Anglers across the country will have their sights set on Richmond in April when the James River serves as the third stop of the 2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance.

Scheduled for April 23-25, the event marks a return to the James River for B.A.S.S. Nation after more than a decade. Known as Virginia’s largest river, the James has hosted numerous Bassmaster Opens in recent years but is set to offer a unique challenge for the nation’s top bass anglers.

The series, announced Thursday by B.A.S.S. officials, includes four regular season stops at renowned fishing destinations across the country. GL Compton, tournament manager for the B.A.S.S. Nation, emphasized the significance of the venues chosen for this year’s schedule.

“Each venue has been carefully selected to showcase diverse fishing conditions and vibrant communities,” Compton said. “We’re looking forward to the unforgettable moments that lie ahead on the road to the championship.”

The 2025 series will kick off March 12-14 at Pickwick Lake in Florence, Ala., followed by a stop at Lake Eufaula in Oklahoma on April 9-11. The regular season concludes July 16-18 at Lake Erie in Monroe, Mich.

Top-performing anglers in Richmond and the other qualifying events will advance to the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship, set for Oct. 22-25 on the Upper Mississippi River in LaCrosse, Wis. From there, the top competitors will earn a berth in the prestigious 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.

For more information and registration details, visit

bassmaster.com/b-a-s-s-nation.