Flashback: 1968 Bassmaster Magazine

The Bassmaster Magazine debuted with the Spring 1968 issue. In this photo gallery, we’ll take a look back at the ads that appeared in the first three issues of the magazine. My, how times have changed!

Inside the spring issue’s front cover, there is a full page offering advertising opportunities in the magazine. Though the covers feature color images, the interior pages are all black and white.

The first real ad in Bassmaster Magazine appears on page 23, and it promotes pro angler Jack Wingate’s venture “on the Shores of Lake Seminole.” An influential angler, Wingate supplied the names of many bass anglers who fished Ray Scottâs first tournament in 1967. As a long-time lodge owner, he promoted tournament and recreational bass fishing in its formative years. For more than three decades he operated a summer camp for young boys, where he taught them the basics of fishing and outdoor appreciation.

Obviously, Bassmaster Magazine agreed young boys should be taught the basics of fishing. Inside the back cover, a dandy model warns readers about the dangers of not taking a boy fishing.

Early B.A.S.S. membership applications appear on the back cover.

The next issue features a colorful painting as its cover image. When the Summer 1968 Bassmaster Magazine went to press, advertising sales had improved.

Inside the front cover, B.A.S.S. thanks the companies that presented trophies for the 1968 schedule of tournaments.

On the first page, a hand-drawn logo is part of a small ad for B.A.S.S. membership.

Lowrance, still a well-known name in bass fishing circles, offers readers a 100-page book of fishing secrets.

The Lakeview Marina is located on the popular Ross Barnett Reservoir in Mississippi. In the early days, marina ads in the magazine were sometimes traded out for hosting B.A.S.S. tournaments.

The first Bassmaster Magazine boat ad appears in this issue, and it promotes the Kingfisher brand. Kingfisher is still around today, and according to the company’s website, its first aluminum fishing boat hit the water in 1959.

Here, illustrations show off five lures sold by Whopper Stopper. The lure company was founded by Jodie Grigg, and at one time the company was based in Sherman, Texas.

Burke Flexo-Products describes the company’s Chain-Worm.

Chewalla Marina is up next, located in Eufaula, Ala.

The Lowrance high-tech equipment that anglers depended on in 1968 provides a definite contrast to today’s technology. Early electronics did not offer fancy, color LED screens where waypoints could be marked and saved.

An ad for a genuine “gourmet tool” can be found on page 20.

The next ad is for Pedigo’s Pork Rinds. Pork rinds have been used to catch bass for decades, and today, rinds are available dyed and cut into different shapes.

In 1968, anglers could send in 50 cents and receive a B.A.S.S. decal for their boat, camper or tacklebox. Early B.A.S.S. business was based in a Montgomery, Ala., shack. The company moved to offices as it grew, and B.A.S.S. stayed in Montgomery for a total of 37 years.

The Winter 1968-1969 cover shows off fish from the first Seminole B.A.S.S. tournament held in 1968.

Inside the front cover, an ad for the 1969 tournament includes a picture of the first Seminole event champion, Carl Dyess. The winning fish are shown dead as B.A.S.S. did not begin its catch-and-release efforts until 1972.

A short stack of want ads is also included. The going rate in 1968 was 10 cents per word with a minimum of $3.

Fliptail Lures makes an appearance in this issue. Fliptail Lures, now based in Clinton, Ark., is again offering its popular lures from the 60s and 70s.

Chewalla Marina bills itself as “Lake Eufaula’s Only Full Service Marina.”

A Skeeter “Rod Rak” is available from Phantom Products. At this time, Skeeter offered more than just boats. A Field & Stream article from 1968 explains the Rod Rak was made by Stemco Marine, which also made Skeeter Boats.

Astroglass Boat Co. joins the list of Bassmaster Magazine advertisers. Astroglass filed for bankruptcy in 1983.

Burke Flexo-Products introduces the Super Chain Worm.

Bill Dance appears for Jim Bagley Bait Co. His boat features hand lettering and graphics.

Twin Dikes Marina offers camping areas, a fish cleaning service, a restaurant and more.

The Pedigo Pork Rind Co. offers up its selection of lures. Pro angler Billy Westmorland made the Spinrite lures popular in the 1970s.

A new Lo-K-Tor ad makes an appearance in the winter issue.

Whopper Stopper showcases a world-record bass and the Hellbender lure. Today, Heddon produces a Hellbender Magnum Downrigger.

Creme’s Lure co. showcases its full lineup of plastics with a full-page ad. Creme’s is still around offering today’s anglers a selection of soft plastics.

Finally, the winter issue’s back cover promotes giving the gift of B.A.S.S. membership for Christmas. In the first year of B.A.S.S., membership grew to a total of 2,000.