ABT 100 NEWS

ALABAMA BASS TRAIL 100 ANNOUNCES MAJOR CHANGES FOR 2027 SEASON

Mar 9, 2026
Record-Breaking Payouts Headline Premier Tournament Series

DECATUR, Ala. – The Alabama Bass Trail 100 (ABT 100) is elevating competitive team style bass fishing to unprecedented levels with significant changes to the 2027 tournament series.

The premier team tournament will feature a limited boat field, the largest payouts in ABT 100 history, with over $250,000 in prizes per event and anchored by a guaranteed first-place prize of $50,000.

“ABT anglers from around the country have spoken and we have done our best to listen and provide a premier team trail,” said Kay Donaldson, ABT Program Director. “Yes, we have increased the entry fees, but in true Alabama Bass Trail fashion we have increased the payout as well.

2027 ABT 100 Payout Schedule:

First Place$50,000
Second Place$20,000
Third Place$18,000
Fourth Place$15,000
Fifth Place$13,000
6th – 10th$10,000 each place
11th – 15th$6,000 each place
16th – 20th$5,000 each place
21st – 25th$3,000 each place
26th – 30th$2,500 each place
Big Fish$1,500
ABT Gear$250
MAJOR CHANGES FOR 2027:

Entry Fees & Payouts

  • Entry fee: $2,500 per tournament or $7,500 for the full season
  • Total payout: Over $250,000 per event
  • First place prize: $50,000
  • Expanded payouts: Now paying 30 places (increased from 20)
  • Big Fish bonus: $1,500

WAYS TO PAY
We are pleased to offer flexible payment options for the convenience of our anglers. A $3,750 non-refundable deposit is required to secure registration, followed by two additional payments of $1,875 due September 1, 2026, and a final payment of $1,875 due December 1, 2026.

Credit card payments are accepted at checkout; please note that a flat processing fee will apply. Additionally, the ABT administration is working with other providers on alternate payment methods that could reduce or eliminate processing fees. 

TOURNAMENT FORMAT

  • Each tournament will feature a mandatory two-day off-limits period (Monday-Tuesday) prior to competition
  • Limited to 100 two-person teams per event
  • Five-fish limit, minimum length requirements apply

2027 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE:

01/16/27 Lake Guntersville
06/05/27Lay Lake
11/06/27Smith Lake 
2027 Season Flyer

ABOUT THE ABT 100

The ABT 100 made its debut in January 2021, attracting professional and amateur anglers from 13 states across the country. The series represents the pinnacle of the Alabama Bass Trail’s tournament offerings, featuring the highest entry standards, largest payouts, and most competitive field within the organization’s portfolio.

The tournament series has historically filled hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments throughout host communities, bringing substantial economic benefits to rural Alabama lakeside towns while showcasing the state’s world-class bass fishing lakes.

LIVE COVERAGE & FAN ENGAGEMENT

The ABT 100 will feature comprehensive live coverage with real-time updates from competing boats. Fans can follow the action through:

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Priority registration for teams that competed in the 2026 ABT 100 season will open June 1, 2026. Registration for new teams will open on June 11, 2026, at 6:00 A.M. CST at www.AlabamaBassTrail100.org. With only 100 boat entries available, early registration is strongly recommended.

SPONSORS
The Alabama Bass Trail 100 Series is made possible through partnerships with Phoenix Boats, AMFirst, Thompson CAT, Thompson Tractor Company, Academy Sports & Outdoors, Larry Puckett Chevrolet, 13 Fishing, Rapala, VMC, CRUSHCITY, Buffalo Rock, Mountain Dew, Jack’s, Garmin, Pirnah02, Alabama State Parks, Halo Fishing, Snag Proof, NetBait, Bait Fuel, Scum Frog, TH Marine Supplies, Power-Pole, Pro Guide Batteries, Yamaha, Alfa Insurance – Thomas ALFA-MAN Shelton, E3 Sports Apparel, FishAlabama.org, Sweet Home Alabama, and Alabama Mountain Lakes.

wide_lure