BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — One hundred young anglers will have the opportunity to showcase their on-the-water skills and network with 25 of the best colleges in the country when the fifth-annual Bassmaster High School Combine presented by Skeeter returns to Wheeler Lake in Decatur, Ala., Sept. 11-13. The weekend will feature multiple skills challenges and recruiting visits with college coaches in hopes of reeling in fishing scholarship money. Registration will open on Monday, June 8 at 9 a.m. CT.
“The Bassmaster High School Combine has become one of the most important events we offer for young anglers looking to continue their fishing careers at the collegiate level,” said Glenn Cale, B.A.S.S. tournament manager for the College, High School and Junior Series. “As we enter the sixth year of the Combine, we’re excited to welcome 100 of the nation’s top high school anglers and representatives from 25 outstanding college fishing programs to Decatur, Alabama.
“This event provides a unique opportunity for student athletes to showcase their skills, meet college coaches and learn more about the opportunities available to them beyond high school competition. We’ve seen countless connections made through the Combine over the years, and we look forward to helping another group of anglers take the next step in their academic and fishing journeys this September.”
The Bassmaster High School Combine presented by Skeeter will be a three-day event where anglers will perform multiple tasks to showcase their skills not only on the water, but also display their knowledge of the sport as a whole. Each of the disciplines will operate on a point system and will be timed by an official judge. Each angler will accumulate points to determine an overall winner. After the first day, colleges will have the opportunity to select anglers for a “second look” where they can further explore everything that angler has to offer and see if they would be the perfect fit for their fishing program. Only colleges who offer fishing scholarships are invited to participate in the High School Combine.
The weekend’s activities will take place at Ingalls Harbor and Pavilion in Decatur, Ala., which is conveniently located on the shores of Wheeler Lake.
Registration for the Bassmaster High School Combine presented by Skeeter will open at 9 a.m. CT on June 8 and remain open until 100 participants have registered. The $750 registration fee includes accommodations for two nights and four meals. Anglers can register by clicking this link.
For more information, visit Bassmaster.com/high-school.
2026 BassmasterHigh SchoolSeries Title Sponsor: Strike King
2026 BassmasterHigh SchoolSeries Platinum Sponsor: Progressive, Toyota
2026 BassmasterHigh SchoolSeries Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2026 BassmasterHigh SchoolSeries Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Lew’s, Lowrance, Phoenix Boats, VMC, Yokohama
2026 BassmasterHigh SchoolSeries Youth Sponsors: Seaguar
