LAKE OKEECHOBEE, Fla. – Rather Outdoors is proud to announce that Adrian College Bass Fishing alumnus Aaron Jagdfeld has officially qualified for the prestigious 2026 Bassmaster Elite Series. Jagdfeld earned his invitation through the Bassmaster Opens Elite Qualifier (EQ) division, completing one of the most demanding paths in professional bass fishing.

After finishing as the runner-up in the 2024 College Classic Bracket, the Michigan native advanced into the Opens EQ division through Division II. Although he faced a challenging start to the season, Jagdfeld rallied with three top-40 finishes to secure his EQ berth. He then delivered a standout year on the EQ trail, highlighted by an eighth-place finish at Lake Champlain and a 12th-place showing at Wheeler Lake. A crucial Day 2 surge at Lake Okeechobee propelled him to 29th in the event giving him enough to clinch third overall in the final EQ standings with 242 points, locking in his Elite Series qualification.

The pathway from the Bassmaster Opens to the Elite Series, established by B.A.S.S. in 2025, is designed to reward consistency and versatility across a demanding tournament slate. Jagdfeld's success underscores his ability to perform under pressure across a wide range of fisheries.

The 2026 Bassmaster Elite Series schedule features nine regular-season events across six states, plus the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour on the Tennessee River in Knoxville, Tenn., set for March 13-15. From grass-filled Southern reservoirs to sprawling Northern smallmouth waters, the season promises big bass, high drama, and fierce competition from start to finish. The campaign opens February 5-8 on Alabama's famed Lake Guntersville in Scottsboro.