September 24, 2025
By Staff Report
BENTON, Ky. – In 2026, nearly half of the Bass Pro Tour field will advance to the Knockout Round during events as part of a series of changes Major League Fishing announced in advance of the upcoming season.
The 2026 BPT roster will feature 51 anglers, the culmination of a two-year process to reduce the field size at MLF's top tier. In addition, enhancements to the payout structure have been made in response to angler feedback.
Previously, the top 20 anglers advanced from the Qualifying Round to the Knockout Round with the round winner advancing directly to the Championship Round. Beginning next season, the top 25 anglers will advance with the round winner continuing to advance directly to the Championship Round, while 24 advance to the Knockout Round.
The shift means that every angler who reaches the Knockout Round will also finish “in the money.”
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For 2026, the anglers voted to adjust the purse distribution. First place will pay $125,000, a reduction from the $150,000 paid out in 2025. The remaining funds will be redistributed to boost the payout for anglers finishing 21st through 25th. Those spots will now pay $15,000 each.
“This was an angler decision,” said MLF President and CEO Boyd Duckett. “The group wanted to make sure that if you make the cut, you’re rewarded in a meaningful way. The additional $5,000 to each spot at the bottom of the payout is unprecedented in our sport and shows the anglers’ commitment to sustainability and growth.”
MLF is also investing more directly into its anglers’ success. Beginning in 2026, MLF is adding an additional $250,000 to payouts for a total league contribution of more than $74,000 per angler and a direct result of MLF’s strategic shift to a slimmer field size.
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The full 2026 Bass Pro Tour roster will be announced in October.
