It has been 7,761 days since I wrote my first column for Bassmaster Magazine. That’s a tad over 21 years. The September 2003 issue was my first as editor of this publication. This issue (November/December 2024) will mark my last.
I remember very clearly the weight on my shoulders. Dave Precht was my predecessor and had been the editor for 18 years. He was the ultimate professional and steered the magazine to heights most thought impossible for a bass fishing publication. Luckily, I had him to lean on and learn from until my feet were firmly planted in the role. Eventually, he became more than my mentor and boss, he became an extension of my family. Of course, before Dave, there was Bob Cobb. Cobb was the first editor of Bassmaster and an icon in the industry. Although Ray Scott gave birth to this magazine, Cobb reared it, shaped its personality and created the groundwork upon which it thrived. He remained at the helm for 15 years before passing the torch to Precht and taking on the responsibility of The Bassmasters television program.
So, I was No. 3 … a kid stepping into the shoes well-worn by Precht and Cobb. I was given the keys to drive the fishing industry’s most influential publication and had just received my learner’s permit. At that time, I had only been working at B.A.S.S. for four years and not a single day on Bassmaster. It was one of those sink-or-swim opportunities. Thankfully, I was able to tread water (Precht threw more than one life preserver in my direction).
Looking back, I am extremely proud of the product we have delivered to mailboxes for more than two decades. We have redesigned the magazine three times, celebrated three hallmark anniversaries (35th, 40th and 50th), launched a few cornerstone franchises (100 Best Bass Lakes is the first that comes to mind) and mourned the passing of Ray Scott. We lost legendary contributors and friends (Tim Tucker, Homer Circle, Wade Bourne, Chris Armstrong, Cliff Shelby). The indelible impressions created by the pens, paintbrushes and cameras of the artists who have contributed to this magazine during my tenure can only be matched by those who will contribute in the future.
And the future of Bassmaster is what I am most excited about. I’m looking forward to seeing how this magazine will continue to thrive under the leadership of Bryan Brasher … Bassmaster’s No. 4.
Unlike me, Brasher steps into the editorship with a tremendous amount of experience. He has been with the company for a decade and has been the editor of B.A.S.S. Times, our sister publication, for the majority of that time. Now, he will hold the tiller for both Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times, and I believe you, the reader, will be better for it. Beyond his vast knowledge of our sport, Brasher is an avid angler, one of the best writers ever to cover bass fishing and a keen-eyed editor with a comprehensive understanding of our history and the angling culture. Bassmaster is in very good hands.
All this said, I’m not dead yet. I will move to the back deck of this boat and continue to help fill the livewell. In my new role, I’ll be steering the content for Bassmaster.com, publications and communications. I’ll continue to contribute where needed. But, knowing Brasher and the exceptional team that makes this publication a reality, I don’t expect a need for life preservers.
