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.
| Air Date | Start Time | Episode | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, Jan 06 | 8:00 AM ET | 1 – The Foundation of B.A.S.S. (Ray Scott Part I) | FS1 |
| Sat, Jan 13 | 8:00 AM ET | 2 – B.A.S.S. The ’80s (Ray Scott Part II) | FS1 |
| Sat, Jan 13 | 8:30 AM ET | 3 – B.A.S.S. The ’90s (Ray Scott Part III) | FS1 |
| Sat, Jan 13 | 9:00 AM ET | 4 – B.A.S.S. Superstar Bill Dance | FS1 |
| Sat, Jan 20 | 8:30 AM ET | 5 – 1st Generation of Superstars Part I – Roland Martin & Jimmy Houston | FS1 |
| Sat, Jan 27 | 9:30 AM ET | 6 – B.A.S.S. Superstar Hank Parker | FS1 |
| Sat, Feb 10 | 10:00 AM ET | 7 – B.A.S.S. Superstar Rick Clunn | FS1 |
