More than 670 anglers to be on-hand at Kentucky Lake looking to earn valuable prizes and double points
This upcoming weekend, the Association of Collegiate Anglers is set to begin its 2026-27 season on the Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing Series. The Bass Pro Shops Big Bass Bash presented by Berkley will take place at Kentucky Lake in Henry County and Paris, TN on September 19-20. A record-setting field of more than 670 anglers has registered to compete for more than $20,000 in prizes and contingencies, as well as double points to count towards the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia.
The playing field for this weekend's event is Kentucky Lake. Kentucky Lake offers a vast fishery for anglers to spread out in search of a prize-winning bass. Weather patterns are forecasted to remain consistent throughout Official Practice and continuing through the conclusion of the tournament. It is projected to be warm with light winds, and minimal cloud cover.
Leading up to the start of the event, the ACA featured anglers from Murray State University on the latest episode of the Rapala #WeAreCollegiateBass Podcast. The anglers from nearby Murray, KY previewed lake conditions and their strategy for success at the first ACA event of the season. Listen to that podcast here.
On Day 2 of tournament competition, anglers will be permitted to use only Berkley baits. Berkley offers an extensive product lineup that allows an angler to equip themselves with baits that can help them find success on Kentucky Lake. From topwaters to crankbaits, and many different styles of soft plastics, Berkley has a bait to fit any conditions. Read this feature article about Berkley baits for Kentucky Lake.
The Bass Pro Shops Big Bass Bash presented by Berkley is a no-entry-fee event that will award over $20,000 in prizes and contingencies. Day 1 will consist of four weigh-in sessions, with each session awarding prizes to the Top 10. Exclusively on Day 1, 11th – 13th in each session will earn a 13 Fishing Jinx rod. On the final day of tournament competition, the first two sessions will award prizes to the Top 10. The final session on Day 2 will pay out the Top 20. View the prize list at this link.
This weekend's big bass format event will also be the ACA's first double points event of the season to count towards the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia. The ACA recently released the results of its latest Pre-Season Poll for the 2026-27 campaign. Carson-Newman University takes the top spot, as they will enter the season ranked number one. 24 of the Top 25 teams, as selected in that Pre-Season Poll, will be at Kentucky Lake. 1st place at the Bass Pro Shops Big Bass Bash presented by Berkley will award 2,000 points to the overall winner. Points will be awarded down to 200th, and schools will earn points for their two highest-placing fish. View the Pre-Season Poll here.
The ACA will be providing extensive coverage from Kentucky Lake, in Henry County and Paris, TN. This includes live stream of takeoff, live blog, live stream of weigh-in, as well as extensive social media coverage. Keep up with all things pertaining to the Bass Pro Shops Big Bass Bash presented by Berkley at this link.