Pro registration for the 2026 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s National Walleye Tour (NWT) presented by Progressive is officially open, and it’s a siren call for serious anglers chasing glory on the water. For the full-season priority entry, you’re looking at $8,000 if you lock it in by March 27th— a hefty commitment that screams dedication amid rising costs in the outdoor world—while single-event pros can jump in for $2,000 per tournament. Everything funnels through the slick NWT Fishing Chaos Platform, handling registrations, payments, and all the chatter leading up to what promises to be another epic circuit of walleye showdowns.
What’s clever here isn’t just the early bird pricing; it’s the unapologetic fusion of high-stakes fishing with powerhouse 2A allies like Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, brands that have long stood as bulwarks for American hunting and shooting sports. In an era where anti-gun voices try to paint outdoor pursuits as fringe, events like the NWT amplify the mainstream muscle of the Second Amendment community—millions of law-abiding enthusiasts who fish, hunt, and defend their rights with the same precision they cast a jig. This registration window underscores a booming industry resilient against regulatory headwinds, where pro anglers (many packing sidearms for backwoods security) fuel sponsorships that keep pro-2A retailers thriving. Opting in isn’t just about trophies; it’s a vote for the ecosystem that protects our freedoms on land and lake.
The implications ripple wide for the 2A crowd: as entry fees climb with inflation and logistics, expect fiercer competition drawing top talent who embody self-reliance—folks who’d scoff at urban gun-grabbers while filleting limits under the stars. This could spotlight emerging stars who double as vocal advocates, boosting visibility for causes like concealed carry reciprocity during tournament trail hype. If you’re a pro-2A angler eyeing the circuit, snag that priority spot now; it’s not merely a fishing pass, it’s front-row investment in the cultural firepower keeping our rights hooked for generations.
