What Happened to Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.)?

The Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.) was founded in 1967 by Ray Scott, an Alabama insurance salesman, with the vision of elevating bass fishing into a professional sport. The organization officially incorporated in 1968 and launched Bassmaster Magazine, quickly becoming a central authority for bass anglers. The inaugural Bassmaster Classic, often dubbed the 'Super Bowl of fishing,' took place in 1971, establishing a benchmark for competitive angling. Beyond tournaments, B.A.S.S. has been a significant advocate for conservation, initiating the 'Don't Kill Your Catch' program in 1972, which evolved into the modern catch-and-release ethic, and successfully lobbying for the Wallop-Breaux amendment to the Sport Fish Restoration Act in 1984, generating substantial funds for state fisheries.

Ownership of B.A.S.S. has seen several transitions. After being sold by founder Ray Scott to Helen Sevier and a group of investors in 1986, it was later acquired by ESPN in 2001. In late 2010, Alabama businessmen Don Logan and Jim Copeland, along with broadcaster Jerry McKinnis, purchased the organization from ESPN, subsequently relocating its headquarters to Birmingham, Alabama, in 2011. The most recent major ownership change occurred in 2017 when Anderson Media Corp., a century-old family business, acquired a majority interest in B.A.S.S., promising continuity and further growth.

In recent years, B.A.S.S. has continued to innovate and adapt. The Bassmaster Classic remains a highlight, with Justin Hamner winning in 2024 on Grand Lake O' the Cherokees, followed by Easton Fothergill's record-breaking victory in 2025 on Lake Ray Roberts. The 2026 Bassmaster Classic, held on the Tennessee River in Knoxville, saw Dylan Nutt emerge as champion, becoming only the second B.A.S.S. Nation angler to win the prestigious event. The organization's media presence, including 'The Bassmasters' TV show and Bassmaster.com, continues to engage a large audience, with viewership numbers showing consistent interest in the sport.

A key development for the 2026 season is the implementation of new rules regarding forward-facing sonar (FFS) technology. B.A.S.S. announced in July and September 2025 that the 2026 Bassmaster Elite Series and Bassmaster Opens schedules would feature limitations on FFS usage, with some events prohibiting it entirely while others allow it under specific conditions (e.g., one transducer, maximum 55 total screen inches). This decision reflects an ongoing effort to balance technological advancements with maintaining the challenge and traditional skills of bass fishing. The 2026 Elite Series season, which began in February, includes nine regular-season events across six states, culminating with the Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River in late August. B.A.S.S. continues to serve a global community of anglers, fostering passion through education, inspiration, and conservation.