Blackbass Clube de Portugal to operate MLF-sanctioned tournaments, creating a new pathway for Portuguese anglers to compete on the international stage
BENTON, Ky. (Sept. 9, 2026) – Major League Fishing (MLF), the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, announced today an exclusive licensing agreement with Blackbass Clube de Portugal to operate MLF-sanctioned tournaments in Portugal. Through the new partnership, MLF Portugal will provide Portuguese anglers with a direct pathway to compete internationally through the MLF Toyota Series Championship.
MLF Portugal will operate under the leadership of José Miguel, President and CEO of Blackbass Clube de Portugal, a longtime tournament angler and organizer with more than a decade of experience directing competitive bass fishing events. After serving for nearly nine years as tournament director for two of Portugal’s leading bass fishing organizations, José Miguel and his team spent the past three years organizing successful grassroots tournaments before establishing Blackbass Clube de Portugal to unite anglers and elevate competitive bass fishing across the country.
The new organization is dedicated to growing the sport of bass fishing in Portugal while promoting camaraderie among anglers and a strong commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship. MLF Portugal plans to develop the country’s largest competitive bass fishing circuit by bringing together local tournaments under one unified organization and creating greater opportunities for anglers to compete.
“Blackbass Clube de Portugal was created to bring Portuguese anglers back to the biggest stages in competitive bass fishing,” said José Miguel, President and CEO of MLF Portugal. “We’re committed to growing the sport, building a stronger community among anglers and protecting the natural resources that make bass fishing possible. By working together, we believe smaller tournaments can become part of something much bigger and we’re excited to do that through our partnership with Major League Fishing.”
MLF Portugal anglers will have the opportunity to qualify for the International Division at the MLF Toyota Series Championship, where they can compete alongside top anglers from around the world for cash prizes, advancement opportunities and qualification into higher levels of MLF competition.
The top pro award at the Toyota Series Championship is up to $235,000, and the top co-angler award is a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard. The highest-finishing pro from the International Division at the Toyota Series Championship also earns a $10,000 bonus and qualification into REDCREST, MLF’s most prestigious event.
“Portugal has a passionate and growing bass fishing community, and we’re excited to welcome Blackbass Clube de Portugal to the MLF international family,” said Dave Washburn, Vice President of Operations at Major League Fishing. “José Miguel and his team have demonstrated a genuine commitment to growing competitive bass fishing while fostering sportsmanship, conservation and community. MLF Portugal will create exciting new opportunities for Portuguese anglers to compete at the highest levels of the sport while continuing to strengthen MLF’s global tournament network.”
For more information about MLF Portugal, operated by Blackbass Clube de Portugal, visit MLFPortugal.com. For complete details and the latest information on Major League Fishing and its international partners, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook , X, Instagram and YouTube.
