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See every AOY winner

See every winner of the Bassmaster Angler of the Year title – from 1970 to today.

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The Bassmaster Angler of the Year award is considered by most anglers as the most prestigious title in bass fishing. It denotes the angler who won the year, not just one tournament. It's been that way from the start. While the rest of the world has changed in choices of music and culture, the importance of the AOY title is as significant as ever.
The Bassmaster Angler of the Year award is considered by most anglers as the most prestigious title in bass fishing. It denotes the angler who won the year, not just one tournament. It’s been that way from the start. While the rest of the world has changed in choices of music and culture, the importance of the AOY title is as significant as ever.
The Bassmaster Angler of the Year title planted its roots in 1970, and by the time the 1970s were halfway through, it appeared as if winning an AOY title was almost a guarantee for a long-running television career.
The Bassmaster Angler of the Year title planted its roots in 1970, and by the time the 1970s were halfway through, it appeared as if winning an AOY title was almost a guarantee for a long-running television career.
<b>1970</b><br>In 1970, Bill Dance became the first Angler of the Year in B.A.S.S. history, although the title was awarded with little fanfare.
1970 – In 1970, Bill Dance became the first Angler of the Year in B.A.S.S. history, although the title was awarded with little fanfare.
<b>1970</b><br>Dance, though, was the superstar of bass fishing in those days, winning eight of the first 20 B.A.S.S. events, including three in 1970.
1970 – Dance, though, was the superstar of bass fishing in those days, winning eight of the first 20 B.A.S.S. events, including three in 1970.
<b>1971</b><br>In 1971, Roland Martin won the title by a scant three points over fishing legend Tom Mann, in what would begin his run to nine AOY titles.
1971 – In 1971, Roland Martin won the title by a scant three points over fishing legend Tom Mann, in what would begin his run to nine AOY titles.
<b>1971</b><br>After that first close race, Martin performed at a level of dominance from 1971 to 1973 that has never been duplicated.
1971 – After that first close race, Martin performed at a level of dominance from 1971 to 1973 that has never been duplicated.
<b>1972</b><br>In those three years, Martin won six of 17 events, finished second five times and ended 16 times in the Top 5.
1972 – In those three years, Martin won six of 17 events, finished second five times and ended 16 times in the Top 5.
<b>1972</b><br>Those performances landed his second AOY title in 1972.
1972 – Those performances landed his second AOY title in 1972.
<b>1973</b><br>And a third in 1973.
1973 – And a third in 1973.
<b>1973</b><br>During that three-year span, Martin only had four events where he didn't place in the top five.
1973 – During that three-year span, Martin only had four events where he didn’t place in the top five.
<b>1974</b><br>Bill Dance was back on top in 1974 with pure consistency. In claiming his second crown, he was the first AOY champion who didn't win an event that season.
1974 – Bill Dance was back on top in 1974 with pure consistency. In claiming his second crown, he was the first AOY champion who didn’t win an event that season.
<b>1974</b><br>Dance did finish in the Top 6 in four of the six events, and he never finished lower than 20th place.
1974 – Dance did finish in the Top 6 in four of the six events, and he never finished lower than 20th place.
As the 1970s gained speed, the dominance of Martin and Dance was finally broken, albeit briefly, by yet another television superhero.
As the 1970s gained speed, the dominance of Martin and Dance was finally broken, albeit briefly, by yet another television superhero.
<b>1975</b><br>But not before Martin claimed his fourth title in 1975, with Dance in second place.
1975 – But not before Martin claimed his fourth title in 1975, with Dance in second place.
<b>1975</b><br>The Top 4 of the 1975 race was a veritable who's who of bass fishing legends. Martin and Dance were followed by Ricky Green and Jimmy Houston, who fished his first full season that year.
1975 – The Top 4 of the 1975 race was a veritable who’s who of bass fishing legends. Martin and Dance were followed by Ricky Green and Jimmy Houston, who fished his first full season that year.
<b>1975</b><br>Those battling for the AOY title in these years were also on the path to legendary status.
1975 – Those battling for the AOY title in these years were also on the path to legendary status.
<b>1976</b><br>In 1976, Jimmy Houston won his first AOY title, becoming the first angler not named Martin or Dance to win.
1976 – In 1976, Jimmy Houston won his first AOY title, becoming the first angler not named Martin or Dance to win.
<b>1976</b><br>Houston outdistanced Jack Hains, who had won the 1975 Bassmaster Classic. Bill Dance would be fourth in the standings and, for the first time in his career, Martin finished outside the Top 25.
1976 – Houston outdistanced Jack Hains, who had won the 1975 Bassmaster Classic. Bill Dance would be fourth in the standings and, for the first time in his career, Martin finished outside the Top 25.
<b>1977</b><br>In 1977, Dance and Martin were back atop the standings. Dance won his third and final AOY title, while Martin finished second.
1977 – In 1977, Dance and Martin were back atop the standings. Dance won his third and final AOY title, while Martin finished second.
<b>1977</b><br>With three titles, Dance had quickly become one of the most beloved anglers of all time. Here he jokes with legendary outdoor writer Homer Circle.
1977 – With three titles, Dance had quickly become one of the most beloved anglers of all time. Here he jokes with legendary outdoor writer Homer Circle.
<b>1978</b><br>In 1978, Martin won his fifth title and finished the decade in the dominant way that has defined his career.
1978 – In 1978, Martin won his fifth title and finished the decade in the dominant way that has defined his career.
<b>1978</b><br>He won handily over Bobby Murray and Ricky Green, both of whom were more than 30 points behind in the AOY race.
1978 – He won handily over Bobby Murray and Ricky Green, both of whom were more than 30 points behind in the AOY race.
<b>1978</b><br>Martin's 1978 season was highlighted by a win on the St. Lawrence River in New York.
1978 – Martin’s 1978 season was highlighted by a win on the St. Lawrence River in New York.
<b>1979</b><br>In 1979, Martin won his sixth title, narrowly edging newcomer Gary Klein. Klein was in his first season on the B.A.S.S. tour. This was the first year the title was scored in pounds and ounces. Martin totaled 206 pounds, 14 ounces on the season to top Klein by just less than 2 pounds.
1979 – In 1979, Martin won his sixth title, narrowly edging newcomer Gary Klein. Klein was in his first season on the B.A.S.S. tour. This was the first year the title was scored in pounds and ounces. Martin totaled 206 pounds, 14 ounces on the season to top Klein by just less than 2 pounds.
<b>1979</b><br>Martin's 1979 title was the second of three times he won the AOY in back-to-back seasons.
1979 – Martin’s 1979 title was the second of three times he won the AOY in back-to-back seasons.
With the 1980s, an infusion of younger anglers was starting to take place within B.A.S.S. While the old guard was still dominant, budding legends were coming into their own.
With the 1980s, an infusion of younger anglers was starting to take place within B.A.S.S. While the old guard was still dominant, budding legends were coming into their own.
<b>1980</b><br>Larry Nixon was one of those new faces, and he won his first AOY in the 1980 season.
1980 – Larry Nixon was one of those new faces, and he won his first AOY in the 1980 season.
<b>1980</b><br>His year was highlighted by a win at Toledo Bend, where he had moved from Arkansas to guide and become the leader of a group of anglers, including Tommy Martin, known as the Hemphill Gang.
1980 – His year was highlighted by a win at Toledo Bend, where he had moved from Arkansas to guide and become the leader of a group of anglers, including Tommy Martin, known as the Hemphill Gang.
<b>1981</b><br>Martin wasn't done, however. In 1981, he was back to his winning ways, capturing his seventh title.
1981 – Martin wasn’t done, however. In 1981, he was back to his winning ways, capturing his seventh title.
<b>1981</b><br>Martin held off a charging Nixon by winning three events in succession that season, on Lake Okeechobee, Toledo Bend and Lake Eufaula.
1981 – Martin held off a charging Nixon by winning three events in succession that season, on Lake Okeechobee, Toledo Bend and Lake Eufaula.
<b>1982</b><br>In 1982, Nixon won two events, one on Lake Bistineau and the other on the Ohio River, to take his second AOY title. In 12 seasons between 1977 and 1988, Nixon never ranked lower than eighth in AOY. For nine of those years, from 1979 to 1987, he was in the Top 5. It's the best AOY run anyone has ever posted.
1982 – In 1982, Nixon won two events, one on Lake Bistineau and the other on the Ohio River, to take his second AOY title. In 12 seasons between 1977 and 1988, Nixon never ranked lower than eighth in AOY. For nine of those years, from 1979 to 1987, he was in the Top 5. It’s the best AOY run anyone has ever posted.
<b>1982</b><br>While Nixon accumulated 13 Bassmaster tournament victories in his career, this was his last AOY title. The $2,500 prize eventually helped him become the first angler to earn more than $1 million in tournament winnings in 1990.
1982 – While Nixon accumulated 13 Bassmaster tournament victories in his career, this was his last AOY title. The $2,500 prize eventually helped him become the first angler to earn more than $1 million in tournament winnings in 1990.
<b>1983</b><br>Hank Parker won the AOY crown in 1983. Coupled with his Classic championship in 1979, Parker earned the distinction of being the only angler with both titles at that time. His AOY season was capped by a win at the James River, the same venue where he would win his second Bassmaster Classic in 1989.
1983 – Hank Parker won the AOY crown in 1983. Coupled with his Classic championship in 1979, Parker earned the distinction of being the only angler with both titles at that time. His AOY season was capped by a win at the James River, the same venue where he would win his second Bassmaster Classic in 1989.
<b>1983</b><br>It was Parker's only AOY title and, like those before him, kicked off a long-running television career.
1983 – It was Parker’s only AOY title and, like those before him, kicked off a long-running television career.
<b>1984</b><br>Roland Martin was not done. He would show his colors again in 1984, capturing his eighth title.
1984 – Roland Martin was not done. He would show his colors again in 1984, capturing his eighth title.
<b>1984</b><br>Martin's season was capped with a win at Lake Lanier.
1984 – Martin’s season was capped with a win at Lake Lanier.
By the mid-1980s, things were shifting. The old guard was battling a youth movement, and the sport itself began to maneuver into the mainstream.
By the mid-1980s, things were shifting. The old guard was battling a youth movement, and the sport itself began to maneuver into the mainstream.
<b>1985</b><br>Martin capped 1985 by winning his ninth and last AOY title. It was the third time he won the honor in back-to-back seasons.
1985 – Martin capped 1985 by winning his ninth and last AOY title. It was the third time he won the honor in back-to-back seasons.
<b>1985</b><br>While it was his last AOY title, it marked yet another distinction.
1985 – While it was his last AOY title, it marked yet another distinction.
<b>1985</b><br>At the age of 45, Martin was the oldest angler to win an AOY.
1985 – At the age of 45, Martin was the oldest angler to win an AOY.
<b>1986</b><br>In 1986, Jimmy Houston won his second AOY title, 10 years after his first title in 1976.
1986 – In 1986, Jimmy Houston won his second AOY title, 10 years after his first title in 1976.
<b>1986</b><br>The 10-year stretch is the longest span between crowns.
1986 – The 10-year stretch is the longest span between crowns.
<b>1987</b><br>Denny Brauer had emerged as a threat by finishing second to Martin in 1986, and he broke through with his only AOY title in 1987.
1987 – Denny Brauer had emerged as a threat by finishing second to Martin in 1986, and he broke through with his only AOY title in 1987.
<b>1987</b><br>Brauer left little doubt he would be a force to be reckoned with for years. He added a Classic title in 1998 and ranks highly in B.A.S.S. records with 17 tournament wins and more than $2.5 million in earnings.
1987 – Brauer left little doubt he would be a force to be reckoned with for years. He added a Classic title in 1998 and ranks highly in B.A.S.S. records with 17 tournament wins and more than $2.5 million in earnings.
<b>1988</b><br>In 1988, Rick Clunn added the AOY title to his already remarkable career.
1988 – In 1988, Rick Clunn added the AOY title to his already remarkable career.
<b>1988</b><br>At the time, Clunn had already captured three Classics and would add a fourth in 1990.
1988 – At the time, Clunn had already captured three Classics and would add a fourth in 1990.
<b>1988</b><br>While it was Clunn's only AOY title, he finished in the Top 25 of the points race in 29 seasons, which enabled him to hold the record of 28 consecutive Classic appearances, now thought to be unreachable.
1988 – While it was Clunn’s only AOY title, he finished in the Top 25 of the points race in 29 seasons, which enabled him to hold the record of 28 consecutive Classic appearances, now thought to be unreachable.
<b>1989</b><br>In 1989, 10 years after narrowly getting beat by Martin, Klein won his first of two AOY titles. This time, he narrowly edged out legend Guido Hibdon for the honor.
1989 – In 1989, 10 years after narrowly getting beat by Martin, Klein won his first of two AOY titles. This time, he narrowly edged out legend Guido Hibdon for the honor.
<b>1989</b><br>Klein's early success allowed him to put together a string of 17 consecutive Bassmaster Classic appearances.
1989 – Klein’s early success allowed him to put together a string of 17 consecutive Bassmaster Classic appearances.
By the 1990s, the sport of bass fishing had grown into its own.
By the 1990s, the sport of bass fishing had grown into its own.
<b>1990</b><br>With huge crowds showing up for weigh-ins and takeoffs.
1990 – With huge crowds showing up for weigh-ins and takeoffs.
<b>1990</b><br>The early 1990s was all about Guido Hibdon. He won the first of his two AOY titles in 1990 and was a consistent top finisher, securing a Top 5 in the AOY standings six times.
1990 – The early 1990s was all about Guido Hibdon. He won the first of his two AOY titles in 1990 and was a consistent top finisher, securing a Top 5 in the AOY standings six times.
<b>1991</b><br>He added a second in 1991, giving him a firm lock on the early 1990s.
1991 – He added a second in 1991, giving him a firm lock on the early 1990s.
<b>1991</b><br>Hibdon's second title gave him the distinction of being the first angler after Roland Martin to win back-to-back titles.
1991 – Hibdon’s second title gave him the distinction of being the first angler after Roland Martin to win back-to-back titles.
<b>1992</b><br>In 1992, the sport saw the start of one of the greatest careers when Kevin VanDam won the first of his seven AOY titles.
1992 – In 1992, the sport saw the start of one of the greatest careers when Kevin VanDam won the first of his seven AOY titles.
<b>1992</b><br>The young Michigan angler quickly became a household name as a dominant competitor. At the age of 24, he remains the youngest angler to win an AOY title.
1992 – The young Michigan angler quickly became a household name as a dominant competitor. At the age of 24, he remains the youngest angler to win an AOY title.
<b>1992</b><br>That title came in only his second season on the Bassmaster Tour, but his dominance wouldn't be solidified for several years.
1992 – That title came in only his second season on the Bassmaster Tour, but his dominance wouldn’t be solidified for several years.
<b>1993</b><br>Gary Klein won his second in 1993 and become known as one of the most consistent anglers of all time.
1993 – Gary Klein won his second in 1993 and become known as one of the most consistent anglers of all time.
<b>1993</b><br>During his career, Klein has finished in the Top 25 of the AOY standings 21 times.
1993 – During his career, Klein has finished in the Top 25 of the AOY standings 21 times.
<b>1994</b><br>David Fritts won the title in 1994 and made
1994 – David Fritts won the title in 1994 and made “Fritz Blitz” a common fishing term. This title followed his 1993 Classic Championship.
<b>1994</b><br>In that year, with a Classic victory already in hand, Fritts won the season opener and stayed atop the AOY standings the entire season.
1994 – In that year, with a Classic victory already in hand, Fritts won the season opener and stayed atop the AOY standings the entire season.
With the emergence of Fritts and Klein as AOY contenders, the Bassmaster Tour started seeing anglers dominate with specific tactics. Fritts was known for his crankbaits, and Klein was known for his flipping. But by the end of the decade, versatility was becoming the norm.
With the emergence of Fritts and Klein as AOY contenders, the Bassmaster Tour started seeing anglers dominate with specific tactics. Fritts was known for his crankbaits, and Klein was known for his flipping. But by the end of the decade, versatility was becoming the norm.
<b>1995</b><br>Mark Davis won the 1995 AOY and followed it up with a Bassmaster Classic victory.
1995 – Mark Davis won the 1995 AOY and followed it up with a Bassmaster Classic victory.
<b>1995</b><br>Davis was the first angler to ever win both titles in the same season. The feat would not be duplicated until 2010.
1995 – Davis was the first angler to ever win both titles in the same season. The feat would not be duplicated until 2010.
<b>1996</b><br>Kevin VanDam would take his second AOY in 1996, adding to his growing reputation.
1996 – Kevin VanDam would take his second AOY in 1996, adding to his growing reputation.
<b>1996</b><br>As the youngest AOY in 1992, he also became second-youngest with his 1996 title.
1996 – As the youngest AOY in 1992, he also became second-youngest with his 1996 title.
<b>1997</b><br>Davy Hite broke through in 1997 with the first of his two AOY titles.
1997 – Davy Hite broke through in 1997 with the first of his two AOY titles.
<b>1997</b><br>Hite would become a consistent competitor for the title, but that first crown is probably best known for him crediting his
1997 – Hite would become a consistent competitor for the title, but that first crown is probably best known for him crediting his “lucky underwear.”
<b>1998</b><br>Mark Davis would get back to the top in 1998, winning his second AOY title.
1998 – Mark Davis would get back to the top in 1998, winning his second AOY title.
<b>1998</b><br>While he wasn't able to win another Classic following that title, he did become the first angler to win more than $1 million in prize money and catch more than 100 pounds of bass in an event while holding those two titles.
1998 – While he wasn’t able to win another Classic following that title, he did become the first angler to win more than $1 million in prize money and catch more than 100 pounds of bass in an event while holding those two titles.
<b>1999</b><br>In 1999, VanDam captured his third AOY title.
1999 – In 1999, VanDam captured his third AOY title.
<b>1999</b><br>Still early in his career, KVD joined the prestigious group of Martin and Dance as the only three-time winners.
1999 – Still early in his career, KVD joined the prestigious group of Martin and Dance as the only three-time winners.
By the turn of the century, bass fishing continued to grow as it moved to the media powerhouse ESPN, which ushered in a new level of competitiveness.
By the turn of the century, bass fishing continued to grow as it moved to the media powerhouse ESPN, which ushered in a new level of competitiveness.
<b>2000</b><br>There was still room for the young, hungry and talented. In 2000, Tim Horton was the first rookie to ever win the AOY title.
2000 – There was still room for the young, hungry and talented. In 2000, Tim Horton was the first rookie to ever win the AOY title.
<b>2000</b><br>His win made him the second-youngest winner in history.
2000 – His win made him the second-youngest winner in history.
<b>2000</b><br>It also created an immediate following of fans, many of whom identified with an angler who slept in his truck and bought wholesale hamburgers at McDonald's to survive on the tour that season.
2000 – It also created an immediate following of fans, many of whom identified with an angler who slept in his truck and bought wholesale hamburgers at McDonald’s to survive on the tour that season.
<b>2001</b><br>In 2001, Mark Davis joined the prestigious club of Martin, Dance and VanDam by becoming the fourth angler to win three AOY titles.
2001 – In 2001, Mark Davis joined the prestigious club of Martin, Dance and VanDam by becoming the fourth angler to win three AOY titles.
<b>2001</b><br>Davis' 2001 season was highlighted by a second-place finish in the legendary Florida Bassmaster 150, which was won by Dean Rojas with more than 108 pounds.
2001 – Davis’ 2001 season was highlighted by a second-place finish in the legendary Florida Bassmaster 150, which was won by Dean Rojas with more than 108 pounds.
<b>2002</b><br>Davy Hite won his second AOY title in 2002, aided by tournament wins on Lake St. Clair and the Red River.
2002 – Davy Hite won his second AOY title in 2002, aided by tournament wins on Lake St. Clair and the Red River.
<b>2002</b><br>The two wins, sandwiching a 10th-place finish, gave Hite a commanding points lead after three events.
2002 – The two wins, sandwiching a 10th-place finish, gave Hite a commanding points lead after three events.
<b>2002</b><br>With his lead, Hite had the luxury of not needing to fish the final event, securing the title on the next-to-last event.
2002 – With his lead, Hite had the luxury of not needing to fish the final event, securing the title on the next-to-last event.
<b>2003</b><br>In 2003, Jay Yelas followed a Classic championship with an AOY title.
2003 – In 2003, Jay Yelas followed a Classic championship with an AOY title.
<b>2003</b><br>It was his only AOY title in 17 years on the Bassmaster Tour. He retired from fishing Bassmaster events following the 2005 season.
2003 – It was his only AOY title in 17 years on the Bassmaster Tour. He retired from fishing Bassmaster events following the 2005 season.
<b>2004</b><br>Gerald Swindle won the title in 2004. He captured the event while watching from the sideline and was the only AOY to have never won a tournament. Every previous winner had at least two wins under their belt.
2004 – Gerald Swindle won the title in 2004. He captured the event while watching from the sideline and was the only AOY to have never won a tournament. Every previous winner had at least two wins under their belt.
<b>2004</b><br>With the format of cutting the field, Swindle had the lead going into the final event at Santee-Cooper. Greg Hackney, in his rookie season, was second and made the final day cut. Swindle did not and had to watch and see if Hackney would catch him. Hackney missed the mark, and Swindle won.
2004 – With the format of cutting the field, Swindle had the lead going into the final event at Santee-Cooper. Greg Hackney, in his rookie season, was second and made the final day cut. Swindle did not and had to watch and see if Hackney would catch him. Hackney missed the mark, and Swindle won.
The latter 2000s brought the Bassmaster Elite Series, with its smaller fields of top competitors beginning in 2006.
The latter 2000s brought the Bassmaster Elite Series, with its smaller fields of top competitors beginning in 2006.
<b>2005</b><br>In 2005, young Californian angler Aaron Martens won the title.
2005 – In 2005, young Californian angler Aaron Martens won the title.
<b>2005</b><br>Martens was already a commodity in bass fishing, having finished second in the Classic the previous year. Classic runner-up was a position he would hold three of the four years during this period.
2005 – Martens was already a commodity in bass fishing, having finished second in the Classic the previous year. Classic runner-up was a position he would hold three of the four years during this period.
<b>2006</b><br>In the inaugural year of the Elite Series, Michael Iaconelli prevailed as the 2006 AOY champion.
2006 – In the inaugural year of the Elite Series, Michael Iaconelli prevailed as the 2006 AOY champion.
<b>2006</b><br>Anglers fished a total of 11 events that season, and the title was known as the
2006 – Anglers fished a total of 11 events that season, and the title was known as the “truest test of the best” during a grueling year.
<b>2007</b><br>In 2007, Skeet Reese finally hit pay dirt after finishing in the Top 10 of the AOY race four consecutive times.
2007 – In 2007, Skeet Reese finally hit pay dirt after finishing in the Top 10 of the AOY race four consecutive times.
<b>2007</b><br>Reese was able to follow that AOY title with a Classic championship in 2009, becoming the 12th angler to capture both titles.
2007 – Reese was able to follow that AOY title with a Classic championship in 2009, becoming the 12th angler to capture both titles.
<b>2008</b><br>The 2008 season saw the start of an amazing run for Kevin VanDam, a dominance reminiscent of Roland Martin's in the 1970s.
2008 – The 2008 season saw the start of an amazing run for Kevin VanDam, a dominance reminiscent of Roland Martin’s in the 1970s.
<b>2008</b><br>VanDam won his fourth AOY title that year.
2008 – VanDam won his fourth AOY title that year.
<b>2009</b><br>And added a fifth in 2009.
2009 – And added a fifth in 2009.
<b>2009</b><br>KVD quickly become the hottest angler in the world.
2009 – KVD quickly become the hottest angler in the world.
As the decade closed, VanDam's dominance was becoming ... even more dominant.
As the decade closed, VanDam’s dominance was becoming … even more dominant.
<b>2010</b><br>The Kalamazoo Kid found the joy of six AOY titles in 2010.
2010 – The Kalamazoo Kid found the joy of six AOY titles in 2010.
<b>2010</b><br>He also joined Mark Davis and Skeet Reese as anglers who followed up an AOY with a Classic championship.
2010 – He also joined Mark Davis and Skeet Reese as anglers who followed up an AOY with a Classic championship.
<b>2011</b><br>He wasn't done either. He won the title for a seventh time in 2011, and became the first angler to have the distinction of winning the title and the Classic in the same year twice.
2011 – He wasn’t done either. He won the title for a seventh time in 2011, and became the first angler to have the distinction of winning the title and the Classic in the same year twice.
<b>2011</b><br>VanDam's four consecutive Bassmaster Angler of the Year awards, from 2008 to 2011, broke Roland Martin's mark of three in a row between 1971 and 1973.
2011 – VanDam’s four consecutive Bassmaster Angler of the Year awards, from 2008 to 2011, broke Roland Martin’s mark of three in a row between 1971 and 1973.
<b>2012</b><br>Brent Chapman captured the title in 2012, edging Ott DeFoe by just 12 points.
2012 – Brent Chapman captured the title in 2012, edging Ott DeFoe by just 12 points.
<b>2012</b><br>Chapman's season was capped by a win on Toledo Bend, but his season was even more impressive with a Bassmaster Open win on Lake Lewisville. He wound up in a tie and won the fish-off.
2012 – Chapman’s season was capped by a win on Toledo Bend, but his season was even more impressive with a Bassmaster Open win on Lake Lewisville. He wound up in a tie and won the fish-off.
<b>2013</b><br>Aaron Martens showed consistency pays off in 2013 when he won his second AOY title.
2013 – Aaron Martens showed consistency pays off in 2013 when he won his second AOY title.
<b>2013</b><br>Going into the final event on Lake St. Clair, Martens was in second place, well behind Edwin Evers. But after three days of fishing, Martens was able to overtake Evers and win the title. Evers finished second, while VanDam was third.
2013 – Going into the final event on Lake St. Clair, Martens was in second place, well behind Edwin Evers. But after three days of fishing, Martens was able to overtake Evers and win the title. Evers finished second, while VanDam was third.
<b>2014</b><br>Greg Hackney flirted around the top of the standings for a decade, but he was able to push over the top in 2014.
2014 – Greg Hackney flirted around the top of the standings for a decade, but he was able to push over the top in 2014.
<b>2014</b><br>Hackney was in a tough battle most of the season, but as the points tightened, he was able to gain the needed distance with a win on Cayuga Lake.
2014 – Hackney was in a tough battle most of the season, but as the points tightened, he was able to gain the needed distance with a win on Cayuga Lake.
<b>2014</b><br>With a lead going into the Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship at Bays de Noc, Hackney was able to hold off challenger Todd Faircloth for the title.
2014 – With a lead going into the Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship at Bays de Noc, Hackney was able to hold off challenger Todd Faircloth for the title.
The next five years would see some repeat winners take the AOY trophy for a second time.
The next five years would see some repeat winners take the AOY trophy for a second time.
<b>2015</b><br> In 2015, Aaron Martens entered the AOY Championship having already secured the title at Lake St. Clair. His points lead was too large for anyone to catch him at Sturgeon Bay.
2015 – In 2015, Aaron Martens entered the AOY Championship having already secured the title at Lake St. Clair. His points lead was too large for anyone to catch him at Sturgeon Bay.
<b>2015</b><br> Martens was apologetic that he eliminated any drama for the top spot at the AOY Championship as he walked away with his third AOY trophy. He joined a rather exclusive club of three-time winners that includes Bill Dance and Mark Davis.
2015 – Martens was apologetic that he eliminated any drama for the top spot at the AOY Championship as he walked away with his third AOY trophy. He joined a rather exclusive club of three-time winners that includes Bill Dance and Mark Davis.
<b>2016</b><br> Gerald Swindle was among the steadiest of anglers in 2016, cashing a check in all nine regular season events with six appearances on Championship Sunday.
2016 – Gerald Swindle was among the steadiest of anglers in 2016, cashing a check in all nine regular season events with six appearances on Championship Sunday.
<b>2016</b><br> Swindle became just the 11th angler to win more than one AOY. His first came 12 years ago in 2004, and he topped Jimmy Houston’s 10 years as the longest stretch between AOY titles.
2016 – Swindle became just the 11th angler to win more than one AOY. His first came 12 years ago in 2004, and he topped Jimmy Houston’s 10 years as the longest stretch between AOY titles.
<b>2017</b><br> As the 2017 Bassmaster Elite Series season progressed, Brandon Palaniuk always had a sense that he was in contention for the AOY crown, but he never let himself look at the standings.
2017 – As the 2017 Bassmaster Elite Series season progressed, Brandon Palaniuk always had a sense that he was in contention for the AOY crown, but he never let himself look at the standings.
<b>2017</b><br> Hoisting the AOY trophy was the culmination of a phenomenal season that saw Palaniuk record six Top 12 finishes, including a victory on Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Palaniuk finished 14 points ahead of Oklahoma pro Jason Christie and to secure his first career AOY title.
2017 – Hoisting the AOY trophy was the culmination of a phenomenal season that saw Palaniuk record six Top 12 finishes, including a victory on Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Palaniuk finished 14 points ahead of Oklahoma pro Jason Christie and to secure his first career AOY title.
<b>2018</b><br> Justin Lucas came into the 2018 Bassmaster Anger of the Year Championship event with an nine-point lead in the AOY season standings. After solid catches on Thursday and Friday, Lucas had stretched that lead to an almost-insurmountable 47 points, and his closest competition in the race, Arizona angler Josh Bertrand, decided not to fish Sunday because his wife was expected to deliver their second child at any time.
2018 – Justin Lucas came into the 2018 Bassmaster Anger of the Year Championship event with a nine-point lead in the AOY season standings. After solid catches on Thursday and Friday, Lucas had stretched that lead to an almost-insurmountable 47 points, and his closest competition in the race, Arizona angler Josh Bertrand, decided not to fish Sunday because his wife was expected to deliver their second child at any time.
<b>2018</b><br> Lucas' seventh-place showing at the AOY Championship marked his fifth straight Top 12 appearance in a Bassmaster Elite Series event, dating back to the regular-season tournament held on the Sabine River in Orange, Texas, in June of 2018.
2018 – Lucas’ seventh-place showing at the AOY Championship marked his fifth straight Top 12 appearance in a Bassmaster Elite Series event, dating back to the regular-season tournament held on the Sabine River in Orange, Texas, in June of 2018.
<b>2019</b><br> A tumultuous offseason brought a whole new group of hungry anglers to the Bassmaster Elite Series, and the results could be seen in the Bassmaster Angler of the Year leaderboard. The tightest AOY race in history was won by Alabama angler Scott Canterbury.
2019 – A tumultuous offseason brought a whole new group of hungry anglers to the Bassmaster Elite Series, and the results could be seen in the Bassmaster Angler of the Year leaderboard. The tightest AOY race in history was won by Alabama angler Scott Canterbury.
<b>2019</b><br> Canterbury didn't clinch the title until the final moments of the 2019 AOY Championship tournament. The AOY leaderboard changed multiple times during the final day of competition, but in the end Canterbury found the limit he needed to secure the prestigious title.
2019 – Canterbury didn’t clinch the title until the final moments of the 2019 AOY Championship tournament. The AOY leaderboard changed multiple times during the final day of competition, but in the end Canterbury found the limit he needed to secure the prestigious title.
The next five years have yet to be written, but 2020 definitely started off the modern era with some challenges. Showing grit and determination, the Elites fished an entire season during the year of COVID-19 concerns.
The next five years have yet to be written, but 2020 definitely started off the modern era with some challenges. Showing grit and determination, the Elites fished an entire season during the year of COVID-19 concerns.
<b>2020</b><br> Clark Wendlandt stayed steady during a season thrown into chaos by COVID-19 issues. The Bassmaster Elite Series took an extended break after the Bassmaster Classic. Pushing the season into late in the fall, Wendlandt found a way to win after the usual Northern Swing and an unusual fall Southern Swing.
2020 – Clark Wendlandt stayed steady during a season thrown into chaos by COVID-19 issues. The Bassmaster Elite Series took an extended break after the Bassmaster Classic. Pushing the season into late in the fall, Wendlandt found a way to win after the usual Northern Swing and an unusual fall Southern Swing.
<b>2020</b><br> Wendlandt finished the nine Elite Series events with a three-point margin to add the Bassmaster award to his three AOY crowns with FLW. The race came down to the final moments as Wendlandt had to climb over two others in the final event to regain the top spot he had held several times in the season.
2020 – Wendlandt finished the nine Elite Series events with a three-point margin to add the Bassmaster award to his three AOY crowns with FLW. The race came down to the final moments as Wendlandt had to climb over two others in the final event to regain the top spot he had held several times in the season.
<b>2021</b><br> Consistency was the key all season for Minnesota pro Seth Feider. Long heralded as one of the best young anglers in the world, 'the Llama' proved it in 2021 with four Top 10 finishes. His lowest spot on the leaderboard in nine Elite tournaments was 29th.
2021 – Consistency was the key all season for Minnesota pro Seth Feider. Long heralded as one of the best young anglers in the world, ‘the Llama’ proved it in 2021 with four Top 10 finishes. His lowest spot on the leaderboard in nine Elite tournaments was 29th.
<b>2021</b><br> After the AOY win, Feider shared that his fishing confidence was higher than ever. Over time, Feider was able to develop his skills down south to improve his overall consistency each season.
2021 – After the AOY win, Feider shared that his fishing confidence was higher than ever. Over time, Feider was able to develop his skills down south to improve his overall consistency each season.
2022 – In 2022, Brandon Palaniuk won his second AOY title after a dominating season. He made eight out of nine cuts and his lowest finish being a 66th at Lake Oahe. Palaniuk didn’t win an event in 2022, but his string of seven Top 25 finishes gave him enough points to claim the title.
2022 – Throughout the 2022 season, Palaniuk knew he was in the lead but as he did in 2017 he never looked at the points spread. Palaniuk claimed that along his 2022 season that when times got tough on the water he would look back at the sticker of the late Aaron Martens he placed on his windshield. Describing that he felt as if Aaron was looking at him saying “I love you, bro.”
2023 – Saving his best performance of the Elite season for last, Kyle Welcher — a fourth-year Elite from Opelika, Ala. — outlasted South Carolina pros Brandon Cobb and Patrick Walters to win the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year title and the $100,000 prize that comes with it.
2023 – Welcher, a former professional poker player, played cash games that rewarded consistency over big wins. By making every Day 3 cut during the 2023 season, Welcher used some of the same concepts he learned from poker to earn the biggest title in his professional fishing career.
2024 – The race for Bassmaster Angler of the Year took many twists and turns during the 2024 Bassmaster Elite Series season. In the end, it all came down to the season-ending event on New York’s St. Lawrence River, and Canadian Chris Johnston jumped to the top of the standings with two strong events during the Northern Swing.
2024 – Johnston, who became the first Canadian to win an Elite Series title, was also the first Canadian to claim the Angler of the Year. His tournament finishes for the year included four Top 10s and only two events where he was out of the top 25.

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