Today’s Friday Finale historic photo comes from a September 2, 1990 article in The Morning Call, a newspaper out of Allentown, Pennsylvania. The article was written by Tom Fegely and takes up nearly 2/3 of the entire page, with two photographs, including this one of pro angler Gary Klein in action. Fegely’s piece talks about the ever-increasing popularity of bass fishing tournaments and their increasing spectator numbers, rising purses and national interest. In 1990 the Bassmaster tournaments were a legitimate phenomenon, with a television presence and prize purses that were thought to be catching up to golf and professional tennis in viewership and advertising interest.
Some notable quotes from Fegely’s story:
- “Ray Scott believes in his heart that professional bass fishing will one day draw the same attention as professional golf and tennis. ‘The only difference is that golfers try to put something in a hole and fishermen try to get something out of one,’ joked Scott, prior to the final weigh-in at the BASS Masters Classic in Richmond, Va. eight days ago.”
- On the first Classic weigh-in 20 years prior in Lake Mead: “‘It was hot, real hot, I remember that,’ he added. ‘Everyone kind of stood around wondering what the heck was going on.'”
- “‘When we’d hear a creditor coming up the steps we’d write out the check,’ laughed Scott, who gave up the insurance business for the idea that bass fishing could be big business. ‘We didn’t start with much.'”
- “On the Classic’s opening day I joined Texan Gary Klein, former angler of the year, as he sought respite from the spectators and cameras that followed him on the river – underscoring the desire of avid anglers to support their heroes the same way golf fans traipse after Jack Nicklaus or Lee Trevino.”
- “‘Sorry about that,’ said Klein as I removed my dripping jacket. ‘It was getting a little too close back there.'”
- “‘It costs at least $30,000 to fish the tournaments and that doesn’t include staying at the best hotels,’ said Klein. ‘It means camping or eating beanie-weenies sometimes.'”
