BIRMINGHAM, Ala.— B.A.S.S., the worldwide authority on bass fishing, has announced the 2026 television schedule for the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series and the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour. This season delivers 12 hours of live bass fishing on FOX broadcast television, reaching more than 200 million U.S. households, along with almost 60 hours of additional weekend coverage on FS1. This unrivaled coverage comes on the heels of record-breaking viewership in 2025, which saw a 20% increase in live viewers over 2024.
The Elite Series season launches Feb. 7-8 with back-to-back live shows from Lake Guntersville on FS1. Just a week later, the tour heads to Lake Martin, another Alabama favorite, setting the stage for a seven-month run of live coverage from some of America’s most diverse bass fisheries.
Anchoring the broadcast lineup is the Bassmaster Classic on the Tennessee River in Knoxville, Tenn. Fans can tune in March 14 at Noon ET and March 15 at 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX. “Bass fishing is at its most exciting when viewers can experience it in real time, and FOX brings our biggest stage into living rooms nationwide,” said B.A.S.S. Chief Operating Officer Phillip Johnson. “This schedule gives fans not only the Classic in front of a massive broadcast audience, but also Elite events where viewers will see the drama unfold live.”
The 2026 slate also includes select FOX network windows, such as a Saturday live block from the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway (March 28) and a Sunday showcase from the Santee Cooper Lakes (May 17). Johnson emphasized, “Our partnership with FOX Sports has elevated the sport and given bass fishing the kind of national spotlight that creates unforgettable moments for anglers and fans alike.”
For the remainder of the season, FS1 will continue to serve as the home for weekend live coverage. From Arkansas River action in April, to the Northern Swing finale at Lake Champlain (Aug. 15-16) and the St. Lawrence River (Aug. 29-30), the network will capture every big bite and each dramatic Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year points shakeup.
“From Alabama to New York, the 2026 schedule offers one of the most diverse tests we’ve ever had,” added Davy Hite, Bassmaster LIVE analyst and former Bassmaster Classic champion. “Fans are going to love watching different skills and strategies showcased, whether on FOX or FS1.”
With this expanded coverage, B.A.S.S. continues its commitment to fair competition, protecting the heritage of the sport, and delivering unmatched live content to fishing fans around the globe.
