BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Bassmaster Kayak Series continues to thrive as B.A.S.S. announces the schedule for the 2025 Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft. Featuring six events across six states, the upcoming season will provide kayak anglers with some of the nation’s top fishing opportunities.
“In 2024, we saw unwavering dedication from anglers,” said Steve Owens, Bassmaster Kayak Series Tournament Director. “For 2025, we’ve added fisheries that are either new to the series or haven’t hosted a national kayak event in years. We aimed to align the events with peak fishing conditions to make this season even more exciting.”
GL Compton, tournament manager for the B.A.S.S. Nation, echoed Owens’ enthusiasm: “Participation in the Bassmaster Kayak Series has surged since its inception, and the 2025 schedule promises an incredible experience for both anglers and fans.”
Exciting New Stops for 2025
The season kicks off January 18-19 with a first-ever stop at Lake Havasu in Havasu City, Ariz. Known for its stunning desert backdrop, Lake Havasu offers a robust population of both smallmouth and largemouth bass, making it an ideal venue to start the series.
Next, anglers will head to the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes in Kissimmee, Fla., on February 1-2. While this will be the series’ first visit, these waters are legendary in B.A.S.S. history, having produced record-breaking catches, including the heaviest bass in Bassmaster Classic history. Tyler Weyant, director of sports development for the Kissimmee Sports Commission, expressed excitement about hosting: “Our community is thrilled to welcome this premier event. We invite anglers, their families, and fans to enjoy our local attractions while experiencing unforgettable fishing on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes.”
In March, the Yamaha Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship scored by TourneyX will take place at Lake Fork in Yantis, Texas, March 19-20. This event will coincide with the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour at Lake Ray Roberts in Fort Worth, Texas, March 21-23.
The series resumes April 26-27 with a debut stop at Dale Hollow Reservoir in Byrdstown, Tenn. Afterward, anglers will visit Lake Tenkiller in Cookson, Okla., on May 31-June 1. Tenkiller hosted the 2024 championship, where Drew Gregory claimed victory with an impressive 10-bass total measuring 180.5 inches.
July 26-27 will bring the series to the renowned Lake Champlain in Plattsburgh, N.Y. This iconic fishery, celebrated for its thriving smallmouth and largemouth bass populations, ranked No. 6 in the Northeastern Division of Bassmaster Magazine’s 2024 100 Best Bass Lakes list.
The season wraps up September 27-28 at Toledo Bend Reservoir in Hemphill, Texas. Ranked sixth in the Central Division of Bassmaster Magazine’s 2024 100 Best Bass Lakes, Toledo Bend is a premier bass fishing destination. “We’re thrilled to host the 2025 Kayak Series,” said Sabine County Judge Daryl Melton. “Participants will enjoy world-class fishing and kayaking on trails developed around the lake. We anticipate this event paving the way for many future tournaments.”
2025 Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series Schedule
- Jan. 18-19: Lake Havasu, Havasu City, Ariz.
- Feb. 1-2: Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, Kissimmee, Fla.
- April 26-27: Dale Hollow Reservoir, Byrdstown, Tenn.
- May 31-June 1: Lake Tenkiller, Cookson, Okla.
- July 26-27: Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh, N.Y.
- Sept. 27-28: Toledo Bend Reservoir, Hemphill, Texas
The series will be scored by TourneyX and is supported by major sponsors, including Newport as the title sponsor, Native Watercraft as the presenting sponsor, and Dakota Lithium as the Angler of the Year sponsor.
About B.A.S.S.
Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., B.A.S.S. is the global authority on bass fishing. For over 50 years, it has been dedicated to access, conservation, and youth fishing. Through its tournaments, events, and integrated media platforms—including Bassmaster magazine, Bassmaster.com, and TV and radio shows—B.A.S.S. continues to cultivate and celebrate the sport of bass fishing worldwide.