Colorado Angler Ty Faber Chasing Bassmaster Elite Series Promotion

Pagosa Springs native has been knocking on the door of the top bass fishing circuit for years

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Ty Faber, a 40-year-old angler from Pagosa Springs, Colorado, is competing in the 2026 Bassmaster Opens series with the goal of earning a promotion to the elite Bassmaster Elite Series. Faber, who also competes in Major League Fishing, has been close to qualifying for the Elite Series in recent years, finishing 31st in the standings in 2024 and 19th in 2025. This season could be the breakthrough he needs to reach the top 101 bass fishers in the world.

Why it matters

Faber's pursuit of the Bassmaster Elite Series represents the aspirations of many Colorado anglers who are trying to make it to the highest level of professional bass fishing. While no Colorado angler has ever competed in the Elite Series, Faber's success could inspire the next generation of young anglers like Joey Punko and Evan Cox, who are also competing in the Opens this season.

The details

Faber started fishing at age 2, when his father would carry him to the San Juan River in a backpack and help him cast his first fly rod. By age 4, Faber was casting on his own, and his passion for bass fishing grew after a memorable catch at Echo Lake as a middle schooler. Now, Faber owns a plumbing company in Pagosa Springs, which gives him the financial freedom to pursue his fishing dreams on the Opens and Major League Fishing circuits.

  • Faber finished 31st in the Bassmaster Opens standings in 2024.
  • Faber finished 19th in the Bassmaster Opens standings in 2025.
  • The 2026 Bassmaster Opens season began with a tournament at Sam Rayburn Reservoir in Texas last weekend.

The players

Ty Faber

A 40-year-old angler from Pagosa Springs, Colorado who is competing in the 2026 Bassmaster Opens series with the goal of earning a promotion to the elite Bassmaster Elite Series.

Mark Faber

Ty Faber's father, who would carry him to the San Juan River in a backpack and help him cast his first fly rod when Ty was around 2 years old.

Joey Punko

A 20-year-old Colorado angler competing in the 2026 Bassmaster Opens series, who is working to finance his fishing dreams.

Evan Cox

A 21-year-old Colorado angler competing in the 2026 Bassmaster Opens series, who is working to finance his fishing dreams.

Nate Caldwell

Ty Faber's close friend and a fellow Colorado angler, who believes Faber is "knocking on the door" of earning a promotion to the Bassmaster Elite Series.

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What they’re saying

“Every time I went, he wanted to go, and he was in love with fishing from a very young age.”

— Mark Faber, Ty Faber's father (Denver Post)

“It's not a talent thing — the chips just have to fall in his lap. He's an elite-caliber angler, but it's going to come down to a little bit of luck. The big fish that doesn't get off (the lure). Late in the season, it will come down to that — who didn't lose a big one or who randomly caught a big one that will carry to you to a top finish in a tournament. His stars just have to get aligned, and eventually they will.”

— Nate Caldwell, Ty Faber's close friend (Denver Post)

“I love that they're out here doing it, and making sacrifices to compete, because it's not easy and it's not cheap. I wish I could've done it at their age. I'm proud they're giving it a go, and am rooting for them to succeed.”

— Ty Faber (Denver Post)

What’s next

The top 10 finishers in the 2026 Bassmaster Opens standings will earn a spot on the elite Bassmaster Elite Series, which is the top 101 bass fishers in the world. Faber is hoping this will be the season he finally breaks through and qualifies for the Elite Series, where no Colorado angler has ever competed.

The takeaway

Ty Faber's pursuit of the Bassmaster Elite Series represents the aspirations of many Colorado anglers who are trying to make it to the highest level of professional bass fishing. While Faber has come close in recent years, this season could be his breakthrough moment, inspiring the next generation of young Colorado anglers to chase their own fishing dreams.