Gear

Brief history of fishing hats

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The hats worn by today’s Bassmaster Elite Series anglers have come a long way since the early days of bass fishing. Keith Combs takes off at an event with sponsors emblazoned on his tournament hat. Bassmaster.com is taking an in-depth look into the anglers’ tight relationships with hats, so hold onto your hat and enjoy. <p> <em>All Captions: Mike Suchan</em>
The hats worn by today’s Bassmaster Elite Series anglers have come a long way since the early days of bass fishing. Keith Combs takes off at an event with sponsors emblazoned on his tournament hat. Bassmaster.com is taking an in-depth look into the anglers’ tight relationships with hats, so hold onto your hat and enjoy.

All Captions: Mike Suchan

Man has worn hats for some time for various purposes, “including protection against the elements, ceremonial reasons, religious reasons, safety, or as a fashion accessory.” Some archaeologists believe that the 26,000-year-old Venus of Brassempouy figurine is a woman with a hat, not a hairstyle, and is the oldest representation of a hat. Otzi, the bronze age man found frozen between Austria and Italy, was wearing a stitched together bearskin cap. Dated to 3,300 B.C., the hat is possibly the oldest hat still in existence.
Man has worn hats for some time for various purposes, “including protection against the elements, ceremonial reasons, religious reasons, safety, or as a fashion accessory.” Some archaeologists believe that the 26,000-year-old Venus of Brassempouy figurine is a woman with a hat, not a hairstyle, and is the oldest representation of a hat. Otzi, the bronze age man found frozen between Austria and Italy, was wearing a stitched together bearskin cap. Dated to 3,300 B.C., the hat is possibly the oldest hat still in existence.
Over the eons, hats transformed into great and small, from Cleopatra’s headdress to the Pope’s mitre to the yamaka. Here Abraham Lincoln wears his distinctive
Over the eons, hats transformed into great and small, from Cleopatra’s headdress to the Pope’s mitre to the yamaka. Here Abraham Lincoln wears his distinctive “stove pipe” silk hat at Antietam in 1862.
Hats were standard attire in Westernized civilization during the first half of the 20th century. Here is the inside of a hat shop around 1900.
Hats were standard attire in Westernized civilization during the first half of the 20th century. Here is the inside of a hat shop around 1900.
While John F. Kennedy wore a top hat to and from his 1961 inauguration, he did not wear it during the ceremony nor when he addressed the crowd, leading many to say he “killed the hat.” That’s disputed as other factors, like not needing a hat while driving in a car, helped usher in a hatless world.
While John F. Kennedy wore a top hat to and from his 1961 inauguration, he did not wear it during the ceremony nor when he addressed the crowd, leading many to say he “killed the hat.” That’s disputed as other factors, like not needing a hat while driving in a car, helped usher in a hatless world.
The first sponsor hats came about in fascinating fashion. Golfweek wrote that golfer Julius Boros was suffering from the San Antonio heat during the 1968 PGA Championship. For relief, he pulled a giveaway bucket hat out of his golf bag. It had the logo of Amana, the appliance manufacturer, and its executive Lou King took inspiration seeing Boros win while wearing his company’s hat. Not long after King paid about 20 golf pros $50 each to wear Amana hats.
The first sponsor hats came about in fascinating fashion. Golfweek wrote that golfer Julius Boros was suffering from the San Antonio heat during the 1968 PGA Championship. For relief, he pulled a giveaway bucket hat out of his golf bag. It had the logo of Amana, the appliance manufacturer, and its executive Lou King took inspiration seeing Boros win while wearing his company’s hat. Not long after King paid about 20 golf pros $50 each to wear Amana hats.
In the early days of B.A.S.S., many of the pioneers toed the line by wearing the organization’s colors, Roland Martin among them. Possibly taking the cue from golf, bass anglers began wearing hats of their sponsors.
In the early days of B.A.S.S., many of the pioneers toed the line by wearing the organization’s colors, Roland Martin among them. Possibly taking the cue from golf, bass anglers began wearing hats of their sponsors.
Don Butler, the first member of B.A.S.S. and the second Classic winner in 1972, wears a B.A.S.S. but later promoted his Tulsa tackle store, Okiebug, with a hat bearing that name.
Don Butler, the first member of B.A.S.S. and the second Classic winner in 1972, wears a B.A.S.S. but later promoted his Tulsa tackle store, Okiebug, with a hat bearing that name.
Bill Dance is one angler who became known for his Tennessee cap. The story was he helped UT football coach Doug Dickey with a recruit, was sent some T hats, wore it during a win and then on his next TV show. “Before I knew it, it had become part of my identity. I’ve been wearing a UT cap ever since.”
Bill Dance is one angler who became known for his Tennessee cap. The story was he helped UT football coach Doug Dickey with a recruit, was sent some T hats, wore it during a win and then on his next TV show. “Before I knew it, it had become part of my identity. I’ve been wearing a UT cap ever since.”
Bo Dowden, the 1980 Classic champion, was rather sponsor conscious when he came up with this double-fronted hat. It had Johnson on one side and Evinrude on the other. He could just spin it around to represent either.
Bo Dowden, the 1980 Classic champion, was rather sponsor conscious when he came up with this double-fronted hat. It had Johnson on one side and Evinrude on the other. He could just spin it around to represent either.
Anglers were practicing the sponsor hat switcheroo as early as 1977. Rick Clunn wears a Glastron boats hat one day during the Classic on Lake Toho …
Anglers were practicing the sponsor hat switcheroo as early as 1977. Rick Clunn wears a Glastron boats hat one day during the Classic on Lake Toho …
… and on championship day, when he became the first to win back-to-back Classics, Clunn wore a Bagley baits hat for this shot. He also apparently had a similar jersey and pants, but he did switch belts.
… and on championship day, when he became the first to win back-to-back Classics, Clunn wore a Bagley baits hat for this shot. He also apparently had a similar jersey and pants, but he did switch belts.
Check out the hats in the perhaps the most famous B.A.S.S. photo of all-time – Rick Clunn’s 1984 Classic victory in Pine Bluff, Ark., with future presidents George Bush (second from left) and Bill Clinton, (second from right) in B.A.S.S. trucker hats. Harold Sharp (right) has his special hat and Ray Scott (left) was in his familiar cowboy hat.
Check out the hats in the perhaps the most famous B.A.S.S. photo of all-time – Rick Clunn’s 1984 Classic victory in Pine Bluff, Ark., with future presidents George Bush (second from left) and Bill Clinton, (second from right) in B.A.S.S. trucker hats. Harold Sharp (right) has his special hat and Ray Scott (left) was in his familiar cowboy hat.
Rick Clunn and Ken Cook show some of the fancier signage on their tall front, adjustable, mesh-backed trucker caps in 1988.
Rick Clunn and Ken Cook show some of the fancier signage on their tall front, adjustable, mesh-backed trucker caps in 1988.
The side logo has appeared on Davy Hite’s Evinrude hat in 1997, the year he won his first of two AOY titles. Hite said he doesn’t really call himself a hat collector, although he has a good number of hats he’s kept over the years. “You don’t want to throw away memories,” he said. “This is my 23rd year, so I have a lot of memories.”
The side logo has appeared on Davy Hite’s Evinrude hat in 1997, the year he won his first of two AOY titles. Hite said he doesn’t really call himself a hat collector, although he has a good number of hats he’s kept over the years. “You don’t want to throw away memories,” he said. “This is my 23rd year, so I have a lot of memories.”
When he won the Bassmaster Classic in 1999, Hite celebrated with his wife while wearing a white Evinrude hat with blue bill and lettering. He said he knows exactly where that hat is today, and wished he had kept others that held significance in his career.
When he won the Bassmaster Classic in 1999, Hite celebrated with his wife while wearing a white Evinrude hat with blue bill and lettering. He said he knows exactly where that hat is today, and wished he had kept others that held significance in his career.
In 1999, Kevin VanDam was working on his third AOY title while wearing a hat that matched his tournament jersey to a T. Through the years, KVD has been sartorial splendor with the art on his sponsor caps matching his jersey.
In 1999, Kevin VanDam was working on his third AOY title while wearing a hat that matched his tournament jersey to a T. Through the years, KVD has been sartorial splendor with the art on his sponsor caps matching his jersey.
Mike Iaconelli wore that Mann’s hat during his Bassmaster Classic victory in 2003. Ike, a collector by nature, has a fishing hat collection and a Philadelphia Phillies hat collection that totals around 100.
Mike Iaconelli wore that Mann’s hat during his Bassmaster Classic victory in 2003. Ike, a collector by nature, has a fishing hat collection and a Philadelphia Phillies hat collection that totals around 100.
Gerald Swindle was into visors early on in his career, at least when he won his first AOY title in 2004.
Gerald Swindle was into visors early on in his career, at least when he won his first AOY title in 2004.
Another favorite hat in Iaconelli’s collection is this faded red Toyota. He did well early in the 2006 season with this “catching hat” and rode it all the way to the AOY title.
Another favorite hat in Iaconelli’s collection is this faded red Toyota. He did well early in the 2006 season with this “catching hat” and rode it all the way to the AOY title.
Australia Carl Jocumsen shows off the latest style of hats worn by many Elites. This flat-brim displays a stylish and plush H of one of his sponsors, Hobie Fishing.
Australia Carl Jocumsen shows off the latest style of hats worn by many Elites. This flat-brim displays a stylish and plush H of one of his sponsors, Hobie Fishing.
Gerald Swindle, a man who’s worn a lot of hats during his career, explained why he’s added flat-brims into his repertoire. “I like a flat-bill because when you wear your sunglasses, the bill fits level across the top of them. I don’t get any light in on top of my eyes.” He adds they’re also looser fitting and don’t give him headaches.
Gerald Swindle, a man who’s worn a lot of hats during his career, explained why he’s added flat-brims into his repertoire. “I like a flat-bill because when you wear your sunglasses, the bill fits level across the top of them. I don’t get any light in on top of my eyes.” He adds they’re also looser fitting and don’t give him headaches.
Swindle, who just earned his second AOY title, said he had quite the collection of hats. “Oh God, it’s ridiculous,” he said. “I probably have 100 in the truck. At home, it’s stupid.” But they are well-organized and he can find any particular hat.
Swindle, who just earned his second AOY title, said he had quite the collection of hats. “Oh God, it’s ridiculous,” he said. “I probably have 100 in the truck. At home, it’s stupid.” But they are well-organized and he can find any particular hat.
While he keeps a great number of hats, Swindle said he’s not sentimental about most. He gives them away along with jerseys and gear. This hat that an elk hunting buddy sent him is Swindle’s current favorite. “It says Team Plowboy. It’s got a cowboy looking fish with a cowboy hat on it. It has absolutely no meaning to what I do, but I just wear it all the time because it says Team Plowboy.” One definition of plowboy is “a country boy.”
While he keeps a great number of hats, Swindle said he’s not sentimental about most. He gives them away along with jerseys and gear. This hat that an elk hunting buddy sent him is Swindle’s current favorite. “It says Team Plowboy. It’s got a cowboy looking fish with a cowboy hat on it. It has absolutely no meaning to what I do, but I just wear it all the time because it says Team Plowboy.” One definition of plowboy is “a country boy.”
Stacy McClelland seeded the hat idea when she dumped a box of 100 or more of husband Mike’s hats on the floor and wrote, “And he says I have a shoe problem.” She had hashtags #timetopurge then #gladhesontheroad.
Stacy McClelland seeded the hat idea when she dumped a box of 100 or more of husband Mike’s hats on the floor and wrote, “And he says I have a shoe problem.” She had hashtags #timetopurge then #gladhesontheroad.
“Oh no, this is not going to work,” she said after finding hats in the wine rack of their new camper.
“Oh no, this is not going to work,” she said after finding hats in the wine rack of their new camper.
Stacy did sort through his hats, giving a number to friends and donated a bunch, but she was smart enough to make sure to keep hats Mike might have a sentimental bond to or his Cabela's hats, his favorites because they fit right.
Stacy did sort through his hats, giving a number to friends and donated a bunch, but she was smart enough to make sure to keep hats Mike might have a sentimental bond to or his Cabela’s hats, his favorites because they fit right.
Everybody has hats. Down in the basement of the author’s father, here is his selection of hats laid out on his workbench. A trip north is where the Alaska hat came from (his favorite), and the Bass Pro was from when the new store opened nearby. He might have gotten the Arkansas hat when I moved there, and one of his six other children gave him the Snoopy hat.
Everybody has hats. Down in the basement of the author’s father, here is his selection of hats laid out on his workbench. A trip north is where the Alaska hat came from (his favorite), and the Bass Pro was from when the new store opened nearby. He might have gotten the Arkansas hat when I moved there, and one of his six other children gave him the Snoopy hat.
Wanna see a real hat guy? That’s Elite Series rookie Jay Brainerd, who said he wouldn’t trust a man who didn’t like hats. He has a nifty little collection in his truck console, and said he could wear a different sponsor hat every day of the year. But the former freestyle bullfighter’s real love is his cowboy hat collection.
Wanna see a real hat guy? That’s Elite Series rookie Jay Brainerd, who said he wouldn’t trust a man who didn’t like hats. He has a nifty little collection in his truck console, and said he could wear a different sponsor hat every day of the year. But the former freestyle bullfighter’s real love is his cowboy hat collection.
A Phillies fanatic? You bet Mike Iaconelli is. Growing up near Philadelphia, Ike began collecting his team’s lids when he was a youth. He has around 100 different Phillies hats and had special shelving installed in his closet for them.
A Phillies fanatic? You bet Mike Iaconelli is. Growing up near Philadelphia, Ike began collecting his team’s lids when he was a youth. He has around 100 different Phillies hats and had special shelving installed in his closet for them.
Iaconelli explains the premise of a catching hat. “I’m serious. I’m not super superstitious, but this is the way I operate,” he said. “I’ll practice with hats, and if I have a bad practice day, I change my hat until I find a hat that’s working. That’s when a fishing hat transforms into a catching hat.”
Iaconelli explains the premise of a catching hat. “I’m serious. I’m not super superstitious, but this is the way I operate,” he said. “I’ll practice with hats, and if I have a bad practice day, I change my hat until I find a hat that’s working. That’s when a fishing hat transforms into a catching hat.”
Kevin VanDam says he has held on to a number of hats over the years, but he’s signed and given away as many, including his signature Team KVD hats. One of VanDam's highly prized keepers is a hat signed by President George Bush.
Kevin VanDam says he has held on to a number of hats over the years, but he’s signed and given away as many, including his signature Team KVD hats. One of VanDam’s highly prized keepers is a hat signed by President George Bush.
Fletcher Shryock is one of the young pros who helped usher flat-brim hats onto the tournament scene. He wore out this Hurley hat he donned during his Open win on Lake Norman.
Fletcher Shryock is one of the young pros who helped usher flat-brim hats onto the tournament scene. He wore out this Hurley hat he donned during his Open win on Lake Norman.
Shryock was the only pro who mentioned using a cap washer, which helps hats keep their shape even after a ride in the washing machine or dishwasher. He said hats aren’t any good until they’re washed.
Shryock was the only pro who mentioned using a cap washer, which helps hats keep their shape even after a ride in the washing machine or dishwasher. He said hats aren’t any good until they’re washed.
You would want to keep your hat nice if you had to pay retail. This is a really nice fitted cap, and collection quality, but at $37.99 (before Cubs’ World Series title), you might not want to wear it out on the water.
You would want to keep your hat nice if you had to pay retail. This is a really nice fitted cap, and collection quality, but at $37.99 (before Cubs’ World Series title), you might not want to wear it out on the water.
Shaw Grigsby keeps his tournament hats protected by stowing them in a sealed container in a boat compartment. He’s among the Elites who look at hats as a tool to keep sun off his head, nose and out of his eyes.
Shaw Grigsby keeps his tournament hats protected by stowing them in a sealed container in a boat compartment. He’s among the Elites who look at hats as a tool to keep sun off his head, nose and out of his eyes.
Bassmaster gives out hats to Marshals at Elite events, and the pros also get a selection of giveaway hats at tournaments. Many of those caps wind up signed and given to fans or donated.
Bassmaster gives out hats to Marshals at Elite events, and the pros also get a selection of giveaway hats at tournaments. Many of those caps wind up signed and given to fans or donated.
It’s unlikely you'll ever see a bass angler disrespect the flag or national anthem. Justin Lucas stands at attention with hat over his heart as he honors the Star-Spangled Banner during an Elite takeoff.
It’s unlikely you’ll ever see a bass angler disrespect the flag or national anthem. Justin Lucas stands at attention with hat over his heart as he honors the Star-Spangled Banner during an Elite takeoff.
Britt Myers said this Mercury hat is currently his favorite, and probably because it's the one he wore while winning his first B.A.S.S. title at the Winyah Bay Elite event.
Britt Myers said this Mercury hat is currently his favorite, and probably because it’s the one he wore while winning his first B.A.S.S. title at the Winyah Bay Elite event.
Myers isn’t overly particular about his caps, but he said a “must-have” is the adjustable strap in the back so he can hold onto it during runs.
Myers isn’t overly particular about his caps, but he said a “must-have” is the adjustable strap in the back so he can hold onto it during runs.
Todd Faircloth was among the first handful of anglers approached for his take on hats. He hemmed for a second, “Hats?” Then he stated he was “a hat guy,” but “I don’t keep hats if I don’t use them.”
Todd Faircloth was among the first handful of anglers approached for his take on hats. He hemmed for a second, “Hats?” Then he stated he was “a hat guy,” but “I don’t keep hats if I don’t use them.”
Terry Scroggins said he loves having lots of hats -- the more hats you have means more sponsors. He gives away stacks of hats but keeps his best in a closet so he doesn’t feel obliged to dole them out to visitors who covet them.
Terry Scroggins said he loves having lots of hats — the more hats you have means more sponsors. He gives away stacks of hats but keeps his best in a closet so he doesn’t feel obliged to dole them out to visitors who covet them.
Look at the bill bend on Chad Morgenthaler’s cap. Nice. He admitted to being “super finicky about my hat. It’s got to look right. It’s got to have the right fit to it. It can’t be all jacked up. It can’t look like a trucker hat. It can’t be a flat-bill. It’s gotta be bendable.” We’ll say.
Look at the bill bend on Chad Morgenthaler’s cap. Nice. He admitted to being “super finicky about my hat. It’s got to look right. It’s got to have the right fit to it. It can’t be all jacked up. It can’t look like a trucker hat. It can’t be a flat-bill. It’s gotta be bendable.” We’ll say.
Dean Rojas has a ton of hats, but he discards just as many. He also has a long-time favorite he’s had around 25 years. “The one hat that I’ve kept is my high school baseball hat, the Crawford Colts,” he said.
Dean Rojas has a ton of hats, but he discards just as many. He also has a long-time favorite he’s had around 25 years. “The one hat that I’ve kept is my high school baseball hat, the Crawford Colts,” he said.
Rojas carries a small bin of his “tournament and TV” hats with him, but his big stash is in a box atop the Mustang in his garage.
Rojas carries a small bin of his “tournament and TV” hats with him, but his big stash is in a box atop the Mustang in his garage.
“Gotta have a fresh hat,” Rojas said. “I got all my sponsors, whatever I need. They stay clean, they stay dry. These only come out on game day and TV times.” Most of the Elites treat their tournament hats similarly.
“Gotta have a fresh hat,” Rojas said. “I got all my sponsors, whatever I need. They stay clean, they stay dry. These only come out on game day and TV times.” Most of the Elites treat their tournament hats similarly.
Hats aren’t for Bernie Schultz, he said, because he’s all about the visor, as is Cliff Pirch. “Visors all the way,” Schultz said, “probably because I look pretty stupid in a hat … The less I have on my head the better. I get headaches.”
Hats aren’t for Bernie Schultz, he said, because he’s all about the visor, as is Cliff Pirch. “Visors all the way,” Schultz said, “probably because I look pretty stupid in a hat … The less I have on my head the better. I get headaches.”
Answering a question about the sponsor implications of hats, Davy Hite said, “You’ve got to understand prime real estate and you can’t give that away. If you’re out here spending $75,000 a year, you’ve got to know what your prime real estate is and treat it that way …”
Answering a question about the sponsor implications of hats, Davy Hite said, “You’ve got to understand prime real estate and you can’t give that away. If you’re out here spending $75,000 a year, you’ve got to know what your prime real estate is and treat it that way …”
Fletcher Shryock actually professed a love of flat bills and confessed to an overall hat addiction. “Aw, it’s bad,” he said of his collection. “I haven’t really thought much about it, but honestly, now that you’re saying it, my hat collection is ridiculous, and I’ve given a lot of hats away.”
Fletcher Shryock actually professed a love of flat bills and confessed to an overall hat addiction. “Aw, it’s bad,” he said of his collection. “I haven’t really thought much about it, but honestly, now that you’re saying it, my hat collection is ridiculous, and I’ve given a lot of hats away.”
Shryock has vowed to get others to wear a flat-brim hat. He said Tommy Biffle needed one, and Biffle replied in one dismissive, sarcastic syllable: “Yeah.” It was his humorous yet emphatic no.
Shryock has vowed to get others to wear a flat-brim hat. He said Tommy Biffle needed one, and Biffle replied in one dismissive, sarcastic syllable: “Yeah.” It was his humorous yet emphatic no.
Byron Velvick was a headwear innovator in at least two instances. Here Velvick took scissors to the top of a perfectly good LiveTarget hat to make a visor, which he preferred at the time.
Byron Velvick was a headwear innovator in at least two instances. Here Velvick took scissors to the top of a perfectly good LiveTarget hat to make a visor, which he preferred at the time.
The other different thing Velvick did was start wearing a more sun-protective hat.
The other different thing Velvick did was start wearing a more sun-protective hat.
Rick Clunn said he’d like to see an improved hat for bass anglers. “I’ve been at it 42 years and I’d say I used the wrong hat for 32 of those years,” he said. “We’re still pretty much living in the dark ages when it comes to hats.”
Rick Clunn said he’d like to see an improved hat for bass anglers. “I’ve been at it 42 years and I’d say I used the wrong hat for 32 of those years,” he said. “We’re still pretty much living in the dark ages when it comes to hats.”
Here’s Justin Lucas buttoned up against the sun. The younger anglers go for the buffs and sun protective clothing as they battle bass fishing's occupational hazard of skin cancer.
Here’s Justin Lucas buttoned up against the sun. The younger anglers go for the buffs and sun protective clothing as they battle bass fishing’s occupational hazard of skin cancer.
And to top off our hat gallery, a little humor just because, well, it’s funny. <p> Read more: <a href=http://www.bassmaster.com/news/anglers-tight-bonds-hats target=
And to top off our hat gallery, a little humor just because, well, it’s funny.

Read more: Elite pros hold on to their hats

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