2027 AC National Championship
Event Rules & Guidelines
- New for 2027 Lake Guntersville will be Off Limits to competitors January 1st through February 22nd at 11:59 PM.
- Practice period will begin Tuesday February 23rd.
- February 19th is the entry refund deadline. ($20 Fee)
- Paid licensed guides are prohibited via verbal information or on the water trips throughout the entirety of the lake's off limits period all the way through the final day of the event. SEE RULE 14
- Championship anglers are prohibited from collecting or receiving outside information from anyone who is NOT participating in the tournament during official practice week or competition week. SEE RULE 15
- During practice only your team member, another competitor or a member of your immediate family is allowed in the boat. You may not fish other events during practice with anyone other than the listed. SEE RULE 21
- Prize Packages: (3) Three BassCat Boats rigged with Mercury Motors, sponsor equipment packages, cash, and more!
Required Certifications & Insurance
It is mandatory for AC Championship participants to possess a valid Boater Safety Certification that is acceptable on tournament waters, valid boat owners liability insurance coverage for vessel in use (no tournament exclusion, having a minimum limit of $300,000 per occurrence), and a valid fishing license for tournament waters. All 3 will be checked for each team at registration. You can show a valid paper copy or valid digital copy of each item!
If you haven't completed the boater safety certification last year, use the link below to complete. (You do not have to do it again if done previously! Just bring certification card with you to registration!
Entry Information
*Checks sent in before January 1st 2027 will not be cashed until after the new year. Online entry form will be live January 1st 2027*
Entry will be a FLAT Fee of $350 per Team. This will include 100% payback to the field.
*BASS Team Championship (IMPORTANT) Due to a change with BASS's entry rules for the Team Championship for 2026 and beyond, Team Championship entries will no longer be collected in the AC Championship entry fee. If you wish to enter Team Championship qualification, it will be an additional $20 at checkout - You and your partner MUST be BASS members at the time of sign up. If you're not a BASS member already, the Team Championship entry will not count!
There will be a mandatory entry registration deadline for the Championship, all entries and or registrations must be received by February 5th 2027. Last chance entry deadline February 19th ($20 late fee). If your entry and or registration is not received by this date your position may be awarded to the next available qualifier and you will lose your opportunity to fish.
Entry forms can be printed/mailed in with a check or there will be an online entry portal through the website that will go live January 1st
Tournament Waters, Lake Guntersville (No Locking) - Anywhere posted No Fishing or No Trespassing is off limits. Standard AC rules apply. The marina at Goose Pond will be off limits point to point.
Fishing Licenses - An Alabama fishing license is required.
5 Fish, 15", Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Spotted Bass Permitted
Schedule of Events
Tuesday Feb 23rd: Start of practice for Angler's Choice teams. Lake Guntersville is open to practice for Anglers Choice teams starting at safe light on February 23rd.
Wednesday March 3rd: Final day of practice, all boats must be off water by 4pm. Mandatory registration from 2pm - 4pm at the Civic Center at Goose Pond Landing. There will be a mandatory rules meeting following registration. Please arrive to check-in as early as possible!
Thursday March 4th: First day of competition. Take off will be 6am or safe light and first flight will weigh-in at 2pm. (Goose Pond Landing)
Friday March 5th: Second day of competition, Take off will be 6am or safe light and first flight will weigh-in at 2pm with award ceremony immediately after.
Championship Payback (Based on 250 Boat Field)
Payouts subject to change based on exact number of boats. Payouts listed are before all additional prizes(except listed boats), sponsor money, sponsor prizes, manufacturer incentives...
| 1st | $6,000 + Bass Cat/Mercury Combo |
| 2nd | $4,000 + Bass Cat/Mercury Combo |
| 3rd | $7,500 |
| 4th | $6,500 |
| 5th | $5,500 |
| 6th | $5,000 |
| 7th | $4,500 |
| 8th | $4,000 |
| 9th | $3,500 |
| 10th | $3,000 |
| 11th | $2,600 |
| 12th | $2,400 |
| 13th | $2,200 |
| 14th | $2,000 |
| 15th | $1,800 |
| 16th-20th | $1,600 |
| 21st-25th | $1,250 |
| 26th-30th | $1,000 |
| 31st-35th | $750 |
| 36th-40th | $600 |
| 41st-42nd | $500 |
Expecting a big turnout! 300 boats - even bigger payouts!
Official Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
US Anglers Choice Returns National Championship to Lake Guntersville for 2027!
SCOTTSBORO, Ala. – US Anglers Choice is proud to announce that its 2027 National Championship will return to the legendary waters of Lake Guntersville in Scottsboro, Alabama, bringing the organization’s premier event back to one of the most iconic bass fisheries in the country. Lake Guntersville has long been recognized as one of America’s top bass fishing destinations and has previously hosted several successful US Anglers Choice Championships.
The championship will welcome qualifying teams from across the Midwest to compete for the Championship Title, substantial payouts, 3 Bass Cat/Mercury rigged prize packages, and the opportunity to fish one of the world’s premier largemouth bass fisheries. With its renowned big-bass potential and outstanding tournament infrastructure, Scottsboro provides the perfect stage for crowning the next US Anglers Choice National Champions.
“We’re excited to bring our National Championship back to Scottsboro and Lake Guntersville. Our decision was backed in large part by angler demand,” said Anthony Fazio, US Anglers Choice Co-owner. "The hospitality of the community, the outstanding facilities, and the incredible fishery make this a destination our anglers look forward to every time we visit. We appreciate the continued support from our partners in Scottsboro and look forward to another unforgettable Championship," said Randy Miller, US Anglers Choice Co-Owner.
Lydia Fielder, Executive Director of Tourism for Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce added, "We're excited to welcome U.S. Anglers Choice back to Scottsboro and Goose Pond Colony Resort on beautiful Lake Guntersville. We're grateful the tournament directors have chosen our community to host this event and look forward to welcoming anglers and their families. We hope everyone enjoys a great week on the water, makes lasting memories, and has the chance to experience everything our community has to offer. We are looking forward to welcoming you all back to Scottsboro/Lake Guntersville! Please let me know if you need anything else, and I’ll get that final contract to you as soon as possible."
Additional information regarding specific Championship rules, official housing, registration details, payouts, and host accommodations will be announced in the coming weeks through US Anglers Choice’s official website and social media channels.
US Anglers Choice remains committed to providing premier team bass fishing tournaments while creating memorable experiences for anglers, their families, and the communities that host its events.