After a very exciting finish to the 2016 season on Minnesota’s famed Mille Lacs Lake, the 2017 Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship will return to the world-class smallmouth bass factory, Sept. 14-17.

Earning a spot in this season-ending derby is no easy accomplishment. Participation is based upon performance — specifically, the number of AOY points earned across the entire Bassmaster Elite Series season. With a $1 million purse on the line, the championship will not be won by the angler who weighs the largest limit of bass; rather, the top angler in AOY standings following the tournament will be awarded the $100,000 paycheck and title.

The decision to return to the state’s second largest inland lake of 10,000 was easy after the unprecedented output in 2016. Across the three competition days, the Top 50 anglers caught 729 bass, which produced 139 limits and amassed a total three-day weight of 2,878 pounds, 5 ounces.

New this year is a $25,000 payout for the heaviest three-day limit of bass. Also, 35 coveted berths in the 2018 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods will be awarded based on the final AOY rankings.