BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Building on the success of its inaugural season, B.A.S.S. officials have announced that the Bassmaster College Kayak Series will once again be held in conjunction with select Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft tournaments in 2026.
College anglers will have the opportunity to compete alongside some of the nation’s best kayak anglers at three premier fisheries:
- Feb. 7-8: Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, Kissimmee, Fla.
- April 18-19: Caddo Lake/Lake Bistineau, Shreveport, La.
- Aug. 1-2: Susquehanna River, Bloomsburg, Pa.
These events will follow the same tournament format that debuted in 2025, designed to give collegiate competitors valuable national-level experience while spotlighting the growth and skill of the kayak fishing community. College Kayak Series anglers must register and pay entry fees for each regular-season Bassmaster Kayak Series event they compete in. The highest-placing College Kayak Series angler will be named the winner of the College Kayak Series event and receive a trophy and a berth to the 2027 Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship. College Kayak Series anglers will be competing against the regular Kayak Series field, which will make it possible for a College Kayak Series angler to win both the Bassmaster Kayak Series event as well as the College Kayak Series event, as evidenced by Carson-Newman angler Ewing Minor who took home both top prizes at the 2025 Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series at Dale Hollow Reservoir presented by Native Watercraft.
“In 2025, we had a great experience with the college anglers competing in conjunction with the Bassmaster Kayak Series events,” said B.A.S.S. Kayak Series Tournament Director Steve Owens. “The composure and professionalism they each display is a wonderful thing to see in our sport. We look forward to more colleges joining us as we continue to develop the series and highlight its anglers.”
The Bassmaster College Kayak Series allows student anglers to earn recognition on a national stage, connect with peers from other universities and learn the discipline and preparation required to advance within the upper levels of Bassmaster’s tournament trails.
More information on the Bassmaster College Kayak Series, including registration dates and rules, can be found at Bassmaster.com/Kayak.
