The 2026 Florida Bass Nation Kayak Series season kicked off on the Harris Chain of Lakes with a record-setting field of 54 anglers, the largest turnout ever for a non-joint Florida Bass Nation Kayak Series event. Anglers launched into a 48-degree sunrise, a crisp start following a practice week that saw more than 19 inches of rainfall in a single day. Despite the heavy rain, the tournament morning delivered calm, favorable conditions across the chain.

A total of 224 bass were submitted, resulting in a strong early-season average fish length of 16.22 inches across the full field. In one of the tightest season openers, Jacksonville angler Eric Samuels secured the victory with 91.25 inches, anchored by a 20.25-inch kicker. Samuels secured the win by swimming a Speed Worm across a grass flat for an early limit before transitioning to the edges of grass mats along a channel while fishing from his Native Slayer. Brian Nelli followed close behind with 89.25 inches, fishing from a Hobie PA 14 and utilizing his Newport motor throughout the day. Mauricio Marciales claimed third with 89.00 inches, Vance McCullough placed fourth with 88.50 inches, and Robert Oakley rounded out the top five with 87.25 inches.

Cash payouts extended through fifth place, with Samuels also receiving the first-place trophy. Anglers just outside the money were rewarded with sponsor-supported prizes, including a Danco Products prize package, a Yo-Zuri prize package, and Kayak or Die merchandise price package, a strong show of support from trail partners as the 2026 season begins.

One of the standout moments of the event came from Wendy Biles, who finished eighth overall and landed a 24.75-inch giant, securing the largest in season Big Bass payout in Florida Bass Nation Kayak Series history, $540. Her catch headlined one of the strongest collective showings ever by the women’s field.

Three women finished inside the top ten:

    •    6th — Barbara Moore

    •    7th — Kylee Short

    •    8th — Wendy Biles

Two more placed inside the top twenty:

    •    14th — Amy Brown

    •    19th — Pamela Wirth

Their combined performance marked a significant milestone for the trail and demonstrated the rising depth and competitiveness among female anglers.

The opener also welcomed a surge of new talent, with twenty anglers fishing their first-ever Florida Bass Nation Kayak Series event. Several posted strong performances, setting up what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable Rookie of the Year race in 2026.

The trail now shifts its focus to two upcoming stops. First, the North Region heads to Orange Lake on November 22, one of Nation’s most historic and vegetation-rich fisheries. Then, the South Region returns to action on December 13 at Walk-in-Water and Lake Arbuckle, a pair of lakes known for producing solid bags and giant fish.

If the Harris Chain opener is any indication, the 2026 season is already shaping up to be one of the most competitive and exciting in Florida BNKS history.