Who’s Out, Who’s In, and Why the Field Looks Different Heading Into 2026
The 2026 Bassmaster Elite Series field is officially set, and after weeks of speculation, we finally know which anglers were cut, which ones chose to leave on their own, and which new (and familiar) faces are joining the trail next season. Below is the full breakdown of cuts, departures, rookies, and returning former Elites—now confirmed.
2026 Bassmaster Elite Series Cuts
These anglers are not returning to the Bassmaster Elite Series in 2026 for various reasons. Keep reading to learn more:
| Angler | Yrs Elite | Classics | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bernie Schultz | 20 | 9 | Cut |
| Matt Herren | 17 | 10 | Other |
| Chad Pipkens | 13 | 6 | Cut |
| Paul Mueller | 11 | 5 | Cut |
| Ray Hanselman | 8 | 2 | Other |
| Ed Loughran III | 7 | 1 | Cut |
| Scott Martin | 5 | 3 | Other |
| Marc Frazier | 5 | 2 | Cut |
| Matty Wong | 4 | 1 | Cut |
| Jonathan Kelley | 4 | 0 | Cut |
| Alex Wetherell | 3 | 1 | Cut |
| Logan Latuso | 3 | 0 | Cut |
| Ben Milliken | 2 | 2 | Cut |
| Tim Dube | 2 | 1 | Cut |
The anglers labeled “cut” finished below the Elite Series requalification line and are not returning in 2026. Click HERE to read our full blog post about how the Bassmaster Elite Series cuts work.
Other Departures (Not Cut for Points)
Multiple anglers left for other reasons—not as part of the official “cut.”
Scott Martin
Scott Martin announced during the 2025 season that he would be stepping away from B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S. confirmed that Scott Martin voluntarily withdrew from the remainder of the 2025 Elite Series before a credibility exam and investigation concluded:
“Scott Martin has withdrawn from the Bassmaster Elite Series… he chose to step away … before the B.A.S.S. investigation process concluded and prior to the administration of an official truth verification exam.”
Source: Bassmaster
In coverage of his disqualification at Lake Okeechobee, Martin acknowledged the rule violation and explained what happened:
He said he “received information that violated the no information rule” and didn’t shut down the conversation quickly enough.
Source: SI
“I’m stepping away from the Elites to focus on family, my brand, and my tournament future. This wasn’t an easy decision, but it’s the right one for me right now.”
Source: Scott Martin YouTube Channel
Matt Herren
Veteran angler Matt Herren was disqualified during the 2025 St. Johns River event for receiving prohibited information. Shortly after, he announced he was ending his Elite Series career — not being cut.
“I’ve made a decision that’s been coming for a while… I will no longer compete on the Bassmaster Elite Series.”
“I’m not through fishing… but it’s time for me to move on to a new chapter in my life.” Source: SI
He now fishes the National Professional Fishing League (NPFL).
Ray Hanselman
Ray Hanselman actually did requalify for the 2026 Elite Series but declined to rejoin. This caused a spot to open back up, which Mark Menendez slid into. Close call for Mark, he would have been cut if it wasn’t for Hanselman declining his Elite Series 2026 invitation!
2026 Elite Series Rookies (How They Qualified)
All rookies qualified via the 2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Elite Qualifiers (EQs), except the Nation Champ.
2026 Rookie Class
| Rookie | Qualification Path |
|---|---|
| Fisher Anaya | EQ Rank 1 |
| Russ Lane | EQ Rank 2 (Returning Former Elite) |
| Aaron Jadgfeld | EQ Rank 3 |
| Austin Cranford | EQ Rank 4 |
| Sam Hanggi | EQ Rank 5 |
| Matt Messer | EQ Rank 6 |
| Caleb Hudson | EQ Rank 7 |
| Tristan McCormick | EQ Rank 8 |
| Pake South | EQ Rank 9 |
| Brock Reinkemeyer | EQ Rank 10 |
| Nick Trim | B.A.S.S. Nation National Champion |
Returning Former Elite Angler (Only One)
Russ Lane Returns to the Elites
Russ Lane is the only angler on the “Qualified” list who is not an Elite Series rookie for 2026. He competed on the Elites previously, from its inception in 2006 until 2018, during which he qualified for 7 Bassmaster Classics. In 2019 he went to Major League Fishing’s Bass Pro Tour. He fished the Bassmaster Opens in 2024 and 2025 (+ the EQs) and requalified by finishing 2nd in the EQs.
2026 Elite Series Field Summary
-
14 anglers are out (11 cuts, 3 voluntary departures)
-
10 rookies join via the 2025 EQs + 1 Nation Champ
-
1 former Elite returns (Russ Lane)
That puts the total 2026 field at 101 anglers. With big veterans stepping away, high-profile cuts, and a strong rookie class, the 2026 Bassmaster Elite Series lineup looks dramatically reshaped.
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