B.A.S.S. History
In the beginning, there was the idea: Bass fishermen would compete in a legitimate, tournament-style format, and the sport would be televised, joining the ranks of golf, bowling, and the major stick-and-ball sports. That was the dream of an Alabama insurance salesman named Ray Scott. In June 1967, he took a significant step to make that dream a reality by holding the first modern bass tournament on Beaver Lake in Arkansas.
Called the “All-American,” that competition changed the sport of bass fishing forever. In late 1967, he formalized the organization’s structure to spearhead the bass fishing revolution.
1968
Founder Ray Scott got the name Bass Anglers Sportsman Society from Bob Steeber of the Nashville Tennessean and decided to make the organization go by the acronym B.A.S.S.
The first member — and first Life Member — is Oklahoma’s Don Butler, who pays Scott $100. Annual dues are $10.
Scott launched Bassmaster Magazine in the spring and has served as the editor for almost two years. He solicits contributions from the best anglers — rather than the best writers — he can find.
1969
Bob Cobb became editor of Bassmaster Magazine in 1969 and soon played a key role in the success of B.A.S.S.
1971
Twenty-four professional anglers and an equal number of media board a flight to an unknown destination to compete in the first Bassmaster Classic. Once airborne, they are told they will compete on Lake Mead, Nev., a fishery none had ever seen.
1972
Scott introduces the “Don’t Kill Your Catch” program: “Tournament bass will be promptly weighed in and immediately placed in a large, aerated live tank. After the weigh-in, the bass will be released to be caught again.”
In October, after lobbying and support from Scott and B.A.S.S., Congress passed the Clean Water Act to ensure that waters met the standards necessary for water sports and recreation by 1983.
1984
B.A.S.S. lobbies successfully for the Wallop-Breaux amendments to the Sport Fish Restoration Act, legislation that has generated hundreds of millions of dollars for states for sportfishing projects.
1986
In July, investors, led by longtime employee Helen Sevier, purchased B.A.S.S. from founder Ray Scott.
1988
George H.W. Bush was elected president of the United States, and the New York Times reports his favorite periodical is Bassmaster Magazine.
1989
B.A.S.S. Times — the newsletter for B.A.S.S. club members — is transformed into a tabloid to provide more tournament and B.A.S.S. Nation news, conservation information, and in-depth fishing tips.
2001
In April, ESPN purchased B.A.S.S.
2006
In March, B.A.S.S. debuts the Bassmaster Elite Series on Lake Amistad in Texas, featuring the best anglers on the best waters at the best times of the year. Ish Monroe wins the inaugural event.
2010
On Nov. 1, Jim Copeland, Don Logan, and Jerry McKinnis purchase B.A.S.S. from ESPN.
2011
B.A.S.S. relocates to Birmingham, Alabama
2017
2018
B.A.S.S. celebrates its 50th anniversary.
2020
The 50th anniversary of the Bassmaster Classic celebrated the worldwide attention the Super Bowl of Bass Fishing brings to the sport.
2021
For the first time, all nine Bassmaster Elite events, Bassmaster Classic, College Classic Bracket, and select Bassmaster Opens feature live television coverage on FOX Sports platforms.
Bruce Akin retires as CEO of B.A.S.S. after ten years. Chairman Chase Anderson assumes responsibility for day-to-day operations.
2022
In May, B.A.S.S. founder Ray Scott passes away at 88. It is announced that the Classic trophy will be named in his honor.