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Following its inaugural edition in 2025, the Bass Boat Cup is sticking with its format: bringing together owners of boats sold by Bass Boat Europe for a competition featuring teams of two anglers. With eleven pairs competing, this second edition maintained a friendly atmosphere while offering two full days of competition on the water.
The gathering began on Friday, October 23, at the Bass Boat Europe facility in Chassieu, near Lyon. An open house, a briefing, and a barbecue gave participants a chance to get together before the first boat launches.
Five Predators Sought, Unpredictable Weather
On the Saône River, five species were included in the ranking: zander, perch, asp, pike, and catfish . The rule was based on the total length of the approved fish. Each catch had to be measured on the official measuring stick, photographed, and then submitted to the judges for validation before being released back into the water.
The two rounds took place under different conditions. After a first day that was ideal for sailing and exploring, the weather took a turn for the worse on Sunday. Rain and humidity plagued the competitors, who remained focused until the end of the event.
Julien and Baptiste Cuzol on the top step
On board their Ranger Z175 powered by Mercury , Julien and Baptiste Cuzol won the 2026 race. Hailing from the region, the two brothers used their knowledge of the Saône River and their consistent performance to secure the victory.
In particular, they won a trip to the United States , exploring American bass boat culture and the worlds of Ranger, Tracker, and Bass Pro Shops.
Winners of the inaugural edition in 2025, Alexis Canitrot and Valentin Guitard confirm their standing with a second-place finish. The duo from Aveyron heads home with a A ?5,000 Bass Boat Europe gift certificate .
Fabrice Frete and Émilie Venance round out the podium and win a ?2,000 gift certificate .
The Podium at the 2026 Bass Boat Cup
- Julien and Baptiste Cuzol %E2euros%94 a trip to the United States.
- Alexis Canitrot and Valentin Guitard %E2euros%94 ?5,000 Bass Boat Europe gift certificate.
- Fabrice Frete and Émilie Venance %E2euros%94 ?2,000 Bass Boat Europe gift certificate.
Four Species Honored at Big Fish
The best catches were also honored with Big Fish trophies for zander, perch, asp, and catfish, sponsored in particular by Bass Pro Shops.
Since no pike were certified, the prize intended for this category was humorously awarded to the team that finished last, in recognition of their perseverance and sportsmanship.
The organization also recognized Dominique Martignon , a volunteer who is particularly involved in the event, with a prize to share with his wife, who is also an avid angler.
Mercury Marine Takes Center Stage at the Event
A major partner of this second edition, Mercury Marine France was accompanied by a fleet consisting mainly of boats equipped with its engines. Traveling between stations and conducting survey phases put these engines through the real-world conditions of a boat fishing competition.
The brand was also present at Friday's open house in Chassieu. Other partners included Lowrance , another brand of the Brunswick Group, and Bass Pro Shops .
Beyond the results, shared meals, interactions among crews, and the awards ceremony helped foster the spirit of the gathering: to build a community centered on fishing and the joy of sailing.
?The Bass Boat Cup brings together everything we love about Mercury: fishing, boating, competition?but also, and above all, camaraderie and sharing,? emphasizes Yann Diquerreau, Marketing Manager for France at Mercury Marine .
An anniversary edition is on the horizon
The next event will take place during a special year: Bass Boat Europe will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2027 . An opportunity to reconnect with customers, anglers, and long-standing partners through new events, building on the success of this second Bass Boat Cup.
