BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. announced today the 2026 Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers presented by Bass Pro Shops (EQ) schedule, marking the second year of the postseason-style format designed to challenge the top anglers from the Bassmaster Opens. After a widely praised debut — one that produced 10 new Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series pros, including rising star Fisher Anaya and long-respected veteran Russ Lane — the EQs will return with a three-event run across some of the most intriguing fisheries in the country.

The 2026 season opens September 23-25 on Norfork Lake in Mountain Home, Ark., a deep, clear Ozarks impoundment known for its finesse-heavy patterns. From there, the trail shifts to Toledo Bend Reservoir in Many, La., October 21-23, where fall transitions, hydrilla flats, underwater forests and trophy-class bass will demand power fishing and precision. The season concludes November 11-13 on legendary Lake Guntersville in Guntersville, Ala., a grass-rich Tennessee River powerhouse that will challenge anglers with shifting fall bait movements, big schools of bass and world-class ledge fishing. Together, these fisheries form a diverse, high-pressure proving ground that embodies what the EQs are intended to be: a final test of versatility, mental toughness and performance under postseason stress.

Each event will now conclude on Friday to maximize digital viewership and fan engagement heading into the weekend. B.A.S.S. will once again award $110,000 in Angler of the Year prize money, while entry fees and payouts remain unchanged from the 2025 structure, based on 135 entries.

The EQ No-Information Rule will mirror the Bassmaster Elites Series, Bassmaster Opens and Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour restriction in order to continue to ensure the highest level of competitive integrity. Forward-Facing Sonar will be allowed at one EQ tournament, one without and the final tournament will be decided by a coin flip at the conclusion of the Bassmaster Opens season.

“We are excited to release this schedule so anglers can prepare for the entire season,” said Hank Weldon, B.A.S.S. Executive Director of Tournaments. “These fisheries will be challenging, and with the diversity they offer in this postseason run, we believe they represent what the EQs are all about.”

The EQ format remains one of the most demanding paths in professional bass fishing, with only 10 Elite Series invitations available and a schedule tailor-made to reveal the best all-around anglers in the Opens field. For more information on the 2026 Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers presented by Bass Pro Shops, visit Bassmaster.com.

There are still spots available in both divisions of the 2026 Bassmaster Opens. To register, visit Bassmaster.com/Opens.

2026 Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers presented by Bass Pro Shops Schedule:

• September 23-25: Norfork Lake, Mountain Home, Ark.
• October 21-23: Toledo Bend Reservoir, Many, La.
• November 11-13: Lake Guntersville, Guntersville, Ala.

About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.

The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens Series, Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.

-30-

Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

Media Contact: Mandy Pascal, Communications Manager, 334-414-8677, [email protected]