The Illinois B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series brings together competitive anglers from across the region to fish premier Illinois waters, compete for Angler of the Year, and pursue championship opportunities. Built around competition, community, and growth, IBNKS delivers a professional tournament trail that welcomes newcomers and challenges serious competitors. Through our championship, qualifying anglers also have the chance to advance to the Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship and represent IBNKS on the national stage.
🔍Illinois B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series – Coffeen Lake Recap 🔎
The Illinois B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series concluded its regular season at Coffeen Lake on June 7 with 20 anglers competing in the final stop before the championship.
While the weather cooperated and kept anglers dry throughout the day, Coffeen’s bass proved challenging. Rising temperatures and a tough bite forced competitors to adjust throughout the event, making every fish count. Despite the difficult conditions, anglers still managed to submit an impressive 112 bass during competition.
With all the inches tallied up, Susie Roloff claimed the victory with an outstanding 89.25 inches, edging out a strong field of competitors.
Brandon Neuzil finished in second place with 87.75 inches, while Jonathan Kessler rounded out the top three with 83.75 inches.
Top 3 Finishers
🥇 Susie Roloff – 89.25”
🥈 Brandon Neuzil – 87.75”
🥉 Jonathan Kessler – 83.75”
Big Bass
🐟 Dustin Fugitt earned Big Bass honors with a Coffeen Lake giant measuring 21.25 inches.
As the regular season comes to a close, the Angler of the Year race sponsored by KastKing remains alive heading into the championship. Every inch and every point earned throughout the season has led to this moment, and the championship will ultimately decide who takes home the AOY title.
Most importantly, we’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to every angler who participated in the 2026 regular season. Whether you fished one event or every stop on the schedule, your support continues to grow competitive kayak fishing throughout Illinois. We appreciate the early mornings, long drives, friendly competition, and sportsmanship that make this trail special.
We would also like to thank our sponsors, tournament directors, and everyone working behind the scenes to make each event possible. The Illinois B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series continues to grow because of the people who believe in what we’re building together.
Now, all eyes turn toward the championship. We look forward to see all the qualifiers on the water as we crown our champions and conclude our inaugural season.
#IBNKS #IllinoisBassNation #KayakFishing #BassFishing #CoffeenLake #AOYRace #KastKing #RoadToTheChampionship #MidwestKayakCompany
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After a season of competition, it all comes down to Crab Orchard Lake.
The 2026 Illinois B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series Championship will bring together the season's qualified anglers for two days of competition to determine the Series Champion and Angler of the Year. Every event throughout the season has been building toward this moment,
After a season of competition, it all comes down to Crab Orchard Lake.
The 2026 Illinois B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series Championship will bring together the season's qualified anglers for two days of competition to determine the Series Champion and Angler of the Year. Every event throughout the season has been building toward this moment, and the final standings will be decided on one of Illinois' most respected bass fisheries.
Be sure to follow all Championship regulations, including the off-limits period and official practice schedule. Also please remember the no information rule! Careful preparation and smart time on the water during practice can make all the difference when Championship weekend arrives.

Crab Orchard Lake offers one of the most diverse fisheries in Illinois and provides a fitting stage for the 2026 Illinois B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series Championship. With more than 6,900 acres of water, countless coves, expansive flats, standing timber, creek channels, and offshore structure, the lake rewards anglers who are willing to
Crab Orchard Lake offers one of the most diverse fisheries in Illinois and provides a fitting stage for the 2026 Illinois B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series Championship. With more than 6,900 acres of water, countless coves, expansive flats, standing timber, creek channels, and offshore structure, the lake rewards anglers who are willing to adapt and explore.
While the information above provides a snapshot of the lake's characteristics and available resources, competitors are encouraged to use official practice to familiarize themselves with the fishery, identify productive areas, and develop a strategy before tournament day. Whether you're fishing Crab Orchard for the first time or returning with experience, preparation and efficient decision-making will be critical to success.
Be sure to acquire a lake pass at https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/1358
If you are looking to camp at the campground here is a link to those reservations as well.
https://craborchardbluegillbay.com/
Be aware of the cancelation policy as you need to cancel 15 days prior to stay if doing so or no refund.

Every cast, every decision, and every event throughout the regular season has led to this moment.
The Illinois B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series Championship is the culmination of months of competition, where qualified anglers will compete over two days to determine the Series Champion and the 2026 Angler of the Year. Championship weekend re
Every cast, every decision, and every event throughout the regular season has led to this moment.
The Illinois B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series Championship is the culmination of months of competition, where qualified anglers will compete over two days to determine the Series Champion and the 2026 Angler of the Year. Championship weekend rewards consistency, preparation, and execution under pressure.
Please review all Championship information carefully, including registration deadlines, launch procedures, tournament schedules, and awards. Arriving prepared allows everyone to focus on what matters most—a fair, competitive, and memorable Championship.

Click here to find out what you need to do to be eligible to fish with the ILBNKS













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