For the fourth consecutive year, B.A.S.S. will start the Bassmaster Elite Series season in Palatka, Fla., as they host the 2022 AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River Feb. 10-13. It will be B.A.S.S.’s 23rd visit to the St. Johns for a major event, dating back to 1973.
Live coverage for all four days of the event can be streamed on Bassmaster.com and the FOX Sports digital platforms. FS1 will also broadcast live with the tournament leaders beginning at 8 a.m. ET on Saturday and Sunday.
The Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River is being hosted by the Putnam County Tourist Development Council and Putnam County Chamber of Commerce.
Register for media credentials
WHO: The tournament pits 94 of the top bass anglers in the world against big bass and one another as they battle for the coveted championship trophy, $100,000 first-place prize and a total purse of more than $720,000. Florida will be well-represented in the tournament by Palatka’s own Cliff Prince along with Sunshine State natives John Cox, Koby Kreiger, Scott Martin, Bernie Schultz and Jesse Tacoronte. Two-time Bassmaster Classic champion Hank Cherry and 2021 Bassmaster Angler of the Year Seth Feider will be among the field.
WHERE: Palatka City Dock and Boat Ramp and Palatka Riverfront Park (319 River St., Palatka, Fla. 32177
WHEN:
Thursday & Friday, Feb. 10 & 11
7:30 a.m. ET The full field of 94 anglers launch on the St. Johns River. Public launch viewing is available each day from Palatka City Dock and Boat Ramp
3:30 p.m. ET Official weigh-in takes place at Palatka Riverfront Park
Saturday, Feb. 12
7:30 a.m. ET The Top 47 anglers launch on the St. Johns River
8:00 a.m. ET Live broadcast coverage begins on FS1
12:00 p.m. ET Bassmaster Outdoors Expo opens
- Military & First Responder Appreciation Day: Show military or first responder ID to a staff person in the Bassmaster merchandise booth for a free hat
- NEW Bass University Seminars featuring Mike Iaconelli & Pete Gluszek
- NEW exhibitors, including Strike King & Daiwa
- Free demo boat rides from Nitro/Ranger/Mercury & Skeeter/Yamaha
- Activities, food & more
3:30 p.m. ET Semifinal Saturday weigh-in takes place at Palatka Riverfront Park
Sunday, Feb. 13
7:30 a.m. ET The Top 10 anglers launch on the St. Johns River
8:00 a.m. ET Live broadcast coverage begins on FS1
12:00 p.m. ET Bassmaster Outdoors Expo & associated activities open
3:30 p.m. ET Championship Sunday weigh-in takes place at Palatka Riverfront Park
RESOURCES: Daily results, leader photos and video clips are available upon request. To help cover the event on the water, B.A.S.S. has a media boat and local angler available in two-hour increments each day of the tournament, launching at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and noon. Sign up for media boat spots here.
Backstage access, preferred seating and a designated angler interview area are available at the venue.
MEDIA CONTACT: Emily Harley, B.A.S.S. Communications Manager, c: 205-253-1114, eharley@bassmaster.com
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 515,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series, TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Series, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Abu Garcia Bassmaster High School Series presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors, Bassmaster Team Championship, Bassmaster Kayak Series powered by TourneyX, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk.