Hunter Jones
On Tuesday, the State of Alabama and Unified Pros partnered to launch the Ultimate Angler World Championship at Goose Pond Colony in Scottsboro.
Tournament bass fishing was largely started by a dedicated group of anglers, one of whom, Ray Scott, an Alabama native, standing among the leaders of the first professional bass fishing tournaments dating back to the 1960s.
“The Ultimate Angler Championship is not just a fishing tournament; it is an opportunity to unite anglers from diverse backgrounds, highlighting their talents while fostering camaraderie and mutual respect for a sport we all love in the place where tournament bass fishing began… the great state of Alabama,” said Alabama Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth.
The tournament will run from Oct. 5 to Oct. 11 in 2025, right here at Lake Guntersville.
The first place payout will be $500,000, the largest pot in bass fishing history, with over $1 million in cash being paid out.
“Alabama offers outdoor recreational activities unlike any other place in the world and we are committed to conserving our abundant, God-given natural resources. We are absolutely thrilled to hose the Ultimate Angler World Championship in Scottsboro, as we put Alabama on the map for competitive fishing and will continue to raise funds for further conservation initiatives,” Alabama State Senate Majority Leader Steve Livingston said.
The format for the tournament is modeled after the Masters golf tournament, open to qualifying college, amateur and pro anglers. The tournament winner will be the first and only champion crowned across multiple bass fishing leagues and tournament trails.
Scottsboro Mayor Jim McCamy is excited to have Scottsboro play host to such a large event.
“When you look at what they are presenting and what the plans are, it’s going to have an incredible impact on Scottsboro, Jackson County and Northeast Alabama. This will be kind of like the Super Bowl of bass fisherman and it is not something that has ever been put together and accomplished before,” McCamy said. “You got the bass fishing Miracle Mile right out here on the river between Goose Pond colony and Sand Mountain. We are kind of the mecca of bass fishing. We are arguably the best bass fishing lake in the country. To have [The Ultimate Angler World Championship] located and announced here is huge. We are really excited about what is coming.”
