[THE Fishing] Young Samurai Challenge! 2026 Bassmaster Classic Part-1 / Broadcast on April 25 (Sat)

Yui Aoki, Bass (C) TV Osaka

[Program Name] 'THE Fishing'

Young Samurai Challenge!

2026 Bassmaster Classic Part-1

[Broadcast Date & Time] Saturday, April 25, 2026, 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Produced by TV Osaka / TV Tokyo Network Nationwide

<TV Tokyo, TV Osaka, TV Aichi, TV Setouchi, TV Hokkaido, TVQ Kyushu Broadcasting>

[Cast]

Yui Aoki

Kyoya Fujita

[Program HP] https://www.tv-osaka.co.jp/ip4/the_fishing/

Young Samurai Challenge! 2026 Bassmaster Classic Part-1

America, the birthplace of bass fishing.

A professional league was established over 50 years ago, and tournaments are held every year at high schools and universities. It is popular across the US not only as a leisure activity but also as sports fishing.

(C) TV Osaka

There is a dream stage that every bass fishing angler yearns for. That is the world's premier bass fishing tournament, the 'Bassmaster Classic'! With over 50 years of history, selected anglers gathered from all over America aim for the grand prize of $300,000.

(C) TV Osaka

This time, two young Japanese anglers participated in such a historic tournament. One is a favorite to win this tournament, Kyoya Fujita. Last year, he achieved the highest annual ranking ever for a Japanese angler, coming in 3rd in the Elite Series (top category). He is currently a Japanese athlete drawing immense attention in America as well.

Kyoya Fujita (C) TV Osaka

And the other is Yui Aoki. He moved to the US two years ago, and last year he won his first victory in the Open Series (one category below Elite), earning the right to compete in the tournament. He is a young tournament angler currently rising in popularity.

Aoki, Bass (C) TV Osaka

One week before the tournament, Aoki arrived at the Tennessee River, the stage for the event, for practice. The practice period is 4 days; it is crucial how efficiently one can find the location of the fish. 'In Japan, if you want to, you can cover everywhere, but America is too big to explore completely. However, if you can find where they are, they will bite immediately,' says Aoki.

(C) TV Osaka

He is fully motivated, stating, 'Unlike the series matches we usually do, this is decided in this single match. Conversely, it means I also have a chance to win.'

Aoki (C) TV Osaka

On the other hand, Fujita shows a mix of expectations and anxiety: 'There is no guaranteed pattern, but I've decided on my attack strategy. However, since the weather is unstable, the situation might change. I'll make judgments based on how it goes on the day.'

Fujita (C) TV Osaka

With world-class anglers crowding the field, will the two be able to advance?

The battle is about to begin right now.

(C) TV Osaka

Next week, the Bassmaster Classic main event.

The fierce battle shown by the two young samurai!

Please look forward to it!