Date: February 14, 2025

The Ultimate Angler World Championship Bass Fishing Tournament is proud to announce its partnership with Ikon Boats to sanction two of the qualifying events for the prestigious competition. The Ikon Tailgate Tour presented by Mercury Outboards, a highly anticipated grassroots team bass fishing tournament series for amateur anglers, will feature four qualifying events, with two of them taking place at iconic fishing destinations—Lake of the Ozarks (June 7, 2025) and Lake Guntersville (September 6, 2025). These events will provide an opportunity for anglers to earn a spot in the Ultimate Angler World Championship, which will take place at Lake Guntersville, Alabama from October 5-11, 2025.

The Ultimate Angler World Championship is the most prestigious and inclusive bass fishing competition ever created. It is set to crown a World Champion by bringing together top anglers from all leagues and backgrounds, providing a platform for every level of angler to compete for the ultimate title. The championship will feature the best of the best, with the world’s top anglers competing for bragging rights and a grand prize.

Details of the Qualifying Ikon Events:

• Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri – June 7, 2025
• Lake Guntersville, Alabama – September 6, 2025
• Entry Fee: $200 per team + $95 for membership
• Expected Participation: 150-200 boats per event
• Prize Structure: 100% of entry fees paid back to anglers, with a guaranteed $10,000 for 1st place

The Ikon Tailgate Tour presented by Mercury Outboards is a grassroots tournament series focused on offering amateur anglers a chance to compete in team-based events, with substantial cash prizes. The series is open to all anglers who meet the eligibility requirements, and teams are not required to fish more than one event. The tournaments are designed to provide a level playing field for non-professional anglers, with a structure that promotes competition, community, and fun.

Each event will feature a conventional 5-fish weigh-in format, hosted through Fishing Chaos, a leading tournament management platform. Ikon Boats, Ikon Dealers, and well-known professional anglers such as Jacob Wheeler, Kyle Welcher, and Hunter Shryock will promote and support the events, alongside other Ikon pro-staffers.

Tournament weigh-ins will be held in an event-style manner, with additional attractions including food, raffles, boat demos, and sponsor booths for a family-friendly atmosphere.

About Ikon Boats:

Ikon Boats is a premier manufacturer of high-performance bass fishing boats that combine cutting-edge technology, durability, and precision engineering. Known for their versatility and exceptional performance, Ikon Boats provides anglers with the tools they need to compete at the highest level. The 2025 Ikon VLX20 is the latest model from the brand, offering unmatched reliability and fishing capabilities. Through their support of grassroots events like the Ikon Tailgate Tour presented by Mercury Outboards, Ikon Boats demonstrates its commitment to fostering the next generation of bass anglers.

About The Ultimate Angler World Championship:

The Ultimate Angler World Championship is a revolutionary event designed to bring anglers from every corner of the bass fishing world together to compete for a world title. Taking place in the bass-fishing capital of the world, Lake Guntersville, Alabama, this event will crown the Ultimate Angler, a true champion of the sport. With teams from all leagues and skill levels competing, the Ultimate Angler World Championship will become the pinnacle of bass fishing and the ultimate proving ground for anglers everywhere.

Media Contact: Susan Carothers
VP of Communications
Unified Pros
[email protected]

www.theultimateangler.org