August 19, 2025
MLF Communications BENTON, Ky. – Major League Fishing announced today the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit will return in 2026 featuring reduced entry fees as part of a program designed to deliver bigger payouts and more advancement opportunities.
The Pro Circuit moniker will replace the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals to reflect the elevated status of the league as the primary qualifying route to the Bass Pro Tour. With lower entry fees, a guaranteed $100,000 first-place award at every tournament, advancement to REDCREST from every tournament and championship berths for 50 anglers, the new Pro Circuit will remain MLF’s primary option for pro anglers to make their mark.
“Bringing back the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit name is about honoring the legacy of the circuit while also recognizing that we are delivering a program that’s bigger and better than ever,” said Kathy Fennel, MLF Executive Vice President and General Manager. “From lower entry fees to BPT advancement to national media coverage, the 2026 Pro Circuit offers unmatched value and opportunity for pros looking to compete in a five-bass, weigh-in format with limited use of forward-facing sonar and 360 imaging.”
Here's a rundown of the 2026 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit highlights:
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> $100,000 guaranteed first-place award at all six qualifying events and the no-entry-fee Championship.
> $35,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus that pushes the top award to $135,000 for qualified pros.
> Lower $5,000 entry fee (down from $5,500 in 2025).
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> Biggest payouts per event outside of the Bass Pro Tour.
> Winner of each tournament and Pro Circuit championship receive automatic berths to Redcrest 2027.
> 50 Championship berths guaranteed regardless of field size.
> Top 5 anglers in 2026 Pro Circuit AOY standings advance to the 2027 Bass Pro Tour, with no double-qualifying restrictions.
> $50,000 Fishing Clash Angler of the Year award.
> Forward-facing sonar and 360 imaging limited to 3 hours of each competition day, similar to the fan-favorite Bass Pro Tour format, using new tracking technology.
> Live on-the-water and weigh-in coverage daily, plus national television broadcasts.
Each qualifying event will feature 150 pros battling over three days in a five-bass, weigh-in format. The full field will compete the first two days before the top 50 advance to Championship Day.
The no-entry-fee Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Championship will see the top 50 anglers from the Fishing Clash AOY standings compete for $100,000 guaranteed ($135,000 including Phoenix MLF Bonus) and a REDCREST berth, with every qualified competitor earning a paycheck.
“The Pro Circuit is back and better than ever,” said Joey Reggio, General Manager of Tackle Warehouse. “With $100,000 for first place at every stop and new, dynamic forward-facing sonar rules in play, fans can expect the most intense and dramatic competition yet.”
Entries will be accepted beginning August 25 for qualified pros from the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, Toyota Series and the Bass Pro Tour. These anglers have until October 3 to secure their spot in the 2026 Pro Circuit.
Entries from Tackle Warehouse Invitational anglers outside the top 75 will be accepted starting October 6, followed by 2026 Bass Pro Tour anglers on October 7 and the top 25 Toyota Series anglers from each division on October 8. Entries from the general public will be accepted to fill any remaining spots beginning October 9. Entry priority will be given to anglers fishing all six stops followed by date and time of entry.
