The Bassmaster Elite Series is the highest level of professional bass fishing tournaments. Competitors must qualify for the series through the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens or the TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation, and anglers who are already on the Elite Series must re-qualify each year by maintaining enough points throughout the season. The pro anglers compete all season for the opportunity to win points toward the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year award and to qualify for the Bassmaster Classic.
The series was founded in 2006. Its predecessors were the Bassmaster Tour, Top 150 and Top 100.
The Latest
My Finest Hour: Persistence and adjustment leads Palmer to victory
While Bassmaster Elite pros strive for excellence throughout each event, the right combination of variables occasionally align to create the opportunity for superlative performance. Success hinges on seizing the moment, rising to the occasion and turning in a truly memorable performance. Here’s an example from Oklahoma pro Luke Palmer.
20 innovations from 20 Elite seasons
As the 20th season of the Bassmaster Elite Series takes off in 2025, look back at fishing tackle and other innovations showcased by the Elite pros.
Never taking the easy way out
For me, 2024 has been an interesting year. It started out rough at the first couple of events, then I got focused and fished my way to cash five good checks...
Do your own thing
When I was young, I read many articles about the right and wrong ways to catch bass. Sometimes I had success doing things that were supposed be wrong. As I...
Getting involved and getting ready for the season
I graduated from Murray State University with a degree in Fisheries Biology. I loved to fish and the reason I went to the school is largely because I could be...
Mercury Mashup: Greg Hackney and Hunter Shryock
Mercury Mashup, where two Elite Series pros ask each other deep, dark secrets. Episode 1 features Greg Hackney and Hunter Shryock
Take advantage of the winter jerkbait bite
A lot of people think a suspending jerkbait is just an early spring, prespawn lure. Nowadays, especially with forward-facing sonar, it’s a year-round bait. Some of the best jerkbait days...
2024 BASSYS: Best On-Stage Interview Winner
The 2024 BASSY for Best On-Stage Interview goes to Gerald Swindle. This moment between Swindle and Adian was very special and we are thankful to witness it. Shoutout to Buddy...
Our Christmas activities
Christmas time is always a fun time for my family. With three of our four children living away from home, we try to make sure we’re able to spend as...
Best of 2024: Elite behind the scenes
Take a look back on the best behind the scenes shots from the 2024 Elite Series season.
My New Year’s resolutions
As this year comes to an end, I’m doing what a lot of people do at this time — I’m thinking about my New Year’s resolutions. I’ve made my list...
Wintertime bass fishing in Florida
If you’re looking for a place to fish this winter, consider Florida. Our state is saturated with lakes, rivers, ponds and streams, and nearly all offer good angling opportunities …...
Meet the 2025 Elites
See the anglers set to compete on the biggest tour in bass fishing — the Bassmaster Elite Series.
