Fishermen, get your rods ready – the Big One is coming back to Texas. The Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Jockey Outdoors is slated to return to the Lone Star State in 2025, setting up camp in Fort Worth with anglers from all over the globe vying for a sizable purse, according to Bassmaster. Fans of the sport are buzzing with anticipation as the tournament, often called the Super Bowl of Bass Fishing, promises a crowd of nearly 150,000 enthusiasts and an economic impact that's nothing to scoff at.
The event's previous stint in Fort Worth back in 2021 saw an impressive turnout despite the world still grappling with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. "There was a lot of uncertainty in the world in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic the last time we visited Fort Worth—so much so that we had to move it to June instead of holding it in March," B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson told Bassmaster. But the city and its residents rose to the occasion, breaking a Texas Classic attendance record. This time around, with things back on schedule, the stakes and hopes are even higher.
Set to take place on March 21-23, Fort Worth will not only host the main event but also the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo, known to draw major crowds with its 200-plus vendors showing off the latest in fishing tackle and outdoor gear. FOX San Antonio reports that activities and the fanfare will abound, with the addition of a chance to mingle with legends of the sport such as television superstar Bill Dance.
The competition itself will unfold on Lake Ray Roberts in Denton, a stone's throw from the festivities at the Fort Worth Convention Center and nearby Dickies Arena. This venue is set to witness the crowning of the newest Bassmaster Classic champion and contest for a $300,000 prize come Sunday, March 23. "We are extremely excited to welcome back the Bassmaster Classic and all the amazing anglers and fans to Fort Worth for an experience that they won’t soon forget," Jason Sands, executive director of the Fort Worth Sports Commission, said to Bassmaster.
Lake Ray Roberts has the spotlight once more, recalling the 2021 Classic when North Carolina pro Hank Cherry clinched the title, becoming the fourth angler to win back-to-back years. Now, as history gears up to repeat or be redefined, all eyes are on Fort Worth for what's shaping up to be another legendary showdown in the world of competitive bass fishing come 2025.
