The Bassmaster Elite Series announced its 2016 tournament schedule, which includes Smallwood State Park in Charles County. Next year’s tournament will allow the nation’s top professional bass anglers to compete in some of America’s top-ranked bass fisheries.

Chief of Tourism and Special Events Tim Morgan said, “We’re excited to host the Bassmaster Elite Series- Potomac River fishing tournament. This is one of the largest U.S. fishing tournaments and expects to bring $1 million in economic impact to our county.  We look forward to hosting anglers from across the United States and working with community partners to offer an exciting two-day festival on August 13 and 14.  More details on the festival will be available in early 2016.”    

The lineup will take anglers to 10 fisheries in nine states, and includes 10 Elite events, an increase from nine Elite tournaments in 2015. The world’s premier bass tournament circuit kicks off in Tulsa, Okla. on March 4-6, when the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro, widely known as the “Super Bowl of Bass Fishing,” unfolds on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees.

“We believe the 2016 Elite Series lineup of lakes is the best we’ve ever put together,” said Bruce Akin, CEO of Bass Anglers Sportsmen Society (B.A.S.S.). “Our Elite anglers will find a lot to love about it, and we are expecting to attract new fans in new places this year. That’s the key to growing the sport.”

As in most Elite events, the anglers will have three days of “official” practice immediately preceding the competition. Akin said special announcements are planned later for other events in 2016, including the third annual BASSfest and the 2016 Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship.

The popular marshal program, which permits fishing fans to ride along and observe the Elite pros during competition, will continue in 2016. Enrollment for B.A.S.S. Nation and Life members begins Dec. 1 online and Dec. 3 by phone. Registration for other B.A.S.S. members begins Dec. 8 online and Dec. 10 by phone. Entries will be accepted beginning at 9 a.m. CT each of those days.

For more information about the tournament and the full 2016 schedule, visit www.bassmaster.com.