WILKESVILLE, Ohio, September 17, 2024—The National Professional Fishing League will be accepting applications for the 2025 season beginning October 1, 2024. Anglers who wish to be part of the 130-angler field should visit www.thenationalprofessionalfishingleague.com and fill out the application form beginning on that date. Anglers currently on the NPFL roster do not need to reapply, but they must notify the NPFL in writing of their intention to participate in 2025. The application and notification periods end on October 31, 2024.
“The NPFL offers a platform for all anglers to prove their skill and dedication at the highest level, regardless of their background,” vows league president Brad Fuller. “We’re committed to providing a fair and competitive environment, and we look forward to assembling a diverse and talented field of 130 anglers."
The 2025 season will feature six regular season tournaments plus the 2025 NPFL Championship, spread across half a dozen states and covering spring, summer and fall. Each event will challenge and showcase the skills of every angler. The NPFL’s dedication to maintaining a level playing field ensures that all participants — from seasoned pros to emerging talents — have an equal opportunity to succeed.
The full 2025 schedule will be announced before the application period closes.
The NPFL made news earlier this month when it became the first major tour to restrict the use of real-time imaging units (commonly referred to as “forward-facing sonar”). Beginning with the 2025 season, such technology is prohibited in NPFL competition. This prohibition does not apply to the 2025 NPFL Championship, for which anglers are currently qualifying under previously established rules.
"We want to work with the anglers who are ready to test themselves under the very highest standards of tournament competition, tradition, and integrity,” Fuller adds. “We’re looking forward to the return of many anglers who have fished with us and become like family, and we’re excited to add new anglers that will help us grow even better and stronger. Our sport is at a crossroads, and we’re going to show the angling community that the NPFL is on the right path."
Competition for a berth in the 130-angler field for 2025 will be fierce. Applicants must commit to a locked field and agree to participate in all six regular-season events. This ensures a committed group of anglers for the entire season. Choosing the right anglers for the field is critical to the NPFL’s mission.
“We take our selection process very seriously,” Fuller says. “We interview each angler before they’re selected. No one is automatically accepted into the league simply because they won a big tournament or have a lot of sponsors. We’re not just looking for excellent anglers. We also want excellent people who are passionate about the sport — people who share our commitment and vision.
“You can sign up tournament anglers at any boat ramp on any Saturday morning. We’re looking for partners who are ready to grow with us and improve the sport we all love.”