Bassmaster Tuesday Night LIVE 2026: Announcement
The first ever Bassmaster Tuesday Night LIVE is Headed to Table Rock!
Elite Series competition is coming to a setting every tournament angler understands — the weeknight jackpot.
On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, eight Elite Series pros will trade the big-stage atmosphere for a straightforward, team-format, 3-hour shootout during Bassmaster Tuesday Night LIVE on Table Rock. Built around the spirit of local weeknight tournaments, the event emphasizes relatability, efficiency, and on-the-water execution rather than spectacle.
Four boats, eight anglers, two veteran hosts, and support from AFTCO, Beatdown Outdoors, Gamakatsu, SPRO, and Sunline all come together to make one of the most exciting and anticipated events in pro bass fishing in 2026!
Schedule:
4:00 PM CT — Angler arrival and pre-tournament coverage with Dave Mercer and Mark Zona.
4:30 PM — Blast-off.
4:30–7:30 PM — Three-hour team competition.
7:30 PM — Traditional weigh-in at the ramp.
The format will feel familiar: no big stage, minimal production, and a quick turnaround — the same structure that has made Tuesday night events a staple in bass fishing communities across the country.
Fan-Selected Teams
The boaters are set, but the fans will determine the pairings by voting on each pro’s partner — adding a strategic wrinkle before the first cast is made.
Boaters
Drew Cook — The 2019 Rookie of the Year has built a reputation on consistency and efficiency, highlighted by an Elite Series victory and a Century Belt performance.
Drew Benton — A Rookie of the Year and multiple-time Elite winner, Benton is a versatile threat nationwide and historically strong during the spring window.
Bryan New — After winning his Elite debut and earning Bassmaster Opens Angler of the Year honors, New has proven he can close. His adaptability makes him well-suited for a compressed format.
Kyle Welcher — The 2023 Angler of the Year delivered the most dominant victory in Elite history at the Pasquotank River. Welcher’s background in jackpot-style tournaments makes this format a natural fit.
Non-Boaters
Chris Johnston — A back-to-back Angler of the Year whose consistency has become his trademark. Johnston brings stability to any pairing.
Mike Iaconelli — Bassmaster Classic champion, AOY, and one of the sport’s most recognizable competitors. With 2026 marking his final full Elite season, every event carries added significance.
Jason Christie — Classic champion and multi-time winner known for an aggressive approach and competitive intensity that rarely fluctuates regardless of format.
Kyle Patrick — A rising Elite pro with a diverse skill set and proven tournament success. Expect Patrick to be comfortable in a fast-moving event.
How to Watch Bassmaster Tuesday Night Live
At Home
Fans can follow the action live from 4–8 PM CT on Bassmaster.com, with simulcasts on the Bassmaster YouTube and Bassmaster Roku channels.
We will also be going live, behind the scenes from the event on the Best on Tour YouTube and social media channels.
In Person
Spectators are also welcome at the weigh-in for a closer look at how the event unfolds. Launch & weigh-in will be at Mill Creek Boat Ramp in Kimberling City, Missouri.
Tuesday Night LIVE isn’t about prize money or production value — it’s about bringing the Elite level into a format that everyday anglers immediately recognize. The lake may be the same, but the atmosphere will feel closer to home.
If you’ve ever rushed to the ramp after work, fished against the clock, and lined up for a quick weigh-in, you already understand exactly what this event is about.
Read more on the official Bassmaster announcement.

