Dangerous winter weather has sidelined hundreds of anglers this weekend as Major League Fishing (MLF) announced the postponement of two upcoming Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) tournaments.
The events, originally scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 31, on Table Rock Lake (Ozark division) and Lake Keowee (Savannah River division), were called off due to a sweeping winter storm across a huge portion of the United States. Officials cited hazardous travel conditions caused by accumulating snow and ice across both regions as the primary reason for the delay.
New Dates and Locations
MLF officials acted quickly to move the dates, shifting the competitions into the more temperate spring season:
- Table Rock Lake (Ozark Division): Rescheduled for Saturday, May 2. In addition to the date change, the launch site has been moved to Drake Harbor in Warsaw, Missouri.
- Lake Keowee (Savannah River Division): Rescheduled for Sunday, April 26. This event will now serve as the second half of a double-header tournament weekend, with anglers launching from South Cove County Park in Seneca, South Carolina.
The Stakes for Weekend Anglers
The BFL is a 24-division circuit specifically designed for “weekend anglers,” but the rewards are anything but amateur. Participants are vying for a spot in one of six regional tournaments held this fall.
The ultimate goal for these competitors is the BFL All-American event, one of the most prestigious championships in competitive fishing. This year’s All-American is slated for May 28-30 at Lake Murray in Columbia, South Carolina.
Top Prizes at Stake
- Boater Division: A Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-hp outboard (valued at $50,000).
- Co-Angler Division: A Phoenix 518 Pro with a 115-hp outboard (valued at $33,500).
Despite the weather delay, the 2026 MLF season remains one of the busiest on record, featuring 128 events across the country.
