Unified Pros
Unified Prosand the State of Alabama Join Forces for the Largest Pro & Amateur Bass Fishing Tournament and Payout Ever on Lake Guntersville, Scottsboro, AL, October 5th – 11th, 2025.
Celebrating Bass Fishing History
Scottsboro, AL (June 10, 2024) – Dig into tournament bass fishing, and history reveals the blood, sweat, and tears of a dedicated group of bass anglers and hard-working folks in Alabama. Front and center, we are talking about the late Ray Scott, the genius behind the first pro bass fishing tournaments going back to the 1960s.
The Emergence of Unified Pros
Years after the launch of the Bassmaster Series and the Bassmaster Classic (aka “The Super Bowl of Bass Fishing”), numerous other national pro bass fishing circuits popped up, many of which still exist today, like Bassmaster itself, MLF, NPFL, and many others.
Unified Pros: A New Era in Bass Fishing
Meet a new organization similarly founded in Scott’s home state of Alabama, a group that refers to itself as Unified Pros, a nonprofit with no ownership, promising to be the biggest news in tournament bass fishing since those early days of Ray Scott, Roland Martin, Bill Dance, Jimmy Houston, and other passionate anglers who got the whole ball of wax started, thus creating a billion-dollar-plus industry across the world.
The Ultimate Angler Championship
Working hand-in-hand, the new organization Unified Pros and the state of Alabama will launch its first tournament, the Ultimate Angler Championship—October 5th-11th on Lake Guntersville, near Scottsboro, AL. With a guaranteed 1st Place payout of $500,000—the largest pot in bass fishing history—the tournament will offer a total of over 1 million in cash payouts.
Vision and Mission
The vision is to inspire and unify a global community of professional athletes from all leagues to champion the power of the outdoors, fostering unity, excellence, competition, and philanthropy—and elevate the sport of fishing, the outdoors, and conservation.
Alabama’s Commitment to Conservation
Alabama State Senator Majority Leader Steve Livingston comments: “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 host 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.”
Concept and Funding of the Tournament
How did the group conceive and underwrite such an amazing tournament? The team’s concept was driven by passionate pro anglers and other industry folks looking for a way to unite and raise bass fishing to an entirely new level for “the love of the game.” In combination with the state of Alabama, as well as local partners, the City of Scottsboro, Jackson County, and state leadership, the group also wanted to raise awareness of the state’s healthy bass fisheries and help raise funds for conservation—ultimately, to fund grants for federal-matched dollars for conservation grants.
Unprecedented Payouts and Annual Events
The unprecedented payout is secured and over $1 million will go to a guaranteed, top 10 finish payout to kickstart Unified Pros’ and greater Alabama’s first event, which is slated to be held every year in Alabama.
Tournament Structure and Inspiration
The team modeled the Ultimate Angler Tournament after the Masters US Open, and like the Masters US Open, Ultimate Angler will be open to qualifying college anglers, amateurs, and pros. Unified Pros also modeled the tournament after AP college football, essentially creating a bass fishing version of an FCS game, the first and only champion crowned across multiple leagues and tournament trails.
Unique Features of the Inaugural Event
The other thing that separates Unified Pros’ inaugural event from other tournaments is that it will not be sponsor-driven. All of the money is being underwritten by the state of Alabama, Jackson County, and the City of Scottsboro. Also note: This tournament will have a five-fish limit and prohibit the use of forward-facing sonar. Nothing against today’s fishing technology, but Unified Pros really wanted to bring the sport back to what it used to be before forward-facing sonar. This event will showcase all the lures and techniques that make up professional bass fishing. It may just bring more intuition, hard work, and even luck back into the game; After all, that’s how bass fishing started with conservation and love for the outdoors.
Event Formats: Unified Pros’ “Ultimate Angler” Intro—World Championship
A Showdown Like No Other
Get ready for the most exhilarating showdown in the world of bass fishing—the Ultimate Angler Championship! The largest payout ever to declare a champion across all professional fishing leagues, and with one of the largest cash payouts in bass fishing history. Brace yourself as fearless anglers paint a breathtaking backdrop; this championship promises heart-pounding action and jaw-dropping catches that will leave you in awe.
The Ultimate Angler Championship Venue
Goose Pond on Lake Guntersville sets the stage like no other venue can. With its pristine waters shimmering under the golden sun and surrounded by lush greenery, it is a true angler’s paradise. The legendary body of water boasts some of the biggest and most elusive bass known to mankind. Only those who can decipher their secretive behavior and masterfully lure them into biting will triumph over these formidable opponents.
A Celebration of Spirit and Skill
The Ultimate Angler Championship is not just a fishing tournament; it is a celebration of the enduring spirit of those who dare to chase their dreams. It unites anglers from diverse backgrounds, highlighting their talents while fostering camaraderie and mutual respect for the sport we all love at a place “Where tournament bass fishing all began… Alabama.” So, mark your calendars for October 5-11, 2025, and make your way to Jackson County, in Scottsboro, Alabama. Witness history unfold as the finest qualified bass anglers in the world battle against nature in an epic quest to become the Ultimate Angler World Champion. Prepare for non-stop thrills, heart-stopping moments, and an experience that will forever be etched in your memory—and bass fishing history.
About Unified Pros
Our Mission
Unified Pros, a nonprofit alliance of professional athletes, through our sanctioned competitions, charity events, and membership, aims to elevate the love for outdoor competition while raising awareness for our fisheries, habitat, and their continued conservation.
Collaborative Partnerships
We envision an inclusive world where athletes collaborate and compete in the outdoor arena to create transformative experiences that make a lasting impact on individuals, communities, professional athletes, and the Sport of Bass Fishing. Through collaborative partnerships with esteemed organizations such as the Major League Fishing Anglers Association (MLFAA), Bassmaster Professional Anglers, National Professional Fishing League (NPFL), NFL Professional Players Association (NFLPA), MLB Players Association (MLBPA), NBA Players Association (NBAPA), and Professional Golfers Association (PGA), we aim to create Pro-Pro events that bring together professionals from various sports disciplines in unique competitive formats.
Raising Awareness and Funds
These events will not only offer major payments to winners but also serve as platforms to raise awareness for outdoor activities and conservation efforts. By harnessing the collective influence of these associations, we envision creating extraordinary experiences that unite athletes, build camaraderie, and promote the importance of preserving our outdoors and fisheries.
Registration Information
REGISTRATION OPENS JULY 1, 2024
https://www.theultimateangler.org/
Contact: info@theultimate.fishing