History of Bassmaster Classic in Timeline

The Bassmaster Classic is a prestigious professional bass fishing tournament created by the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society. Inaugurated in 1971 at Lake Mead, Nevada, its scheduling has evolved over the years. Initially a fall event from 1971 to 1983, it transitioned to a summer event in 1984 and eventually settled as a late winter competition starting in 2006. It's a significant event in the world of competitive fishing.

1968: Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.) formed

In 1968, Ray Scott officially formed and incorporated the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.). Don Butler became the first B.A.S.S. member, and the first Bassmaster Magazine was published.

1971: First-place money

In 1971, the first-place prize money for the Bassmaster Classic was $10,000.

1971: First Bassmaster Classic

In 1971, the inaugural Bassmaster Classic was held on Lake Mead, Nevada. It marked the beginning of the professional bass fishing tournament, organized by the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society.

1976: Classic held at a mystery lake

Until 1976, the Bassmaster Classic was held at a "mystery lake," unknown to competitors until they arrived.

1977: Site Announced in Advance

In 1977, founder Ray Scott announced the Bassmaster Classic site in advance so that fans of the sport could plan ahead to attend.

1980: Classic Held on Saint Lawrence River

In 1980, the Bassmaster Classic was held on the Saint Lawrence River out of Alexandria Bay, NY.

1983: Bassmaster Classic as fall event

Until 1983, the Bassmaster Classic was held as a fall event, before changes were introduced later.

1984: Bassmaster Classic switches to Summer event

In 1984, the Bassmaster Classic transitioned from being a fall event to a summer event.

2005: Classic Held at Three Rivers

In 2005, the Bassmaster Classic competition was held at Three Rivers (Allegheny River and Monongahela River which forms the Ohio River) in Pittsburgh, with some competitors using tributaries such as the Beaver River and Youghiogheny River miles from the confluence.

2006: Bassmaster Classic switches to late winter event

In 2006, the Bassmaster Classic transitioned to being a late winter event.

2006: First-place money

In 2006, the first-place prize money for the Bassmaster Classic reached $500,000.

2009: Classic used Red River

In 2009, the Bassmaster Classic used a 100-mile stretch of the Red River in Shreveport, Louisiana.

2009: Women in competition

In 2009, women participated in the Bassmaster Classic competition for the first time.

2010: Last year for women to be given a specific Classic spot

2010 was the last year for women to be given a specific Classic spot. Since then, women have to earn a spot via the Opens or, qualify for the Bassmaster Elite Series and have enough success to gain a spot to the Classic.

2011: Classic held on Louisiana Delta

In 2011, the Bassmaster Classic was held on the Louisiana Delta.

2012: Classic used Red River

In 2012, the Bassmaster Classic used a 100-mile stretch of the Red River in Shreveport, Louisiana.

2014: First-place money reduced

In 2014, the first-place prize money for the Bassmaster Classic was reduced to $300,000.

2015: Garmin developed live scanning sonar

In 2015, Garmin, developed the first live scanning sonar, known as live scope, allowing anglers to watch the fish strike their bait in real time, revolutionizing bass fishing.

2021: Live Scope Used in Bassmaster Classic

In 2021, live scope was used in the Bassmaster Classic for the first time. The anglers who used it would go on to consistently be top performers at the event, sparking debates on whether contestants should be allowed to use such a tool.

2025: B.A.S.S. to Standardize Equipment Rules

Before the 2025 season, B.A.S.S released a statement explaining that live scope would not be banned. Instead, all anglers participating in the Bassmaster Elite Series and contenders for the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic, would be forced to follow equipment standardization rules.