The Bassmaster Elite Series is the highest level of professional bass fishing tournaments. Competitors must qualify for the series through the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens or the TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation, and anglers who are already on the Elite Series must re-qualify each year by maintaining enough points throughout the season. The pro anglers compete all season for the opportunity to win points toward the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year award and to qualify for the Bassmaster Classic.
The series was founded in 2006. Its predecessors were the Bassmaster Tour, Top 150 and Top 100.
The Latest
Mentality of success
Bassmaster Elite Series angler Gerald Swindle refers to a positive mental attitude as PMA. It can completely change how you fish. It took me years to tap into PMA. I...
Daily Limit: Marks looks to make mark in Elites
The realization of reaching B.A.S.S.’s top circuit is still sinking in for Paul Marks Jr. The 23-year-old from Cumming, Ga., is pinching himself after an uber-successful 2024, including his serendipitous...
New Elite: Emil Wagner
After graduating from Ole Miss University in 2021 with a degree in marketing, Georgia bass fanatic Emil Wagner landed a dream job at Pure Fishing. His workdays would be all...
Tackle Tip Tuesday: Choosing the right hooks for lipless crankbaits
In this Tackle Tip Tuesday, Bryan Schmitt showcases a few versions of the SPRO Aruku Shad and how changing hook sizes maximizes its effectiveness given the time of year, cover...
My finest hour: Rivet goes off-script for Okeechobee win
Fishing for dinner revealed the winning area for Tyler Rivet during an Elite Series event in Florida.
New Elite: Paul Marks
After landing in the Top 10 four times during the 2024 Bassmaster Opens Elite Qualifier events, Georgia’s Paul Marks finished the season ranked fourth in the overall Angler of the...
Day on the Lake: John Garrett
Put a Bassmaster Elite Series pro on a small lake he’s never seen before. Give him seven hours to locate and catch bass while we log his every move.
Celebrating the 20th
As I get older, time becomes slippery. For example, it’s hard for me to grasp that it’s been 35 years since I graduated high school. I remain a proud alumni...
My preseason preparation
The new year is starting out pretty busy for me, so I’m glad we enjoyed a nice, quiet holiday season. Things are only gonna get busier, so having some time...
Rapala Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing 2025 is now open!
The 2025 Bassmaster Elite Series season is right around the corner, which means it’s time for a new season of Rapala Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing as well as Falcon Rods Drain...
My Finest Hour: Persistence and adjustment leads Palmer to victory
While Bassmaster Elite pros strive for excellence throughout each event, the right combination of variables occasionally align to create the opportunity for superlative performance. Success hinges on seizing the moment, rising to the occasion and turning in a truly memorable performance. Here’s an example from Oklahoma pro Luke Palmer.
20 innovations from 20 Elite seasons
As the 20th season of the Bassmaster Elite Series takes off in 2025, look back at fishing tackle and other innovations showcased by the Elite pros.
Never taking the easy way out
For me, 2024 has been an interesting year. It started out rough at the first couple of events, then I got focused and fished my way to cash five good checks...
