America 250: Patriotic tribute to the faces of B.A.S.S.

Tournament time stands still for two minutes while fans and anglers pay tribute to America.

June 26, 2026

Photography by

Photography by

Captions by

It is a tradition that began many decades ago and continues without fail no matter the weather. Each morning of competition at B.A.S.S. tournaments big and small begins with a tribute to America.

The flag bearing 50 stars and 13 stripes is held, oftentimes in the backdrop of a glorious sunrise in which no two are the same. Tournament time stands still for two minutes.

The national anthem is played or performed as the last official ritual of preparation for a day of Bassmaster competition. The ceremony is repeated before the weigh-in. The moment suitably unites fans and anglers in patriotic tribute.

This year that tradition will happen at more than 50 tournaments across a span of 10 different levels of competition, from junior and high school to college and club to the highest level of the sport.

Anglers stand at attention.

Hands or hats are placed over hearts.

Some salute the flag for which they served to preserve our freedoms and rights to enjoy an all-American sport.

This year we celebrate the 250th anniversary of America and thank you, the fans and anglers, for upholding a steadfast B.A.S.S. tradition that began nearly 60 years ago.

And all pay tribute to the flag and song that remind us of how important those freedoms are to celebrating the sport.