconic fisheries in the country. It’s going to be an unforgettable season for our anglers and fans alike.”

With the exception of one angler, every 2025 Elite Series angler who qualified is returning next year. The list of anglers includes 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour champion Easton Fothergill of Grand Rapids, Minn., who won the most coveted trophy in bass fishing during his freshman season on the Elites. Two-time Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year Chris Johnston will also join the ranks of returning anglers alongside Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Rookie of the Year Tucker Smith, who took home his first blue trophy at the 2025 Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Elite at Lake Fork with a 127-pound, 8-ounce winning weight that also earned him a century belt .

FULL LIST OF ANGLERS BELOW

B.A.S.S. Announces updated No-Information rule for Classic, Elite Series, Elite Qualifiers and Opens

B.A.S.S. has announced an update to its No-Information rule that will apply to the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour, Nitro Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers presented by Bass Pro Shops (EQs) and the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens in 2026. The new structure was developed in collaboration with the Association of Bass Professionals (ABP) — a panel of Elite Series anglers elected to represent the field — with the goal of preserving the integrity of tournament competition while giving anglers more freedom to enjoy the sport and discuss fishing outside of the primary competition window — the 28 day period where the water is off limits.

Under the revised rule, the No-Information period begins as soon as the Elite Series schedule is announced — or when an angler becomes definitively aware of a tournament location. From that point forward, anglers may not purchase or exchange goods or services for information or waypoints. 

The traditional 28-day off-limits period remains in effect. During this time, anglers may not be on tournament waters and the information restriction tightens: in addition to the purchase/exchange ban, anglers may not solicit or intentionally receive information from anyone other than another registered competitor in that specific event. Anglers may continue to use publicly available information — such as printed maps, publicly available weather and water data, public websites, message boards and videos like those on YouTube. 

Anaya clinches final Classic spot at Lake Hartwell

 

With a two-day total of 39 pounds, 15 ounces, Fisher Anaya wins the TNT Fireworks Team Championship Classic Fish-Off and clinches the final spot in the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic!

By Andrew Canulette, BASS Press Release

ANDERSON, S.C. — Fisher Anaya’s name says it all – the kid from tiny Eva, Ala., seems destined for big things as a professional bass angler.

Fresh off fishing atop the 2025 Bassmaster Elite Qualifier Points Standings last month and locking down a spot in the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series for the next two seasons, the 20-year-old Anaya won the TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish-Off Saturday on Lake Hartwell. His two-day total of 10 bass weighing 39 pounds, 15 ounces was just enough to hold off fellow Alabaman Barrett Choquette, who finished second with 38-5.

The win secured for Anaya the final spot in the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour when it’s held March 13-15 on the Tennessee River in Knoxville, Tenn. He slipped into the Fish-Off after he and his father, Ryan, finished fifth in the Team Championship portion of the tournament on Thursday. The Top 5 teams in the team standings (10 anglers) had their weights zeroed and then fished individually on Friday and Saturday for a Classic berth. 

2026 NPFL season is official

 

The final piece of the 2026 NPFL season is officially locked in.

Our 2026 NPFL Championship is set for Lewis Smith Lake in Cullman, Alabama — February 26–28. This will be our first-ever visit to Smith Lake, and it’s the stage where 42 qualifying anglers from the 2025 season will kick off what’s shaping up to be our biggest year yet.

Here’s the full 2026 schedule, now fully finalized:

• Championship — Lewis Smith Lake, Cullman, AL: Feb 26–28

• Stop 1 — Harris Chain of Lakes, Leesburg, FL: Mar 19–21

• Stop 2 — Wright Patman Lake, Texarkana, TX: Apr 23–25

• Stop 3 — Lay Lake, Clanton, AL: May 21–23

• Stop 4 — Logan Martin Lake, Oxford, AL: Jun 25–27

• Stop 5 — St. Lawrence River, Massena, NY: Jul 23–25

• Stop 6 — Lake George, NY: Sep 17–19

Read more here: https://thenationalprofessionalfishingleague.com/.../202.../

Power Pro Max-8 Braided Line now available

 

Braided fishing lines dominated the best new ICAST 2025 fishing line category, with the top three selections all being brightly colored hi-vis braided lines, and the Power Pro Max 8 Braided Line 4 Color taking 27.5% of the vote. Featuring a 25% thinner diameter while maintaining a high tensile strength, the Power Pro Max 8 Braided line is designed to increase castability, line management, and abrasion resistance when fishing offshore or around heavy cover. The hi-vis Firetiger colorway of the new Sufix 832 braid came in a close second place, and the Sunline Overwatch Chartreuse metered braid came third as the top choice for a finesse-focused spinning reel option.

Happy Thanksgiving to all our IBASSIN.com fans!

Wishing all our valued readers a wonderful and peaceful Thanksgiving!

 

2026 National Professional Fishing League season is full at 130.

WILKESVILLE, Ohio—The field of anglers for the 2026 National Professional Fishing League season is full at 130. But if you don’t see your name on the list below, it’s not too late to get in.

“We’re still accepting talented anglers who are also outstanding human beings to join us for what promises to be the biggest and best season ever for the NPFL,” says league president Brad Fuller. “This will be our biggest field of competitors in our six-year history, and we’re about to close the door on new entries because we’ve always considered 130 anglers to be a ‘full’ field, but we can make room for a few more who are talented and ready to test themselves against a top-notch field and a challenging schedule.

“In 2026, we have the anglers, the schedule, the platforms, and the team to rival any organization in bass fishing,” adds Fuller. “For the fishing fans who enjoyed the great strides we made in 2025, it’s going to be even bigger and better next year.”

Anglers who wish to be part of the 2026 field should complete the Angler Application as soon as possible!

The six-event 2026 season kicks off on Florida’s Harris Chain of Lakes in March and wraps up in September on New York’s Lake George. In between, there are four other events in Texas, Alabama, and New York. Florida bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and spotted bass will all be in play on the diverse fisheries that will reward versatility and adaptability in a true test of the best.

FULL FIELD BELOW

Lucas, Ehrler conquer Cross Lake to claim Summit Cup

 

Justin Lucas and Brent Ehrler of Team Ferguson totaled 29-9 on 15 Cross Lake bass to win the Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni. Photo by Tyler Brinks

Joe Opager • Fishing Clash Team Series 

SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CITY, La. — Justin Lucas and Brent Ehrler of Team Ferguson powered through a stingy Championship Round on Cross Lake to claim the Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni with a gritty, wire-to-wire performance.

Lucas led the way with 10 scorable bass for 19 pounds, 1 ounce, while Ehrler’s late surge pushed the team to a total weight of 29-9, securing the title over Team Lucas Oil – defending Summit Cup champs Drew Gill and Marshall Robinson – by more than 12 pounds.

Lucas, who now calls Guntersville, Alabama, home but grew up in California, noted how special it was to win alongside Ehrler, a fellow West Coast product he looked up to as a young angler.

“This one feels special,” Lucas said. “Brent and I kind of came up in the same circles back home, and to win this one together – especially in Louisiana – that’s something I’ll never forget. Today wasn’t easy. Nobody was running away with it, and we had to grind every single minute.”

Late surge seals the win

The four-team field competed on Cross Lake for the first time this week, and the Louisiana fishery proved challenging. Early rain, muddy water and scattered bait made it difficult to identify a standout pattern or area and prevented any team from running away with it.

Everything you need to know about MLF’s 2026 forward-facing sonar rules

 

Starting in 2026, Major League Fishing will restrict the use of forward-facing sonar at all professional and boater/co-angler levels of competition, from the Phoenix Bass Fishing League to the Bass Pro Tour. The decision to limit the technology was made in response to positive feedback from fans and anglers about the forward-facing sonar restrictions implemented on the Bass Pro Tour in 2025 as well as feedback from participants at lower levels.

The goal of these restrictions is to promote multi-dimensional angling – allowing anglers to utilize the latest technology while also creating an environment in which traditional techniques remain highly competitive. MLF believes these rules will make for more dynamic, entertaining competitions and will drive tournament participation, thus enhancing payouts. The league strongly believes that the fracturing of the sport caused by forward-facing sonar is unhealthy and unsustainable. The goal of this solution is a compromise that brings everyone back together for the benefit of anglers, fans and sponsors.

The 2026 rules regarding forward-facing sonar for each circuit will be as follows:

Bass Pro Tour

• No changes from 2025
• Anglers will only be allowed to utilize forward-facing/360-degree sonar for one of three competition periods per day and must declare in advance which period they intend to use it.
• The technology will not be restricted during B&W Trailer Hitches Heavy Hitters or Fishing Clash Team Series competition, as anglers in those events compete in identical, league-issued boats.