Story by Brad Fuller | Photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons
Every year, one of the most challenging tasks we face at the National Professional Fishing League is filling the field. It’s a process that looks simple from the outside—pick the best anglers, hit a target number, and go fishing—but the reality is far more complex.
From day one, we’ve set goals for field size that we’ve never quite reached.
Until now.
For 2026, I’m confident we’ll hit our target of 130 anglers. We currently have 129 committed, with a few still weighing their decisions. And honestly, I appreciate that.
It’s one thing to start a season with 130 anglers—it’s another thing entirely to finish with 130. That’s the part that matters most. When we start the 2026 season, it will mark the largest field the NPFL has ever put on the water—a milestone that reflects how far this league has come.
We’ve taken some criticism over the years for how we fill our field, and I understand that. But what most people don’t see is the depth of the process. I personally interview every potential angler—not to talk about trophies, titles, or social media reach, but to get to know them as people.
I want to understand who they are, what drives them, and what they truly love about this sport. The conversations often take surprising turns, and that’s intentional. This league isn’t built on accolades. It’s built on character, culture, and the kind of men and women who make this sport better.
That process can be exhausting—hours upon hours spent on the phone, listening, talking, and trying to understand what makes each angler tick. It’s time-consuming, sometimes draining, and often unpredictable. But it’s all worth it because at the end of those conversations, I’m reminded of why we built this league in the first place—to create a home for passionate anglers who love this game as much as we do.
Have we gotten it right every time? No. But through this process, I’ve met some of the best people on the planet. Great Americans who share a passion for competition, for the outdoors, and for the camaraderie that comes with it. That’s what makes this league special.
Filling the field isn’t just a number on a spreadsheet. It’s a reflection of trust. It means anglers believe in what we’re building. It means fans are watching, sponsors are investing, and the fishing world recognizes the NPFL as a league that stands on its own two feet.
That’s something I’ll never take for granted.
To every angler who’s believed in us—whether you’ve been with us since day one or you’re joining for the first time in 2026—thank you! You are the reason this league continues to grow. Your faith, your grit, and your willingness to be part of something bigger than yourself are what make the NPFL special.
As we close in on 2026, I can honestly say this will be the biggest and best season in NPFL history. The field we’ve assembled is a mix of veteran pros, regional hammers, and some of the most recognizable names ever to pick up a rod and reel. They will be competing alongside up-and-coming anglers who will use this platform to make their own mark.
The memories we’ve made and the friendships we’ve built along the way remind me why this process matters so much. The road to 130 hasn’t been easy — but nothing worthwhile ever is. And when those 130 boats take off at our first event in 2026, it’ll mean more than a number. It will mean progress, perseverance, and purpose … the NPFL way.
Let’s go to work.
