Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today the 2026 schedule and program details for the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine (BFL), featuring lower entry fees, higher payouts at the ramp and more All-American opportunities for boaters and co-anglers, setting the stage for the most rewarding season in the league’s 46-year history.
Since its inaugural season in 1980, the BFL has provided the foundation for tournament bass fishing on the premise that everyday anglers deserve professional-quality events, held close to their home with low entry fees and quality payouts. Thousands of anglers have gotten their start in the Bass Fishing League over the past 46 years and have risen to national prominence on the Toyota Series, Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and Bass Pro Tour. A total of 1,348 anglers have fished in 100 or more BFL tournaments, and 1,858 anglers have earned 10 or more top-10 finishes in BFL competition. Nearly 200 anglers – 194 total – have earned more than $100,000 in winnings solely through the BFL.
The 2026 season introduces a new, streamlined payout structure that awards 20% of the field with 29% more money for a win and 25% more money for the last checks in every qualifier, all while reducing entry fees to $200 for boaters and $100 for co-anglers. That translates to a $4,000 top boater award based on a 100-boat field, scaling up to $7,750 at 200 boats plus a $500 to $7,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus for qualified anglers. Co-anglers will earn a $2,000 top award at 100 boats, scaling up to $3,875 at 200 boats. Twenty percent of the field earns a check of at least $250 for boaters and $125 for co-anglers regardless of field size.
At Super Tournaments, the top boater award jumps to $6,000 at 100 boats, scaling up to $11,450 at 200 boats – 27% more than 2025 – plus a $500 to $7,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus for qualified anglers. The top co-angler award in Super Tournaments jumps to $3,000 at 100 boats, scaling up to $5,725 at 200 boats – 27% more than 2025. Twenty percent of the field earns a check of at least $400 for boaters and $200 for co-anglers, 33% more than 2025, all while reducing entry fees to $300 for boaters and $150 for co-anglers.
The 2026 season will also see the return to six Regionals, each awarding a $50,000 Phoenix 819 Pro with 200 HP outboard to the winning boater, plus a $500 to $7,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus for qualified anglers. Co-anglers will compete for a $33,500 Phoenix 518 Pro with 115 HP outboard, a 67% increase over 2025. Twenty percent of each field will earn a check of at least $450 for boaters and $225 for co-anglers, and the top seven boaters and co-anglers from each Regional will advance to the All-American, which will now feature a 56-boat field – 17% more anglers than 2025. Regional entry fees remain unchanged at $350 for boaters and $175 for co-anglers.
All BFL events will include restricted use of forward-facing and 360-degree sonar technology – limited to three hours of continuous use per day – maintaining a fair and balanced playing field for all anglers while emphasizing skill and strategy.
“The Phoenix Bass Fishing League has always been about opportunity – giving anglers the chance to compete close to home in a professional setting for meaningful prizes,” said MLF Executive Vice President and General Manager Kathy Fennel. “With lower entry fees, higher payouts and more ways to win than ever before, the 2026 season represents the most rewarding year yet for our BFL anglers. For more than four decades, this trail has been the foundation of tournament bass fishing, and we’re proud to continue carrying that legacy forward.”
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