BENTON, Ky. – Major League Fishing announced today details for the return of one of the sport’s most prestigious series – the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit – with an upgraded program designed to deliver bigger payouts, more advancement opportunities, and a platform worthy of the sport’s best pros all with reduced entry fees.
Formerly the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, the Pro Circuit name returns in 2026 to reflect the elevated status of the league as the qualifying route to the Bass Pro Tour. With new lower entry fees, a guaranteed $100,000 first-place award at every tournament, advancement to REDCREST from every tournament and championship berths for 50 anglers, the Pro Circuit solidifies itself as the place for pro anglers to make their mark.
“Bringing back the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit name is about honoring the legacy of the circuit while also recognizing that we are delivering a program that’s bigger and better than ever,” said Kathy Fennel, MLF Executive Vice President and General Manager. “From lower entry fees to BPT advancement to national media coverage, the 2026 Pro Circuit offers unmatched value and opportunity for pros looking to compete in a five-bass, weigh-in format with limited use of forward-facing sonar and 360 imaging.”
2026 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Highlights:
- $100,000 guaranteed first-place award at all six qualifying events and the no-entry-fee Championship – plus a $35,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus that pushes the top award to $135,000 for qualified pros.
- Lower $5,000 entry fee (down from $5,500 in 2025).
- Biggest payouts per event outside of the Bass Pro Tour.
- Seven direct berths to REDCREST 2027 – The winner of each tournament, including the Championship, advances.
- 50 Championship berths guaranteed regardless of field size.
- Top 5 anglers in AOY standings advance to the 2027 Bass Pro Tour, with no double-qualifying restrictions.
- $50,000 Fishing Clash Angler of the Year award.
- Forward-facing sonar and 360 imaging limited to 3 hours of each competition day, similar to the fan-favorite Bass Pro Tour format, using new tracking technology.
- Live on-the-water and weigh-in coverage daily, plus national television broadcasts.
