2025 Bassmaster Elite Series Begins at Lake Fork in Texas

YANTIS, Texas — The fifth stop of the 2025 Bassmaster Elite Series kicks off on legendary Lake Fork from May 8 to 11. Competitors will vie for a blue trophy and the $100,000 first prize.

The tournament launches daily from Caney Point Recreation Area at 7:00 a.m., with weigh-ins starting at 3:00 p.m. Each afternoon, anglers will bring their catches to the scales, competing on one of the nation’s top big bass lakes.

This year’s event includes a free family-friendly bass fishing expo featuring country music star Chris Cagle, pickleball and corn hole tournaments, food trucks, and a wine and beer garden. Lake Fork remains a popular destination for anglers and is expected to showcase exceptional catches throughout the tournament.

Last year, the competition was fierce, with young angler Trey McKinney setting the record as the youngest champion in Elite history at just 19. He weighed in 130 pounds, 15 ounces over four days, landing him the win.

Outlook for this year’s tournament is optimistic. Texas pro Keith Combs predicts impressive results, indicating a potential for a 40-pound bag during the competition, though he notes the lake’s high fishing pressure makes it a challenging environment.

“I don’t think a guy can win it exclusively on spawners unless all the weather conditions lined up for every single day,” Combs said. He suggests a mix of spawning and post-spawn strategies will likely determine the winner.

The weather forecasts indicate mostly stable conditions throughout the week, creating favorable conditions for the anglers as they chart their success at Lake Fork. Competitors will follow strict regulations, including a daily limit of five bass with a minimum size of 14 inches, and all fish must be caught, weighed, and immediately released.

As the event approaches, all eyes will be on which competitors can rise to the occasion and potentially claim a century belt this year.