Iaconelli announces 2026 will be last as full-time tournament competitor

Professional angler Mike Iaconelli announced Thursday morning via social media that the 2026 season will be his final year competing full-time as a tournament angler.

Iaconelli, a transcendent personality who brought an urban flair to a sport traditionally dominated by southern anglers, has been a fan favorite over his nearly 30-year career.  He is the latest in a string of household names to announce their departure from the national tournament scene, following Skeet Reese, Kevin VanDam and Clark Wendlandt, among others.

In 2023, Iaconelli was inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame and he remains the only angler in history to have won the B.A.S.S. Federation National title (1999), the Bassmaster Classic (2003) and the Bassmaster Elite Series Angler of the Year title (2006). The New Jersey native was known early in his career for his brash tactics and antics that sometimes ran afoul of the sport’s traditional norms.

The phrase “never give up” will forever be linked to Iaconelli as it became his mantra throughout his career after he uttered it upon landing what turned out to be the winning fish on the final day of the 2003 Classic.

Iaconelli has also parlayed his tournament success to build his personal brand. He’s hosted several fishing-themed television shows, partnered with numerous brands to develop “Ike Approved” products and co-founded The Bass University, a recurring series of seminars and on-the-water classes featuring fellow pro anglers as instructors.

Below is the statement Ike posted to his Facebook page this morning:

“I wanted to take a minute to share some important news with everyone before the start of the new 2026 tournament fishing season.  

“After many long and thought out conversations with my wife Becky and our family, I have decided that 2026 will be my final year competing full-time on the Bassmaster Elite Series. This was not a quick or easy decision, but it was something that I always knew would happen one day when the timing was right. After decades on the road and on the water competing full time, it feels like the right time for a professional pivot, one that will open the doors to more opportunities and even bigger new creative projects while also allowing more time with my family.

“I want to be very clear that this is NOT a step back, it’s a step forward! It’s not retirement, it’s just a shift in priorities. Starting in 2027, I will continue with some competitive fishing trails, but with fewer weeks spent traveling and competing full time. I’ll be able to invest more time, more energy, and more focus into content creation, storytelling, live programing and meaningful brand partnerships than ever before. Between our existing platforms like The Ike Foundation, Ike Live, Going Ike, Ike In The Shop, the work we’re doing through Professional Edge Fishing Inc., and the return of City Limits Fishing, we already have a ton of exciting new initiatives underway.

“This pivot will also allow me to do more of what I truly love: teaching, creating, entertaining and connecting with anglers of all backgrounds across the globe while helping my partners and sponsors tell better stories and reach wider audiences.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the support all of my friends, fans, supporters and sponsors have given me throughout my tournament career, and I’m excited about where we’re headed next. The next chapter is already underway, and I truly believe my best work and reach in the sport of fishing is still ahead of me.

“As always, thank you all for being part of this crazy journey and let’s keep building something special together.”

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