For more than 30 years, the B.A.S.S. 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 B.A.S.S. 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. B.A.S.S. Federation members, as well as B.A.S.S. employees and sponsors, have given tirelessly to the sport and the vision of these pioneers.
THE B.A.S.S FEDERATION NATION: A NEW CHAPTER IN A LASTING LEGACY
The B.A.S.S. Federation Nation begins a new era for B.A.S.S. State Federation Chapters. As the landscape of this great sport has changed, B.A.S.S. has worked hard to preserve the original purpose of the Federation program as established by Ray Scott and added progressive new benefits and features.
B.A.S.S. FEDERATION NATION PRIVILEGES OF MEMBERSHIP
• A subscription to BASS Times, the official magazine of the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation
• Eligibility to compete in state and divisional tournaments and the prestigious B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Championship
• An insurance program which provides $1 million liability coverage for sanctioned club events and $10,000 AD&D policy
• BASS Insider Membership (included with all B.A.S.S. 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
• 3 Bassmaster Classic berths
• Early entry opportunities and discounts on B.A.S.S. sanctioned tournaments
• Discounts on BASS Stuff, the popular line of BASS branded clothing and accessories
• Membership for the B.A.S.S. Nation is just $45 a year
THE ROAD TO THE CLASSIC
Rising through the ranks of the B.A.S.S. 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 CHAPTERS
Connect with a Club in Your Area The B.A.S.S. Nation representative will put you in touch with the Nation president of your state. The NCBFN Leadership Team will be able to answer any questions that you may have and also put you in touch with a club in your area. The club president will let you know the details and location of the club’s next meeting.
Step 2 Option 2: B.A.S.S. now allows “at-large” B.A.S.S. Nation membership. If you choose this option and do not join or start an affiliated club, you will still receive all benefits of membership. This “at-large” membership allows you the opportunity to compete in the B.A.S.S. Nation Events without having to participate at the club level.
Step 3 | Start Fishing After submitting your dues. As a B.A.S.S. Nation member, you can take your fishing to the next level, help educate young anglers and help support and protect your bass fishing interests on both a state and national level. We will help you with any questions you may have. Have fun, and welcome to the B.A.S.S. Nation!
DIVISIONALS
Bassmaster hosts regional championships which qualify competitors to fish in the Bass Nation National Championship. Anglers finishing in a qualifying spot at the state level are given priority entry to the divisional. Once the priority entry deadline has been reached, divisional are open to all members of the Bass Nation to sign up for. The field is capped at 250 anglers.
FEDERATION NATION CHAMPIONSHIP
Qualifying anglers from each divisional and each state are eligible to compete in the Bass Nation National Championship.
BASSMASTER CLASSIC
The top 3 anglers from the Bass Nation National Championship Qualify to compete at the Bassmaster Classic.
A PARTNER IN CONSERVATION
Conservation initiatives remain an important aspect of the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation. In recognition of our members’ dedication to the preservation of our sport’s natural resources, conservation features and initiatives include:
• 2006 Federation Nation Stewardship Program linked to National Fish Habitat Action Plan and the “More Fish” Initiative — B.A.S.S. will provide a minimum of $1,000 annual endowment to each state Federation Nation for fish habitat work as well as provide discounts on Berkley habitat structures.
• Establishment of the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Conservation College Scholarship Program in 2007 — program includes:
• One (1) four-year scholarship of $2,000 per year will be awarded per B.A.S.S. 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