Defending Gold Medalists Will Welcome Youth Anglers Representing Five Nations to Saginaw Bay, June 28–July 2

BAY CITY, Mich. — USAngling and the USA Bass Youth Team will host the 2027 USA Youth Bass Fishing International Championship, June 28 through July 2, 2027, in Bay City, Michigan, bringing together elite youth anglers representing five countries for international bass fishing competition on Saginaw Bay.

The championship field will include USA, Canada, South Africa, and an International Team of anglers from Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa, representing five nations in international competition.

The DoubleTree by Hilton Bay City – Riverfront will serve as the host hotel for championship week.

The USA Youth Bass Team will enter the 2027 championship as the defending gold medalists following its victory at the 2025 Tri-Nations Cup at Loskop Dam in Mpumalanga, South Africa. The American squad captured gold after three days of international competition against South Africa and Zimbabwe. Team Captain Jackson Roumbanis also earned individual gold, while teammate Scott Miklos captured individual bronze.

In 2027, the defending champions will welcome the international competition to American waters.

“Our athletes have had the opportunity to travel around the world, represent the United States and experience the hospitality of the anglers, coaches and families who welcomed us in Africa,” said Eric Stall, President of the USA Bass Youth Team. “Now it is our turn to welcome them to the United States. We want these young anglers to experience great competition on Saginaw Bay, but just as importantly, we want them to leave Michigan with friendships and memories that last long after the tournament is over.”

Saginaw Bay will present a dramatically different challenge from the African fisheries that hosted the previous two international competitions. As part of the Lake Huron system, the expansive Great Lakes fishery will test the young competitors’ ability to locate bass, adapt to changing conditions and make strategic decisions on big water.

“Saginaw Bay is going to challenge every angler in this event, and that is exactly what you want from an international championship,” said Jason Uldrych, Head Coach of the USA Bass Youth Team. “Our squad understands what it means to compete against these countries and the level of preparation it takes to be successful. Having the opportunity to defend our gold medal on home water, in front of our families and supporters, is going to make this championship especially meaningful. We are proud to represent the United States, and our squad will be prepared to compete.”

For USAngling, this championship provides the opportunity to represent the United States in international youth bass competition on home water. For the visiting countries, it offers an opportunity to experience a world-class American fishery while competing against some of the top young bass anglers from around the globe.

The championship is about more than tournament results. Young anglers from five countries will spend the week competing under their countries’ flags while sharing techniques, experiences and a common passion for fishing. The relationships developed through international competition are central to the event’s mission:

“Uniting Today’s Anglers. Inspiring Tomorrow’s Champions.”

Additional details, including the team roster, competition schedule and format, opening and closing ceremonies, community activities, sponsorship opportunities and spectator information, will be announced soon.