BASS Report
2022 Bassmaster Opens Scheduled
B.A.S.S. officials announced the slate for the 2022 Bassmaster Opens Series, with nine tournaments in three divisions covering nine states as the pathway to some of the most-coveted invitations in all of professional bass fishing.
After starting late in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Opens schedule will return in 2022 to a late-winter start date with the first tournament, a Southern Division event, set for Feb. 3-5 on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes in Kissimmee, Fla.
From there, the Opens will wind through Tennessee, South Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Virginia, New York and Maryland.
2022 Bassmaster Opens Schedule
Southern
- Feb. 3-5, Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, Kissimmee, Fla.
- March 31-April 2, Cherokee Lake, Jefferson County, Tenn.
- Oct. 6-8, Lake Hartwell, Anderson, S.C.
Central
- April 28-30, Ross Barnett Reservoir, Ridgeland, Miss.
- Sept. 22-24, Red River, Shreveport-Bossier, La.
- Oct. 20-22, Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Jasper, Texas
Northern
- April 14-16, James River, Richmond, Va.
- July 7-9, Oneida Lake, Syracuse, N.Y.
- Sept. 8-10, Upper Chesapeake Bay, Cecil County, Md.
“Interest in the Opens from both anglers and fans has been at an all-time high the past few seasons,” said B.A.S.S. chairman and CEO Chase Anderson. “The excitement is only growing as Opens anglers enjoy success on the Bassmaster Elite Series. In fact, 2020 Opens Angler of the Year Bryan New won his first Elite event in February this year on the St. Johns River. The competition has been intense, and we’re thrilled to spotlight the future stars of our sport.”
The winners of all nine Opens will earn a berth into the 2023 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk, provided they have fished all three events in the division where their win occurred. In addition to Classic berths, the Top 3 anglers in every division and the Top 3 in the Falcon Rods Bassmaster Opens Angler of the Year overall standings will receive invitations to fish the 2023 Bassmaster Elite Series.
“Twelve anglers will earn the right to fish professionally — to live their dreams on the most prestigious professional tour in bass fishing,” Anderson said. “And just like Chris Jones, who finished third at this year’s Bassmaster Classic as an Opens qualifier, nine anglers will have a chance at instant stardom in the Classic.
As in the past, the full field will compete the first two days before the boater side is cut to 10 anglers on Championship Saturday. The co-angler champion will be crowned after the Day 2 weigh-in.
Entry fees will remain the same for the 2022 Opens circuit. Pro anglers will pay $1,800 per event with an $800 deposit due up front, while co-anglers will pay $475 per event with a $200 deposit. Online registration for both pro and co-anglers will begin Nov. 9 for B.A.S.S Nation and Life members and B.A.S.S. members Nov. 11.
In 2022, FOX Sports will continue to broadcast live coverage from Championship Saturday of each of the division final tournaments on FS1 and the FOX Sports digital platforms.