As published in the 2016 Elite Series Participation Agreement, the following anglers qualify for the 2017 Bassmaster Elite Series:
Top 70 in final 2016 AOY Points 70
Top 5 Opens pros from each division not Elite qualified 15
B.A.S.S. Nation 1
Total 86
Consistent with the past several years, the field size for 2017 will be 108.
Qualifications for the remaining competitors in that field Include:
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Newcomers outside the Top 70 are granted a second year
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Elite anglers outside the final Top 70 are added in order of average finish in each Elite season after dropping the lowest year
The following invitations will be in addition to the field of 108:
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One hardship exemption from 2016
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Two “Legend” qualifiers
B.A.S.S. Legend invitations will be extended based on one point for each Bassmaster Classic win and one point for each Bassmaster Angler of the Year title. Legend qualifications will be prioritized in the following order:
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Active Elite anglers not otherwise qualified for the 2017 Elites
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Active Bassmaster Opens pros not otherwise qualified for the 2017 Elites
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Current B.A.S.S. members in good standing not currently fishing B.A.S.S. events.
(Ties will be broken by B.A.S.S. all-time winnings at time of invitations. Should a Legend-qualified angler decline an invitation, B.A.S.S. will invite the next qualified angler from the Legend list.)