Bass Fishing's No Longer
Just "Good Ol' Boys" Sport

The "Bass Boss," Ray Scott
Serves as Weighmaster for
Women's Bass Fishing Classic

GADSDEN, Alabama - Times change. Even in the domain of bass fishing. There was a time when women had to sit in the back of the boat, if they were ever invited to go fishing at all.

At one time professional bass fishing tournaments, sponsored by the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.), invited only fishermen. There was no politically correct "fisherperson."

"It's a fact", recalls Ray Scott, the founder of the Bassmaster Tournament Trail. "We didn't invite women to fish our events. I didn't feel there was a place for them."

Scott went out on a limb so far as to defend his organization's position on "sexual privacy" in a New York state courtroom. "The judge agreed with my position," says Scott, "when he realized there was no restroom (head) on a 16-foot bass boat."

To protect the integrity of the tournament, "we had a rule you couldn't leave the boat, loose sight of your partner's catch or take any potty (restroom) breaks," explained Scott.

But, times do change. Ray Scott, the "Bass Boss," himself, will serve as special weighmaster, November 9-11, for the Women's Bass Fishing Association Classic World Championship, according to WBFA tournament director Willie Cook.

The 2000 Classic on Lake Neely Henry will be the third such WBFA season-ending championship, and the second women's Classic for Ray Scott to serve as master of ceremonies.

"I've never been opposed to women bass fishing," says Scott, who served as weighmaster for over 300 events as founder of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.). "But, until last year at the WBFA's Classic in Marksville, Louisiana, I'd maybe misjudged lady anglers.

"The women fishing the WBFA are top-flight anglers, the organization's Classic is a first-class tournament and these gals can hold their own with the bass boys," declares Scott.

Twenty-six of the WBFA's best rod-and-reelers will tackle the Coosa River waters and Lake Neely Henry in the three-day fish-off. The tournament will launch at the Gadsden City Park Docks, at safe-light, and check-in for daily weigh-ins at 2:30 p.m.

"The ladies really enjoyed being on stage with Ray Scott, as our special guest weighmaster, last year, " said Willie Cook. "We appreciate Ray's support and being sponsored here by Triton Boats."

In 1967, Ray Scott introduced the world to professional bass fishing with his fledging All-American Invitational Bass Tournament at Beaver Lake, Arkansas. From 106 fishermen at the tournament, Scott built a worldwide B.A.S.S. organization with over 600,000 members and a big time professional bass fishing trail following. On stage, at the BASS Masters Classic world finals, Scott became the icon of bass fishing.

Scott resigned from the Montgomery, Alabama-based business in 1998 to form Ray Scott Outdoors™, a marketing group for the fishing tackle and marine industry. He serves as national spokesman for Triton Boats, Mercury Marine, MotorGuide trolling motors, and Sporting Lives, the manufacturers of SOSPENDERS, the Coast Guard-approved inflatable lifevests.

"Women's professional bass fishing has had its ups and downs and almost sank," observed Scott. "When the long-time Bass 'N Gals tournament trail, based in Texas, called it quits, Willie Cook stepped in to form the Women's Bass Fishing Association.

"The lady anglers deserve a league of their own," confirms Scott. "Sure, B.A.S.S. later opened up its tournaments to interested women anglers, but getting sponsorship support on a dominated fisherman's circuit is tough.

"Sponsorship and obtaining support of the fishing industry are keys to success and the future of the WBFA. I'm delighted to be invited to serve as weighmaster for the 2000 Classic.

"In whatever way we can contribute, the WBFA Classic anglers deserve an opportunity to exhibit their skills. These gals don't belong in the back of the boat," Scott admits.

The WBFA is based in Pelham, Alabama. The 2000 Classic is hosted by the Alabama Department of Parks and Tourism and the City of Gadsden. For information, contact: Willie Cook, Women's Bass Fishing Association, P O Box 538, Pelham, AL 35124, or telephone (205) 663-5243. The E-mail address: EBCWBFA@aol.com. Web address: www.wbfatour.com.