Michigan Nation,

It’s time to pause and look back.  There are many reasons outlined below that showcase why, if you are a serious competitive BASS angler in Michigan, you gravitate to MBN.  Another reason close to the pocket book is across all Divisions, we annually have one of the largest payouts in the State (over $75,000 (Adult, Youth, College combined).  The effort is real as we host, well basically, a ton of tournaments!

Youth:  10 tournaments and 2 State Championship (adding a Junior Trail division in 2026)
College: 1 State Championship
Senior: 7 tournaments
Adult:  Bass Team Championship (BTC): 5 tournaments and 2 State Championship (Pro Division and Co Division)

As we reflect on the 2025 season—a year filled with thrilling competitions, personal triumphs, and a shared passion for bass fishing—we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to each of you for making it such a success. From the expanded opportunities for our members to compete to standout performances, this season showcased the dedication and skill of our anglers across all divisions. Here’s a look back at some of the key highlights, drawn from our events and achievements throughout the year.

Senior Series Expansion and Strong Competition

This year marked an exciting growth for the MBN Senior Series, which expanded to seven regular-season tournaments plus a championship event in September. The schedule kicked off in early June, providing ample opportunities for our members to compete on diverse waters and hone their skills. While the fishing was challenging at times, the series culminated in a competitive championship, highlighting the resilience and expertise of our senior “experienced” anglers. Congratulations to all participants for their efforts in pushing the boundaries and contributing to another memorable series.

College Division Triumphs

In the college ranks, Adrian College anglers delivered an inspiring performance at the 2025 MBN College State Championship on Hubbard Lake on June 22. Overcoming equipment challenges, they secured the win, demonstrating the grit and teamwork that define our young competitors. This victory not only caps a strong season for the team but also sets a high bar for future college events.

Youth and Junior Anglers Shine

Our youth programs continue to thrive, fostering the next generation of bass anglers. The 2025 MBN Youth State Championship took place on Lake Charlevoix from August 16-17, where young competitors battled it out in a showcase of talent and sportsmanship. We’re especially proud of our 2025 State Champions in the HS/Junior divisions, who have earned their spots at the 2026 HS/JR B.A.S.S. National Championship. Our HS Team Trails delivered thrilling, close competition from our young anglers. A big shoutout to new Youth Directors Kevin and Heather Carr for their commitment to helping our youth division when needed most. We are excited to see what advances the Carr’s will execute on in 2026. Your enthusiasm is already making a difference!

Adult State Championship and BASS Team Championship

The Adult Divisions wrapped up with an electrifying MBN State Championship on Lake St. Clair in late September, featuring big bags and intense showdowns over two days. These results not only crowned our State Champions but also qualified top performers for higher-level competition, strengthening Michigan’s presence on the National stage. The growth and higher-level of competition in our Bass Team Championship Trail (BTC) was evident. Member participation and payout averaging above $10K per tournament showcases how healthy the BTC is and more members are already talking about competing in 2026.

National Qualifier Success at Lake Erie

One of the season’s pinnacles was the 2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at Lake Erie in Monroe, MI, from July 16-18. Despite weather shortening the event with the cancellation of Day 3, Michigan anglers rose to the occasion. Aaron Jagdfeld led the boater division with a Day 1 limit of 23 pounds, 5 ounces to claim the win, while Paul Andorfer excelled in the non-boater category. The top 18 boaters and non-boaters from this event advanced to the 2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Championship on the Upper Mississippi River in La Crosse, WI, which kicks off today (October 22-25). We wish all our qualifiers the best of luck as they represent Michigan against the nation’s finest!

Beyond the tournaments, this season reinforced our commitment to conservation, youth, and community. Whether through local cleanups, mentoring programs, or simply sharing stories on the water, your involvement keeps Michigan BASS Nation strong. We’re grateful for our sponsors, volunteers, and every member who contributed to making 2025 unforgettable.

Looking ahead to 2026, we’re already planning—stay tuned for updates on schedules, memberships, and events. If you haven’t renewed yet, now’s the time to gear up for another great year.

Sincerely, The Michigan B.A.S.S. Nation – Where the BEST Compete!