Toyota Expands Bonus Bucks Contingency Program for 2026
Bigger Rewards for Anglers Who Tow with a Toyota
Plano, TX – – Toyota Motor North America is proud to announce the expansion of the popular , which will reward more anglers with bigger payouts during the 2026 tournament season.
Toyota Bonus Bucks offers cash rewards to anglers who tow their boat with a 2022 or newer Toyota tow vehicle and compete in one of the over 600+ supported…
Georgia’s Deen Gets ‘Surprise’ Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Lake Okeechobee
Florida’s Anstead Earns Victory in Co-Angler Division
CLEWISTON, Fla. (Jan. 26, 2026) – Boater Michael Deen of Waycross, Georgia, caught five bass weighing 24 pounds, 6 ounces, to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Okeechobee. The tournament, hosted by the Hendry County Tourism Development Council, was the first of five events of the season for the…
FXR named title sponsor of the 2026 Elite Series season opener on Lake Guntersville
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. is excited to announce that FXR®, a leading performance apparel brand for anglers and outdoor athletes, will serve as the title sponsor of the 2026 Bassmaster Elite at Lake Guntersville, the season-opening event of the 2026 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series.
Lake Guntersville, one of the most storied fisheries in tournament bass fishing, will provide the backdrop…
Off-Season Obsession: Muskie Pursuits with Kristine Fischer
Courtesy of Dynamic Sponsorships
Kristine Fischer spends most of her year chasing bass and competing in tournaments out of her kayak or Ranger Boat, but in the fall and winter she has a special affinity for musky. If you follow Fischer on social media, you’ve probably watched videos of her in close-quarter combat with big muskies while balancing like an Olympic gymnast on her kayak.
“I’ve…
Major League Fishing Renews Sponsorship with Piranh02
Oxygenation systems to reinforce industry-leading fish care standards at MLF5 events
BENTON, Ky. (Jan. 22, 2026) – Major League Fishing (MLF), the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, announced today the renewal of its partnership with PiranhO2, a leading provider of oxygen enrichment systems designed to protect the health and longevity of fish and bait, for the 2026 season. The…
Camp Hill’s Harrison Edges Field for Victory at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Lake Martin
Moody’s Jennings Earns Win in Co-Angler Division
ALEXANDER CITY, Ala. (Jan. 19, 2026) – Boater Josh Harrison of Camp Hill, Alabama, caught a five-bass limit totaling 13 pounds, 15 ounces, to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Martin. The tournament was the first of five events of the season for the BFL Bama Division. Harrison earned $3,630 for his…
Drew Gill Wins MLF Bass Pro Tour B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 on Lake Guntersville
Illinois pro catches 28 bass weighing 82 pounds, 4 ounces and holds off hard charge from Walker and Wheeler to win season-opening event and earn top prize of $125,000
GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. (Jan. 18, 2026) – When he launched his boat onto Lake Guntersville for the Championship Round of B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 Presented by Mercury Sunday morning, pro Drew Gill of Mount Carmel, Illinois,…
Guntersville’s Chris Lane Paces Knockout Round at MLF Bass Pro Tour B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 on Lake Guntersville
Lane rallies with 29 bass for 91-10 to win Knockout Round and Advance, Final 10 Now Set for Championship Sunday Shootout for $125,000
GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. (Jan. 17, 2026) – With one period left in the Qualifying Round on Friday afternoon, pro Chris Lane of Guntersville, Alabama, faced an uphill climb just to make the cut and advance to the Knockout Round at B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1…
Ultimate Angler Expands 2026 Sanctioned Tours, Welcoming some of the Nation’s Top Anglers to Lake Guntersville
Unified Pros is thrilled to announce the sanctioned tours and qualifying categories feeding into the 2026 Ultimate Angler World Championship, returning to Lake Guntersville in Scottsboro, Alabama, from September 27 – October 3, 2026.
The 2026 championship will feature 200 of the most accomplished anglers in the country, creating one of the deepest and most competitive multi-tour fields in…
Sprague Leads After Chilly Day 1 at MLF Bass Pro Tour B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 at Lake Guntersville
Texas pro catches 31 bass weighing 108 pounds, 15 ounces to grab early lead, three anglers cross 100-pound mark
GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. (Jan. 15, 2025) – A cold front arrived with the start of the 2026 Bass Pro Tour season, with sub-freezing temperatures and wind chills in the single digits greeting the field as it launched on Lake Guntersville Thursday morning. But the legendary fishery’s bass…
Cold Resolve on Guntersville: Mark Daniels Jr. Ready to Open 2026 MLF Season
By Walker Smith, Courtesy of Dynamic Sponsorships / Photos: MLF
By the time the calendar flips to tournament season, Mark Daniels Jr. is ready for the road again.
That doesn’t mean he rushes past the offseason. Quite the opposite, actually. For the Team Toyota pro and Major League Fishing veteran, the time away from competition is about grounding himself in the things that matter most such…
Columbia PFG Expands Partnership with Major League Fishing, Becomes Title Sponsor of MLF College Fishing
BENTON, Ky. (Jan. 13, 2026) – Major League Fishing (MLF), the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, announced today that Columbia PFG has renewed and expanded its partnership with the organization, becoming the title sponsor of the MLF College Fishing circuit beginning in 2026 and increasing its investment in the development of young anglers nationwide.
The expanded 2026 partnership…
Major League Fishing Launches Road to REDCREST Sweepstakes, Offering Fans a Trip to REDCREST 2026
BENTON, Ky. (Jan. 12, 2026) – All roads lead to REDCREST in 2026, and Major League Fishing (MLF) is giving fans a chance to be part of the action with the launch of the 2026 MLF Road to REDCREST Sweepstakes, now open for entries.
One lucky winner will receive a trip to attend REDCREST 2026 and the REDCREST Outdoor Sports Expo, April 17–19, in Springfield, Missouri, along with the opportunity…
Major League Fishing Launches 2026 Phoenix Fantasy Fishing Presented by 13 Fishing
BENTON, Ky. (Jan. 9, 2026) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today that registration is officially open for the 2026 Phoenix Fantasy Fishing Presented by 13 Fishing season, giving fans another shot to test their Bass Pro Tour knowledge, out-pick their buddies and compete for an incredible lineup of prizes throughout the year.
The free-to-play game runs alongside the nine-event 2026 Bass…
Mercury Marine, Lowrance expand sponsorship roles with B.A.S.S.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. today announced an expanded multiyear partnership with Mercury Marine and Lowrance, two of the most respected brands in the marine industry. As part of the agreement, Mercury Marine will continue its title sponsorship of the B.A.S.S. Nation and continue as a premier sponsor of B.A.S.S., while Lowrance will serve as the presenting sponsor of the B.A.S.S. Nation and the…
MLF Bass Pro Tour Launches 2026 Season with B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 at Lake Guntersville
Season-opening event marks third Bass Pro Tour visit to Lake Guntersville, features field of 51 pros competing for $600,000 purse
GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. (Jan. 7, 2026) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour (BPT) is set to kick off its 2026 season in iconic fashion next week at Lake Guntersville. The B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 Presented by Mercury will take place Jan. 15-18, launching…
Cigars International Keeps the Celebration Rolling with Major League Fishing
BENTON, Ky. (Jan. 8, 2026) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today that Cigars International has renewed its partnership with the organization as an Official Sponsor for the 2026 season, continuing a relationship that celebrates winning moments across professional bass fishing.
As part of the renewed agreement, Cigars International will serve as an Official Sponsor of the Bass Pro Tour,…
Louisiana’s Moore Declared Winner at Season-Opening Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Sam Rayburn Reservoir
Evan Howe, Ethan Howe Disqualified from Tournament
BROOKELAND, Texas (Jan. 6, 2026) – Boater Cole Moore of Anacoco, Louisiana, caught a total of five bass weighing 19 pounds, 15 ounces, to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Sam Rayburn Reservoir. The tournament, hosted by Jasper County Development District, was the first event of the season for the 2026…
Yuengling Joins Major League Fishing as Official Sponsor in 2026
BENTON, Ky. (Jan. 5, 2026) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today that D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., the Oldest Brewery in America, has signed a multiyear agreement to become an Official Sponsor of Major League Fishing beginning in the 2026 season. The agreement brings one of the nation’s most enduring and recognizable beer brands into the MLF ecosystem with a broad slate of on-site…
Steering the Ship: Patterson’s Season of Reset, Faith and Forward Motion
By Walker Smith, Courtesy of Dynamic Sponsorships / Photos: Brandon Palaniuk
Anastasia Patterson learned this season that pressure carries weight.
The kind she puts on herself. The kind that comes from expectations. The kind that can quietly creep into every cast, every decision, every long drive down the highway to the next weigh-in.
“You want yourself to do the best you can, and I put…
Competing, Guiding, and Mentoring – Chase Carey’s Pursuit of Fishing for a Living
When Chase Carey graduated from Emmanuel University with a degree in Sports Management last year he had one major goal in mind: find a way to fish for a living. Like many up-and-comers in this next generation of tournament anglers, Carey made a name for himself through college fishing.
Under the leadership of a bass fishing legend, the late Pam Martin-Wells, or “Coach Pam” as Carey calls her,…
Gill Sets the Bar as MLF’s Youngest Bass-Fishing Millionaire
By: Jody White
When Drew Gill put a bow on his primary tournament season at the Toyota Series Championship, where he finished second by tiebreaker, the $50,000 check pushed his career earnings over the $1 million mark. In itself, winning a million dollars casting for bass is an impressive achievement, and this fall, Gill became the youngest to ever do it with MLF.
Edging ahead of Michael…
Turtlebox Audio named Title Sponsor of Bassmaster Opens Tournament Series
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. officials are excited to announce that Turtlebox Audio, the rugged portable speaker company built for adventure, has signed on as the Title Sponsor of the Bassmaster Opens. The agreement pairs one of the fastest-growing brands in outdoor audio with one of the sport’s most competitive and widely followed tournament series.
Turtlebox delivers the most durable,…
B.A.S.S. announces 2026 Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers schedule
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…
BAM Partners with Vexus Boats and Mercury for 2026 and Beyond
Bass Angler Magazine (BAM Trail) is expanding its commitment to western tournament anglers with a major new partnership for the 2026 season. BAM, Vexus Boats, and Mercury Marine have joined forces to deliver one of the most significant prize offerings in modern western bass fishing.
“Six” New Vexus/Mercury Prize Boats Awarded at BAM Pro-Am’s
Beginning in 2026, the first-place pro at every…
Anaya grabs final Classic berth with Fish-Off win at Lake Hartwell
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…
Registration opening soon for 2026 Bassmaster AmBASSador program
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. officials announced today that registration will open to all B.A.S.S. Members Dec. 9 for the 2026 Bassmaster AmBASSador program, offering fans the opportunity to take part in the action at the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour and the 2026 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series tournaments.
The AmBASSador program gives…
Bassmaster College Kayak Series to join select 2026 Bassmaster Kayak Series events
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Building on the success of its inaugural season, B.A.S.S. officials have announced that the Bassmaster College Kayak Series will once again be held in conjunction with select Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft tournaments in 2026.
College anglers will have the opportunity to compete alongside some of the nation’s best kayak anglers at three…
Fish Tip Friday – Bring the Thunder with Heavy Bladed Jigs
By Vance McCullough, AC Insider
Bladed jigs dominate. In bass tournaments. Just fun fishing. From pros in big boats to weekend anglers in kayaks to the hardcore shore-bound bank beaters, these angry little jigs with a thin metal blade attached to the head have been responsible for countless catches, amassing heavy weights and tons of tournament cash.
They all work, to an extent, but as with…
Love, Laughter and a Little Friendly Competition: Steve and Kim Sandlin’s Lake Guntersville Adventure
By Walker Smith / Courtesy of Dynamic Sponsorships
There’s something about Lake Guntersville that brings out the best in people. The water sits still and glassy, the light just beginning to pour through the mountains and the laughs and storytelling among excited anglers carries a kind of electricity that only anglers understand.
For Steve and Kim Sandlin of Spartanburg, South Carolina, that…
South Carolina’s Murphy Clinches Home-Water All-American Berth With Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Wild Card on Pickwick Lake
Alabama’s Ramsey Claims Co-Angler Division
COUNCE, Tenn. (Nov. 17, 2025) – Boater Lucas Murphy of West Columbia, South Carolina, caught a two-day total of 10 bass weighing 46 pounds, 4 ounces, to win the Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine Wild Card on Pickwick Lake . The tournament, which was hosted by Hardin County Convention & Visitors Bureau, concluded Saturday.…
Anaya leads the charge into the 2026 Elite Series
CLEWISTON, Fla. — It was only last July when Fisher Anaya wrapped up his final high school tournament. Now, the 19-year-old is achieving his dream of becoming a professional angler.
Anaya claimed the Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifier presented by Bass Pro Shops points race, earning 264 points during the three-tournament gauntlet. He and nine other Elite Qualifiers earned invitations to…
TNT Fireworks named title sponsor of the 2025 Bassmaster Team Championship at Lake Hartwell
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. officials announced today that TNT Fireworks, the nation’s largest distributor of consumer fireworks, has signed on as the title sponsor of the 2025 TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, which will be held December 3-6 on South Carolina’s Lake Hartwell.
The Bassmaster Team Championship marks the culmination of a yearlong grass-roots competition that gives…
Old School Tactics Result in $20,000 Payday at 2nd Annual Costa Bass Derby
Jupiter, FL – November 10th, 2025 –
A field of over 450 anglers comprised of 230 teams came together to fish the 2nd annual Costa Bass Derby on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees the weekend of October 25-26. Freddie Stopp and Rickey Hicks caught a limit of 20.93-lbs to take the top honors for this 2nd annual celebration of Costa Sunglasses and the brand’s support of bass fishing and conservation.……
SCROGGINS: 2025 Toyota Bonus Bucks Owners Tournament was One for the Books
Courtesy of Dynamic Sponsorships / By Walker Smith
There’s a certain magic that lingers in the air after a great fishing event. It’s a blend of satisfaction, fellowship and a bit of wistfulness that it’s over. As I rolled out of Guntersville this year, that feeling sat heavy on my mind.
The 2025 Toyota Bonus Bucks Owners Tournament was one of those special weekends where everything just…
Finding consistency will be key in final EQ at Lake Okeechobee
CLEWISTON, Fla. — To claim a spot in next year’s 2026 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series field during the final 2025 Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifier presented by Bass Pro Shops, anglers will need to find consistency on a Lake Okeechobee that has been “all or nothing” as of late, according to local guide and social media guru Kane Weekley.
“It has been super hit or miss,” the St. Croix…
Grove, Oklahoma Slated to Host Toyota Series Championship Presented by Phoenix Boats on Grand Lake
More than 350 bass anglers set to compete for top prize of up to $235,000 + REDCREST qualification in 2025 Toyota Series finale
GROVE, Okla. (Oct. 30, 2025) – The 2025 Toyota Series Championship at Grand Lake O' the Cherokees Presented by Phoenix Boats is headed to Grove, Oklahoma, next week, Nov. 6-8, where the nation’s best Toyota Series pros and international qualifiers will compete for a…
Matt Arey on Guntersville: The Soul of the Toyota Owners Event
Courtesy of Dynamic Sponsorships/By Walker Smith
When you pull into Lake Guntersville this time of year, you can feel the hum of anticipation. The Tennessee River fog hangs low over the mats, the hum of outboards echoes through the morning stillness and there’s a camaraderie in the air that feels a lot like home. For Bassmaster Elite Series pro and Team Toyota angler Matt Arey, that feeling…
Texas’ Harris Holds on for Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional on Lake Eufaula Presented by Mando Deodorant
Texas’ Fisher Claims Co-Angler Division
EUFAULA, Okla. (Oct. 27, 2025) – Boater Riley Harris of Orange, Texas, caught a two-day total of 10 bass weighing 31 pounds, 6 ounces, to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine Regional on Lake Eufaula Presented by Mando Deodorant . The tournament, which was hosted by Vision Eufaula, concluded Saturday. For his win, Harris…
Rutledge’s Gordon Cruises to Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional on Dale Hollow Lake
Wartburg’s Kelly Tops Co-Angler Division
BYRDSTOWN, Tenn. (Oct. 27, 2025) – Boater Jeremy Gordon of Rutledge, Tennessee, caught a two-day total of 10 bass weighing 36 pounds, 15 ounces, to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine Regional on Dale Hollow Lake Presented by Mando Deodorant . The tournament, which was hosted by the Byrdstown-Pickett County Chamber of…
Travelers Rest Devildog Anglers Win MLF Abu Garcia High School Fishing Open on Lake Hartwell
ANDERSON, S.C. (Oct. 27, 2025) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) High School Fishing team of Justin Gilpin and Dalton Green, representing the Devildog Anglers from Travelers Rest, South Carolina, brought five bass to the scale Saturday weighing 12 pounds, 14 ounces to win the MLF Abu Garcia High School Fishing Presented by Tackle Warehouse Open on Lake Hartwell Presented by Columbia PFG in…
Lander University’s Last-Minute Kicker Seals Win at MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Tournament on Lake Hartwell
ANDERSON, S.C. (Oct. 27, 2025) – The Lander University duo of Andrew Blanton of Chesnee, South Carolina, and Garrett Smith of Mount Holly, North Carolina, won the MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI event on Lake Hartwell Presented by Columbia PFG Friday with a five-bass limit weighing 19 pounds, 13 ounces. The victory earned the Bearcats’ bass club $2,000 and a qualification into…
Keith and Penny Miller Win 2025 Toyota Bonus Bucks Owners Tournament on Lake Guntersville
Courtesy of Dynamic Sponsorships / By Walker Smith
If you’ve ever spent time around the Toyota Bonus Bucks Owners Tournament, you know it’s more than just another bass fishing derby. It’s part competition, part reunion and part celebration of the passion that drives anglers to chase green fish from daylight to weigh-in. This year’s stop at legendary Lake Guntersville was a perfect example and…
Nick Trim goes wire-to-wire to win B.A.S.S. Nation Championship
LA CROSSE, Wis. — Nick Trim had high expectations coming into the 2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship at the Upper Mississippi River presented by Lowrance.
He lives, after all, in nearby Galesville, Wis., only a 20-mile drive from the La Crosse Municipal Harbor, site of tournament weigh-ins this week. He’s fished this stretch of the river a few thousand times in his 42…
MLF Announces Pickwick Lake as Venue for 2025 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Wild Card Tournament
COUNCE, Tenn. (Oct. 25, 2025) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today that Pickwick Lake and Counce, Tennessee, has been selected to host the 2025 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine Wild Card tournament, which will take place Nov. 14-15. The two-day event, hosted by Explore Pickwick Lake/Hardin County Tourism, will launch from the Pickwick Landing State Park.
“Hosting the…
Local favorite Nick Trim widens lead in B.A.S.S. Nation Championship
LA CROSSE, Wis. — After catching 21 pounds on Day 1 of the 2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship at Upper Mississippi River presented by Lowrance, local angling ace Nick Trim said he felt the tournament was his to lose.
A day later, Trim said his confidence is even higher, which can’t be good news for those remaining in the championship field here in southwest Wisconsin.
Trim, a…
Trim rides local knowledge to Day 1 lead in B.A.S.S. Nation Championship
LA CROSSE, Wis. — Nick Trim is one of only a couple true locals competing in the 2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship at Upper Mississippi River presented by Lowrance.
And Wednesday, on Day 1 of the tournament, he looked every bit of the man to beat on his home water.
Trim, a 42-year-old resident of Galesville, Wis., caught a five-bass limit of 21 pounds to stake himself to more than a…
Tennessean’s 10-pounder takes overall lead in Bill Dance Giant Bass Open
Tennessee angler’s lunker takes overall lead in Bill Dance Nationwide Giant Bass Open
Chattanooga resident Kevin Drake is widely considered one of the best anglers on Chickamauga Lake. His thousands of dollars in career earnings and the dozens of largemouth bass he’s caught over 10 pounds back up that statement quite nicely.
But none of the fish he’s caught from the world-famous big-bass…
MLF Announces 2026 Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats Program Details
Toyota Series maintains biggest payouts and lowest entry fees of any national circuit – program details now set for 2026
BENTON, Ky. (Oct. 20, 2025) – Major League Fishing (MLF) today announced the 2026 Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats program details and rules, headlined by a measured technology update that limits forward-facing and 360-degree sonar to one continuous 3-hour period…
Macon’s Wilder Wins by Two Ounces at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional on Lake Seminole Presented by Mando Deodorant
Florida’s Pike Tops Co-Angler Division
BAINBRIDGE, Ga. (Oct. 20, 2025) – Boater Christopher Wilder of Macon, Georgia, caught a two-day total of 10 bass weighing 37 pounds, 13 ounces, to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine Regional on Lake Seminole Presented by Mando Deodorant . The tournament, which was hosted by Visit Bainbridge, concluded Saturday. For his…
Top teams head to Port Aransas for 2025 Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter
Top teams head to Port Aransas for 2025 Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The nation’s best redfish teams will converge on the Texas coast Nov. 7-9 for the 2025 Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter, taking place on the legendary waters of Aransas Bay and Corpus Christi Bay out of Port Aransas, Texas.
Competition…
