MANY, La. – Sabine Parish 4-H members received a firsthand look at professional bass fishing Friday, October 23, as they participated in Championship Day activities during the 2026 Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifier at Toledo Bend Reservoir, an event that concluded with Illinois angler Ethan Fields claiming the tournament championship and a $71,317 first-place prize.
The three-day tournament, held October 21-23 at Toledo Bend Reservoir near Many, brought 131 professional anglers to the area for the second of three Bassmaster Elite Qualifier events scheduled for the 2026 season. The competition was hosted by Toledo Bend Lake Country, with tournament launches and weigh-ins taking place at Cypress Bend Park.
According to the Sabine Parish AgCenter, local 4-H members were invited to participate in the championship festivities, where they had the opportunity to interact with professional anglers and Bassmaster staff.
One of the highlights for the students was helping release fish following the tournament weigh-in. Some participants were given the opportunity to release fish from the winning catch that helped Fields secure the championship.
The AgCenter expressed appreciation to the anglers and Bassmaster personnel for welcoming the students and making the experience memorable. The organization also thanked the Sabine Parish Tourist Commission for including 4-H members in the event.
Fields Claims Championship With More Than 73 Pounds
Fields, a professional angler from Carlyle, Illinois, entered the final day of competition holding a 3-pound, 6-ounce lead after recording impressive catches during the opening two rounds.
He weighed in 28 pounds, 2 ounces on the first day and 27 pounds, 4 ounces on the second day.
Although fishing conditions became more challenging during the championship round, Fields added 17 pounds, 13 ounces to finish with a three-day total of 73 pounds, 3 ounces.
His final weight was enough to defeat runner-up Buddy Benson of Dahlonega, Georgia, by 2 pounds, 7 ounces.
The victory earned Fields $71,317 and an invitation to compete in the 2027 Bassmaster Classic, scheduled for March 19-21 at Lake Hartwell.
Toledo Bend Hosts Major Professional Fishing Competition
The Toledo Bend tournament was part of the 2026 Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers series, which provides professional anglers an opportunity to compete for advancement to the Bassmaster Elite Series.
The three-event schedule began September 23-25 at Norfork Lake in Arkansas, continued October 21-23 at Toledo Bend and will conclude November 11-13 at Lake Guntersville in Alabama.
At the conclusion of the series, the top 10 anglers in the Elite Qualifier points standings will earn invitations to compete in the 2027 Bassmaster Elite Series.
Educational Experience for Local 4-H Members
For Sabine Parish 4-H participants, the championship provided an opportunity to experience a major professional sporting event while learning more about competitive fishing and the activities involved in tournament operations.
Their participation in the fish-release activities also gave students a role in the conclusion of the competition.
The Sabine Parish AgCenter recognized the experience as a positive opportunity for local youth and expressed gratitude to the Sabine Parish Tourist Commission, Bassmaster staff and participating anglers for their hospitality.
The event highlighted Toledo Bend’s continued role as a destination for major bass fishing tournaments while giving local students an opportunity to participate in an event that attracted professional competitors from across the country.