HP Bass Series Qualifier #3 Recap | Nackawic, NB

What a way to wrap up our third HP Bass Series qualifier of the season!

Thirty-four anglers launched on the St. John River in Destination Nackawic with one thing on their minds... earning valuable Angler of the Year points and locking up a coveted spot in the 2026 HP Classic.

Mother Nature threatened thunderstorms for the afternoon forecast, but the tournament day told a completely different story. The anglers were greeted with overcast skies, 79–80°F water temperatures, and absolutely no wind. And when we say calm... we mean glass.

After a week of intense summer heat, the smallmouth weren't interested in chasing. They were glued to structure, incredibly selective, and every bite had to be earned. It was one of those days where patience, confidence, and execution separated the field.

A slight breeze and increased boat traffic around midday finally added spurts of life to the water, but by then the tournament had already become a battle of who could capitalize on the few quality opportunities they were given.

Despite the tough conditions, several anglers put together outstanding bags.

HP BASS NACKAWIC Top 5

Matthew Paton – 88.50"
20.00" Event Lunker
$765

Justin Hines – 88.00"
$459

Isaiah Hall – 81.25"
$306

Andrew Craig – 81.00"
$75

Andrew Wadden – 79.00"
$75

Congratulations to Matthew Paton on an incredible performance, anchored by the tournament's only 20-inch smallmouth, earning both the win and Event Lunker honours.

St.Croix Atlantic Angler of the Year Race
After three qualifiers, the AOY race took another dramatic turn. With Ryan Whalen and Ben Woo looking to claim their first HP Bass AOY Title -- both needed to have one final consistent top 5 tournaments, but you can never count out last season's AOY -- it was Justin Hines who continues to show why consistency wins championships, climbing from being tied for 4th place entering Nackawic to reclaim the overall lead and put himself in position to win back to back HP BASS Angler of the Year titles.

Congratulations to all 15 anglers who have officially qualified for the 2026 HP Classic!

Justin Hines – 250
Ben Woo – 240
Ryan Whalen – 205
Rene Pelletier – 180
Mark Elderkin – 175
Andrew Craig – 175
Jeff Rathburn – 165
Andrew Wadden – 155
Matthew Fast – 150
Matthew Paton – 145
Michael Cox – 135
Gage Nyenhuis – 135
Isaiah Hall – 135
Ivan Khimich – 130
Peter Nyenhuis – 110

These 15 anglers await the rest of the qualifying field from Teambrotherfishing & Nova Scotia Kayak Fishing Series as they begin to prep for their spot representing Team Canada with CISA-Canada Bass in a future Pan-Am or World Championship!
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Finally, THANK YOU to every angler who continues to support the HP Bass Series. This season has produced our largest bass tournament fields and payouts to date, and we couldn't do it without this incredible community.