2026 Turtlebox Bassmaster Open at Kissimmee Chain presented by Battery Tender
Location
Lake Front Park – Big Toho Marina
69 Lakeview Drive
Kissimmee, FL 34741
Directions
Take Off: 7:00 a.m. ET
Weigh In: 3:00 p.m. ET
This will be a no Forward Facing Sonar or MEGA 360 Tournament.
The 2026 Turtlebox Bassmaster Open at the Kissimmee Chain presented by Battery Tender is set to kick off the new competitive season January 29–31, 2026, from Lake Front Park – Big Toho Marina in Kissimmee, Florida. With daily takeoffs at 7:00 a.m. ET and weigh-ins at 3:00 p.m. ET, this event marks the opening salvo for anglers pursuing a pathway into the Bassmaster Elite Series and beyond.
A Storied Venue With Proven Potential
The Kissimmee Chain of Lakes – including Lake Tohopekaliga (Toho), Lake Cypress, Lake Hatchineha, and Lake Kissimmee – is arguably one of Florida’s most dynamic bass fisheries. Long recognized for quality fish in the 5–7+ pound range and occasional giants, this chain has delivered memorable tournament action for decades.
In 2022, Brandon Lester captured a Bassmaster Open on the Kissimmee Chain with a three-day total of 51 pounds, 2 ounces, proving the chain’s potential for heavy bags early in the Opens season.
Weather Patterns Could Spell Big Fish
Weather leading into the 2026 Open could play a pivotal role. After a relatively warm December, significant cold fronts arrived in mid-January, a pattern many local anglers believe will sharpen bass activity and trigger early prespawn movement. According to Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series pro John Cox, this winter’s cold snap followed by warming trends may push largemouth toward shallow grass edges and spawning flats, potentially delivering “lights-out action” during tournament days.
Cox predicts that to make the Top 10, anglers may need bags in the 20-pound per day range, with the winner possibly eclipsing 65–70 pounds over three days if key prespawn bites materialize.
Local Fishing Reports: Insights From Capt. Erik Tilson
While official Opens competition unfolds, local fishing guides provide invaluable real-world conditions ahead of the tournament. One such voice is Capt. Erik Tilson, a seasoned Central Florida bass fishing guide with decades of experience on the Kissimmee Chain and Lake Toho.
In his recent Lake Toho fishing reports, Capt. Tilson has highlighted current winter patterns, recommending top lures and techniques for this time of year while noting how bass are interacting with grass edges, hydrilla, and structure as temperatures slowly moderate. His YouTube updates and on-the-water insights emphasize targeting both prespawn staging areas and active schools near major grass lines – key knowledge for anglers heading into Opens competition.
What to Expect
- Tournament Format: Full fields on Days 1 and 2; Top 10 pros advance to Day 3 with weights carrying over each day.
- No Forward-Facing Sonar Rule: Local knowledge and classic techniques may have an edge.
- Habitat: Expect a mix of grass, hydrilla, lily pads, and canals – all holding quality fish.
- Baits: Cold front has put a damper on things, slow suspended presentations like weightless flukes, straight and ribbontail worms, swimbaits, and shallow slow presentation plastics are expected to be popular.
The 2026 Bassmaster Open at the Kissimmee Chain promises a compelling blend of strategy, local knowledge, and angler adaptability as winter transitions toward spring in central Florida’s famed bass waters.
To Follow along live check out Bassmaster.com
