Bassmaster Classic draws second biggest attendance in its history

This month’s Bassmaster Classic attracted the second biggest live audience in the history of the event.

Held in Fort Worth, Texas for the first time, it was visited by 147,197 bass fans – beating the previous records for the state but falling short of the 153,809 recorded at the 2019 Classic in Knoxville, Tennessee. The last time the event was hosted in Texas was in 2017 when it drew 115,000 to Houston and Lake Conroe.

“This incredible attendance would not have been possible without the loyalty of our incredible Bassmaster fans and the partnerships between B.A.S.S. and our sponsors, exhibitors, the media and our local hosts,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin. 

“The entire event is a celebration of sportfishing and the outdoors, and we’re thankful for everyone who gathered with us in Texas to celebrate fishing and make this Classic such a success.”

TV coverage of the Classic also proved popular. The airing by Fox on the Saturday morning attracted more than 1.6 million viewers, becoming the most-watched Bassmaster telecast in over a decade, while Bassmaster.com drew 18 million page views during the week.

The economic impact of the event over the week is yet to be revealed but is expected to reach $25 million.

Bass fishing’s biggest competition was won by reigning champion, Hank Cherry, who became only the fourth angler in the 51-year history of the competition to record back-to-back wins.