BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. announced today that SPRO has been named the title sponsor of the 2026 Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain, scheduled for Aug. 13-16. The event will bring the world’s best bass anglers to one of the most diverse and productive fisheries in the country for four days of competition.

Set along the border of New York and Vermont, Lake Champlain has long been a fan-favorite stop on the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series. Known for its ability to produce both quality and quantity, the fishery offers anglers the rare opportunity to target both largemouth and smallmouth bass at a high level, often forcing competitors to decide between two completely different styles of fishing.

“Lake Champlain is one of the most diverse fisheries in the country, giving Elite Series anglers the opportunity to target both smallmouth and largemouth using a wide range of techniques. No matter the approach, SPRO offers a lineup of proven lures designed to excel for either species,” said Syd Rives, SPRO national sales manager.

“We’re proud to welcome SPRO as the title sponsor for this Elite Series event at Lake Champlain,” said Phillip Johnson, B.A.S.S. Chief Operating Officer. “SPRO has built a strong reputation for innovation and performance, and their products are trusted by many of the top anglers in our sport. Partnering with a brand that shares our passion for competitive fishing helps us continue to deliver high-quality events for both our anglers and fans at one of the best fisheries in the country.”

Lake Champlain spans more than 120 miles and covers approximately 435 square miles, featuring a wide range of habitats including expansive grass flats, shallow bays, rocky shorelines, offshore humps and deep, clear-water structure. This diversity allows anglers to employ a variety of techniques, from flipping and frogging in heavy vegetation for largemouth to finesse presentations like drop shots and Ned rigs for smallmouth.

In August, anglers can expect both species to be in strong summer patterns. Smallmouth bass are typically found relating to offshore structure, where forward-facing sonar and finesse tactics often play a key role. Meanwhile, largemouth bass can be targeted in grass beds and shallow cover throughout the lake’s numerous bays and backwaters. The ability to effectively manage time and capitalize on both fisheries has historically been a deciding factor in Elite Series events on Champlain.

SPRO, a globally recognized fishing tackle brand, has established itself as a leader in high-performance lures and terminal tackle. Known for its collaboration with top professional anglers, SPRO has developed a wide range of innovative products designed to meet the demands of tournament-level fishing. From hard baits and soft plastics to terminal tackle and accessories, SPRO’s lineup is engineered with precision and performance in mind.

The brand’s commitment to quality and angler-driven design has made it a trusted name across both freshwater and saltwater markets. Through partnerships with professional anglers and organizations like B.A.S.S., SPRO continues to expand its reach and showcase its products on some of the sport’s biggest stages.

The 2026 SPRO Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain will feature daily takeoffs and weigh-ins, offering fans opportunities to attend in person and experience the excitement firsthand. Tournament coverage will also be available across Bassmaster digital platforms, including Bassmaster.com, live weigh-ins and streaming content.

With a world-class fishery, a stacked field of Elite Series anglers and the support of SPRO as title sponsor, the event is expected to deliver dramatic competition and showcase the versatility required to succeed at the highest level of bass fishing.

Additional details, including host site information and daily schedules, will be availabe on Bassmaster.com.

About SPRO

We are Sports Professionals. SPRO works with America’s best anglers to design the world’s finest fishing tackle. Using cutting edge technology and innovation, SPRO leads the way in developing premium fishing equipment. SPRO also serves as the North American distributor for leading Japanese brands including Nories, HIDEUP, DSTYLE, MEIHO, and INNO.

For more information, visit www.spro.com

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, Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens Series presented by Battery Tender, 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, Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Junior Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, 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.