For more than 30 years, the BASS Federation has been more than a name. It has been a community united by a sense of camaraderie and a spirit of belonging to something unique that carries from generation to generation.
Over the years, members have decided to join the BASS Federation for many reasons other than exciting tournament fishing. The vision of true pioneers in our history — Ray Scott, Don Butler and many others — established conservation and a focus on building youth programs in addition to fishing competitions as areas critical to the viability of the sport and our lifestyle. BASS Federation members, as well as BASS employees and sponsors, have given tirelessly to the sport and the vision of these pioneers.
THE BASS FEDERATION NATION: A NEW CHAPTER IN A LASTING LEGACY
The BASS Federation Nation begins a new era for BASS State Federation Chapters. As the landscape of this great sport has changed, BASS has worked hard to preserve the original purpose of the Federation program as established by Ray Scott and added progressive new benefits and features.
BASS FEDERATION NATION PRIVILEGES OF MEMBERSHIP
- A subscription to BASS Times, the official magazine of the BASS Federation Nation
- Eligibility to compete in state and divisional tournaments and the prestigious BASS Federation Nation Championship
- An insurance program which provides $1 million liability coverage for sanctioned club events
- Sponsorship programs from premier partners available exclusively to members of the BASS Federation Nation
- Monthly coverage of Federation Nation events, programs, achievements and initiatives in BASS publications (over 4 million readers)
- BASS Insider Membership (included with all BASS Federation Nation Memberships with annual affiliation)
- Federation Nation section within BASS INSIDER which will update all Federation Nation members on the activities of the various states
- Six Bassmaster Classic berths; one from each Federation Nation Division
- Early entry opportunities on BASS sanctioned tournaments
- Membership for the BASS Federation Nation is just $30 a year
Rising through the ranks of the BASS Federation Nation to compete in bass fishing's most prestigious tournament takes dedication and perseverance, but the rewards for advancing to the next level are great. The steps from local club to Classic are presented below:
CLUBS AND STATE CHAPTERSA PARTNER IN CONSERVATIONAnglers qualify through their local clubs for the State Team Qualifier Tournaments. Local clubs along with the State Chapter determine the qualifying format on the state level. The State Chapters of the BASS Federation Nation hold State Team Qualifier(s) to qualify a 12-person team plus two juniors and two alternates, one qualifying through the tournament(s) and the State President or his/ her representative. States determine the qualifier format for their state.
DIVISIONALSBASS invites each BASS Federation Nation state chapter to bring a 12-person team plus two juniors and two alternates to one of 6 (six) BASS Federation Nation Divisionals. Format of the divisional determined by BASS Purpose of the divisional is to qualify one person from each state for the BASS Federation Nation Championship. The divisional is a "team" tournament. Prizes are awarded to the teams only. The highest finishing person from each team will qualify for the BASS Federation Nation Championship.
FEDERATION NATION CHAMPIONSHIPCurrently 47 BASS State Federation Nations and 6 BASS International Federation Nations compete within one of the 6 (six) divisions to qualify for the Bassmaster Classic. The anglers compete individually in this tournament to determine a champion, however, the highest finishing angler within each of the 6 (six) divisions will earn a berth into the Bassmaster Classic. In 2009, The Federation Nation Championship payout will be $75,000 cash and merchandise.
BASSMASTER CLASSIC6 (six) anglers qualify through the BASS Federation Nation Championship to fish the Bassmaster Classic.
Conservation initiatives remain an important aspect of the BASS Federation Nation. In recognition of our members' dedication to the preservation of our sport's natural resources, conservation features and initiatives include:
- Establishment of the BASS Federation Nation Conservation College Scholarship Program in 2007 — program includes:
- One (1) four-year scholarship of $2,000 per year will be awarded per BASS Federation Nation Division for undergraduate fisheries/biology studies — total of 6 scholarships annually.
- One (1) two-year scholarship of $5,000 per year will be awarded nationally for graduate fisheries/biology studies.
BASS formed in 1968 to promote and encourage fishing. Recognizing that youngsters are the future of this great sport, BASS took the lead of introducing and educating youth about conservation and the sport of fishing. Your membership in the BASS Federation Nation helps support the next generation of responsible sportsmen & women through mentoring, volunteerism and education.
Additionally, the national BASS office works to provide youth programs that collaborate with partners and agencies on the local, state and national level to further enhance or develop new outdoor youth programs nationwide and when/where possible, with the six International BASS Federation Nations.
Whether youth are learning conservation or fundamental fishing skills through the Bassmaster CastingKids program or Junior Bassmaster Chapters are enjoying spirited competition from club, state, divisional or Junior Bassmaster World Championship competition — it all leads to a healthier BASS Federation Nation future for years to come.
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