Story by Andrew Upshaw | Photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons
In just over a week, we’ll kick off the NPFL Championship on Smith Lake, and like most of the field, I’m deep into last-minute preparation. Rods are getting rigged, baits are being organized, maps are being studied, and just as important as all of that, I’m working on getting myself into the right mental headspace for the biggest event of the season.
Smith Lake is a place I’ve always looked forward to fishing. I’ve got a really fun history there, having competed in six or seven tournaments on that body of water over the years. It’s a fishery where I feel comfortable in just about every condition you can imagine, and it’s hard to beat when it comes to targeting spotted bass. Smith is easily a top-five spotted bass lake.
That said, this tournament isn’t going to be just about spots. Largemouth bass are absolutely going to play a role, and that’s one of the things that makes this championship so exciting. Add in the NPFL format—no forward-facing sonar allowed—and you’ve got a true test of versatility and decision-making. With ever-changing weather conditions, being able to adapt on the fly is going to be critical to success.
I think you’re going to see a wide range of techniques in play throughout this event. Some anglers will be fishing the bank, others will be focusing offshore and in deeper water, and some will likely mix the two depending on conditions. That diversity is exactly what makes Smith Lake one of the most special fisheries in the state of Alabama. It has always been a great venue for big tournaments, and this championship is shaping up to be no different.
Another interesting wrinkle this week is the size of the field. With fewer than 50 anglers competing, there’s a strong chance that anglers who find productive areas will have the ability to really lean on them throughout the tournament. That kind of access can be crucial for longevity over multiple days, and I think it will play a major role in determining who’s able to stay consistent from start to finish.
I fully expect the weights to be really, really good. Smith Lake has the potential to produce impressive bags this time of year, and hopefully I’m able to be on the right end of those weights when it’s all said and done. Honestly, I can’t think of a better place or a better time of year to host an NPFL Championship, and I’m beyond excited to get this event kicked off.
One of the craziest parts of this entire week is that the first day of practice will also be the very first cast I make in 2026. A lot has been going on lately, and more than anything, I’m just incredibly thankful for the opportunity to go fishing, to compete, and to do what I love at the highest level. Getting to fish the NPFL Championship is something I don’t take lightly.
We all talk about how hard this sport can be—how demanding it is mentally, physically, and emotionally—but at the end of the day, I’m a pretty blessed guy. I’m lucky to be able to do this for a living, and even though I haven’t made a cast yet this year, I’m confident in my ability to go out there and do what I know how to do: catch bass.
So, fingers crossed, make sure all the gas numbers are even, double-check that there are no bananas in the boat, and hopefully all the superstitions line up in our favor. I’m excited, grateful, and ready to get after it.
I hope you all have a great day, and I’ll see you on Smith Lake!
Andrew Upshaw – Angler Profile
