MARCH 24-26, 2023

Bassmaster Classic

By The Numbers

NEW RECORDS!

Sources: Nielsen 2023 Live + SD Data Stream 1 minute qualifier, FOX Sports, Google Analytics, Cision/PR Newswire

SOCIAL SIZZLE

THE BUZZ AROUND THE 2023 CLASSIC

Chad Culver, STS

Senior Director

Sports Commission and Convention Sales

Visit Knoxville

Hosting the 2023 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Toyota was a huge honor for our destination. We are excited to regain the title of largest Classic ever with a total attendance of 163,914 throughout a weekend of events in Knoxville. All of our local partners enjoy working with the team at B.A.S.S. who continue to do all facets of their events at a very high level.

Lawrence Lobpries

SVP of Marketing,

Academy Sports + Outdoors

The Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic is an outstanding experience for the world’s best anglers and bass fishing fans. As the title sponsor of the 2023 tournament, we are proud of the fun experience that was provided to the anglers and fans who travelled to Knoxville and the 4.5 million viewers who followed along from home. We hope events like this will continue to welcome new anglers and grow the sport of fishing.

Steve Appelbaum,

National Manager

Sponsorship Integration

Toyota

The atmosphere in Knoxville for the Bassmaster Classic was electric! The record crowds at both the Expo and boat launch were impressive. We were honored to be the Presenting Sponsor of such a monumental event in the sport of bass fishing. Toyota has been a long-time supporter of B.A.S.S. and competitive bass fishing in general, and it is events like this that make us so proud to be invested in the sport and the community that surrounds it!

Matt Jensen

Vice President of Marketing

Rapala VMC

The 2023 Bassmaster Classic was one for the ages. The anglers dealt with extremely challenging fishing, yet proved to all us fans how talented the Elite anglers are. An epic small margin ending was one of the most intense moments we have seen, which was so fitting because Knoxville and Bassmaster put on one of the best expos, blast-offs, weigh-ins and weekend experiences in the history of our sport. The Bassmaster Classic is truly a can’t miss event.

Jeff Stone

Senior Vice President

Skeeter Boats

B.A.S.S. continues to provide year over year memorable experiences to many fans of bass fishing and the outdoors with the 2023 the Bassmaster Classic In Knoxville,Tenn. The Outdoors Expo along with the daily weigh-ins provided a great variety of ways for the public to engage in our great sport of fishing. From the Skeeter Team we want to congratulate B.A.S.S. for another successful and exciting Classic!!

Carey Graves

President

Daiwa Corporation

Everything about the 2023 Bassmaster Classic set the bar high, and the success we had at the Classic Expo added to that. The record number of avid bass anglers and an exceptional number of young new anglers wanting to see and experience the world of bass fishing was impressive. From our perspective at Daiwa, it is all about the interaction with and talking tackle with the 160,000-plus who attended over the three days of the Expo, the morning blast-offs and afternoon weigh-ins. From our discussions with the numerous tackle retailers at the show who were selling Daiwa rods, reels, braid and lures, they did a good job fulfilling their needs and wants. We're already looking forward to the Tulsa Classic in 2024!

FAMILIAR FACES WHO LOVE THE BASSMASTER CLASSIC!

Bill Dance at the Outdoors Expo

Thomas Rhett shares about the Classic on his Instagram story

The Tennessee Clogger shows off his moves at the Kick-off Party

Fans pose with Billy Strings

BIG BASS

Bassmaster Classic

Contingency Awards

Kayak Series Championship

Fishery: Chickamauga Lake

Champion: Rus Snyders

Nashville, Tennessee

Two-day total of 180 inches

RECAP >

College Bassmaster Classic

Fishery: Watts Bar Reservoir

Champions: Tucker Smith and Logan Parks

Auburn

16 | 3

RECAP >

High School Bassmaster Classic

Fishery: Watts Bar Reservoir

Champions: Bryce Balentine and Dalton Loos

Seminole Junior High School

8 | 2

RECAP >

March 23 | 5-8P.M. | Knoxville Convention Center

• The first ever drone show at a Bassmaster Classic and in Knoxville, TN – which was sponsored by Humminbird/Minn Kota
• Zeb Ross, the famous Clogger made popular on TikTok
  
• Fireworks provided by TNT Fireworks
  
• Live music from Smooth Sailor
  

• Snacks and local food trucks
• Beer Garden
  
• Sponsor party, in conjunction with the Kickoff party, took place in the historic Sunsphere overlooking the city
  
• Family-friendly vendors
  

Bassmaster's Go Out{side} Experience

• 500+ kids signed up to participate!
• 400 fishing rods were given out by Rather Outdoors.
• Exhibitors included:
• Toyota Casting experience
  
• TWRA inflatable archery and fishing trailer
  
• Catfish fishing pond
  
• Super Retriever Series dog jumping pond
• Air Force activation
  
• Army warfare drills
  
• Lew's casting area with fishing rod giveaway
  
• American Eagle Foundation photo op
  

Next Bassmaster Classic: March 22-24, 2024 • Grand Lake O' the Cherokees • Tulsa, OK