Major Fishing Tournaments Coming to Leesburg and Marion County in 2026!

Leesburg, FL, USA - Major League Fishing (MLF) has unveiled its 2026 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals schedule, promising a thrilling year for fishing enthusiasts in Florida. Starting from February 6-8, 2026, the first event will kick off at the picturesque Lake Harris in Leesburg. Hosted by Discover Lake County, this event is more than just a competition; it’s a significant milestone for the local community, expected to enhance its profile while boosting the economy. With a top award of up to $115,000, professional anglers will be eager to compete for glory as they work towards qualifying for both the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Championship and the prestigious Bass Pro Tour.

Commissioner Kirby Smith expressed palpable excitement about the upcoming events, stating, “This is a great opportunity for us to showcase Lake County on a national stage.” The competition will be streamed live on several platforms, including MLFNOW! at MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MLF app, and more, ensuring that fans won’t miss a second of the action. In addition to the heart-pounding fishing, there will be fan engagement activities, with more details set to be revealed as the event date nears.

Looking Ahead: Multiple Events and Big Prizes

The Tackle Warehouse Invitationals will feature six regular-season events, culminating in a championship scheduled for September 18-20, 2026, at Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, Florida. Anglers will vie not only for individual prizes, but also for a chance to join the ranks of the Bass Pro Tour, where a top prize of $150,000 awaits at each stage. The entire schedule includes events hosted in various scenic locations such as South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and New York.

• Feb. 6-8: Harris Chain of Lakes, Leesburg, FL
• Feb. 26-28: Santee Cooper Lakes, Clarendon County, SC
• March 19-21: Wheeler Lake, Decatur, AL
• May 8-10: Douglas Lake, Jefferson County, TN
• June 5-7: Lake Eufaula, Eufaula, OK
• July 24-26: Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh, NY
• Sept. 18-20: Championship at Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, Kissimmee, FL

The championship promises an eye-catching top prize of $135,000, with no entry fee required. What’s more, the anglers at the championship will also have the chance to secure a coveted title as Fishing Clash Angler of the Year, along with a substantial $50,000 bonus waiting for the season-long point leader.

Heavy Hitters and Berkley Bonuses

In addition to the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, Marion County will host the MLF Heavy Hitters event from May 16-21, 2026. Thirty top-tier professionals from the 2025 Bass Pro Tour season will compete for a generous top prize of $100,000. To make the contest even more enticing, anglers can snatch Berkley Big Bass bonuses of up to $100,000 for landing the biggest catch, adding another layer of excitement to the robust lineup of fishing events.

For anglers eyeing participation, invitations for the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals will be sent out in the fall. The anticipation is building, and the local community is gearing up for an electrifying year ahead in the world of competitive fishing.