The USA Bass team competed against a record 15 nations at the Black Bass World Championships on Mexico’s famed Lake Cuchillo on October 29th thru November 3rd. The team of anglers included top pros from all three of America’s premier fishing tours. Scott Martin, David Dudley and Terry Bolton – FLW, Scott Canterbury and David Fritts – B.A.S.S., Fred Roumbanis and James Watson – MLF. The team dominated the international field in the weather shortened event to bring home the Gold medal. USA Bass’ two day total was 135# 6 oz, followed by Mexico 95# 10 oz and Italy 75# 12 oz. Defending champion South Africa finished in 4th place and Canada made the top five in their first World Championship.
Dramatic changes happened to the professional bass fishing landscape with the addition of the MLF tour and now include the FLW Tour, B.A.S.S. Elite Series and MLF’s Bass Pro Tour. Anglers now had more choices than ever before to advance their career. “It was exciting to see anglers from all three circuits come together for our USA Bass Team” says USA Bass President Tony Forte. There is tremendous energy in bass fishing right now in the three tours and the international arena. We celebrate the diversity of this USA Bass team and applaud their Gold medal performance”.
Team captain Scott Martin was delighted with the team work and camaraderie of the USA Bass team. “The entire USA Bass organization helped us win the Gold”, said Martin “Industry supporters, staff and every team angler. Lessons learned from our Silver medal last year in South Africa led to a solid game plan for Mexico. The team worked together to find the fish in practice, establish the pattern and communicate on the water during the tournament. It all came together to win the World Championship and bring home the Gold. It is a great honor to fish for the United States