Lunker Club

Bassmaster’s best lunker covers

Take a look at some of the lunkers that have graced the cover of Bassmaster Magazine.

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The big bass of B.A.S.S. often feature prominently on the cover of <i>Bassmaster</i> Magazine. Here, we'll show you some of the best lunkers to grace the cover, and the story behind it. This 20-pound, 15-ounce largemouth was caught by Dave Zimmerlee of Claremont, Calif. The bass came from Lake Miramar in San Diego County in late June 1973. (Photo by Chuck Garrison)
The big bass of B.A.S.S. often feature prominently on the cover of Bassmaster Magazine. Here, we’ll show you some of the best lunkers to grace the cover, and the story behind it. This 20-pound, 15-ounce largemouth was caught by Dave Zimmerlee of Claremont, Calif. The bass came from Lake Miramar in San Diego County in late June 1973. (Photo by Chuck Garrison)
Shaw Grigsby shows off two lunkers, one 8 1/2 pounds, one 12 pounds, on the cover of the February 1997 issue. (Photo by Tim Tucker)
Shaw Grigsby shows off two lunkers, one 8 1/2 pounds, one 12 pounds, on the cover of the February 1997 issue. (Photo by Tim Tucker)
Tennessee guide Jim Duckworth caught this trophy smallmouth — 8 pounds, 2 ounces — in March 2000 while fishing the Cumberland River, Tenn. He used a Fat Free Shad Fingerling crankbait. (Photo by Don Wirth)
Tennessee guide Jim Duckworth caught this trophy smallmouth — 8 pounds, 2 ounces — in March 2000 while fishing the Cumberland River, Tenn. He used a Fat Free Shad Fingerling crankbait. (Photo by Don Wirth)
In April 2001, Mike Long of California caught this 20-pound, 12-ounce giant in Lake Dixon, California. In the magazine's
In April 2001, Mike Long of California caught this 20-pound, 12-ounce giant in Lake Dixon, California. In the magazine’s “On The Cover” blurb, it was noted that Long is 6 feet, 4 inches tall — provides some perspective! (Photo by John Kerr)
The September/October 2001 cover prompts readers to learn how to
The September/October 2001 cover prompts readers to learn how to “listen” to bass by reading an article by beloved “Uncle” Homer Circle. (Photo by Tom Evans)
Elite Series pro Byron Velvick made waves in the bass fishing community for his record setting performance on Clear Lake, California, well before he became known as
Elite Series pro Byron Velvick made waves in the bass fishing community for his record setting performance on Clear Lake, California, well before he became known as “The Bachelor” on ABC’s famous TV show. This cover is from the November 2004 issue, soon after his appearance on the show. (Photo by Daniel Mahoney)
Aaron Martens has won Toyota Angler of the Year twice — here in 2005 and last year in 2013. The native Californian known as the
Aaron Martens has won Toyota Angler of the Year twice — here in 2005 and last year in 2013. The native Californian known as the “Wonderboy” and “The Natural” now lives in Alabama. (Photo by Tim Tucker)
As you can tell from this gallery, many of our lunkers come from California, and this one is no exception. George Coniglio caught this 19.7-pound largemouth from Lake Mission Viejo and showed it off on this July/August 2006 cover. (Photo by George Coniglio)
As you can tell from this gallery, many of our lunkers come from California, and this one is no exception. George Coniglio caught this 19.7-pound largemouth from Lake Mission Viejo and showed it off on this July/August 2006 cover. (Photo by George Coniglio)
Even when fishing in the cold month of January, Davy Hite can still bring in the lunkers. This cover from January 2007 promotes an article that explains how to catch more bass in winter. (Photo by David Sams)
Even when fishing in the cold month of January, Davy Hite can still bring in the lunkers. This cover from January 2007 promotes an article that explains how to catch more bass in winter. (Photo by David Sams)
David Brinkerhoff, a CastingKids champion, shows off a beautiful smallmouth on the January 2008 cover, proving that bronzebacks may be best caught in chilly weather. (Photo by James Hall)
David Brinkerhoff, a CastingKids champion, shows off a beautiful smallmouth on the January 2008 cover, proving that bronzebacks may be best caught in chilly weather. (Photo by James Hall)
On the February 2008 cover, Elite Series pro Russ Lane proudly displays an 11 3/4-pounder he landed after breaking through ice to get his boat in the water. (Photo by Don Wirth)
On the February 2008 cover, Elite Series pro Russ Lane proudly displays an 11 3/4-pounder he landed after breaking through ice to get his boat in the water. (Photo by Don Wirth)
From the April 2008 issue, former Elite Series pro Ken Cook shows off this impressive double-digit trophy on Lake El Salto in Mexico. (Photo by David Sams)
From the April 2008 issue, former Elite Series pro Ken Cook shows off this impressive double-digit trophy on Lake El Salto in Mexico. (Photo by David Sams)
Skeet Reese won the 2009 Bassmaster Classic on the Red River by going head-to-head with Michael Iaconelli for the crown. Bassmaster photographer Gary Tramontina has photographed the Classic champ for the cover for at least five years now.
Skeet Reese won the 2009 Bassmaster Classic on the Red River by going head-to-head with Michael Iaconelli for the crown. Bassmaster photographer Gary Tramontina has photographed the Classic champ for the cover for at least five years now.
Elite Series pro Gerald Swindle hoists at 12-pound bass caught in deep water on the June 2009 cover. (Photo by Gary Tramontina)
Elite Series pro Gerald Swindle hoists at 12-pound bass caught in deep water on the June 2009 cover. (Photo by Gary Tramontina)
Lunker hunter Mike Long holds up two bass that equal about 30 pounds — a feat not many can match. This December 2009 cover prompt's readers to read about Long's
Lunker hunter Mike Long holds up two bass that equal about 30 pounds — a feat not many can match. This December 2009 cover prompt’s readers to read about Long’s “Monster Bass” lessons. (Photo by Mike Long)
It's not just the pros that catch lunkers. The March 2010 cover celebrates B.A.S.S. members who have caught their fair share of big bass, too.
It’s not just the pros that catch lunkers. The March 2010 cover celebrates B.A.S.S. members who have caught their fair share of big bass, too.
Ish Monroe proudly displays a double-digit bass on the April 2010 cover, prompting readers to turn to an article about little-known baits that catch big bass. (Photo by Gary Tramontina)
Ish Monroe proudly displays a double-digit bass on the April 2010 cover, prompting readers to turn to an article about little-known baits that catch big bass. (Photo by Gary Tramontina)
The May 2011 cover belongs to Kevin VanDam who won the Bassmaster Classic (again) by bringing in the all-time heaviest winning weight. (Photo by Gary Tramontina)
The May 2011 cover belongs to Kevin VanDam who won the Bassmaster Classic (again) by bringing in the all-time heaviest winning weight. (Photo by Gary Tramontina)
On the September/October 2011 cover, James Niggemeyer proves that bladed swim jigs can bring lunkers to the livewell. (Photo by Louie Stout)
On the September/October 2011 cover, James Niggemeyer proves that bladed swim jigs can bring lunkers to the livewell. (Photo by Louie Stout)
Mark Zona, host of <i>The Bassmasters</i> and <i>Zona's Awesome Fishing Show,</i> swings aboard a nice one on the March 2012 cover. He caught it by deadsticking jerkbaits. (Photo by James Overstreet)
Mark Zona, host of The Bassmasters and Zona’s Awesome Fishing Show, swings aboard a nice one on the March 2012 cover. He caught it by deadsticking jerkbaits. (Photo by James Overstreet)
Gerald Swindle, one of the funniest anglers in the Elite Series, knows that tiny topwaters can often land big bass. On the July/August 2012 cover, he shows off a lunker he caught using puny plugs. (Photo by Laurie Tisdale)
Gerald Swindle, one of the funniest anglers in the Elite Series, knows that tiny topwaters can often land big bass. On the July/August 2012 cover, he shows off a lunker he caught using puny plugs. (Photo by Laurie Tisdale)
Good-size bass like this one helped Elite Series pro Brent Chapman bring home the Angler of the Year title in 2012. (Photo by Gary Tramontina)
Good-size bass like this one helped Elite Series pro Brent Chapman bring home the Angler of the Year title in 2012. (Photo by Gary Tramontina)
Cliff Pace, the 2013 Bassmaster Classic champion, shows off a trophy he caught while fishing the cold waters of Grand Lake in Oklahoma on the April 2013 cover. (Photo by Gary Tramontina)
Cliff Pace, the 2013 Bassmaster Classic champion, shows off a trophy he caught while fishing the cold waters of Grand Lake in Oklahoma on the April 2013 cover. (Photo by Gary Tramontina)
Elite Series pro Aaron Martens brought home his second Angler of the Year title in 2013 by reeling in big bass during the Plano Championship Chase in Detroit, Mich.
Elite Series pro Aaron Martens brought home his second Angler of the Year title in 2013 by reeling in big bass during the Plano Championship Chase in Detroit, Mich.

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