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RAY SCOTT OUTDOORS, Inc. News Release
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To Catch More Bass EDMOND, Oklahoma - Ray Scott, the father of organized professional bass fishing, is headed back to school. Even with over 35 years experience as the founder of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.) in 1968, Scott believes there are new ways to waylay the largemouth bass. Scott of Pintlala, Alabama will be one of the featured instructors at Bassmaster University fishing classes during the 2004 schedule, according to Gary White, director of the continuing education program of B.A.S.S. The Bassmaster University, directed by B.A.S.S. Dean of Admissions Gary White from his Edmond, Oklahoma offices, coordinates two-day weekend classes for interested bass anglers at university and college campuses across the country. As the main man in uniting bass fishermen (B.A.S.S.) from six names in a metal file box, Scott assembled a membership of over 650,000 anglers, created a force and voice for fishing and conservation, and spawned the sport of competitive bass angling and tournaments. His story is the remarkable growth of bass fishing's popularity, the birth of a multi-million dollar industry and the creation of a new breed of sports hero - the pro bass angler. Scott's success story is told in his book, "Bass Boss," and has sold over 18,000 copies, but hearing it firsthand from the man with the bassin' plan will be a bonus for students enrolled in Scott's 2004 classes. The lesson plan on the "Short History of Bass Fishing" covers the "Golden Years" of organized B.A.S.S., 1968-2004. In short, "Where we came from, where we've been and where we are going," says Scott. Where bass fishing is headed in the future is a sudden departure from the norm, in Scott's viewpoint. Scott, a born-again sportfisherman, is an anomaly - a deviation from the heavy tackle, well-rope line and yank 'em-in-the-boat mindset of most modern bassers. Scott's how-to class on "Light-Tackle Bassing"
will shake up the bassin' world. The "Bass Boss" is advocating the
use of Sportackle™ and four-pound test line "It's a fact," declares Scott, "You'll get more bites on light line and naturally catch more fish." "Naturally" is the key word. "With four-pound test line," continues Scott, "lures react more natural and attract more strikes, even from line-shy bass in pressure fishing situations." Scott's system of Sportackle™ bassin' isn't a fairy-wand limp rod, but a specially designed 6 ˝ or 7-foot spinning stick with backbone and a tip capable of casting downsized baits. With four-pound test line, Scott guarantees more strikes, but anglers will need to adjust to the technique. "The snapset hook set is not good," explains Scott. "You've got to sweep the rod and line and grind the hook (as in plastic worm fishing) into the fish's jaw. Any hard hook set will most likely snap the line." But don't be fooled. Light line can handle big bass. As proof, Scott offers the 8-pound, 6-ounce largemouth landed by former BASS Masters Classic champion Paul Elias during a fishing outing on Scott's 55-acre trophy bass lake at his home in Pintlala, Alabama. "Talk about a thrill," says Scott. "Paul Elias was hot-footing it around and around the 20-foot Triton trying to keep up with the big fish. Took awhile, but Paul got it in the boat." Scott has also worked with the U. S. Reel Company of St. Louis, Missouri to develop a special spinning reel for light-tackle bass fishing. The Ray Scott SuperCaster 225™ is a lightweight, open-face spinning reel with a patented oversize line spool that reduces line twist and increases casting distance and accuracy. The Sportackle™ System may not be for the professional angler with big money on the line, but for the fisherman wanting a "bite on the end of his line" it's an answer, Scott believes. Scott will be on the instructional staff along with a cadre of other B.A.S.S. pros at Kennesaw State University, Auburn University, Austin Community College, Indiana University, Johnson County Community College, and Harrisburg Community College. For information on the 2004 Bassmaster University schedule, contact: Gary White, Bassmaster University, P O Box 2431, Edmond, OK 73083, Ph (405) 348-4580 or email: BassmasterU@cox.net. Here are the dates and locations for Ray Scott's 2004 Bassmaster University classes: January 17 - Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw,
Georgia -30- Contact: Bob Cobb
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