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.../