BENTON, Ky. (Jan. 13, 2026) – Major League Fishing (MLF), the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, announced today that Columbia PFG has renewed and expanded its partnership with the organization, becoming the title sponsor of the MLF College Fishing circuit beginning in 2026 and increasing its investment in the development of young anglers nationwide.
The expanded 2026 partnership focuses on elevating the student angler experience through new competitive opportunities and increased access, highlighted by the introduction of the Columbia PFG College Heavy Hitters, a season-ending all-star event built to spotlight the sport’s most exciting collegiate talent.
“The Columbia PFG College Heavy Hitters is designed to be a true all-star event for College Fishing,” said Jim Wilburn, President of Sales for Major League Fishing. “These will be the top teams from the entire season competing in a high-intensity format that rewards bold decisions, big moments and big fish. It is a showcase of the very best college anglers and a celebration of what they have accomplished throughout the season.”
As part of the agreement, Columbia PFG College Heavy Hitters will be a one-day, big-bass shootout that brings together the top teams from across the country that have weighed in the largest bass during the season – just like the Heavy Hitters event that the Bass Pro Tour anglers compete in each year. The event will use MLF’s SCORETRACKER technology and catch, weigh and immediate-release format to capture what is sure to be some of the most dynamic moments of the collegiate season. Columbia will outfit competitors with custom-branded apparel and award significant merchandise prizes. Full details about the Columbia PFG College Heavy Hitters event will be announced this spring.
Columbia PFG will also serve as title sponsor of a new Student Angler Clinic series held in conjunction with select Bass Pro Tour events in 2026. These clinics will provide high school and college anglers with in-person instruction, hands-on learning and direct interaction with professional anglers during live event environments.
The expanded partnership also continues Columbia PFG’s support of high school programs, with the brand returning as title sponsor of the MLF High School Fishing Camp in June 2026 at Murray State University and as presenting sponsor of multiple MLF High School Fishing Open events.
“Columbia PFG is excited to build on our long relationship with Major League Fishing to expand our support of student anglers at every level,” said Matt Sutton, Head of Marketing at Columbia. “We believe in creating experiences that help young anglers grow, compete and connect with the outdoors, and this partnership allows us to make a meaningful impact on the future of the sport.”
Together, MLF and Columbia PFG are strengthening the pathway for young anglers, creating clearer opportunities to learn, compete and advance through the ranks. The expanded partnership reflects a shared commitment to growing the sport and developing the next generation of fishing leaders.
For more information about Columbia PFG, visit Columbia.com or follow Columbia PFG on Facebook and Instagram. For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing, its tournaments and sponsors, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com . For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.