Most bass anglers today probably wouldn't recall when the black bass was considered a second-class citizen and tournaments, if any, were usually local, small-money events.
The change that led to the tournament formats typically seen today began 49 years ago, when a 36-year-old insurance salesman and Army veteran from Alabama named Ray Scott had a big idea.
The concept for national, big-money (for that era) bass fishing tournaments hatched by Scott quickly blossomed into the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society — B.A.S.S. — and the organization grew to more than 600,000 members under his leadership.
For nearly two decades, Scott was a perpetual motion machine, running huge tournaments and detailed seminars around the country. His efforts jumpstarted what is now a multibillion dollar American industry, and his dream made many anglers household names as they pocketed unbelievable money for catching fish and often became media darlings with their own TV shows and seminars.
Master angler Ray Scott, shown at his Trophy Bass Retreat, calls his 2004 Iraq trip to visit with U.S. troops 'heartfelt and humbling.'
Photo Credit: Richard Simms
Beyond the personalities, a revolution in gear dawned, with bass-specific boats and countless innovations in lures finding enthusiastic markets. Scott has been a kingmaker, someone who transcends bass fishing royalty, and his B.A.S.S. organization knighted fishing legends such as Johnny Morris, Hank Parker, Roland Martin, Rick Clunn and countless others.
'Tears in their eyes'
I had a recent opportunity to stay at, and fish, Scott's expansive Trophy Bass Retreat in Pintlala, Alabama, and it was both inspiring and intimidating — inspiring because the 200-plus-acre property, with three intensively managed small lakes surrounded by live oaks dripping Spanish moss, belongs to the "Bass Boss," and intimidating because I'm far from a largemouth bass fishing expert. I didn't relish the thought of this American icon watching me fish his "Presidents Lake," laughing while I spent more time plucking at embarrassing backlashes on my reel than fishing.
"I've seen grown men get tears in their eyes when they first come through the doors ... they can't believe they are really here," said Jim Kientz, the retreat's executive director.
Bass industry godfather — a.k.a. "Bass Boss" — Ray Scott.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Ray Scott Outdoors
Scott, now 82, still cuts an imposing figure, somewhat larger than life with his near-ever-present cowboy hat. A seasoned entertainer, he clearly enjoys taking you behind the scenes and sharing insights, anecdotes and the history of how today's bass fishing world came to be.
He regaled our group with stories about his efforts to help get George H.W. Bush elected president and his relationships with legendary lure makers such as the late Tom Mann. A favorite story is about the death, funeral and, if you can believe it, next-day kidnapping of the corpse of Leroy Brown, the star bass in the 38,000-gallon aquarium at Mann's now-closed "Fish World" in Eufaula, Alabama.
Heartfelt and humbling
Many people don't know that the "godfather of bass fishing" served an Army tour in Europe toward the end of the Korean War. He calls the two years spent with the 2nd Armored Division some of the best of his life and shared his view that every young person should serve for at least two years.
"Bass Boss" Ray Scott gave seminars and told "war stories" about bass fishing during a 10-day visit to Iraq in 2004.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Ray Scott Outdoors
He benefited from the GI Bill, earning a business degree from Auburn University after leaving active duty. And to this day, helping put smiles on the faces of service members and veterans remains one of his greatest passions.
A cabin near the resort's main lodge is called "Presidents Cabin." Inside, a small bronze plaque declares: "George W. Bush slept here." Scott maintained a strong relationship with both presidents Bush, each avid fishermen.
"Bass Boss" Ray Scott celebrates with First Lady Barbara Bush.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Ray Scott Outdoors
Upon hearing of Scott's planned 2004 trip to Kuwait and Iraq to spend Thanksgiving with the troops, President George W. Bush asked Scott to first come to the White House, where he gave him a personal letter that he asked Scott to read to the troops on his behalf at every stop.
On his 2004 Iraq visit, bass fishing's godfather Ray Scott talked fishing strategy with troops, including Army Staff Sgt. James Mastrodomenico (front) and Pfc. Josh Lyon.
Photo Credit: Sgt. John Queen/U.S. Army
During Scott's 10-day trip, he visited numerous duty locations, sometimes staging entertaining seminars, telling "war stories about bass fishing," as he termed it. Kientz recalls a fishing tournament Scott staged for military members at one of Saddam Hussein's compounds. Soldiers fished with makeshift fishing rigs as well as spinning tackle.
"One soldier even tried his luck with a broom handle and strands of line from parachute cord rigged with a bobby-pin," Kientz said. "There were so many incredible stories and opportunities as a result of the trip that it takes our breath away."
Scott calls the visits "the most emotionally heartfelt and humbling experience in my life."
Beyond that war zone visit, Scott remains connected to the troops. Last March, he hosted a fishing trip on Presidents Lake for the Semper Fi Community Task Force, a volunteer organization dedicated to honoring the patriotism and sacrifice of wounded veterans by providing them quality hunting, fishing and outdoor-related activities.
Ken Perrotte is a Military Times outdoors writer.
