COLUMBIA, S.C. (Feb. 3, 2026) — Hundreds of the nation’s top collegiate bass anglers will converge on Lake Murray Feb. 12–14 for the 2026 Columbia PFG College Fishing Presented by Abu Garcia National Championship.
Hosted by Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism, the 17th annual championship will feature up to 160 qualified teams competing in Major League Fishing’s premier college event. The no-entry-fee tournament will award a $43,500 top prize package, including a Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat powered by a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard, plus $10,000. A second Phoenix 518 Pro will also be awarded to the runner-up team, with all top-10 finishers earning at least $1,000.
“Capital City/Lake Murray Country is honored to host the Abu Garcia National Championship and welcome the top collegiate teams from across the country,” said Vickie Davis, executive director of Capital City/Lake Murray Country. “This event delivers a strong economic impact while showcasing Lake Murray as a premier fishing and outdoor destination.”
Both members of the first- and second-place teams will advance to the 2026 Toyota Series Championship, competing as boaters for a top prize of up to $235,000. The highest-finishing member of the championship team will also qualify for REDCREST 2027, where the sport’s top professionals compete for $300,000. Members of the third-place team will advance to the Toyota Series Championship as co-anglers.
Local Bass Pro Tour angler Anthony Gagliardi said Lake Murray is well-positioned to shine despite winter conditions.
“This is typical wintertime fishing,” Gagliardi said. “It’s going to take consistency. If a team can average around 20 pounds a day for three days, that’s what it will take to win.”
Daily launches will take place at Dreher Island State Park at 7:30 a.m. ET, with weigh-ins beginning at 3:45 p.m. ET and livestreamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com. Fans are welcome to attend.
Championship Saturday coverage will air live on MLFNOW! from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. ET, streaming on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MyOutdoorTV app, and Rumble. A one-hour television episode will premiere Aug. 23 on Vice TV.
For tournament details and updates, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Photo by Major League Fishing