Elite Field of 280 Plus Teams Set to Compete in AFTCO Collegiate Bass Open
SAN ANTONIO, TX (October 8, 2025) – The Association of Collegiate Anglers is set to host its second event of the season on the 2025-26 Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing Series. This weekend, on October 11-12, the AFTCO Collegiate Bass Open will take place at Lake Dardanelle in Russellville, AR. Over 280 teams have registered in this nationally televised, no-entry-fee tournament that will award over $20,000 in prizes and contingencies, as well as double points to count towards the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia.
Hundreds of the nation’s top collegiate anglers will be competing for two full days on Lake Dardanelle. The Arkansas River fishery presents a great playing field for anglers to go out in search of bites. From shallow cover to main lake bluffs and everything in between, teams can target areas that suit their strengths to catch fish. Read the complete lake preview here.
The title sponsor of this weekend’s event is AFTCO. AFTCO representatives will be on-site to support anglers, handing out t-shirts at the registration meeting, and much more. Product from AFTCO will also be in the overall prize payout for the event, including gift cards and Titan Landing Nets. Anglers competing at Lake Dardanelle will also have the opportunity to participate in the AFTCO Bank Bag Program. Read more about AFTCO’s dedication to conservation, and find out how you can get involved here.
Total payout for the event will exceed $20,000 in prizes and contingencies. The Top 30 in the final tournament standings will receive a payout, as well as numerous exact places. The Overall Big Bass for the event will earn a new Power-Pole, and two AFTCO Titan Landing Nets. View the complete prize list here.
Along with the valuable prizes, schools will be eligible to earn double points to count towards the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia. 1,750 points will be awarded to the winner, and schools can earn points for their two highest-finishing teams inside of the Top 150. 23 of the Top 25 ranked teams are registered to compete at Lake Dardanelle. This tournament will go a long ways in shaping the race for the 2025-26 Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia as we near the halfway point of the fall semester.
The ACA will feature a wide array of coverage leading up to, throughout, and following the conclusion of, tournament competition at the AFTCO Collegiate Bass Open. Live blog coverage will begin on the ACA website Friday, and continue for both tournament days. Live weigh-in will be streamed both days here. Additional coverage and content can be found on the ACA’s Facebook, Instagram, Twi
