The Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing Series is a tournament circuit for college anglers across multiple states
The Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing Series runs tournaments in various states where college students can fish competitively and potentially earn scholarships. The series is organized by Major League Fishing (MLF) and operates through a network of regional events and a national championship. Teams typically fish in two-person boats, and the circuit includes both fall and spring seasons depending on the region.
The series exists because college fishing has grown into a serious pathway for anglers who want to compete at high levels and fund their education. Unlike high school bass circuits, the collegiate series connects directly to professional fishing opportunities and scholarship programs at universities that sponsor fishing teams.
Key Takeaways
- The Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing Series is run by Major League Fishing and holds tournaments across multiple states with regional may have access to events and a national championship.
- College students fish in two-person teams, and tournament formats vary by region but typically use catch-and-release scoring systems.
- Participation can lead to scholarship opportunities at universities with fishing programs, though scholarships are not may provide and depend on performance and school availability.
- Entry fees and tournament schedules vary by region and season, so you need to check the specific circuit in your state for dates and costs.
- Teams must register through the official MLF website and meet any state-specific requirements before competing in events.
How the tournament structure works
The series operates as a tiered system. Regional events feed into a national championship, and anglers accumulate points throughout the season. Most tournaments run as one-day or two-day events where teams launch from a designated body of water, fish for a set number of hours, and return with their catch for weigh-in. The scoring system typically awards points based on placement, with higher finishes earning more points toward season standings.
Each region has its own schedule and host lakes. Some states run spring circuits, others run fall circuits, and a few run both. The national championship brings top-finishing teams from each region together for a final tournament, usually held at a major venue. This structure means a team's path to nationals depends on their performance in their home region first.
What you need to know about entry and registration
To fish in the Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing Series, you must be enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited college or university. Registration happens through the official Major League Fishing website, where you'll find the specific circuit for your state or region. You'll need to provide proof of enrollment and form a two-person team with another may be able to access student.
Entry fees vary by region and tournament. Some events charge per-boat fees that cover both anglers, while others may have different cost structures. You should check the tournament schedule for your region to see the exact fees before committing to events. Some teams cover costs through sponsorships, school funding, or personal resources.
Scholarship opportunities through collegiate fishing
Universities with fishing programs sometimes offer scholarships to competitive anglers, and the Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing Series is one pathway to visibility for scholarship consideration. However, scholarships are not automatic—they depend on the school's program, available funding, and your performance. Not every school offers fishing scholarships, and those that do may have limited awards.
If you're interested in fishing scholarships, research colleges in your region that sponsor fishing teams and contact their coaches directly. Performing well in the Bass Pro Shops series can help you get noticed, but you'll also need to maintain academic standing and meet each school's specific requirements. Some schools recruit through the series; others build their teams differently.
Rules and regulations for tournament fishing
All tournaments follow state fishing regulations for the body of water where the event is held. This means you must have a valid fishing license for that state, and you must follow all size and species restrictions set by that state's wildlife agency. The tournament itself may have additional rules—for example, some events require catch-and-release only, while others allow different handling practices.
Before you register for any event, read the tournament rules posted on the MLF website. These cover boat requirements, safety equipment, what tackle is allowed, and conduct expectations. Violations can result in disqualification or penalties, so understanding the rules ahead of time protects your team and your standing in the series.
Finding your regional circuit and schedule
The Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing Series operates in multiple states, but not every state has the same circuit or schedule. To find tournaments in your area, visit the Major League Fishing website and look for the collegiate division. You'll see regional circuits listed by state or region, with tournament dates, host lakes, and registration links.
Schedules typically release several months in advance, though exact timing varies. Spring circuits usually announce in late fall, and fall circuits announce in summer. If you're planning to fish the series, check the MLF website in the off-season to see when registration opens for the next season in your region. Some circuits fill up quickly, especially at popular lakes.
Costs beyond entry fees
Tournament entry is only part of the expense. You'll also need to cover fuel, boat maintenance, tackle, and travel to the tournament lake if it's not local. Some teams split costs equally; others divide expenses based on who owns the boat or equipment. If you're fishing multiple tournaments in a season, these costs add up quickly.
Many college anglers offset costs through sponsorships from local businesses, tackle companies, or their school's fishing program. If your school has a fishing team, they may provide some support or resources. It's worth asking your school's athletic or outdoor recreation department whether any funding is available for students competing in the series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own boat to fish in the Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing Series?
Most tournaments require a boat, but you don't necessarily need to own one. You can fish as part of a team with a partner who owns a boat, or you can rent a boat for tournament days. Some regions have boat-sharing arrangements among college fishing teams. Check your regional circuit's rules to see if there are any specific boat requirements or restrictions.
What if I don't have a fishing license?
You must have a valid fishing license for the state where the tournament is held before you can compete. Licenses are inexpensive and available through your state's wildlife agency website or at most sporting goods stores. Some states offer short-term licenses if you only fish occasionally, which may be cheaper than an annual license.
Can I fish in multiple regional circuits?
That depends on the circuits and their rules. Some regions allow anglers to fish in neighboring circuits, while others restrict participation to one circuit per season. Check the rules for each circuit you're interested in, or contact the tournament director for clarification before you register.
How do I learn about my school has a fishing team?
Contact your school's athletic department or outdoor recreation office and ask about fishing programs or clubs. Some schools have official teams with coaching staff and funding; others have student-run clubs. Either way, they can tell you about local tournament opportunities and whether the school offers any support for anglers competing in the Bass Pro Shops series.
What happens if I place well in my regional circuit?
High finishes in your regional circuit earn you points toward the national championship standings. If you accumulate enough points or finish high enough in your region, you'll be invited to compete at the national championship event. The exact qualification criteria vary by region, so check your circuit's rules for how many teams advance to nationals.