Athens, AL. – American Bass Anglers, Inc. (ABA) is proud to announce that the 2026 American Fishing Tour (AFT) National Championship will be hosted in Florence, Alabama, on the legendary Pickwick Lake from October 3–9, 2026. Registration opens Monday, July 13, 2026, at 8 am online.
The championship will bring together hundreds of the nation’s top weekend anglers, along with their families and fans, for a full week of competition and celebration. Pickwick Lake, known nationwide for its outstanding bass fishery, and the city of Florence, with its unmatched hospitality and vibrant local culture, together create an ideal setting for one of the most anticipated events in the ABA tournament calendar.
In 2009, this championship was held at Pickwick Lake, where the anglers weighed over 2,000 pounds of bass per day. The total fish weighed and released was 6,112 pounds. There wasn’t an angler who didn’t catch a limit of bass on one of the three days of the event, making Pickwick Lake one of the most popular championships ever held.
“Florence and Pickwick Lake represent one of the best fishing locations in America,” said Morris Sheehan, President of American Bass Anglers. “Our anglers love coming here because Pickwick is an incredible fishery, with the professional facilities and the genuine southern hospitality from Florence and Lauderdale County. We’re excited to crown a national champion on these waters once again.”
The week-long schedule begins with official practice days from Saturday, October 3, through Tuesday, October 6, followed by the Official Check-in and Welcome Dinner on October 6, and three days of championship competition from October 7–9. The event will conclude with the AFT National Championship Awards Banquet on the evening of Friday, October 9, recognizing the top anglers from across the country.
Beyond the water, the championship serves as a major tourism and economic driver for Florence and Lauderdale County. The influx of anglers, families, and fans will fill hotels, dine in local restaurants, and explore area attractions. Not just during the tournament, but many will travel to Florence to explore Pickwick Lake long before the championship. They are already booking rooms and places to stay for the week in Florence and Lauderdale County. The best resource for locations to stay is located at this link – https://www.visitflorenceal.com/where-to-stay/
“We’re honored to continue our strong partnership with American Bass Anglers,” said Brody Gravitt of Florence-Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. “This event highlights both the exceptional fishing opportunities on Pickwick Lake and the welcoming spirit of our community. We look forward to another memorable week that will bring national attention to Florence and Lauderdale County.”
ABA will provide full event management, live web coverage, and national promotion across its digital platforms, ensuring the 2026 AFT National Championship continues its tradition as one of the most prestigious events in amateur bass fishing.
Event Snapshot
- Event: 2026 American Fishing Tour National Championship
- Dates: October 3–9, 2026
- Host Location: Florence, Alabama – Pickwick Lake
Launch Site: McFarland Park, 1000 Jim Spain Dr, Florence, AL 35630 - Host Organization: Florence-Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Presented by: American Bass Anglers, Inc.
Schedule of Events
Registration: Begins July 13, 2026, 8 am online
Off Limits: Sunset on Sunday, September 13, 2026, through Safelight on Saturday, October 3, 2026
Pre-tournament Practice: Safe light on Saturday, October 3, 2026, through 3:00 pm, Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Mandatory Onsite Registration: 3 – 5 pm on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Lauderdale County Coliseum, 702 E Veterans Dr, Florence, AL 35630
Mandatory Safety and Rules Briefing: 6:30 pm on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Lauderdale County Coliseum, 702 E Veterans Dr, Florence, AL 35630.
Day 1: Wednesday, October 7, 2026: launch at 7 am, post-flag ceremony; weigh-in begins at 3 pm in staggered flights.
Day 2: Thursday, October 8, 2026: launch at safe daylight; weigh-in begins at 3 pm in staggered flights.
Day 3: Friday, October 9, 2026: launch at safe daylight; weigh-in begins at 2 pm in staggered flights.
Friday Banquet and Awards: Begins 5:30 pm (Location TBA)
About American Bass Anglers
American Bass Anglers, committed to providing low-cost, close-to-home tournaments, offers an exciting platform for individual angler progression. With the support of industry-leading companies, ABA continues to advance the sport of bass fishing.
For more information about the American Fishing Tour and other series, visit www.americanbassanglers.com or call (256) 232-0406.
About American Bass Anglers: American Bass Anglers is dedicated to organizing affordable, local tournaments for weekend anglers while offering opportunities for individual angler advancement. To learn more about American Bass Anglers, please visit www.americanbassanglers.com or call (256) 232-0406.
