Walleye anglers will have the chance to win a brand-new Ford Maverick truck and score free AFTCO fishing apparel this July while competing on legendary Lake Oahe. AFTCO, in conjunction with the South Dakota Walleye Classic, is excited to announce the 2026 AFTCO Walleye Throwdown, taking place July 25–26, 2026, in Akaska, South Dakota.

The South Dakota Walleye Classic has a long history as a premier event, but 2025 marked a major surge in both participation and prize payouts. The format shifted to biggest walleye, and Lake Oahe delivered in a big way, with a 13.95 lb. walleye caught by Toby Hofer claiming the top prize. Even better, every angler who entered early for $200 received a free AFTCO clothing package valued at over $200.

The 2025 advertised payout was $10,000, but the winner ultimately took home $15,000 in cash. In 2026, the stakes climb even higher, with first place winning a brand-new Ford Maverick truck. One cast could win a truck. The single biggest walleye weighed in during the two-day event will take home the grand prize Ford Maverick. It gets even better — just like last year, there are eight bi-hourly payouts during the event for additional cash prizes. Each day of competition includes four bi-hourly weigh-ins, giving anglers multiple chances to win every day. Multiple special prizes are available for fish of all sizes as well. The Buckley Schilling Pontoon Award pays $3,000 to the largest walleye caught from a pontoon boat. The Kent Kramer Youth Award pays $1,000 to the biggest fish caught by a youth angler, and the highest-finishing female angler also receives $1,000. There are also exact weight awards at 3.00 lb., 4.00 lb., and 5.00 lb., each paying $1,000 for the walleye closest to each exact weight.

South Dakota rules and regulations apply for length and daily limits. See the full rules information here. If the chance at major prizes wasn’t enough, every registered angler will receive a $200 AFTCO swag pack just for entering, essentially covering the cost of entry. Anglers must be registered by June 30, 2026, to be eligible for the swag pack. Check-in for the event will take place July 24, 2026, at the Akaska Community Center in Akaska, SD, from 2pm to 7 pm. You may fish alone or with family and friends; however, each competing angler must be individually registered to weigh fish. This format is ideal for casual anglers and serious competitors alike and accommodates boats of all types with every participant having a legitimate chance to win the Ford Maverick truck. For more information, visit the event page here or register directly for the event here.  Event page, http://www.aftco.com/pages/aftco-walleye-throwdown.

About AFTCO

Family owned and operated, the American Fishing Tackle Company (AFTCO) represents unparalleled quality, performance, and reliability when it counts most. Worn across the globe, AFTCO’s fishing clothing and fishing rain gear is designed to handle the harshest elements. Whether you are a tournament bass angler looking to stay dry in a late fall downpour or an offshore weekend warrior seeking protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, AFTCO keeps you fishing comfortably.

AFTCO reflects a legacy of firsts. From former company Chairman Milt Shedd’s pioneering conservation achievements, to the invention of the roller guide and the introduction of the world’s first pair of true fishing shorts, AFTCO provides conservation leadership and innovative products proven to deliver performance on the water. Our passion for the outdoors goes beyond our product offering because of an unwavering commitment to help protect our fishing resources and angler rights. Through our 10% Pledge to Protect and Conserve, your purchase of any AFTCO product directly supports conservation initiatives.