B.A.S.S. Federation Nation overview

For more than 30 years, the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation has been more than a name. It has been a community united by a sense of camaraderie and a spirit of belonging to something unique that carries from generation to generation. Over the years, members have decided to join the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation for many reasons other than exciting tournament fishing. The vision of true pioneers in our history — Ray Scott, Don Butler and many others — established conservation and a focus on building youth programs in addition to fishing competitions as areas critical to the viability of the sport and our lifestyle. B.A.S.S. Federation Nation members, as well as B.A.S.S. employees and sponsors, have given tirelessly to the sport and the vision of these pioneers.

B.A.S.S. FEDERATION NATION PRIVILEGES OF MEMBERSHIP

• A subscription to B.A.S.S. Times, the official magazine of the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation
• Eligibility to compete in state and divisional tournaments and the prestigious B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Championship
• An insurance program that provides $1 million liability coverage for sanctioned club events
• Sponsorship programs from premier partners available exclusively to members of the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation
• Monthly coverage of Federation Nation events, programs, achievements and initiatives in B.A.S.S. publications (more than 4 million readers)
• Six Bassmaster Classic berths (one from each Federation Nation Division)
• Early entry opportunities on B.A.S.S.-sanctioned tournaments
• Membership for the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation is just $30 a year

THE ROAD TO THE CLASSIC

Rising through the ranks of the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation to compete in bass fishing's most prestigious tournament takes dedication and perseverance, but the rewards for advancing to the next level are great. The steps from local club to Classic are presented below:

CLUBS AND STATE CHAPTERS:  Anglers qualify through their local clubs for the State Team Qualifier Tournaments. Local clubs along with the State Chapter determine the qualifying format on the state level. The State Chapters of the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation hold State Team Qualifier(s) to qualify a 12-person team plus two juniors and two alternates.  States determine the qualifier format for their state.

DIVISIONALS:  B.A.S.S. invites each B.A.S.S. Federation Nation state chapter to bring a 12-person team plus two juniors and two alternates to one of 6 (six) B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Divisionals. Format of the divisional are determined by B.A.S.S. The purpose of the divisional is to qualify one person from each state for the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Championship. The divisional is a "team" tournament. Prizes are awarded to the teams only. The highest finishing person from each team will qualify for the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Championship.

FEDERATION NATION CHAMPIONSHIP:  Currently 47 B.A.S.S. State Federation Nations and seven B.A.S.S. International Federation Nations compete within one of the 6 (six) divisions to qualify for the Bassmaster Classic. The anglers compete individually in this tournament to determine a champion, however, the highest finishing angler within each of the 6 (six) divisions will earn a berth into the Bassmaster Classic.

BASSMASTER CLASSIC:  6 (six) anglers qualify through the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Championship to fish the Bassmaster Classic.

A PARTNER IN CONSERVATION

Conservation initiatives remain an important aspect of the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation. In recognition of our members' dedication to the preservation of our sport's natural resources, conservation features and initiatives include:

Partnering with Pure Fishing's Berkley Conservation Institute to annually award the Berkley/B.A.S.S. Conservation and Recruitment/Retention projects of the year.  The winning B.A.S.S.-affiliated conservation project receives $2000 and the winning B.A.S.S.-affiliated recruitment/retention project receives $1500 worth of Berkley fishing tackle.

A PARTNER IN YOUTH PROGRAMS

B.A.S.S. was formed in 1968 to promote and encourage fishing. Recognizing that youngsters are the future of this great sport, B.A.S.S. took the lead of introducing and educating youth about conservation and the sport of fishing. Your membership in the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation helps support the next generation of responsible sportsmen and women through mentoring, volunteerism and education.  Additionally, the national B.A.S.S. office works to provide youth programs that collaborate with partners and agencies on the local, state and national level to further enhance or develop new outdoor youth programs nationwide and when/where possible, with the six International B.A.S.S. Federation Nations.  Whether youth are learning conservation or fundamental fishing skills, the Junior Bassmaster Chapters are enjoying spirited competition from club, state, divisional or Bassmaster Junior World Championship competition — it all leads to a healthier B.A.S.S. Federation Nation future for years to come.