‘The Champions’ world bass fishing championship begins in Hendersonville

What This Story Is About

• The 2026 Bass Fishing Championship takes place on Old Hickory Lake in Hendersonville, with anglers from the Bassmasters and Major League Fishing tours competing.

Why It Matters

• Andy Gilley, Hendersonville’s director of Parks and Recreation, said the tournament boosts the economy, and events like it can help keep property taxes low.

For Context

• The tournament took over a year to plan and follows renovations to the lake’s boat ramps and docks, which Gilley said were built last year.

Catch Up

• This is the first-ever world bass fishing tournament.

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - “The Champions” 2026 world bass championship is underway this week on Old Hickory Lake in Hendersonville, bringing anglers from across the world to Middle Tennessee.

Tournament brings anglers from two tours

The competition includes anglers from the Bassmasters and Major League Fishing tours.

Andy Gilley, director of Parks and Recreation for Hendersonville, said the city hoped to host events like this after recent improvements like boat ramps and docks that were built last year.

“These are the kind of events we hoped would come here,” Gilley said.

Economic impact and expectations

Gilley said the tournament is a boost for the economy and that events like this can help keep property taxes low.

The tournament took over a year to plan. Thousands of people are expected to visit the area.

Gilley said conditions on the lake could be a major factor for the anglers.

“This time of year, bass fishing in Old Hickory Lake is not the easiest thing. It’s going to be a true test,” Gilley said.

He is proud to showcase the community and the lake to eyes across the world.

Tournament schedule and prize money

The tournament wraps up on Saturday, October 31. The top anglers will reel in more than $3 million.