Strike King has introduced the Road to The Opens, a versatile bass tournament series that offers anglers two distinct paths to professional competition. This program blends the flexibility of digital tournaments with the high-stakes excitement of in-person “Big Bass” challenges, all leading toward a grand finale at Table Rock Lake in September. The ultimate prize for the overall champion is a fully paid, guaranteed entry into the 2027 Bassmaster Opens, providing a direct and cost-free bridge to one of the most prestigious circuits in the sport.
The digital portion of the series runs monthly from March 1 through May 31 and allows participants to compete in their local regions for a $20 entry fee. This format is designed for maximum accessibility, and the top 25 finishers from each region across the three-month period will advance, resulting in a pool of 300 championship qualifiers. This ensures that skilled local anglers have a clear, affordable route to the national stage regardless of their proximity to the major event sites.
For those who prefer traditional competition, Strike King is hosting three in-person Big Bass Challenges at Eagle Mountain on March 1, Lake Murray on March 29, and Kentucky Lake on April 26. These events require a $100 entry fee and award championship spots to the top five finishers from each pay period, adding another 60 competitors to the final field. Payouts for both the digital and in-person qualifying rounds will be determined by the total number of registered participants.
The season concludes with a rigorous two-day championship at Table Rock Lake that follows a five-bass limit format and is restricted to bass boats. While the qualifying rounds offer various ways to win, this final event is the ultimate test. By winning the championship, an angler bypasses the typical financial barriers of professional fishing, securing their place in the 2027 Bassmaster Opens with all entry fees covered.
