The 21st Annual Berkley Big Bass Event is almost here!

October 17–18, Bass Champs returns to Lake Fork for one of our biggest weekends of the year — with more than $200,000 in guaranteed cash and prizes, 20 places paid every hour, $1,000 guaranteed to first place every hour, and TWO brand-new Skeeter bass boats on the line. welch-john

In Part 1 of our Berkley Big Bass preview, John McCalmont and Jeff Welch cover what you need to know before you head to Lake Fork: registration, lodging, the over-and-under format, Berkley gift bags, tournament strategy and more.

We also revisit three incredible stories from last year — including a 10-year-old fishing a pink Zebco with 8-pound test, Randy winning a new Skeeter with a Berkley finesse worm he received in his gift bag, and Robert Washington making the cast that put him in a brand-new Skeeter ZX200. welch-john welch-john welch-john

And there’s an extra reason to register early: register online and comment on this podcast that you’re registered before midnight October 10, and we’ll verify your entry and choose one angler to receive a FREE entry into the 2027 Mega Bass event. welch-john

Berkley Big Bass — October 17–18, Lake Fork.

Register now at BassChamps.com.

Lake Fork is showing out.

In a recent event, anglers brought in 42 bass over the slot, proving once again why Lake Fork has the reputation it does.

Now the 21st Annual Berkley Big Bass Tournament is coming October 17–18, with big bass, big money, two Skeeter bass boats, and more than $200,000 in cash and prizes on the line.

Could the next big one be yours?

Another quick hit from Skeeter Bass Champs Dock Talk.

John McCalmont and the Bass Champs crew are back behind the microphones as the season ramps up toward two of the biggest events on the calendar: the Bass Champs Championship and the 21st Annual Berkley Big Bass Tournament on Lake Fork.

In this episode, we get everyone caught up on what’s ahead, talk about the excitement building around the Championship, and look ahead to another huge Berkley Big Bass event after last year’s record turnout.

Whether you’re fishing for the title, chasing a big bass on Lake Fork, or just following the action, this is the start of a busy stretch for Bass Champs.

In this episode:

• Bass Champs Championship preview
• What anglers can expect in the weeks ahead
• The return of the Berkley Big Bass Tournament
• Looking to build on last year’s record turnout
• What’s coming next on Dock Talk

Bass Champs Dock Talk — tournament fishing, anglers, stories, and everything happening around the Bass Champs trail.