Ray Scott is a legend in the space of bass fishing. without him, we would not have most of the major bass fishing tournament we have today. No Bassmaster Classic and no Elite Series event of Lake Champlain right now. None of it would have been possible if not for ray Scott's Dream. It all started in June of 1967, when that dream came into reality.
The Historic First Bassmaster Tournament: The Birth of Competitive Bass Fishing
The world of bass fishing was forever changed in June 1967, when the very first Bassmaster Tournament was held at Beaver Lake, Arkansas. This event marked the dawn of competitive bass fishing, setting the stage for what would become one of the most prestigious and widely followed sports in the angling community. As we dive into the history of the first Bassmaster Tournament, we uncover how this groundbreaking event shaped the future of bass fishing and established a legacy that continues to thrive today.
Ray Scott’s Vision: The Birth of a Bass Fishing Revolution
The story of the first Bassmaster Tournament begins with Ray Scott, an insurance salesman from Montgomery, Alabama, whose passion for bass fishing ignited a revolutionary idea. Scott envisioned a professional bass fishing circuit that would bring together the nation’s top anglers to compete for cash prizes, recognition, and the honor of being crowned the best in the sport. His dream was to elevate bass fishing from a beloved pastime to a respected competitive sport.
With determination and a clear vision, Scott organized the inaugural Bassmaster Tournament at Beaver Lake, a sprawling 28,000-acre reservoir in northwest Arkansas. Despite the event’s novelty, Scott managed to attract 106 anglers, each paying a $100 entry fee to participate in what would become a historic moment in the world of bass fishing.
The First Bassmaster Tournament: A New Era in Fishing Begins
The first-ever Bassmaster Tournament began on June 5, 1967, with anglers eagerly launching their boats into the waters of Beaver Lake. The rules were straightforward: the angler with the heaviest total weight of bass caught over the three-day event would be declared the champion. This simple yet effective format would set the standard for future bass fishing tournaments.
Fishing conditions were far from ideal. Unseasonably cool weather and high winds made it challenging for competitors to locate and catch bass. However, the tough conditions only added to the intensity and excitement of the competition. Anglers employed various techniques and strategies, testing their skills against the unpredictable conditions.
Stan Sloan: The First Bassmaster Champion
After three days of intense competition, Stan Sloan, a police officer from Nashville, Tennessee, emerged as the victor. Sloan’s total catch weighed in at 43 pounds, 11 ounces, earning him the title of the first Bassmaster champion and a $2,000 cash prize. His winning strategy involved using spinnerbaits, a technique that would soon become a staple in the sport.
Sloan’s victory not only secured his place in bass fishing history but also highlighted the importance of skill, strategy, and adaptability in competitive fishing. His success inspired countless anglers to pursue the sport professionally and demonstrated that bass fishing was more than just a hobby—it was a competitive and rewarding endeavor.
The Lasting Impact of the First Bassmaster Tournament
The success of the first Bassmaster Tournament was a pivotal moment in the history of bass fishing. It laid the foundation for the establishment of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.) and the creation of the Bassmaster Tournament Trail, a series of events that would grow to include some of the most prestigious tournaments in the sport.
The inaugural tournament not only launched the careers of many legendary anglers but also sparked a revolution in the fishing industry. It brought bass fishing to a broader audience, led to innovations in fishing gear and techniques, and inspired a new generation of anglers to compete at the highest levels.
Conclusion
The first Bassmaster Tournament at Beaver Lake in 1967 was more than just a fishing competition—it was the birth of a new era in the sport. Ray Scott’s vision for a professional bass fishing circuit became a reality, setting the stage for decades of competitive angling and establishing a legacy that endures to this day. As we celebrate the history of this groundbreaking event, we recognize the pioneers who paved the way for modern bass fishing and continue to inspire anglers around the world.
Our Response:
This week, we wanted to provide some Bassmaster History. No arguments, just plain old history. Bassmaster has been so many things to so many people over the years. Without Ray Scott's vision, we wouldn't have the Bassmaster Classic or the Bassmaster Elite Series. Ray Scott and his creation have moved the sport of bass fishing so much further than anyone could ever imagine. It has brought many dollars to the industry, and only helped it grow. I think we all owe a huge debt to Ray Scott. Without him, we would get to enjoy what today, has become the most well know tournament trait.
Explore more about bass fishing history and tips for improving your skills at The Tackle Room Blog—where passion meets the water