| Photo courtesy of B.A.S.S. |
| Contemporary and Classic |
| DAIWA takes title sponsorship of the Bassmaster Classic Kickoff Party, fields nine elite competitors, and launches its 2026 tactical and technical reel collection in Knoxville |
| FOOTHILL RANCH, CA (March 10, 2026) – The Tennessee River’s legendary run through Knoxville is more than just a scenic backdrop – it is a sprawling, bass-fishing battlefield that demands every ounce of an angler’s versatility. From the rocky, current-swept stretches of the Holston and French Broad confluence to the expansive, ledge-filled depths of Fort Loudoun and Tellico, this fishery is a relentless gauntlet of fluctuating water levels and diverse cover. Winning here requires more than just luck—it demands a master-class in technical precision, where the difference between a championship trophy and a missed opportunity is often measured by the reliability of a drag system or the accuracy of a long-range cast in the wind.Building on this foundation of precision engineering and market leadership, DAIWA is set to command the narrative at the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic. As the Title Sponsor of the 2026 Bassmaster Classic Kickoff Party, DAIWA is anchoring the world’s premier bass fishing championship with a prominent presence designed to drive consumer engagement and showcase the most lethal roster in professional angling. |
| The DAIWA Kickoff: Setting the PaceThe week’s festivities begin on Thursday, March 12, at Covenant Health Park with the DAIWA Bassmaster Classic Kickoff Party presented by TNT Fireworks. As the title sponsor, DAIWA is establishing the primary tactical hub for fans and media alike. The evening provides unprecedented access to the sport’s top talent and a first look at the technical innovations defining the 2026 season. Central to this experience is a massive 20×40′ DAIWA flagship booth, flanked by a dedicated 20×40′ Casting, Pitch & Flip arena designed for real-world gear stress-testing. Flanking the main hub, specialized 10×10 exhibits for Evergreen and XBRAID provide a deep dive into Japanese-engineered premium tackle and line technology. With a star-studded lineup of Team DAIWA pros on-site, this footprint represents the technical epicenter of the Classic. |
| Brandon Palaniuk (Rathdrum, ID)Known as “The Prodigy,” Palaniuk enters the 2026 Classic as one of the sport’s most decorated veterans. A two-time Bassmaster Angler of the Year (2017, 2022) with over $2 million in career winnings, he remains a technical master of forward-facing sonar and modern electronics. His 14th Classic appearance underscores his consistency and status as a high-authority voice for DAIWA. |
| Chris Johnston (Peterborough, ON)The reigning back-to-back Bassmaster Angler of the Year (2024, 2025), Johnston is only the fourth angler in history to win consecutive AOY titles. As the first Canadian to win an Elite title, he remains a dominant global force. His surgical precision with finesse techniques makes him the premier asset for showcasing DAIWA’s high-end spinning tackle. |
| Cory Johnston (Cavan, ON)The second half of the formidable “Johnston Brothers” duo, Cory is a fierce competitor with 17 Top-20 finishes in just his first few Elite seasons. Known for his aggressive flipping and sight-fishing style, he qualified for the 2026 Classic through a strong 10th-place AOY finish in the 2025 Elite Series. His never-give-up blue-collar mentality resonates deeply with retail consumers and traditional media alike. |
| Kyoya Fujita (Yamanashi, JPN)Representing the pinnacle of Japanese finesse, Fujita has taken the U.S. circuit by storm since joining the Elites. With six AOY titles in Japan and two Elite Series wins already under his belt, he finished the 2025 season ranked 3rd in AOY points. Fujita is the primary driver for DAIWA’s JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) influence in the U.S., proving that ultra-refined techniques can dominate on American waters. |
| Seth Feider (New Market, MN)The 2021 Bassmaster Angler of the Year, Feider is one of the most recognizable figures in the industry. Known for his “llama” hand-sign and legendary mustache, he brings a relaxed but lethal approach to the water. A master of swim and hair jigs, Feider’s ability to connect with the core fishing demographic makes him a vital influencer and a consistent contender in championship environments. |
| Patrick Walters (Summerville, SC)Fresh off winning the 2026 NPFL Championship in February, Walters enters Knoxville with immense momentum. He is the first angler to achieve the NPFL Triple Crown (Regular Season, AOY, and Championship titles). A technical vanguard, Walters effectively utilizes shallow power fishing and forward-facing sonar to secure dominant limits. |
| Cody Meyer (Star, ID)A veteran with 20 years of top-tier experience, Meyer achieved a career milestone by qualifying for the 2026 Elite Series and his first-ever Bassmaster Classic. Known as a master of finesse fishing, Meyer’s transition to the Bassmaster circuit highlights the grit and determination required to compete at the sport’s highest level. |
| Wesley Gore (Clanton, AL)A rising star from the heart of Alabama, Gore qualified for the 2026 Classic following a standout 2025 Elite Series season where he finished 37th in AOY. An offshore specialist with a deep understanding of Tennessee River systems, Gore represents the next generation of Team DAIWA. His local expertise and aggressive fishing style make him a dark horse favorite for the Knoxville event. |
| Laker Howell (Guntersville, AL)The son of 2014 Classic Champion Randy Howell, Laker is forging his own legacy with a 2025 Bassmaster Open win at Leech Lake that punched his ticket to Knoxville. A master of modern electronics and power-finesse strategies, he is a social media powerhouse who bridges the gap between traditional industry roots and the new digital-first audience. |
| At the Knoxville Convention Center, DAIWA’s presence is built for bass fishing afficianado. The booth will feature hands-on demonstrations of the 2026 collection, highlighted by: |
| 2026 STEEZ SV LIGHT TWThe definitive instrument for low-trajectory precision, specifically engineered for technical scenarios where pinpoint accuracy is the only acceptable outcome. Hand-refined and built on a magnesium-alloy frame, this 5.6 oz masterpiece debuts ULTIMATE CASTING DESIGN, anchored by a highly responsive 32mm G1 Duralumin SV BOOST Spool. This ultra-lightweight architecture virtually eliminates startup inertia, allowing for effortless, surgical skipping of finesse rigs with zero backlash. For the first time, this platform introduces an ultra-fast 9.2:1 gear ratio, retrieving 36.4 inches of line per crank to instantly neutralize slack. Integrated with HYPERDRIVE DESIGN and a specialized, narrowed T-Wing System (TWS), it stands as the absolute pinnacle of light-versatile performance for the elite angler. |
| 2026 TATULA Elite TW 100Engineered as a high-durability, long-cast specialist for the serious bass angler. Built on the HYPERDRIVE DESIGN platform, it utilizes an all-aluminum HYPER ARMED HOUSING to maintain perfect gear alignment even under the heavy cranking loads of deep-water techniques. This 2026 iteration features the LC (Long Cast) CONCEPT spool, which works in tandem with MAGFORCE-Z BOOST to provide a controlled, two-stage braking system that maximizes distance without sacrificing stability. With a narrowed T-Wing System (TWS) and a refined 90mm Swept Handle, the TATULA Elite delivers a rugged, high-authority feel that bridges the gap between everyday reliability and professional-grade performance. |
| 2026 TATULA Elite TW P/F 100A purpose-built specialist designed for the close-quarters combat of pitching and flipping. Built on the HYPERDRIVE DESIGN platform for maximum rigidity, this 7.2 oz workhorse features a unique, shallow A7075 Aluminum Spool that reduces startup inertia for a flatter, stealthier lure trajectory. To handle the torque of winching bass from heavy cover, it is equipped with an elongated 100mm Swept Handle and oversized EVA Power Knobs for enhanced leverage. Combined with the friction-reducing T-Wing System (TWS) and a high-speed 8.5:1 gear ratio, the P/F 100 provides the immediate line recovery and instant engagement necessary to dominate the shallows. |
| For DAIWA’s latest color catalog and/or information on DAIWA dealers in your area, call DAIWA’s Customer Service Department at 562-375-6800 or e-mail inquiries to: [email protected]. The URL for DAIWA’s web site is daiwa.us |