September 27 – October 3, 2026 • Goose Pond Colony • Scottsboro, Alabama

Scottsboro, Alabama — Unified Pros is proud to announce that The Ultimate Angler World Championship will officially return September 27 – October 3, 2026, taking over Goose Pond Colony for one of the most electrifying weeks in competitive fishing.

Widely recognized as one of the most unique and fast-growing championship events in the sport, the Ultimate Angler brings together the biggest names, the brightest talent, and thousands of fans for seven days of elite competition, entertainment, and community celebration.

“This event represents everything we love about this sport—competition, conservation, and community,” said Lori Waller, Vice President of Unified Pros. “2026 is shaping up to be our biggest year yet. The anglers, the expo, the concert, the excitement—it all comes together in a way you simply can’t experience anywhere else in the country.”

Details regarding the sanctioned qualifying events and the official 2026 purse will be announced soon.

A WEEK PACKED WITH ACTION, ENTERTAINMENT, AND INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE

The Ultimate Angler is more than a championship—it’s an immersive, destination experience. The 2026 event will feature:

The Nation’s Top Professional Anglers

Elite competitors from across all major fishing leagues will converge on Lake Guntersville for a one-of-a-kind showdown that showcases the highest level of skill, strategy, and determination.

A Major Concert Event

A headlining live performance will anchor the week, creating a festival atmosphere that draws spectators from across the region.

The Ultimate Outdoor Expo

Hundreds of vendors, industry partners, and outdoor brands will fill the expo grounds with the latest gear, boats, apparel, technology, and lifestyle experiences.

Community, Youth, and Conservation Initiatives

The event includes youth education programs, field trips, conservation activities, and hands-on learning opportunities that strengthen the next generation’s connection to the outdoors.

GOOSE POND COLONY: A PREMIER DESTINATION FOR A NATIONAL EVENT

Lake Guntersville is renowned as one of America’s most iconic fisheries, and Goose Pond Colony provides the ideal venue for a championship of this scale. With thousands of visitors expected, the 2026 event is projected to deliver significant economic benefit to Scottsboro and the surrounding communities.

“Lake Guntersville is a world-class fishery, and there is no better place to crown our champion,” Waller added.

ABOUT THE ULTIMATE ANGLER

The Ultimate Angler World Championship is an annual, multi-league, invitation-only event that brings together the top anglers from across the country. Built on competition, conservation, and community engagement, the event continues to grow in scale and national recognition, solidifying its place as one of the premier fishing events in the United States.