Global USAngling Sponsor
Global USAngling Sponsor
SEPTEMBER 27 – OCTOBER 4, 2026
2026 XX BLACK BASS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
WELCOME TO THE
2026 BLACK BASS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
USAngling is hosting nations from across the globe to the 2026 Black Bass World Championship in Hot Springs, AR, on Lake Hamilton, United States of America. The venue of Lake Hamilton is a world class bass fishery. The southern charm of Hot Springs, AR and the surrounding area will welcome all attendees and provide many cherished memories. USAngling is partnered with Visit Hot Springs to ensure the successful production of the event.
2026 PROGRAM
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2026
- Little Rock Bass Pro Shops – 12 pm- 3 pm
- Captain’s Meeting at Hotel Hot Springs
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2026
- Day 1 Practice – Andrew H Hulsey State Fish Hatchery
- Opening Ceremony with Dinner at Hot Springs Convention Center Horner Hall
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
- Day 2 Practice – Andrew H Hulsey State Fish Hatchery
- Teams Dinner at Hot Springs Hotel
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2026
- Day 3 Practice – Andrew H Hulsey State Fish Hatchery
- Captain’s Meeting at Hotel Hot Springs
- Teams Dinner at Hot Springs Hotel
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026
- Day 1 Competition – Andrew H Hulsey State Fish Hatchery
Oaklawn Outdoors Show 12 pm-7 pm - Teams Dinner at Hot Springs Hotel
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026
- Day 2 Competition – Andrew H Hulsey State Fish Hatchery
Oaklawn Outdoors Show 12 pm-7 pm - Teams Dinner at Hot Springs Hotel
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026
- Day 3 Competition – Andrew H Hulsey State Fish Hatchery
Oaklawn Outdoors Show 9 am-4 pm - The Frontmen Concert at 4 pm, followed by:
- Arena Final Weigh-In
- Medal Presentation
- Drawing for the Ranger Bass Boat 519 Giveaway (must be present to win)
- Closing Awards Gala at Hot Springs Convention Center Horner Hall
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2026
- Departures
HOST COMMUNITY
HOT SPRINGS,
ARKANSAS, USA
Hot Springs, Arkansas, is a resort city in the Ouachita Mountains, famous for its naturally heated springs and its long history as a spa destination.
The city grew around the belief that the mineral-rich waters had healing properties, a tradition dating back to Native American tribes. The heart of the city is Bathhouse Row, a collection of historic 19th–20th century bathhouses preserved inside Hot Springs National Park.
Today, the hot springs are pumped into several downtown hotels and spas. The water is even available at public fountains. The beautifully restored Fordyce Bathhouse now serves as a visitor center.
Lake Hamilton is a wonderful lake in central Arkansas on the southern edge of Hot Springs. This beautiful lake spans just under 8,000 surface acres. Lake Hamilton is one of Arkansas’ most productive fisheries and has more fish per acre than any other lakes in Arkansas.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
AIRPORTS
Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) is the largest commercial airport in Arkansas. While Clinton National Airport does not have direct international passenger flights, more than 50 flights arrive or depart at Little Rock each day.
- Rental Car companies at airport
- All teams will need their own transportation.
- There are no buses or transfers provided.
GROUND TRANSPORTATION
Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) to The Hotel Hot Springs is a 60 minute drive.
LODGING
The headquarters hotel is Hotel Hot Springs – When you arrive at Hotel Hot Springs, odds are you’ll be welcomed by our longtime bellman, who’s been a part of our family since we welcomed our first guests in 1986. That’s the sort of special touch you can expect at our hidden gem in Hot Springs National Park, a warm, welcoming business and leisure home base located in downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas. Enjoy the convenience of complimentary shuttle service to explore the area, a delicious buffet breakfast to start your day, and secure parking for peace of mind. Plus, our on-site restaurant offers even more reasons to stay and relax with us.
Phone: (501) 623-6600 Toll Free: (877) 623-6697
Location: 305 Malvern Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71901 USA
BOAT LAUNCH
ANDREW H HULSEY STATE FISH HATCHERY
Andrew H. Hulsey State Fish Hatchery is on the south side of Lake Hamilton in Garland County. It is the second largest of four warm-water fish hatcheries owned and operated by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Weigh-in judges will be broadcasting scores live at the AGFC Weigh-in building at ramp.
VOLUNTEERS
Step into the action and help us welcome the world to Arkansas! We’re calling on dedicated, community‑minded volunteers to join the team behind the 2026 Black Bass World Championship. Whether you’re supporting athletes, assisting guests, guiding vendors, or helping operations run smoothly, your energy and hospitality will shape the experience for visitors from across the globe. If you’re ready to make an impact, build connections, and be part of something unforgettable, sign up today and secure your volunteer spot.
Join the USA Bass Team lead by Kevin VanDam with Jacob Wheeler, Dustin Connell, Scott Martin, Ott Defoe, and Drew Gill as USAngling hosts the 2026 Black Bass World Championship.
DETAILS
Boat Captain Volunteers will be assigned to a pair of anglers (each nation has 3 pairs) and we fish 6 days (3 practice / 3 competition). A driver of his own boat, assigned to the same two anglers for six consecutive days of the World Championship, taking them safely to their requested fishing locations on Lake Hamilton. Boats leave convention center and launch from Andrew H Hulsey State Fish Hatchery
Boat Captain dates:
Sunday, September 27, 2026 – Boats install at Boat Lot at Hot Springs Convention Center for teams rigging. Boat Lot has 3 light towers, 3 generators, power cables and outlet boxes and 2 overnight security guards.
- Monday, September 28, 2026 – Practice 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday, September 29, 2026 – Practice 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday, September 30, 2026 – Practice 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday, October 1, 2026 -Competition 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday, October 2, 2026 – Competition 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday, October 3, 2026 – Competition 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Boat Marshall Volunteers will join nations that brought their own boats and serve to ensure fishing and scoring are completed correctly.
Boat Marshall dates:
- Thursday, October 1, 2026 – lake venue 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday, October 2, 2026 – lake venue 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday, October 3, 2026 – lake venue 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Land Volunteers will be supporting boat ramp launch in and out each day and work with the event staff on scoring barn, ceremonies, and venue support. Based on your availability.
Land Volunteer dates:
- Sunday, September 27, 2026 – venue support at convention center
- Monday, September 28, 2026 – lake venue 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday, September 29, 2026 – lake venue 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday, September 30, 2026 – lake venue 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday, October 1, 2026 – lake venue 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday, October 2, 2026 – lake venue 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday, October 3, 2026 – lake venue 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
USANGLING CONTACTS
John Knight
International Organizer
+1-970-376-5703
jknight@usangling.org
Tony Forte
USAngling President
+1-574-202-4877
tforte@usangling.org
Michael Brand
USAngling Treasurer
+1-314-477-8120
mbrand@usangling.org
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