Alabama Bass Trail Tournament Series

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to fish in an ABT Tournament Series event?

Teams must consist of at least one adult aged 19 or older. Student teams consist of one angler 19 years or older and one student (7th grade – 12th grade and not started their first semester of college).


Who is NOT eligible to fish in an ABT Tournament Series event?

ABT tournaments are open to anglers with the exception of FLW Tour Boater(s), Bassmaster Elite Series Anglers, Major League Fishing Anglers, and National Professional Fishing League Anglers. This includes ALL FLW Tour Boaters, Bassmaster Elite Series Anglers, Major League Fishing Anglers, and National Professional Fishing League Anglers who fished one or more events in these tournament trails in 2023, or who are registered for these respective tournament trails in 2024. Bassmaster Elite Anglers, FLW Tour Pros, Major League Fishing Anglers, and National Professional Fishing League Anglers must wait a period of 12 months from the last Elite Series, FLW Tour and MLF tournament in which they participated before registering for the ABTTS.


When is the latest a team can sign up?

Teams may sign up until the field is sold out or Friday at midnight 30 days prior to the first tournament in that division.


If I fished in 2023, but I have a new partner, when can I sign up?

You may sign up any time after August 15, 2023, after 6 A.M. Central Time.


When is the latest I can register my alternate partner?

January 2, 2024


How do I register for an ABT Tournament Series event?

Entries are accepted online until the field is sold out or 30 days prior to the first event in a division.


How do I guarantee my entry into a tournament?

The first 225 teams in each division – North or South – that enter are guaranteed and will receive an email confirming your registration. No entry is guaranteed until you receive that email.


Do I have to keep the same partner in every tournament?

Teams can use the alternate they appoint in one regular season event during the year and accumulate points. Otherwise, each team accrues points for either the North or South Division. The top 75 teams in each division will make the championship. You may fish both divisions with different partners.


What is a Student team?

One adult and one youth under 18 or two students with one possessing a boating/vessel license.


How are the points standings determined?

The winner of each tournament receives 225 points, second place gets 224, etc. Each division tournament only counts towards that division.


Do I need Boat Insurance to fish an ABT tournament?

Yes. $100,000 minimum liability coverage is required to use your boat during all ABT events. This includes using the boat during the official practice period. Proof of insurance coverage must be maintained in the boat during all tournament events, including official practice and must be shown at registration.


Do I have to check in at registration?

All team members are required to check in and attend the first meeting in their respective divisions and attend the pre-tournament meeting between 5:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M.


What happens if my regular partner cannot fish?

You may use your alternate partner, or an observer will be provided in the event of an emergency. No observers will be provided for a team member to fish another tournament.


What is an Alabama or Umbrella Rig?

Alabama Rigs or Umbrella Rigs are not allowed in any form in ABT events. If a lure has more than one lure body or more than four blades, it is not allowed. Having one in your boat during the tournament will result in disqualification.


What are the permitted fishing locations?

Contestants may fish anywhere on tournament waters accessible by boat, except areas designated as “off-limits” or “no fishing” by state or federal officials, or within 50 yards of a competitor’s boat which was first anchored (an anchored boat is a boat held in a stable position by a line attached to a weight with the trolling motor in the up position), or within 50 yards of a non-anchored competitor’s boat unless otherwise agreed upon by the other tournament angler. The act of locking and moving bass from one area to another section of the same lake are not allowed at any time during the tournament.


Who can qualify to compete in the championship tournament?

The Championship will be made up of the 10 regular season winners, the top 75 teams from each division, the top 5 student teams, the top 5 collegiate teams, and the top 5 couples teams in points at the end of the regular season. You must have entered all five (5) qualifying events in your division. In the event that a team cannot compete, the next team in the points standing will be invited.


How do I register?

All registrations will be taken online at register.alabamabasstrail.org


Can I fish solo?

Yes, but the Alabama Bass trail reserves the right to polygraph all participants.


Is there a pre-tournament meeting before the tournament?

Yes, for the first tournament in each division.

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