Gear

50 years of angler clothing

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In the early days of B.A.S.S., anglers like 1971 Classic champion Bobby Murray (right) and founder Ray Scott wore jumpsuits, some with their name embroidered over the pocket, and with the B.A.S.S. patch.
In the early days of B.A.S.S., anglers like 1971 Classic champion Bobby Murray (right) and founder Ray Scott wore jumpsuits, some with their name embroidered over the pocket, and with the B.A.S.S. patch.
The jumpsuit was the first unofficial official uniform of Bassmaster anglers, but safari shirts and khakis were also popular attire.
The jumpsuit was the first unofficial official uniform of Bassmaster anglers, but safari shirts and khakis were also popular attire.
Before advertisers got involved, anglers’ clothing was adorned with a B.A.S.S. patch and, for those quick workers, the patch from the event was added.
Before advertisers got involved, anglers’ clothing was adorned with a B.A.S.S. patch and, for those quick workers, the patch from the event was added.
Ah, the belted jumpsuit. Such an iconic look. It was the early uniform adopted by many fishing B.A.S.S. tournaments, like this one on Sam Rayburn in 1971.
Ah, the belted jumpsuit. Such an iconic look. It was the early uniform adopted by many fishing B.A.S.S. tournaments, like this one on Sam Rayburn in 1971.
Don Butler, winner of the second Classic in 1972, poses with the trophy in his B.A.S.S. approved clothing.
Don Butler, winner of the second Classic in 1972, poses with the trophy in his B.A.S.S. approved clothing.
Butler was among the first to cash in on his fishing success, advertising for his Okiebug.
Butler was among the first to cash in on his fishing success, advertising for his Okiebug.
There was a variety of clothing and headwear styles in this tournament scene from 1972.
There was a variety of clothing and headwear styles in this tournament scene from 1972.
Ricky Green wears an example of the times in 1973. His jacket has his name along with embroidery of “Arkansas State Champion” as well as a huge patch from the Arkadelphis Bass Club, other various tournament patches and of course, the B.A.S.S. patch.
Ricky Green wears an example of the times in 1973. His jacket has his name along with embroidery of “Arkansas State Champion” as well as a huge patch from the Arkadelphis Bass Club, other various tournament patches and of course, the B.A.S.S. patch.
Rick Clunn shows some pizzazz in his 1976 Classic wear, featuring his name along with main sponsor Glastron and the patch from that Classic.
Rick Clunn shows some pizzazz in his 1976 Classic wear, featuring his name along with main sponsor Glastron and the patch from that Classic.
In 1977, Clunn seems a little less flashy when he won his second Classic. Along with a Glastron patch, he added Tackle Tamer to this rugby style shirt. Of note are the duds of Harold Sharp, directly behind Clunn. Yes, white belts were a thing back then.
In 1977, Clunn seems a little less flashy when he won his second Classic. Along with a Glastron patch, he added Tackle Tamer to this rugby style shirt. Of note are the duds of Harold Sharp, directly behind Clunn. Yes, white belts were a thing back then.
Forrest Wood stood out for his sole B.A.S.S. win, the 1979 New York Invitational on the St. Lawrence River. Coordinated outfits were in, as displayed in Bobby Murray’s matching shirt and cap.
Forrest Wood stood out for his sole B.A.S.S. win, the 1979 New York Invitational on the St. Lawrence River. Coordinated outfits were in, as displayed in Bobby Murray’s matching shirt and cap.
Some time after Hank Parker won the 1979 Classic, fishing shirts with epaulets and patches were in vogue. President George Bush was known to bass fish and even visit Ray Scott’s lake, and he was a supporter of B.A.S.S. down to the fashion.
Some time after Hank Parker won the 1979 Classic, fishing shirts with epaulets and patches were in vogue. President George Bush was known to bass fish and even visit Ray Scott’s lake, and he was a supporter of B.A.S.S. down to the fashion.
The jumpsuits were still worn by some into the 1980s.
The jumpsuits were still worn by some into the 1980s.
For a time, sponsor patches were lined vertically on either side of the buttons, as evidenced here when Paul Elias won the 1982 Classic.
For a time, sponsor patches were lined vertically on either side of the buttons, as evidenced here when Paul Elias won the 1982 Classic.
Trucker caps were also still being worn, along with logoed polo shirts, when Rick Clunn won his third Classic.
Trucker caps were also still being worn, along with logoed polo shirts, when Rick Clunn won his third Classic.
Clunn remains among the more colorful dressers in professional fishing. His blue oxford with patches goes well with pink shorts.
Clunn remains among the more colorful dressers in professional fishing. His blue oxford with patches goes well with pink shorts.
This was Clunn’s final day attire when he won his fourth Classic. And how do you like that Ray Scott’s pairing of fringed jacket, ascot and cowboy hat?
This was Clunn’s final day attire when he won his fourth Classic. And how do you like that Ray Scott’s pairing of fringed jacket, ascot and cowboy hat?
Vests played a role as an easy weigh-in go-to for a time. Guido Hibdon wears a tan one a few years after his Classic win in 1988.
Vests played a role as an easy weigh-in go-to for a time. Guido Hibdon wears a tan one a few years after his Classic win in 1988.
Dion Hibdon, the other part of the only father/son to win Classics, dons a blue vest.
Dion Hibdon, the other part of the only father/son to win Classics, dons a blue vest.
Don Butler might be wearing a similar Okiebug hat, but his fishing shirt underwent a lot of change from the jumpsuit in 1972 to this Superstars event in the 1990s.
Don Butler might be wearing a similar Okiebug hat, but his fishing shirt underwent a lot of change from the jumpsuit in 1972 to this Superstars event in the 1990s.
For the 1993 Classic, David Fritts has all his sponsored lined up, we presume, in order of importance.
For the 1993 Classic, David Fritts has all his sponsored lined up, we presume, in order of importance.
Davy Hite has spaced his patches more evenly in this 1995 event. He has some embroidery on his shirt, and he said he was one of the first to create a sharper shirt with all embroidered signage.
Davy Hite has spaced his patches more evenly in this 1995 event. He has some embroidery on his shirt, and he said he was one of the first to create a sharper shirt with all embroidered signage.
During the year Mark Davis became the first to win the Classic and the AOY (1995), his jersey is a mix of embroidery and patches.
During the year Mark Davis became the first to win the Classic and the AOY (1995), his jersey is a mix of embroidery and patches.
Kevin VanDam, who had already won an AOY by the time of this shot in 1997, was breaking the mold with innovative designs of this vest.
Kevin VanDam, who had already won an AOY by the time of this shot in 1997, was breaking the mold with innovative designs of this vest.
Davy Hite, show here with his 1999 Classic trophy and lovely wife, Natalie, was among the first to wear fully embroidered jerseys.
Davy Hite, show here with his 1999 Classic trophy and lovely wife, Natalie, was among the first to wear fully embroidered jerseys.
Mike Iaconelli burst onto the Bassmaster scene in 1999 as the Federation Nation champion in a blue vest.
Mike Iaconelli burst onto the Bassmaster scene in 1999 as the Federation Nation champion in a blue vest.
Guy Eaker once wore a “Carolina blue jumpsuit,” but he worked to class up weigh-ins by wearing black pants and a white shirt.
Guy Eaker once wore a “Carolina blue jumpsuit,” but he worked to class up weigh-ins by wearing black pants and a white shirt.
Eaker, known to many as “The Senator,” espoused looking more professional to many anglers through the years.
Eaker, known to many as “The Senator,” espoused looking more professional to many anglers through the years.
Hite did well fishing in an all-embroidered jersey, and while they looked sharp, they were expensive and rather high maintenance. He’d mostly wear his for weigh-ins or on the water when he knew he’d be on camera.
Hite did well fishing in an all-embroidered jersey, and while they looked sharp, they were expensive and rather high maintenance. He’d mostly wear his for weigh-ins or on the water when he knew he’d be on camera.
Hite said today’s jerseys made with technical fabrics can be worn right out a duffle bag.
Hite said today’s jerseys made with technical fabrics can be worn right out a duffle bag.
Clunn, shown here at the 2006 Classic, says he’s always gone for quality over quantity in companies he’d represent, which he feels helps him promote them better.
Clunn, shown here at the 2006 Classic, says he’s always gone for quality over quantity in companies he’d represent, which he feels helps him promote them better.
This Clunn jersey, showing his accolades with B.A.S.S., hangs in the JM Associates offices.
This Clunn jersey, showing his accolades with B.A.S.S., hangs in the JM Associates offices.
Today, Clunn continues to serve his major sponsors well with large signage on his new style jersey, which he likes because the birch bark effect and osprey feathers down the arms make it rather “outdoorsy.”
Today, Clunn continues to serve his major sponsors well with large signage on his new style jersey, which he likes because the birch bark effect and osprey feathers down the arms make it rather “outdoorsy.”
One of the sharpest dressers on the Elite Series is Kevin VanDam, who utilizes most every spot of his jersey to promote his numerous sponsors.
One of the sharpest dressers on the Elite Series is Kevin VanDam, who utilizes most every spot of his jersey to promote his numerous sponsors.
One of Bobby Murray’s jerseys hangs in the JM offices, and Davy Hite quickly pointed out it wouldn’t be good on the water today as the collar would whip an angler’s cheeks on a 70-mph run. “It’s the oldest one here and the only one like that,” Hite said. “We learned. Maybe those guys just didn’t have fast enough boats.”
One of Bobby Murray’s jerseys hangs in the JM offices, and Davy Hite quickly pointed out it wouldn’t be good on the water today as the collar would whip an angler’s cheeks on a 70-mph run. “It’s the oldest one here and the only one like that,” Hite said. “We learned. Maybe those guys just didn’t have fast enough boats.”
Denny Brauer, another Classic/AOY champion, has one of his jerseys hanging at JM. A specialty sports shop would finish the mostly embroidered shirt, which could cost more than $200 each.
Denny Brauer, another Classic/AOY champion, has one of his jerseys hanging at JM. A specialty sports shop would finish the mostly embroidered shirt, which could cost more than $200 each.
Hite said shirts like KVD’s were worn only for weigh-ins and days fishing with cameramen, otherwise they were stowed away to remain neat and pressed.
Hite said shirts like KVD’s were worn only for weigh-ins and days fishing with cameramen, otherwise they were stowed away to remain neat and pressed.
The modern jersey, like Chris Lane’s from his 2012 Classic win, offer comfort as well as sun protection.
The modern jersey, like Chris Lane’s from his 2012 Classic win, offer comfort as well as sun protection.
At ICAST, Dan Coates of Valley Fashions Outdoors says manufacturing of today’s jersey is computerized with high-tech fabrics offering features like stretch and UPF protection rated over 50.
At ICAST, Dan Coates of Valley Fashions Outdoors says manufacturing of today’s jersey is computerized with high-tech fabrics offering features like stretch and UPF protection rated over 50.
Coates said the prices per item ordered from him average near $80 if a certain number is ordered. Here the relatives of Justin Lucas show their support as they head to the 2016 Classic weigh-in in Tulsa.
Coates said the prices per item ordered from him average near $80 if a certain number is ordered. Here the relatives of Justin Lucas show their support as they head to the 2016 Classic weigh-in in Tulsa.
A jersey worn by a B.A.S.S. pro holds intrinsic value, like the one Gerald Swindle gave to then-Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee when the Elite Legends event was held on the river around Little Rock.
A jersey worn by a B.A.S.S. pro holds intrinsic value, like the one Gerald Swindle gave to then-Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee when the Elite Legends event was held on the river around Little Rock.
Historic vests like Willard Booty’s from his days B.A.S.S. are much-valued and appreciated because of the history of the organization. Booty’s image was taken at a 2017 Open on the Sabine River, where he watched his son compete.
Historic vests like Willard Booty’s from his days B.A.S.S. are much-valued and appreciated because of the history of the organization. Booty’s image was taken at a 2017 Open on the Sabine River, where he watched his son compete.

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