Matt Messer Qualifies for the 2026 Bassmaster Elite Series
Kentucky native Matt Messer has earned his spot in the 2026 Bassmaster Elite Series after a standout season in the Bassmaster Opens EQs. The Abu Garcia and Berkley pro finished sixth in points across three challenging events, proving his versatility ahead of the Elite kickoff on Lake Guntersville.
Entering the season, Messer worked tirelessly to expand his offshore and scoping skills. “It was a grind; I spent a lot of time and never really went fun fishing the entire season,” he said. His efforts paid off at Lake Champlain, where a strong practice and key adjustments led to a second-place finish.
At Champlain, Messer relied on electronics and confidence baits, including a Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Flatnose Jerk Shad rigged on a 3/16 oz Fusion19 Hybrid Jighead. Strategic decisions and a late-day cull kept him atop the standings.
Strong Finishes at Wheeler and Okeechobee
Wheeler Lake tested Messer, but a single productive ditch carried him to sixth place. He filled limits by targeting schooling bass and used the Berkley Riveter Buzzbait around shoreline cover.
Okeechobee brought adversity. Messer struggled on day one, admitting, “I ran around way too much on the first day.” On day two, patience paid off as he stayed committed to a canal where a late-morning flurry produced a 13-8 limit, locking down his Elite Series berth.
Throughout practice and competition, Messer leaned on the MaxScent Flatnose Jerk Shad for scoping and the Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Creature Hawg for punching heavy vegetation.
A Childhood Dream Realized
“I’ve been dreaming about this for a long time,” Messer said. His Elite debut at Lake Guntersville brings his journey full circle, having first attended an Elite weigh-in there as a child. Messer is eager for the entire 2026 schedule, including stops at Tombigbee and the St. Lawrence River.
“Matt’s Elite Series qualification highlights not only his fishing ability but also his dedication to mastering his craft,” said Marc Kempter, VP of Marketing Communications for Berkley and Abu Garcia.
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