OXFORD, AL — The City of Oxford will welcome young anglers from across Alabama in 2027 as the host city for two major youth fishing tournaments on Logan Martin Lake.
The BassTactix Alabama State Championship is scheduled for April 30-May 1, 2027. BassTactix is a nonprofit, Christian-based fishing tournament trail that provides students from kindergarten through 12th grade opportunities to compete for cash, prizes and scholarships.
Oxford businessman Thomas Shelton, who helped facilitate bringing the tournaments to the area, said the BassTactix event is the second-largest tournament of its kind in Alabama. Weigh-in ceremonies for the championship are expected to be held at Quintard Mall.
Less than a week later, the Alabama Student Angler Bass Fishing Association will hold its annual tournament May 6-8, 2027. Competition will take place on Logan Martin Lake, with boats launching from Lincoln’s Landing.
“This is the biggest high school tournament there is,” Shelton said. “The junior division comes in on Wednesday, and the senior division comes in on Thursday. The senior division alone has 225 teams.”
The two tournaments will bring competitors as well as their families, coaches and tournament officials to the Oxford area.
The events add to Oxford’s history of hosting fishing competitions. The city has previously hosted events associated with the National Professional Fishing League and Major League Fishing’s Class Team Series.
Mayor Alton Craft said the city is looking forward to welcoming participants and visitors for both tournaments.
“The city of Oxford is excited to welcome the competitors, families, friends, and officials of these two fishing tournaments and are happy to support the positive impact they make on the young people who participate,” Craft said. “They will join the thousands each year who come and discover why Oxford was recently named one of the most hospitable towns in Alabama. Whether they are greeted by a member of the city staff, a hotel desk clerk, or a restaurant server, they are greeted by people who are Alabama at its best and are ready to make their stay a memorable and pleasant one.”
