- The Ultimate Angler Championship schedule runs across three consecutive days on Lake Guntersville.
- $500,000 goes to the winner; the top 50 anglers cash at least $1,500.
- Live weigh-ins happen all three days; live streaming coverage begins Saturday.
- Day One leader Buddy Gross weighed 23-08 lbs, with a projected cut near 35-36 lbs.
- Roughly 200 qualified anglers compete, with no forward-facing sonar allowed.
Tournament Schedule Overview
The Ultimate Angler Championship schedule is built as a three-day event held on Lake Guntersville, one of the premier bass fisheries in the country. Each day features a full field launch, a fishing session, and a live weigh-in that determines the cumulative standings. Below is a recap of how Day One unfolded and what the remaining days look like.
Video Highlights:
- $500,000 winner-take-most prize on Lake Guntersville
- Roughly 200 qualified anglers, top 50 get paid at least $1,500
- Live weigh-ins all three days, streaming on Saturday
- Day One leader Buddy Gross at 23-08 lbs
- Projected cut line around 35-36 lbs after two days
| Day | Activity | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Full field fishes, live weigh-in | In-person weigh-in, no live stream |
| Day 2 | Full field fishes, live weigh-in | In-person weigh-in, cut set afterward |
| Day 3 (Saturday) | Final day competition | Live streaming coverage plus weigh-in |
If you want to watch from home, Saturday is the day to circle. The first two days feature live weigh-ins only, which can run long with 200 boats, so streaming on the final day is the most viewer-friendly option.
Day One Results & Standings
Day One delivered surprises. Despite Lake Guntersville's reputation as a big-bass factory, weights were lower than many expected, with plenty of 18-pound bags mixed into the field. Some of the biggest names in professional bass fishing struggled, while local knowledge anglers and elite pros climbed the leaderboard.
| Rank | Angler | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buddy Gross | Day One leader, 23-08 lbs |
| 2 | Chris Lane | Local favorite, 22 lbs |
| 3 | Justin Lucas | Local standout performance |
| 4 | R.J. Sanger | Strong opening bag |
| T-5 | Ed Oiler / Corey Johnston | Johnston is a threat to win anywhere |
| T-7 | Trey Swindle / Brian Swift | Consistent opening rounds |
| 9 | Chad Hall | Solid start |
| 10 | Andrew Loberg | Inside the top 10 |
| 11 | Jacob Wheeler | Elite pro lurking just outside the top 10 |
You cannot win the tournament on Day One, but you can absolutely lose it. Anglers who weighed only 10-12 lbs face a steep climb, needing nearly double-digit bags just to reach the projected 35-36 lb cut line.
How the Schedule Affects Strategy
The three-day format rewards consistency over a single explosive bag. Anglers who banked 18-20 lbs on Day One only need a repeat performance to stay above the projected cut, while those who stumbled must swing for the fences.
Frontrunners
- Buddy Gross, Chris Lane, Justin Lucas
- Protect leads with proven areas
- Avoid risky water on Day Two
Middle of the Pack
- 16-18 lb bags after Day One
- Need one upgrade day
- Solid shot at top 50 payout
Chasing the Cut
- 10-12 lbs after Day One
- Must target kicker fish
- High risk, high reward approach
Evaluate Your Position
Compare your Day One weight against the projected 35-36 lb two-day cut line to determine the required pace.
Adjust Water Selection
Frontrunners rotate proven spots; chasers abandon marginal water and target big-fish areas like offshore structure and grass edges.
Account for Fishery Pressure
A recent fish kill and heavy tournament traffic on Lake Guntersville mean schools may be pressured, so adjust accordingly.
Prepare for Saturday
Only anglers above the cut fish the final day under live streaming coverage, when pressure and visibility peak.
This event prohibits forward-facing sonar across all 200 boats, which levels the playing field and rewards traditional skills like map study, local knowledge, and conventional electronics work.
Field, Entry & Payout Structure
Qualification is the gatekeeper of the schedule. Anglers earned their spots through national circuits including ABA events, Bass Nation, EQs, Opens, and the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit, then paid a $500 membership fee to enter the field.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Field size | Roughly 200 qualified anglers |
| Entry cost | $500 membership fee |
| First place | $500,000 |
| Top 50 payout | At least $1,500 each |
| Qualifying paths | ABA, ABT, Bass Nation, EQs, Opens, Pro Circuit |
| Sonar rules | No forward-facing sonar permitted |
The qualification structure pulls elite-series pros like Jacob Wheeler and Corey Johnston alongside local Guntersville specialists, making this one of the deepest fields in competitive bass fishing.
Tournament Watch Checklist:
- Track Day One leader Buddy Gross through the cut
- Watch the projected 35-36 lb cut line after Day Two
- Tune in Saturday for live streaming coverage
- Follow Corey Johnston and Jacob Wheeler charging from outside the top 10
FAQ
The details below recap the most common questions about the schedule, payouts, and viewing options for this three-day championship on Lake Guntersville.
Q: How many days does the Ultimate Angler Championship schedule include?
The tournament runs three consecutive days on Lake Guntersville, with live weigh-ins each day and live streaming coverage on Saturday for the final round.
Q: When can fans watch live streaming?
Streaming begins on Saturday, the final day. Days one and two feature in-person live weigh-ins only, which can run several hours with 200 boats.
Q: What is the projected cut line?
Based on Day One results, the two-day cut is projected in the 35-36 lb range, meaning anglers at 10-12 lbs after Day One need massive bags to advance.
Q: How much do anglers get paid?
The winner takes $500,000, and the top 50 anglers each earn at least $1,500, offsetting the $500 entry membership fee.