I’ve been competing in the Bassmaster Elite Series since its inception in 2006. Before that, I participated in the Top 100s, Top 150s and B.A.S.S. Invitationals (now referred to as the Opens). Through that time, I’ve witnessed many changes in the sport — some good, some not so good. But through it all, one thing has remained consistent: B.A.S.S. offers the premier platform for competitive fishing.
No other tour draws as much media attention or fan participation as B.A.S.S., particularly when you consider the impact of the Bassmaster Classic. It is the biggest stage in our sport.
When former B.A.S.S. CEO Don Rucks announced his concept for the Elite Series, it took many of us by surprise. Never before had the anglers been asked to pay such high entry fees … at least not for 11 events in a single season. The announcement received mixed reactions. Some welcomed the idea of higher payouts, others balked at such a steep increase in entries.
The concept for the Elite Series was simple: Feature the best anglers, on the best waters, at the best time of year. Later, the mantra became “Big Bass. Big Stage. Big Dreams.”
The concept included standardized jerseys and fully wrapped boats with graphics akin to NASCAR, which required further investment.
Confronted with these demands, some of the sport’s biggest names felt the costs were too prohibitive, and they moved on. Others bought in and hurriedly secured the necessary sponsorships to fund the venture. I was one of the latter.
The Elite Series launched and was off and running. Not long after, however, an economic recession struck, and the impact proved devastating for many. In response, B.A.S.S. lowered the number of events to nine, and though that helped, attrition still occurred.
Gradually the economy recovered, and the Elite Series field was flush again. It was business as usual … until 2018, that is. That’s when Major League Fishing’s Bass Pro Tour (BPT) was formed.
Much like the PGA-LIV split in professional golf, the Elite Series experienced a mass exodus of high-ranking pros — all moving to the BPT. Promised strong payouts, increased exposure and individual brand building, many took the chance.
But much of that never materialized.
Fighting to secure its Elite Series field, B.A.S.S. made offers to numerous pros, hoping they would remain loyal to the brand. I was one of them. I had so many years invested with B.A.S.S. and their various publications — serving as an illustrator and columnist — I couldn’t fathom leaving.
Besides, I was never offered a spot on the Bass Pro Tour. Twice, I was told not to sign with B.A.S.S., that I would soon be getting a call. But that call never came, and it wouldn’t have mattered if it had. B.A.S.S. provides me with a platform no other organization can match.
During my stint as an illustrator for Bassmaster Magazine and B.A.S.S. Times, I provided sketches of the winning patterns for each tour stop. I also authored my own column titled “Techniques Illustrated,” which ran for years. My illustrations appeared in books by Bill Dance and Roland Martin, and the hardbound classic, Best of Bassmaster.
When I was with Rapala, I wrote advertorials using their pro staff members — detailing various ways to catch more and bigger bass. I also helped in the design and development of certain lures. I did the same with Hildebrandt, a company whose buzzbaits and premium spinnerbaits I designed. I appeared in numerous instructional videos and advertising campaigns for Shimano, both here and in Japan. I even hosted a series for ESPN2 on vintage fishing tackle. And none of this would have been possible without my association with B.A.S.S.
Looking ahead, I’m not sure if this will be my last year on the Elite Series. If I requalify, then I’ll likely give it another go. But if I don’t, it’s been a good run.
Although I didn’t set any records, I did manage to survive for decades in what is arguably one of the nation’s most competitive sports. And I got to represent many of the biggest brands in the industry — Mercury Marine, Ranger Boats, Caymas Boats, Shimano, Power Pro, Hildebrandt, Garmin, GSM Outdoors, Yamamoto, Fuji, T-H Marine and Power-Pole.
Add to that the countless friends, fans, media and industry contacts I’ve made throughout my career … well, simply put, I’ve been blessed. And to those that choose the path of professional fishing, I wish you nothing but the best and that you find your way to the Bassmaster Elite Series.
Thank you all!
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