City of Gadsden to Honor
"Bass Boss"

Mayor declares
"Ray Scott Appreciation Day"
on November 8th for
Alabama Sportsman…

GADSDEN, Alabama - The City of Gadsden will honor Alabama sportsman Ray Scott, known by his legions of bass fishing fans as the "Bass Boss," November 8th, during special ceremonies at the Gadsden Riverwalk.

"Ray Scott, more than any single individual, has meant more to bass fishing as a sport and a fishing industry than anyone," said Mayor Steve Means in declaring "Ray Scott Appreciation Day" in Gadsden.

"As founder of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society, Ray created an organization dedicated to bass fishing," continued Mayor Means. "And, with his Bassmaster Tournament Trail brought national attention to the City of Gadsden and widespread interest in the Coosa River bass fishery and Lake Neely Henry."

Scott will be honored and presented a special plaque during ceremonies as part of the weigh-in of the Team Jesus Tournament at the city's Riverwalk on Saturday, November 8th.

Mayor Means credits Ray Scott with inspiring the Gadsden riverfront development by suggesting the boat docks and floating docks, which enhances the facility's hosting of fishing tournaments.

"After the big creels the B.A.S.S. Federation Championship and the Bassmaster Top 100 pros produced here and the national publicity, Ray told me, 'You've got a gold mine running through your city, but you need to build on it and promote it'," said Mayor Means.

That started the wheels turning and the city planners developing the riverfront for recreational events, fishing tournaments and boating. The Team Jesus Tournament is a prime example of the tournament promotion, drawing anglers from outside Alabama and creating a weeklong economic impact on the local economy.

"The people of Gadsden, and especially our anglers, want to express our gratitude for all Ray Scott, the 'Bass Boss', has done for the sport of fishing and for our community," said Mayor Means, himself an avid bass angler.

"Without Ray Scott, we'd just have another fishin' hole," believes the Mayor, "but, with Ray's influence we've got a pot of gold."

Scott of Pintlala, Alabama is credited with launching the sport of professional bass fishing with his All-American Invitational Bass Tournament at Beaver Lake, Arkansas in June 5-7, 1967. From the 108 anglers drawn from 15 states, Scott organized the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.), headquartered in Montgomery, Alabama, into a worldwide membership of over 600,000 anglers.

As a showcase for the pro fishing sport, Scott created the BASS Masters Classic World Championship, the year-end test-of-the-best. The annual world finals has been fished on the Coosa River chain, several times, with crowds of over 20,000 fans at the Birmingham, Alabama and Jefferson County Convention Center for drive-in weigh-in shows. And, Ray Scott as the ringmaster and master of ceremonies.

Mayor Means said the presentation of the special plaque and recognition of Ray Scott's contributions is set for 3:30 p.m., November 8th, during a break in the Team Jesus Tournament weigh-in.

Prior to the presentation, Ray Scott will be on hand for an autograph party with fishing fans, and sign copies of his book, the "Bass Boss," the story of the birth of professional fishing and growth of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society. For more information or to order a copy of "Bass Boss," call 1-800-518-7222.

Scott is still involved in the fishing industry, as president of Ray Scott Outdoors, Inc., a marketing and consulting firm for the fishing tackle and marine industries.