05/02/26 Lake Gaston 2026 Event #3
Ryan Harrell takes the top spot at Lake Gaston, besting the 45-boat field with a limit weighing 19.46 pounds. Teams were faced with cold front conditions, but the rain held off for the day making for suitable conditions for big bites. Anglers reported fish in all stages of the spawn across the lake. While the largemouth bags dominated the check positions, there were some impressive spotted bass weighed in, with some topping 5lbs each. The trial injected a new element with the loyalty incentives and teams reported appreciation for the additional benefit. Points race is heating up as we turn to the back half of the season.
2026 Tournament Schedule
Date | Location | Ramp |
|---|---|---|
3/21/26 | Neuse River | Lawson Creek |
4/11/26 | Tar River | Havens Garden |
5/2/26 | Lake Gaston | Summit |
6/6/26 | Roanoke River | Jamesville - Astoria |
7/25/26 | Neuse River - Open | Lawson Creek (no pts) |
8/15/26 | Neuse River | Lawson Creek |
9/11-12/26 | Lake Gaston - Championship | Summit |
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Classic Site = Lake Gaston (Roanoke alternate)
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Must fish (3) events to qualify for Classic Championship​
OFFICIAL RELEASE (1/6/26)
Prime Time Tournament Trail Announces Revised 2026 Tournament Schedule
In response to the recent release of additional 2026 competitive bass fishing tournament schedules, Prime Time Tournament Trail leadership has elected to revise its 2026 schedule. This adjustment is intended to better align with other bass tournament organizations and to maximize opportunities for anglers to participate in competitive bass fishing events throughout Eastern North Carolina.
The revised schedule reflects Prime Time Tournament Trail’s commitment to cooperation within the regional tournament community and its ongoing focus on serving anglers. By taking other organizations’ schedules into consideration, the Trail aims to reduce conflicts and allow anglers to compete in as many events as possible.
Prime Time Tournament Trail’s top priority remains providing anglers with a safe and enjoyable experience on the water while continuing to offer a competitive tournament trail at an affordable price point. These guiding principles continue to shape all scheduling and operational decisions, and the revised 2026 Prime Time Tournament Trail schedule is being released now.​
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Prime Time Tournament Trail: Where Legends Launch.​
- Josh Brown & Kyle Smith
OFFICIAL RELEASE (10/6/25)
Prime Time Tournament Trail 2026 Schedule​
The ‘26 season will host a total of 7 events, including the year end 2 day Championship event. Given the success of 2025 we have been able to increase the classic prize guarantee to $3K with plans to also expand payout field depth for the championship event. We have also made adjustments where warranted by angler survey feedback to improve overall event quality for the upcoming season. The July event on the Neuse will not count towards the Team Points Championship. Efforts remain underway to bolster the sponsorship base for the coming year. Stay tuned for additional details on the 2026 season. ​
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Prime Time Tournament Trail: Where Legends Launch.​
- Josh Brown & Kyle Smith
OFFICIAL RELEASE (8/26/25)
Prime Time Tournament Trail Concludes Successful 2025 Season,
Sets Sights on Bigger 2026​
The leadership of Prime Time Tournament Trail is proud to announce the successful conclusion of its 2025 Competitive Bass Fishing Tournament Series, a season that brought together anglers from across Eastern North Carolina to compete at a high level in one of the region’s supreme competitive bass fishing circuits.
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The 2025 season marked a pivotal year for the trail, showcasing not only the incredible talent of its anglers but also the growth of the organization as a whole. From the first cast of the season to the final weigh-in, the trail was filled with excitement and competitive spirit.
But Prime Time Tournament Trail says this is only the beginning.
“The 2025 season gave us an incredible foundation, but what excites us most is how much momentum it has created for 2026,” said the President and Vice President of Prime Time Tournament Trail in a joint statement. “The feedback we’ve received from anglers has been invaluable. Their input has not only shaped the successes of this year, but it’s fueling our vision for a stronger, more competitive, and more rewarding 2026 season.”
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​​The organization also extended deep gratitude to those who made the 2025 season possible.
“From the anglers who showed up ready to compete, to the sponsors who believed in our vision, and those who worked behind the scenes — you are the reason the 2025 season was successful,” the leadership team said. “The organization sincerely thanks each and every one of you.”
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Looking ahead, Prime Time Tournament Trail is confident that 2026 will be its strongest season yet. With renewed energy, valued input from competitors, and a growing base of supporters across Eastern North Carolina, the trail is poised to continue its rise as one of the premier competitive bass fishing circuits in the region.
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Prime Time Tournament Trail: Where Legends Launch.
- Josh Brown & Kyle Smith
Angler Incentives
Contingency Programs
Starting in 2026 we will be affiliated with BASS and the Bassmaster Team Championship. Each year our top anglers will be eligible to participate in the Bassmaster Team Championship based on Team of the Year standings.
Eligible anglers fishing from a qualified boat can win up to $8,000 by winning a Prime Time Tournament. Be sure to sign up for your respective contingency program as a qualified boat owner. We remain working with national and regional contingency programs to add all that carry value to our anglers.
Discount Programs
By being a current member of the Prime Time Tournament Trail individuals are eligible for the following discounts:
*10% off all orders, code available from TD
Contact Shana and use reference Prime Fishing
