Lifetime Achievement Award, Boating Hall of Fame, Pro Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, Horatio Alger Award, BASS Outstanding Achievement Award, Living Legends Award, Sport Fisherman of the Year, International Fishing Hall of Fame...

NEW ORLEANS , La. – When the mention of professional bass fishing enters sports conversations, one name immediately comes to the surface:  Ray Scott, the founder of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.) and the creator of the cast-for-cash Tournament Trail.

“It is impossible to think of outstanding achievements in the world of bass fishing without thinking of Ray Scott,” proclaimed Dean Kessel, vice president and general manager of B.A.S.S., the 600,000 angler organization based in Montgomery , Alabama .  Scott founded B.A.S.S. in his hometown in 1968.  He sold his interest in B.A.S.S., Inc. in 1986, but remained and served until 1998 as the “face” on the organization and the popular master-of-ceremonies of the pro Tournament Trail events.

“It was Ray’s vision that set us on the path to where B.A.S.S. is today,” continued Kessel, “and we are grateful to him for his courage and the determination to serve everyone from our B.A.S.S. Federation members to CastingKids to the 61 pros, who are competing here in the CITGO Bassmaster Classic.”

In 2001 ESPN, the worldwide voice of sports cable tv programming, purchased B.A.S.S., Inc., and instituted the “Outstanding Achievement Award”, which honors one recipient annually for contributions to the sport of bass fishing.  Four-time Classic winner and legendary pro Rick Clunn received the first award at the 2002 world championship.

Kessel added, “Ray’s blueprint was the first step in the evolution of B.A.S.S..  We honor that with this award and our promise to continue elevating the sport, conserving the resource and bringing the excitement and authenticity of bass fishing to more people than ever before.”

With the 35^th edition of the Classic weigh-in cablecast to some 87 million households over the ESPN network, the audience potential has grown by leaps and bounds.

“At the first Classic in 1971 a mystery format was used to create interest in the event,” recalls Scott.  “We ended up in Las Vegas at Lake Mead .  Our crowd didn’t amount to much, but we planted the seed that’s grown beyond everyone’s wildest dreams.”

Standing before the over 12,000 fishing fans inside the New Orleans Arena prior to the final weigh-in Sunday, Scott made it known, he’s still the “Bass Boss” in spirit and actions.

He announced to his cheering fans:  “Hi, I’m Ray Scott, a lifetime member of B.A.S.S..  I’m here today to thank you for their great honor – especially on the occasion of the 35^th anniversary of B.A.S.S., and bestowed on me in one of my favorite cities in the whole world… New Orleans .”

Scott’s remarks lasted for some three minutes and were frequently punctuated by applause.  Particularly when the B.A.S.S. founder spoke of his field of “dreams” and how the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society has influenced the growth of the sport.

The following is the text of Ray Scott’s speech as recipient of the 2003 B.A.S.S. Outstanding Achievement Award:

“It gives me a great opportunity to thank all the people who got me here – You, the bass anglers and the bass fishing fans.

“I am convinced we all share something very special, especially the men who will weigh in on this stage today.  We all share Dreams.  And when I feel the energy in this room I know the American dream is alive and well.

“Because, ladies and gentlemen, if ever a sport and an industry was built on dreams, it is bass fishing and B.A.S.S..

“So I know a dreamer when I see one.  And while I have this special moment, I want to pay tribute to two of the greatest dreamers I know.  One, the bass pro who slugs it out all year round with incredible skill, consistency and endurance.  It’s tough ladies and gentlemen.  The other is the Federation angler who fights his way to the Classic through a grueling series of events for a chance at the Classic crown.

“And at B.A.S.S. dreams do come true.  Young Federation angler Bryan Kerchal proved that in 1994 when he took the Classic title, forever joining the dreams of pros and amateurs alike.  And that is a dream that will always be possible for the Federation Angler on the B.A.S.S. Tournament Trail.   Always.  It’s the Cinderella story that sparks imaginations everywhere.

“Today, all of these dreams are represented by an emblem known worldwide – the B.A.S.S. shield.  I can spot one a country mile away.  It has a little different look in 2003.  It’s been updated to symbolize a renewed commitment to the future of bass fishing.

“Never forget when you display the B.A.S.S. shield, you’re the ones who promoted catch and release.  You’re the ones who demanded clean waters.  You’re the ones who took a kid fishing.  You’re the ones who embraced safe boating.  You’re the ones who inspired the products and technology represented by the Classic sponsors and the Outdoor Show.   And you’re the ones who created a new breed of American hero – the bass pro.

“Combine these 35 years of heritage with the vast resources of talent and vision of ESPN and the future of B.A.S.S. is limitless.  The dreams have just begun.

“And as we dream, let’s thank the Good Lord, that we live in a country that not only lets us dream, but lets us make them come true.  Only in America .

“God bless our great country.
Let the dreams begin on this stage in New Orleans .
And let the good times roll.”