Ordinarily, you might not think of music and fishing together. But they can be a great match.
B.A.S.S. has a long, rich history of pairing music with fishing. In fact, founder Ray Scott included a concert by the “Skunk Hollow Gang” at his very first tournament on Beaver Lake in 1967. Since that time, the Bassmaster Classic and other big fishing events have frequently included live entertainment — often with top-flight artists.
Music can draw more people to the sport.
Oldies but goodies
At my earliest Classic appearances, I recall Lee Greenwood performing his patriotic song “God Bless the USA.” It was magical and resonated with the many thousands of fishing fans who attended those weigh-ins.
Ray Scott was all about patriotism, and he frequently shared the message of freedom on fishing’s grandest stage. It was special, and it had a huge impact … especially for a young guy like me, just starting my career.
Later, in 2000, I competed in a Classic hosted by the City of Chicago, on the shores of Lake Michigan. That event was held at Soldier Field — one of the most iconic arenas in all of sports. And there, too, musical entertainers shared the stage with the Classic contenders.
Today’s hits
These days, some of the Elite Series tour stops are scheduled in conjunction with music festivals. The Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest can sometimes be a prime example, as are the events held in Waddington, New York, on the shores of the St. Lawrence River.
Twice I’ve made final cuts there, and I’ll never forget those drive-thru weigh-ins — where my rig was pulled to the stage before thousands of enthusiastic bass fishing fans.
They were there to hear live music and watch the Elite anglers carry big bags of fish across the stage. And they weren’t disappointed in either case.
B.A.S.S. does a good job of pairing our efforts with these types of events. It’s smart and effective, and everyone seems to enjoy the festivities. Hopefully, many new people are introduced to the sport as a result.
Another spin on the concept
This month, the famed pay-to-play fishing retreat Bienville Plantation will host its own version of a fishing/music festival. In their case, however, it’s the fans who will have the opportunity to sample the property’s many lakes for trophy bass — not the pros.
Tagged “A Party in the Pines,” the two-day festival is scheduled for Oct. 20-21 and features headliners Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert, Jake Owen, Maren Morris, The Brothers Osborne and many others.
Bienville Plantation is not your typical concert setting. It sits deep in the woods of north-central Florida, well off the beaten path. The closest community is White Springs — a destination known for its annual bluegrass festival, which is staged on the shores of the Suwannee River.
Bienville’s concertgoers will have the option of attending one or both days, and they can stay on the property — which can accommodate RVs, campers, tents, etc.
In a special effort to aid victims of Hurricane Irma, Bienville’s owners are discounting tickets and donating a percentage of the proceeds toward relief funding. It’s a grand gesture — one that not only helps financially, but should also lift the spirits of many people impacted by the storm.
Anyone interested in joining the Party in the Pines, and perhaps doing some fishing before or after the event, should visit their website. Tickets are going fast and the bass are biting, so don’t delay.