He has plenty of experience on Lake Guntersville, however, successfully competing in various tournament circuits.

McDuffa, from the northwest Alabama community of Hodges and a member of the Belgreen Bass Club, put that experience to work Saturday (Feb. 21) in the first ABN qualifying tournament of the year, improving throughout the day to a 23.44 limit that topped the field of 80 boaters. He boxed a solid weight early on an A-rig and had multiple key culls later with a red Chatterbait.

(See the full photo gallery at the following link: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCLbJB.)

Tim Cornelius (Neely Henry Bassmasters) took second with 22.73, and Billy Short (Gadsden Bassmasters) followed in third with 21.64.

Another highlight of the day was a record-breaking performance by co-angler winner Jonathan Barnette. A regular on the ABN circuit, Barnette claimed the top spot with a three-fish limit weighing 16.51, including 6.58 and 6.49 largemouth. His biggest catch was the Lake Counseling Co-angler Big Fish, a new feature of ABN tournaments.

Barnette broke the co-angler three-fish limit record previously held by Greg Wray, who had 16.34 on Lay Lake in 2021. Barnette won by over 4 lbs. with Jeff Armstrong (Lake Tuscaloosa Bassmasters) in 2nd at 12.02.

Donald Griffith (Wiregrass Bassmasters) boated the Academy Sports + Outdoors Big Fish among boaters with a 7.04 largemouth. He caught the big fish on a Fire Craw Jack Hammer bladed jig with a white Big Bite Baits Kamikaze Craw trailer.

Fished out of Goose Pond in Scottsboro, the tournament was held as a cold front crept toward Lake Guntersville. Several days of unseasonably warm weather had many fish pushed up shallow. Water temps ranged from mid-50s early to over 60 later in the day.

McDuffa caught some shallow, but also went to his “A-rig place,” relying on contrasting baits to boat his winning total. He traveled about “10 minutes away (down the lake)” for an early limit and then came back “real close” to the launch area and culled several times.

“I started off catching them on the A-rg and had about 19.9 somewhere around 9:30, maybe even 8:30 or 9,” McDuffa said. “I started playing around a little bit. Somewhere around 12:30, I drug out the ol’ red Chatterbait and culled. My three biggest fish came on the red Chatterbait, all 12:30 or later. I was still catching them when I came in.”

McDuffa said he practiced part of the day on Friday but relied mainly on past success to lead him to his fish.

“Just places I’ve fished before (in other tournaments),” he said. “They just happened to be there.

“I was going to my A-rig place and going for broke. The same with the Chatterbait place. I was either going to catch ‘em or go home.”

In catching his record weight, Barnette took a cue from his partner, his brother Jim Barnette, and made a strategic change around mid-morning. Jim had 4 keepers in the boat before Jonathan scored. He blanked on the first 2 spots before getting on the board upriver in Jones Creek.

“I had been catching them on a rattlebait,” Barnette said. “This week, I couldn’t get them to hit the Rat-l-trap. Jim was catching them on a Chatterbait, so I switched to a Chatterbait.”

He quickly caught his record limit, including the 6.58 big fish, on the bladed jig.

“I didn’t have a fish until about 10,” Barnette said. “It was a slow start for me. I think Jim was picking them off because they weren’t stacked anywhere until we got to Jones Creek. We had caught 7 or 8 in there (Friday). Today was a little slower, but I caught my limit and then culled once.”

In the afternoon, after a move to a spot “right above the (B.B. Comer) bridge,” Barnette caught the other bigger largemouth.

“Most of the time we were casting around the vegetation,” he said. “The second biggest one, I caught out in the middle. (Casting away from the grass), I retrieved down a little ditch and it hit.”

Barnette, a former ABN Co-angler of the Year, said he had experienced some decent finishes on Guntersville, but a win had eluded him. His prior co-angler win came on Pickwick.

“There’s always that potential here,” he said. “The biggest I caught in practice was about 4. I didn’t dream that these 2 fish were around.”

Rounding out the top 10 boaters were George Crain (Lake Tuscaloosa Bassmasters, 21.16); Aaron Cherry (Lee County Bass Club, 21.04); Griffith (20.82); Dennis Hatton (Belgreen Bass Club, 20.20); Kotaro Kiriyama (Coosa Valley Bassmasters, 19.47); Kyle Lusk (Wiregrass Bassmasters, 19.43); and Jeff Warren (Belgreen Bass Club, 19.40).

Among the co-anglers following Barnette and Armstrong in the standings were Dylan Hatton (Belgreen Bass Club, 11.58); Shannon Oliver (Belgreen Bass Club, 11.41); Donald Fish (Lake Tuscaloosa Bassmasters, 9.90); Donny Davis (Belgreen Bass Club, 9.83); Jake Childers (Hamilton Bassmasters, 9.72); Sutton Black (Monroe Student Bass Anglers, 9.70); Chris Speck (Belgreen Bass Club, 9.63); and Will Delaney (Wiregrass Bassmasters, 9.32).

Crain and Armstrong took the Team (total boat weight) title with a combined 33.18. The Barnettes were second with 32.16, followed by the Hattons with 31.78. Donald Griffith and Cole Griffith were next with (28.44). Lucas Thornton and Oliver rounded out the top 5 teams with 27.59.

Qualifying teams earn a spot in the state championship this fall. Top teams in that event then qualify for the B.A.S.S. Nation Team Championship in early December.

Another winner Saturday was Kelly Stephens in the Academy Sports + Outdoors drawing.

ABN president Eddie Plemons thanks all the sponsors who continue to support the ABN schedule. They include Academy Sports+Outdoors, Lake Counseling (ABN competitor William “Bill” Weathers), Airport Marine, Office Partners, Fish Life Fish Care Products, Impulse Lithium batteries, AmFirst BassCash, Halo Rods, Radicull Culling Devices, Davis Bait Co., George Paint and Body, BassCats Boats, Nitro Boats, Triton Boats, Mercury, Motor Guide, Lowrance, NetBait, Shell, Hammer Rods, Shelby County, Strike Zone Lures, Charlie’s BBQ, the Rod Glove, T-H Marine, Power-Pole, and Alabama Hosting.

The ABN season continues on March 21 with a stop at Lake Eufaula. The other two qualifiers are at Martin (April) and Millers Ferry (May). The ABN State Championship will be held Oct. 29-30 on a lake to be determined.

For more information about the ABN and to register for the tournaments, check out the organization’s website at https://albassnation.org/.

Greg McCain is a freelance writer from Russellville, AL, and a member of the Belgreen Bass Club. In addition to producing content for this website, his credits include articles in Georgia Outdoor News, the ACC Crappie Stix blog, the Cornfield Fishing Gear website, CrappieNOW online magazine, and Great Days Outdoors.

This allows anglers to compete through two distinct pathways. The digital tournaments run monthly from March 1 through May 31, providing a flexible option for competitors to fish in their local regions with a $20 entry fee. Simultaneously, the series will host three in-person Big Bass Challenges at premier fisheries, scheduled for Eagle Mountain on March 1, Lake Murray on March 29, and Kentucky Lake on April 26, each with a $100 entry fee.

Anglers qualify for the championship based on their performance in the qualifying events. In the digital division, the top 25 finishers in each region for any of the three tournaments will advance, creating a pool of 300 potential qualifiers. For the in-person events, qualification is secured by finishing in the top five of any pay period across the three tournaments, offering 60 additional spots. Payouts for these qualifying events will be staggered and determined based on the total
number of registered anglers.

The season will conclude with the championship event at Table Rock Lake in September. This two-day tournament will feature a five-bass limit format and is restricted to bass boats only. While the championship will test skill and consistency, the ultimate reward is a paid, guaranteed spot in the 2027 Bassmaster Opens, allowing the winner to compete without entry fees.

Click the link to sign up! – https://app.fishingchaos.com/tournament/TSKTWKy3vTnhk96fbHl6

Twelve people who have made a lasting and meaningful impact on the sport bass fishing have reached the final doorstep of enshrinement into the Hall of Fame with the ballot announcement.

“These folks have spent most of their lives contributing to the lifestyle and sport of bass fishing,” said Bruce Stanton, President of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame Board of Directors. “It is a high honor just to be nominated to the final ballot. And a few of these individuals will be immortalized forever in our hall in Springfield, Mo.”

The 10-person Nominations Committee, comprised of members of the Hall’s Board of Directors, selected the final ballot from the organization’s master list of eligible candidates, identifying top nominees based on committee input and prior ballot consideration, with those selections reviewed collectively to shape a final ballot reflecting both sustained recognition and new consideration.

“We refined our selection process to consider top vote getters from previous ballots while considering new nominees,” said Craig Lamb, chair of the Board’s nominations committee and a 2025 Hall inductee. “The 2026 ballot represents our best effort to honor the worthiest individuals who also support our mission to celebrate, promote and preserve the sport of bass fishing.”

The slate of nominees will be considered and voted on by the 30-member Hall of Fame Selection Panel and the 50 living members of the Hall. Each voter will choose five names and rank them in order of preference with the top choice receiving five (5) points, second receiving four (4) points, and so on. Voting will conclude on Feb. 13. 

The Class of 2026 will be announced in March. The inductees will be honored during “Celebrate Bass Fishing Week” when the Hall of Fame holds its annual induction ceremony and banquet on Sept. 24, at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Mo.

About the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame (BFHOF)
The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame is a nonprofit organization led by a volunteer board of directors, dedicated to celebrating, promoting, and preserving the sport of bass fishing. The Hall’s inductees and historical memorabilia are showcased in Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri. For more information about the road to induction, the Hall’s impact on the community, or to get involved, visit www.BassFishingHOF.com or contact BFHOF executive director Barbara Bowman at bbowman@bassfishinghof.com.

There have been published reports of dock collapses from Lake Texoma to Kentucky Lake in Tennessee, and stressed structures could still crumble.

In Arkansas, there are dramatic videos of docks collapsing on Lake Hamilton and at Lindsey’s Resort on the Red River. (See links below.) At the Little Rock Yacht Club, six people had to be rescued when the dock roof came down on their boats.

Reports out of Pottsboro, Texas, say several marinas on Lake Texoma have sustained substantial damage.

“Our boats were tied to a dock that’s sinking; it’s a little unnerving,” Casey Alexander told the NBC affiliate there. “We’ve had snow and ice a little bit every year, but this is the first year I’ve ever seen this happen.”

Elite Series pro Matt Robertson lives in Kuttawa, Ky., on Kentucky Lake. As he prepares for next week’s season opener on Lake Guntersville, he learned several marinas on the south end of the lake in Tennessee suffered damage. He said Birdsong Marina, Mason’s Boat Dock, and Beaver Dam Resort all had a dock sections sinking or collapsed.

“We got about 8 inches at home and I think they got a half inch ice or so and a pretty good amount of snow in Tennessee,” he said. “My buddy said the marinas are just devastated. The roof collapsed on one and then on another, the slips actually sank.

“I’m actually kind of shocked because we get snow and ice all the time, but this was crazy.”

Lakes in Central Arkansas were affected after the storm dumped sleet and snow, weighing down a number of docks. The extent of the damage remains uncertain, but local resident Philip Kastner marveled at the extensive destruction after his brief survey.

Kastner, owner of Knollwood Lodge on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Ark., took out his pontoon boat for about an hour, careful not to make a wake to cause further damage. He saw a wide swath of devastation.

See video of dock collapsing on Arkansas’ Lake Hamilton.

“If it is an older structure, it is struggling,” he said, “and there are boats underneath most of them. And more than several actually collapsed. I’m talking about 30, 40 boats underneath water in just one alone.

“And it’s not just Lake Hamilton, Crystal Springs on Ouachita, Swaha on Lake Greeson, De Gray Lake. I don’t know a lake that doesn’t have old boat stalls on it in some place, and if it does, then it’s underwater.”

Kastner, who works at Trader Bill’s boat dealership, said his dock, with stilts down to the lake bottom, is holding up.

“The docks that are collapsing for the most part are the ones that are on flotation,” he said. “They were never designed to support that much weight. They were designed to support a tin roof, which weighs next to nothing, and a maybe 3,000-pound boat.

“When you stick 10,000 pounds of ice on top of it, it was never designed to hold that much weight, especially the older ones.”

Kastner said he sees a hard, long, expensive road ahead. While high temperatures in the upper 40s helped melt a little bit, it refroze overnight, so salvage won’t come for some time.

“First of all, you’re going to have to wait until this all melts so they can get all that weight off of them,” he said. “Then, usually, it’s a matter of, bit by bit, removing enough of the dock so that you can get the boat out from underneath it, or if it’s sunk, you’ve got remove the dock so you can float it.

“This easily could be going on for a year or more. This is not a quick fix. This is a long process.”

Hot Springs City Manager Bill Burrough told Little Rock’s THV11 that this is the worst storm he’s encountered.

“I don’t remember an event quite like this that we’ve had sleet, freezing rain, freezing snow,” he told the CBS affiliate. “Nothing where we’ve had this much accumulation with a storm that came in two waves.”

Robertson forwarded photos of damaged marinas, saying it reminded him of a tornado that hit the region in 2019.

“The only thing I saw close to it is when tornadoes came through Moors,” Robertson said. “There’s still parts of the dock in the water you can see on side scanner. It probably took two years for them to rebuild that.

“This was a catastrophic event nobody saw coming. You can pretty much just total out what’s over there.”

Officials advise boat owners that unstable docks are dangerous and to not try to access or salvage until the ice melts.

A similar snow incident occurred a year ago in Lenoir City, Tenn., in the boundaries for this year’s Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour. Elite pro Robert Gee, who lives in the host city of Knoxville, related a connection.

“You remember that dock where Ott DeFoe caught the big one in 2019 to win the Classic?” he asked. “That dock is totally gone. It’s not there anymore.”

According to the agreement, Yamaha continues as an Official Premier Engine Sponsor and Skeeter continues as an Official Premier Boat Sponsor of all B.A.S.S.-owned events. These include the Bassmaster Elite Series, B.A.S.S. Nation Divisional Tournaments, Bassmaster Opens Series, Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship, Bassmaster College Series, Bassmaster Team Championship, Bassmaster High School Series and the Bassmaster Classic^®, the annual world championship of bass fishing.

“B.A.S.S.’s reach, from high-school and grassroots circuit events all the way to the Elite Series and Classic, embodies the passion and community that define bass fishing,” said Ben Speciale, President, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit. “The quality of competition, the connection to anglers of all ages and the role B.A.S.S. plays in growing participation across the country align perfectly with our collective commitment to delivering exceptional performance and experiences on the water. Together, we’re helping strengthen the sport at every level and inspiring the next generation of anglers.”

“Yamaha and Skeeter Boats have been cornerstone sponsors  of B.A.S.S., and extending this premier sponsorship  through 2028 reflects the strength of that relationship and our shared commitment to the future of fishing,” said Phillip Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of B.A.S.S. “Skeeter’s role as an Official Boat of B.A.S.S. and presenting sponsor of the Redfish Cup Championship and High School Combine, along with Yamaha’s continued leadership as  an Official Engine of B.A.S.S., title sponsor of the Redfish Cup Championship, Official Motor Sponsor of B.A.S.S. Conservation and supporter of the Yamaha Power Pay Contingency Program, ensures anglers at every level benefit from the most trusted equipment and programs in the sport. We’re proud to continue building on this sponsorship through 2028.”

Yamaha Marine, based in Kennesaw, Ga., markets and supports a full line of four-stroke outboards for bass and other boats. Skeeter, based in Kilgore, Texas, is a leading manufacturer of high-performance fishing boats.  B.A.S.S., based in Ala., is the most prestigious fishing tournament organization in the world, as well as a membership organization of more than 500,000 avid bass anglers. The agreement also gives Yamaha the ability to reach fishing fans through other B.A.S.S. properties including Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times magazines, Bassmaster.com and B.A.S.S. tournament coverage on FS1^®, FS2^® and FOX^® Broadcasting.

Yamaha Marine products are marketed throughout the United States and around the world. Yamaha Marine Engine Systems, based in Kennesaw, Ga., supports its 2,000 U.S. dealers and boat builders with marketing, training and parts for Yamaha’s full line of products and strives to be the industry leader in reliability, technology and customer service. Yamaha Marine is the only outboard brand to have earned NMMA^®’s C.S.I. Customer Satisfaction Index award every year since its inception. Visit www.yamahaoutboards.com.

Skeeter Products, Inc., a Yamaha boat company and leader of performance fishing boats, is proud to support America’s fishing consumer since 1948. Skeeter is the recipient of 23 consecutive NMMA^® C.S.I. Customer Satisfaction Index awards, and its boats are certified to meet strict U.S. Coast Guard, NMMA^®, and American Boat & Yacht^® Council standards. For more information visit www.skeeterboats.com. EAT. SLEEP. FISH.

The Bassmaster Elite Series Rookie of the Year race is one of the most closely followed storylines of the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series season, recognizing first-year competitors who demonstrate consistency, adaptability and competitive excellence at the sport’s highest level. As title sponsor, Pro-Guide Batteries will be integrated across Elite Series events, media coverage and points race updates throughout the season.

In addition, Pro-Guide Batteries’ support of the Bassmaster Kayak Angler of the Year award highlights the brand’s investment in one of the fastest-growing segments of competitive fishing. Kayak anglers depend on lightweight, efficient and reliable power solutions to run electronics and accessories in compact, demanding environments, making Pro-Guide’s lithium battery technology a natural fit for the discipline.

“Pro-Guide is proud to be the title sponsor for the Rookie of the Year points race,” said Pate Shumaker, Pro-Guide Batteries Chief Product and Marketing Officer. “The fishing world is changing fast, and these young guns are coming in and shaking things up. We believe the rookie class is one of the most exciting stories in the Elite Series each year, and we’re thrilled to be right there with them as they chase their dreams.”

The partnership aligns Pro-Guide Batteries with anglers who represent the future of professional bass fishing across multiple platforms. Rookie Elite Series competitors and kayak anglers alike rely heavily on dependable power to support advanced electronics during long, high-pressure competition days. Pro-Guide’s lithium battery technology is designed to deliver consistent performance, faster charging and reduced weight — advantages that translate directly into competitive confidence.

Pro-Guide Batteries has rapidly established itself as a leader in marine power solutions, offering products engineered specifically for the demands of modern competitive fishing. Its focus on durability, efficiency and innovation mirrors the mindset of Elite Series rookies and kayak anglers who must adapt quickly and perform at a high level on diverse fisheries.

“The Rookie of the Year and Kayak Angler of the Year races both represent innovation, adaptability and the future of our sport,” said Phillip Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of B.A.S.S. “Pro-Guide Batteries is a natural fit for these awards because their technology supports anglers who are pushing the limits of performance across multiple formats. Their expanded involvement helps elevate two of the most exciting pursuits in competitive fishing.”

As sponsor of both awards, Pro-Guide Batteries will engage fans and anglers through on-site activations, digital storytelling and season-long coverage tracking the progress of Elite Series rookies and kayak competitors. The partnership also provides opportunities to educate anglers on the importance of reliable power management across all fishing platforms.

The Bassmaster Rookie of the Year and Kayak Angler of the Year awards have a long history of identifying anglers who go on to become champions and ambassadors for the sport, making each race a key indicator of future success.

For more information on Pro-Guide Batteries sponsorships and season-long points races, visit Bassmaster.com.

About Pro-Guide Batteries

Pro-Guide Batteries is a premier manufacturer of high-performance marine batteries, dedicated to powering outdoor adventures with reliability and innovation since 1980. Based in Golden, Missouri, the company specializes in advanced lithium-ion solutions, including the cutting-edge Alpha line, which delivers unmatched energy density, safety features, and efficiency for trolling motors, marine electronics, and demanding deep-cycle applications. With a commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction, Pro-Guide Batteries ensures that anglers, boaters, and outdoor enthusiasts have the dependable power they need to elevate their experiences on the water. For more information, visit proguidebatteries.com.

The continued partnership underscores Seaguar’s long-standing commitment to youth, family fishing and angler development, supporting thousands of young competitors and coaches nationwide as they progress through the Bassmaster youth pipeline.

Seaguar’s emphasis on education, accessibility and performance aligns naturally with B.A.S.S. youth programs, which introduce anglers to organized competition while emphasizing conservation, sportsmanship and lifelong participation in the sport. By investing in Junior, High School and College anglers, Seaguar helps ensure young fishermen and women have access to trusted products and meaningful engagement as they advance through each competitive level.

“We are committed to supporting youth and family fishing adventures and helping to lure in the next generation of anglers through our relationship with BASS and sponsorship of Bassmaster Youth Fishing events,” said John Whelan, Seaguar Marketing Manager. “We look forward to meeting fishing teams and coaches at the events and encourage coaches to sign-up for our VIP Scholastic Fishing Program.”

As part of the 2026 renewal, Seaguar will continue to engage directly with youth anglers and coaches at events across the country, providing product education and opportunities to learn more about line selection, technique and on-the-water preparation.

“Seaguar has been an outstanding partner in our youth programs because they share our passion for growing the sport the right way,” said Phillip Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of B.A.S.S. “Their continued support of the Junior, High School and College Series reflects a genuine commitment to young anglers, families and coaches who represent the future of competitive fishing. We’re proud to continue working together to create positive, lasting experiences at every level of youth competition.”

The Bassmaster Junior, High School and College Series collectively form the foundation of B.A.S.S.’s youth and scholastic fishing programs, providing clear pathways for young anglers to develop skills, compete nationally and pursue future opportunities within the sport.

Visit Bassmaster.com for more information on the Bassmaster Junior, High School and College Series programs.

About Seaguar

Seaguar invented fluorocarbon fishing lines in 1971 and offers one of the industry’s most comprehensive selection of high-performance fluorocarbon mainlines, leaders and braided fishing lines. From billfish to bluegill anglers and everyone in between, Seaguar is the trusted, go-to name for premium fishing lines.

The multi-year extension reinforces Skeeter’s commitment to anglers competing across all B.A.S.S. platforms, from youth development initiatives to the most prestigious professional tournaments in the sport. Skeeter boats have long been synonymous with tournament performance, offering anglers the speed, stability and fishability required to compete in demanding conditions across diverse fisheries. 

“At Skeeter, performance boating isn’t just what we build, it’s who we are,” said John Clark, General Manager, Skeeter Boats. “Our boats represent a legacy of innovation, precision and passion on the water, and there’s no better stage to showcase that performance than Bassmaster events. We look forward to watching our Skeeter pros compete over the next three years, and we are equally excited to introduce new boaters and anglers to the sport through our continued partnership with B.A.S.S.” 

As Official Boat Sponsor of B.A.S.S., Skeeter will continue to have a prominent presence across Bassmaster tournaments, media platforms and fan engagement initiatives. The brand’s boats are relied upon by Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series pros and aspiring anglers alike, reflecting Skeeter’s focus on engineering solutions that translate directly into competitive advantages on the water. 

Skeeter’s role as presenting sponsor of the Redfish Cup Championship expands its footprint beyond freshwater bass fishing into competitive inshore angling, highlighting the versatility and performance of its lineup in saltwater environments. The Redfish Cup Championship showcases some of the best anglers in the sport and provides a high-profile platform for Skeeter to connect with a broader audience of anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. 

The partnership also includes Skeeter’s continued support of youth development through its presenting sponsorship of the Bassmaster High School Combine, a key component of B.A.S.S.’s commitment to fostering the next generation of competitive anglers. The Combine provides high school anglers with educational opportunities, on-the-water skill development and exposure to the values of sportsmanship, conservation and preparation that define competitive fishing. 

“Skeeter Boats has been a foundational partner of B.A.S.S. for decades, and their continued investment through 2028 speaks to the strength of our shared vision for the sport,” said Phillip Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of B.A.S.S. “As the Official Boat Sponsor of B.A.S.S., Skeeter delivers the performance and reliability our anglers depend on, while their support of the Redfish Cup Championship and the High School Combine demonstrates a genuine commitment to growing fishing at every level. We’re proud to extend this premier partnership and continue building the future of the sport together.”

The extended agreement ensures that Skeeter Boats will remain integrated across B.A.S.S. competitions, live coverage and fan-facing experiences through the 2028 season. From youth anglers discovering competitive fishing for the first time to seasoned professionals pursuing championship titles, Skeeter’s involvement helps elevate the overall Bassmaster experience. 

Together, Skeeter Boats and B.A.S.S. will continue to showcase innovation, inspire participation and celebrate the passion that drives anglers and fans across the country. 

Visit Bassmaster.com for more information. 

The multi-year agreement reinforces Yamaha’s deep-rooted commitment to competitive fishing and its investment in anglers at every level — from youth and grassroots participation to the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series and the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour. Yamaha outboards are a trusted presence across Bassmaster events, powering anglers who rely on performance, reliability and efficiency in demanding tournament environments.

“B.A.S.S.’s reach, from high-school and grass-roots circuit events all the way to the Elite Series and Classic, embodies the passion and community that define bass fishing,” said Ben Speciale, President, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit. “The quality of competition, the connection to anglers of all ages and the role B.A.S.S. plays in growing participation across the country align perfectly with Yamaha’s commitment to delivering exceptional performance and experiences on the water. Together, we’re helping strengthen the sport at every level and inspiring the next generation of anglers.”

As Official Engine Sponsor of B.A.S.S., Yamaha will continue to be integrated across Bassmaster tournament platforms, on-site activations and media coverage. The brand’s continued presence underscores its dedication to anglers who compete across B.A.S.S. trails, including Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Junior Series, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens Series presented by Battery Tender, Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series and Championship-level events.

Yamaha’s role as Official Motor Sponsor of B.A.S.S. Conservation highlights a shared commitment to protecting fisheries and ensuring access for future generations. Through support of conservation initiatives, habitat enhancement efforts and education programs, Yamaha and B.A.S.S. work together to promote responsible stewardship of aquatic resources while growing participation in fishing nationwide.

The partnership extension also includes Yamaha’s title sponsorship of the Redfish Cup Championship, further expanding the brand’s footprint beyond freshwater bass fishing into competitive inshore angling. The Redfish Cup Championship showcases top-level saltwater competition while connecting Yamaha with anglers and fans across multiple fishing disciplines.

In addition, Yamaha will continue the Yamaha Power Pay Contingency Program, one of the most recognizable and impactful angler incentive programs in the sport. Power Pay rewards eligible anglers competing in select B.A.S.S. events for on-the-water success, providing financial bonuses that support tournament participation and reinforce Yamaha’s commitment to anglers’ livelihoods.

“Yamaha has been an integral partner in the growth of B.A.S.S. and the success of our anglers for decades,” said Phillip Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of B.A.S.S. “Their continued investment as our Official Engine Sponsor, their leadership in conservation initiatives and their support of programs like Power Pay demonstrate a genuine commitment to the sport and the people who make it thrive. We’re proud to extend this premier partnership through 2028 and continue working together to elevate fishing at every level.”

The extended partnership will be visible across tournament venues, live-streamed coverage, conservation programs and fan engagement initiatives through the 2028 season. Together, Yamaha and B.A.S.S. will continue to support competitive excellence, promote conservation and inspire anglers of all ages to pursue their passion on the water.

Visit Bassmaster.com for more information.

About Yamaha

Yamaha Marine, based in Kennesaw, Ga., markets and supports a full line of four-stroke outboards for bass and other boats. Skeeter, based in Kilgore, Texas, is a leading manufacturer of high-performance fishing boats.  B.A.S.S., based in Ala., is the most prestigious fishing tournament organization in the world, as well as a membership organization of more than 500,000 avid bass anglers. The agreement also gives Yamaha the ability to reach fishing fans through other B.A.S.S. properties including Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times magazines, Bassmaster.com and B.A.S.S. tournament coverage on FS1^®, FS2^® and FOX^® Broadcasting.

Yamaha Marine products are marketed throughout the United States and around the world. Yamaha Marine Engine Systems, based in Kennesaw, Ga., supports its 2,000 U.S. dealers and boat builders with marketing, training and parts for Yamaha’s full line of products and strives to be the industry leader in reliability, technology and customer service. Yamaha Marine is the only outboard brand to have earned NMMA^®’s C.S.I. Customer Satisfaction Index award every year since its inception. Visit www.yamahaoutboards.com.