The Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series is the highest level of professional bass fishing tournaments. Competitors must qualify for the series through the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens or the B.A.S.S. Nation, and anglers who are already on the Elite Series must re-qualify each year by maintaining enough points throughout the season. The pro anglers compete all season for the opportunity to win points toward the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year award and to qualify for the Bassmaster Classic.
The series was founded in 2006. Its predecessors were the Bassmaster Tour, Top 150 and Top 100.
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Decisions, decisions, part 2
In the previous installment, I spoke on the importance of good decision-making as it relates to pre-tournament preparation, official practice and actual competition. How compromising any of these reduces your chances...
Inside Elite Boats: Keith Combs
Take a tour of Elite Series pro Keith Combs tournament rig he used during the 2025 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series season.
Focusing on the positives
At the end of the 2025 Bassmaster Elite Series season, I was two spots away from not requalifying. Of course, I’m thankful I made it back for 2026, but I...
The beginner’s guide to jigs
When you first start bass fishing, people will probably tell you that a jig is a good way to catch big fish. What they probably won’t tell you is which...
Nothing beats fall topwater
We tend to think of fall as the time when bass are actively feeding up for winter. That’s definitely the case, but where I live in southern Oklahoma, it all...
Getting a preview of 2026
I recently competed in an event called the Ultimate Angler Championship at Lake Guntersville, where I finished fifth. Earning a top 10 in a large event was definitely rewarding, but...
Top Tackle: Feider’s must-haves before ice hits up north
In this Top Tackle video, Seth Feider dials in two baits he keeps handy when the calendar approaches winter up north as he continues to fish before ICE hits Minnesota...
I did not see St. Clair coming
The 2025 Yokohama Tire Bassmaster Elite at Lake St. Clair was such a special tournament. It meant a lot to me. I had no indication I could win that thing...
Inside Elite Boats: John Garrett
Get a full tour of the tournament rig Elite John Garrett used during the 2025 season.
Bass fishing in Spain
When I began fishing professionally, I didn’t realize it would take me to Taiwan, Japan, Italy, France, London, South America and other amazing destinations. Most trips come about at the...
Back in the game
Man, it feels good to say it. I’m back. Well, almost. Close enough. Editor’s note: Patrick out with enlarged heart After everything that has happened this year, just knowing I...
My Finest Hour: New starts Elite career on top
While Bassmaster Elite pros strive for excellence throughout each event, the right combination of variables occasionally align to create the opportunity for superlative performance.
Meyer’s quest for a 10-pound smallmouth
Many Elite pros spend the offseason trying to bag a trophy buck. In October, I transition from competitive fishing to casting for trophy bass. When I lived in California, I...
