Anglers hoping to compete for an Elite Series invitation or qualify for the 2024 Bassmaster Classic can now mark their calendars. Registration dates for the 2023 Bassmaster Opens have been announced and will open in early November, beginning with anglers who want to fish all nine events and participate in the Opens Elite Qualifiers (EQ) Division.
The popularity of the Opens tournaments has boomed in recent years with the expansion of live coverage options adding new audiences and increased participation numbers. In 2022, an unprecedented 83 anglers registered for all nine tournaments and divisions filled quickly, even prompting Classic champion Hank Cherry to give up his spot in the Southern Opens so that another angler could get a shot to compete.
“The Opens have always been a critical proving ground for tournament anglers,” said Executive Director of Tournaments Hank Weldon, who oversees the Bassmaster Opens. “But now the series combines the fierce competition of the EQ, dream-making Classic berths and a ton of coverage for anglers on FOX Sports and the B.A.S.S. platforms.
“The last few seasons have seen record-breaking registration numbers as anglers try to get one of the 225 boater spots for each event, and we expect that trend to continue when registration starts in November.”
Opens EQ anglers can register online beginning Nov. 8 for B.A.S.S Nation and Life members and Nov. 10 for all B.A.S.S. members. Single division registration for both pros and co-anglers opens online for B.A.S.S. Nation and Life members Nov. 15 and Nov. 17 for all B.A.S.S. members. Anyone interested in registering for a single event can do so online beginning Nov. 22.
All registration slots will open at 9 a.m. CT.
Entry fees will remain the same for the 2023 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.
Here's a look at the schedule:
Division 1
March 2-4, Lake Eufaula, Eufaula, Ala.
May 18-20, Wheeler Lake, Decatur, Ala.
Oct. 12-14, Harris Chain of Lakes, Leesburg, Fla.
Division 2
April 13-15, Toledo Bend, Many, La.
June 15-17, Lake Eufaula, Eufaula, Okla.
Sept. 21-23, Lake of the Ozarks, Osage, Mo.
Division 3
May 3-5, Buggs Island Reservoir, Clarksville, Va.
July 20-22, St. Lawrence River, Waddington, N.Y.
Sept. 13-15, Watts Bar Reservoir, Kingston, Tenn.
