Top two teams at the College Fishing National Championship advance to 2027 Toyota Series Championship to compete for up to $235,000 and REDCREST 2028 berth
BENTON, Ky. (Oct. 14, 2026) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today the schedule and program details for the 2027 Columbia PFG College Fishing Presented by Abu Garcia circuit, highlighted by enhanced payouts at the 2027 National Championship, where more than $117,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded to the top 10 clubs.
The 2027 Abu Garcia College Fishing season kicks off Jan. 14 on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes followed by the Columbia PFG National Championship at Toledo Bend Reservoir, Feb. 10-12. The championship is hosted by Visit Sabine County and Sabine River Authority of Texas and will showcase the top 15% of teams from the 2026 season. The full 2027 College Fishing season features six regular-season tournaments.
The winning club at the 2027 National Championship will receive $56,295, including a Phoenix 818 Pro powered by a 150-horsepower outboard valued at $46,295, plus $10,000. The second-place club will receive a Phoenix 818 Pro powered by a 150-horsepower outboard valued at $46,295, while the third-place club will earn $5,000. Every team finishing in the top 10 will receive at least $1,000.
Additionally, the National Championship continues to provide one of the most significant advancement opportunities available in collegiate fishing. Both members of the first- and second-place teams will advance to the 2027 Toyota Series Championship, where they will compete solo, as pros, for the opportunity to win as much as $235,000, including the $35,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus. The highest-finishing member of the National Championship team at the 2027 Toyota Series Championship will also advance to REDCREST 2028, where they will compete against the world’s best professional anglers for a top prize of $300,000.
The 2027 Columbia PFG College Fishing season will feature live weigh-in coverage from every tournament, with the National Championship final round receiving a full MLFNOW! on-the-water livestream and national television coverage on VICE Sports. College Fishing competitors can earn priority entry into the Toyota Series and are eligible for lucrative contingency bonuses offered by Columbia PFG College Fishing sponsors.
“The Columbia PFG College Fishing circuit continues to be one of the most important programs we offer because it gives young anglers the opportunity to compete at a high level while representing their schools and preparing for whatever comes next in their fishing careers,” said Kevin Hunt, MLF Senior Director of Tournament Operations. “For 2027, we’re excited to put even more on the line at the National Championship with enhanced payouts. When you combine those prizes with live coverage, national television exposure and the opportunity to advance into the Toyota Series Championship and REDCREST, there is a tremendous amount for these anglers to compete for throughout the season.”
Registration for the 2027 Columbia PFG College Fishing circuit opens Nov. 2, 2026, for Phoenix boat owners by calling 270.252.1000 and Nov. 3, 2026, for the general public at MajorLeagueFishing.com or by calling 270.252.1000.
2027 Columbia PFG College Fishing Presented by Abu Garcia Schedule:
Thurs., Jan. 14 Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, Kissimmee, Fla.
Ramp/Marina: Big Toho Marina
Hosted by Experience Kissimmee
Wed. – Fri., Feb. 10-12 Columbia PFG College Fishing National Championship
Toledo Bend Reservoir, Hemphill, Texas
Ramp/Marina: Sabinetown Recreation Area
Hosted by Visit Sabine County & Sabine River Authority of Texas
Fri., Mar. 12 Lay Lake, Columbiana, Ala.
Ramp/Marina: Beeswax Landing
Hosted by Tourism and Events Shelby County, Alabama
Sun., May 2 Kentucky-Barkley Lake, Gilbertsville, Ky.
Ramp/Marina: Moors Resort & Marina
Hosted by Kentucky Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau
Tues., Sept. 21 Kentucky-Barkley Lake, Buchanan, Tenn.
Ramp/Marina: Paris Landing State Park
Hosted by Paris-Henry County Industrial Committee
Fri., Oct. 1 Pickwick Lake, Florence, Ala.
Ramp/Marina: McFarland Park
Hosted by Florence-Lauderdale Tourism
Fri., Oct. 22 Lake Hartwell, Anderson, S.C.
Ramp/Marina: Green Pond Landing
Hosted by Visit Anderson
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular College Fishing updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.