The National Professional Fishing League (NPFL) announced its field for the 2026 season has reached its target of 130 anglers. But despite achieving a full roster, the organization confirmed it is still accepting applications for a limited number of additional competitors for what is slated to be the biggest season in the league’s six-year history.
“This will be our biggest field of competitors in our six-year history, and we’re about to close the door on new entries because we’ve always considered 130 anglers to be a full field, but we can make room for a few more who are talented and ready to test themselves against a top-notch field and a challenging schedule,” said NPFL President Brad Fuller.
Expanded Field and Higher Standards
Fuller emphasized that the 2026 season is positioned to rival other organizations in professional bass fishing, citing the competitive roster, schedule and platforms. He noted that the league is specifically seeking “talented anglers who are also outstanding human beings” to join the tour.
The NPFL maintains a rigorous selection process that goes beyond tournament performance. “We interview each angler before they’re selected,” Fuller explained. “No one is automatically accepted into the league just because they have an impressive tournament résumé or a lot of sponsors. We want excellent people who are passionate about the sport—people who share our commitment and vision.”
2026 List of NPFL Anglers
| Barron Adams | Dylan Freeze | K.J. Queen |
| Johnnie Adams | Austin Garland | Mike Quinlin |
| Gary Adkins | Kyle Glasgow | Timmy Reams |
| Sean Alvarez | Todd Goade | Dustin Reneau |
| Charlie Apperson | Wesley Gore | Jason Reyes |
| Todd Auten | Chad Grigsby | Joshua Reynolds |
| Chris Baker | Buddy Gross | Darrel Robertson |
| Keith Bardolf | Greg Hackney | Matt Robertson |
| Hunter Baughman | Scott Hamrick | Troy Roder |
| Bob Behrle | Ray Hanselman | Kevin Rogers |
| Tommy Biffle | Chip Harrington | Fred Roumbanis |
| Zack Birge | Cole Harris | J.T. Russell |
| Joey Bloom | Matt Herren | Hunter Sales |
| T-Roy Broussard | Paul Hodges | Ryan Satterfield |
| Nick Brown | Josh Hooks | Adam Savage |
| Paul Browning | Stacey James | Garrett Smith |
| Jason Burroughs | Travis Jewell | Gerald Spohrer |
| Josh Butler | Ron Johnson | Brad Staley |
| Jon Canada | Jonathan Kelley | Scott Suggs |
| Scott Canterbury | Russ Lane | Gerald Swindle |
| Quintin Cappo | Logan Latuso | Randall Tharp |
| Corey Casey | Shane LeHew | J Todd Tucker |
| Craig Chambers | Derek Lehtonen | Andrew Upshaw |
| Ryan Chandler | Lavoyd Lemmond | Grant Vest |
| Hank Cherry | Shane Lineberger | Martin Villa |
| Luke Clausen | Joe Lineberry | Greg Vinson |
| Rick Clunn | Jared Lintner | David Walker |
| Brandon Cobb | Wes Logan | Patrick Walters |
| Bo Collins | Bill Lowen | Jimmy Ward |
| Michael Comeau | Kevin Madeley | Josh Watkins |
| Drew Cook | Chad Marler | James Watson |
| Richard Cooper | Lendell Martin | Mitchell Webb |
| John Cox (FL) | Matt McBee | Brad Whatley |
| John Cox (GA) | Jason Meninger | Chris Whisenant |
| Cliff Crochet | Harry Moore | Scott Wiley |
| Alex Davis | Andy Morgan | Alton Wilhoit |
| Darrell Davis | Rickey Morris | David Williams |
| Harmon Davis | Brock Mosley | Dustin Williamson |
| Bill Day | Shawn Murphy | Jason Williamson |
| Seth Ellis | James Niggemeyer | Jason Wilson |
| Will Fletcher | Jordan Osborne | Tim Wilson |
| Tim Frederick | Jamie Pierce | Jesse Wise |
| Kyle Freeman | Pete Ponds | David Wootten |
| Jacob Powroznik |
Challenging Six-Event Schedule Announced
The 2026 schedule features six events designed to test the versatility and adaptability of the anglers across diverse fisheries and species, including Florida bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and spotted bass.
The season is set to kick off in March on Florida’s Harris Chain of Lakes and will conclude in September on New York’s Lake George. In between, events will be held across fisheries in Texas, Alabama, and New York.
The field is set to include some of the sport’s biggest names, providing a strong draw for both competitors and fishing fans. Applicants must commit to a locked field and agree to participate in all six regular-season events.
“For anglers ready to test themselves against a variety of fisheries, species, seasons, and conditions, the NPFL is the answer,” Fuller stated.
He highlighted the opportunity to compete against “all-time greats” like Rick Clunn, Greg Hackney, and Andy Morgan, top crossover professionals like Patrick Walters, John Cox, and Zack Birge, and “home-grown stars” like Timmy Reams, Todd Goade, and Scott Hamrick. The roster will also feature over a dozen true rookies who are entering a major tour’s top level for the first time.
Anglers interested in the final openings for the 2026 field are urged to complete the Angler Application as soon as possible.
