BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. is partnering with Bass Pro Shops on a new seven-part series documenting the untold stories and bold cast of characters who built the sportfishing industry. The Cast presented by Bass Pro Shops will air in early January 2024 on FS1 and introduce viewers to the visionaries, storytellers and superstars who made B.A.S.S. the biggest stage in fishing.
“While many people know about Ray Scott’s passion and vision for bass fishing, they don’t always know about the colorful and innovative people who were building both our organization and this industry alongside Ray,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson. “The Cast not only delves into Ray’s contributions to fishing and legacy of conservation, but it is a look at the people behind the evolution of tournament bass fishing from where it started in the late ’60s to the spectacle of the Bassmaster Classic, drawing more than 160,000 fans in Knoxville.”
Episodes feature interviews and personal stories never heard before from some of fishing’s most iconic voices, including Bob Cobb, Bill Dance and Roland Martin, as well as insights from personalities like former B.A.S.S. CEO Helen Sevier and longtime tournament director Trip Weldon.
“For decades B.A.S.S. and Bass Pro Shops have shared a vision to get more people on the water and fishing,” said Anderson. “I’m excited that they’re joining with us to tell the story of the people who have shaped the sport both brands love so much.”
A longtime B.A.S.S. partner, Bass Pro Shops is also a premier sponsor for the Bassmaster Tournament Trail as well as title sponsor of the Bassmaster Team Championship and presenting sponsor of the Bassmaster College Series.
“We are proud of our longtime affiliation with B.A.S.S. and remain deeply grateful to my dear friend Ray Scott,” said legendary angler, noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris. “The Cast will bring to light some exciting stories about many of our buddies and tournament fishing pioneers. These individuals helped make the sportfishing industry what it is today, and telling their stories to sportsmen and sportswomen of all ages will help showcase the history of this great sport and organization.”
The Cast presented by Bass Pro Shops will begin airing in January on FS1 leading up to live Bassmaster Elite Series tournament coverage on FS1 and the FOX Sports platforms. Check Bassmaster.com/how-to-watch or check your local listings for airdates.
About Bass Pro Shops
Bass Pro Shops is North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company. Founded in 1972 when avid young angler Johnny Morris began selling tackle out of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri, today the company provides customers with unmatched offerings spanning premier destination retail, outdoor equipment manufacturing, world-class resort destinations and more. In 2017 Bass Pro Shops acquired Cabela’s to create a “best-of-the-best” experience with superior products, dynamic locations and outstanding customer service. Bass Pro Shops also operates White River Marine Group, offering an unsurpassed collection of industry-leading boat brands, and Big Cedar Lodge, America’s Premier Wilderness Resort. Under the visionary conservation leadership of Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops is a national leader in protecting habitat and introducing families to the outdoors.
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series, TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Series, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship, Yamaha Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series scored by TourneyX, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bassmaster Classic.
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