Tour the ‘Fish Factory’

Take a tour of JM Associates' headquarters in Little Rock, Ark. The studios are home to The Bassmasters television show and other outdoor programs.

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The front entrance to JM Associates, including the words inlaid into the brick above the portico “Fish Factory.”
The front entrance to JM Associates, including the words inlaid into the brick above the portico “Fish Factory.”
Old fishing lures from Jerry McKinnis’ extensive collection are grouped and highlighted around the building.
Old fishing lures from Jerry McKinnis’ extensive collection are grouped and highlighted around the building.
<p>The hallway includes photos and memorabilia from years of work on the <em>Fishin’ Hole, Spanish Fly, Bassmaster TV,</em> and <em>Stihl TimberSports.</em></p>
The hallway includes photos and memorabilia from years of work on the Fishin’ Hole, Spanish Fly, Bassmaster TV, and Stihl TimberSports.
Collections of old lures can be found throughout.
Collections of old lures can be found throughout.
Some of them bookend jerseys from top Elite anglers.
Some of them bookend jerseys from top Elite anglers.
A special corner is set up to memorialize Jose Wejebe of the Spanish Fly.
A special corner is set up to memorialize Jose Wejebe of the Spanish Fly.
Jerseys from Gerald Swindle, Davy Hite, Takahiro Omori and Michael Iaconelli fill part of hallway.
Jerseys from Gerald Swindle, Davy Hite, Takahiro Omori and Michael Iaconelli fill part of hallway.
At the end of the hall is a break room that looks out onto downtown Little Rock.
At the end of the hall is a break room that looks out onto downtown Little Rock.
Mike McKinnis, vice-president of JM Associates, sits behind his desk.
Mike McKinnis, vice-president of JM Associates, sits behind his desk.
Angie Thompson, vice-president of events and sponsorships, works on a new sponsor for Bassmaster.
Angie Thompson, vice-president of events and sponsorships, works on a new sponsor for Bassmaster.
An original painting adorns her wall. Thompson painted the scene.
An original painting adorns her wall. Thompson painted the scene.
A shop is part of the building where technicians work on camera equipment.
A shop is part of the building where technicians work on camera equipment.
The building houses a large set where <i>The Bassmasters</i> show is taped after each event.
The building houses a large set where The Bassmasters show is taped after each event.
The set includes several features including its own tackle room.
The set includes several features including its own tackle room.
Tommy Sanders, co-host of <i>The Bassmasters</i>, prepares for an upcoming shoot.
Tommy Sanders, co-host of The Bassmasters, prepares for an upcoming shoot.
Billy Chapman, producer of the Bassmaster Television Show, works on the next event.
Billy Chapman, producer of the Bassmaster Television Show, works on the next event.
Photos of the old facility, where JM was housed for 30 years, hang in the stairwell corridor.
Photos of the old facility, where JM was housed for 30 years, hang in the stairwell corridor.
Along with it are the blueprints for the existing building.
Along with it are the blueprints for the existing building.
Upstairs is a cold room, where the entire building is wired and unifies all of the editing equipment.
Upstairs is a cold room, where the entire building is wired and unifies all of the editing equipment.
A window from the second floor overlooks the studio.
A window from the second floor overlooks the studio.
A conference room is in one corner.
A conference room is in one corner.
Within the conference room is one of the original film cameras Jerry McKinnis used on the <i>Fishin’ Hole</i> decades earlier.
Within the conference room is one of the original film cameras Jerry McKinnis used on the Fishin’ Hole decades earlier.
The walls of the conference room are filled with huge images from past Bassmaster events.
The walls of the conference room are filled with huge images from past Bassmaster events.
Vintage <i>Bassmaster</i> Magazines are stacked and orderly.
Vintage Bassmaster Magazines are stacked and orderly.
The magazines provide a historical perspective as well as being a resource for up-and-coming events.
The magazines provide a historical perspective as well as being a resource for up-and-coming events.
In the graphics area, a neon B.A.S.S. Studio light illuminates the area.
In the graphics area, a neon B.A.S.S. Studio light illuminates the area.
Brian Mason, Bassmaster cameraman and tech, works in the shop area.
Brian Mason, Bassmaster cameraman and tech, works in the shop area.
Camera equipment is organized and labeled to take to an upcoming College event.
Camera equipment is organized and labeled to take to an upcoming College event.
Mason gets a drone ready to travel. The drones, outfitted with GoPro cameras, provide an interesting view at events.
Mason gets a drone ready to travel. The drones, outfitted with GoPro cameras, provide an interesting view at events.
Howard Downs, engineer for JM, sits at his station.
Howard Downs, engineer for JM, sits at his station.
The production trailer is hooked up and ready to go.
The production trailer is hooked up and ready to go.
Rick Clunn’s jersey is one of those hanging in the hallway.
Rick Clunn’s jersey is one of those hanging in the hallway.
After being worked like a rented mule, Steve Bowman takes a nap at his desk.
After being worked like a rented mule, Steve Bowman takes a nap at his desk.
Julius Morgan, IT Manager of JM, works on the company’s system.
Julius Morgan, IT Manager of JM, works on the company’s system.
Jerry McKinnis sits with his dachshund, Archie, in his office.
Jerry McKinnis sits with his dachshund, Archie, in his office.
More old lures adorn his office.
More old lures adorn his office.
As well as other memorabilia from years gone by.
As well as other memorabilia from years gone by.
McKinnis shows off one of his first film cameras.
McKinnis shows off one of his first film cameras.
McKinnis sits at his desk in his office.
McKinnis sits at his desk in his office.