Ever watch the movie Spartacus? Careful answering, you’ll age yourself. I have not. However, I have watched the famous scene where the band of rebel slaves was captured, and the evil general says they can all go free if the leader, Spartacus (played by Kirk Douglas), stands up. One by one, slave soldiers rise and say, “I am Spartacus!” It’s a very moving moment in the movie. And the truth is, they were not lying. Each member of that rebellion embodied the passion, the cause. It’s a lesson that transcends Hollywood. Actually, the concept perfectly defines the fraternity of anglers known as B.A.S.S. members.
B.A.S.S. was founded in 1968 by Ray Scott, who wanted to unify the thousands of bass fishermen to not only solidify the sport, but create a banner of pride to stand beneath. This worked even better than Scott could have imagined. The B.A.S.S. shield has evolved from a simple patch of identification to an emblem of passion, protection and legacy related to the sport we love.
So, as a member, you are Bassmaster. You are the body to the spirit of the patch. Together, unified by the shield and all it stands for, we make a difference. And that is something to be celebrated. All that said, starting the moment you read this, B.A.S.S. is kicking off the I Am Bassmaster member celebration.
If you remember, a couple of years ago we did something very similar with our Year of the Fan promotion. We will again have a cover photo contest where a B.A.S.S. member will be our cover model. In 2020, Matt Clouse was named our Fan of the Year. The photo he submitted featured two giant fish. But, his epic beard likely sealed the deal (think Kirk Douglas in The Man From Snowy River). He wasn’t the only winner, though. Dozens of fans graced the pages of Bassmaster throughout the contest. And, so it shall be again.
From now until Aug. 31, 2022, you can submit your photos for consideration by simply using the hashtag #iambassmaster when posting on social media channels. Also, feel free to submit your photos via email to editorial@bassmaster.com. And lastly, every Bassmaster Lunker Club submission will automatically be entered into the contest. The images do not have to include a fish. The photos simply need to show how you embody one of the three basic tenets of wearing the B.A.S.S. shield (passion for fishing; protection of the sport; desire to pass on the tradition). We will be publishing these pictures in a new #iambassmaster section of the magazine set aside to celebrate you and your B.A.S.S. member bretheren.
If you are not a member and want to participate, becoming one is easy and affordable. Go to Bassmaster.com and click the Join tab. There will be other perks to submitting your photos, as well. I’m going to randomly pick a submission and take that member fishing (notice, I did not say “catching”). Other members submitting a photo will receive a care package from my tackle room. And the grand-prize winner will not only grace this magazine’s cover, but will also get a VIP experience at the 2023 Bassmaster Classic.
So, now is the time to stand up and proudly announce that you have the passion; you are part of the movement; you will fight for the cause. You are Bassmaster. Shout it from the rooftops. Wait, that phrase ages me. Shout it from social media platforms and email. We will be listening.