2026 Illinois B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series AOY

🏆 IBNKS ANGLER OF THE YEAR RACE UPDATE 🏆

With the final regular season event now complete, the race for 2026 Illinois B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series Angler of the Year, proudly sponsored by KastKing, is officially heading into the Championship!

After 4 events, the standings couldn’t be much tighter at the top. Bernard Campos currently leads the AOY race with 282 points, but with Brandon Neuzill, Ty Bartholomew, and Cody Wenger all sitting at 279 points, the title is still very much up for grabs.

Congratulations to the 17 anglers that have earned their spots in the Championship and will battle one final time for the AOY crown and Champion of the Championship! Your consistency throughout the season has earned you the opportunity to compete for the biggest title of the year. Every fish will matter, and one strong day could completely reshape the standing.

We are also sending the top 10% to the Bassmaster Kayak Series championship on Lake Murray in October. There will be A LOT on the line at the championship this year! It should be an amazing time! 

A huge thank you goes out to everyone who has supported the Illinois B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series this season—from our anglers and volunteers to our sponsors and supporters. We look forward to closing out another great season with an exciting Championship event.

Here is a list of the 17 anglers qualified! 

Bernard Campos

Brandon Neuzil

Ty Bartholomew

Cody Wenger

Landon Dalaska

Jacob  Auth

Dustin  Fugitt

Jacob Schultz

Zac Geist

Colton Isham

Wes Auth

Susie Roloff

Walt McCree

Mike Husar

Jed Duran

Joe  Wilcox

Keaton Wilda