Life’s journey sometimes takes us on unexpected paths with unexpected surprises. A few weeks ago, I made a stop at Ray Scott’s place in Pintlala, Alabama. His Executive Director, Jim Kientz, had some items that I asked to be signed by Ray as gifts from the Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation to our Angler of the Year and our new High School Classic winners. I was on my way home from a fishing trip on Florida’s Forgotten Coast and only expected to pop in, pick up the items and head home.
Upon arrival at Ray’s office, Jim said, “Ray is here and wants to talk with you.” Well, if you are a fisherman or know anything about B.A.S.S. and that opportunity presents itself, you make time to liEntering Ray’s office, I could not help but be impressed at being surrounded by a lifetime collection of B.A.S.S. history. After greetings and small talk, Ray began to tell stories, as only Ray Scott can do. He talked about the time he rode an elephant at a Bassmaster Classic. I had to smile because I was there for that one and remember it well. He said, “I was scared to death!” But Ray, ever the showman, rode the elephant into the arena as though it were something he did every day. He showed me one of his prized possessions, a photograph of three men in a boat. Ray was in the middle in a jump suit. The two men on either side of him were bent over “mooning” the camera. It seemed Ray and these two now very famous TV fishermen, had been harassed by photographers to pose for a photo in a bass boat. Ray conspired with his cohorts that on the count of three, they would all turn around, bend over and moon the camera. Well, in the photo, Ray is standing fully clothed and looking very surprised at Roland Martin and Bobby Murray who are bent over in “full moon position.” In between the stories, Ray reflected on the people in his life, both living and those that have passed, that helped him achieve his dream of forming Bass Anglers Sportsmen Society. I am very impressed and amazed at his capacity to remember names, places and dates! Not only did he recall the names, he could tell you what they wore and what type of boat they ran.
As Ray told his stories, he would stop every now and then and try to sell me something. That’s classic Ray Scott. He sold me a limited edition Ray Scott Daisy BB gun and a brass belt buckle. He said “I usually get $80 for that BB gun since there were only 25 made.” I said, “Ray, I only have $40 in my pocket.” He said that would do and took my money. Before I left, I had a limited edition brass belt buckle, a Ray Scott Daisy BB gun, a first edition of the 1967 All American Tournament patch and a backseat full of items signed by Ray Scott. As I struggled to get out the door, he handed me my 40 bucks back. You see, with Ray, it’s all about the sell.
Over my many years of being associated with B.A.S.S., I’ve heard many anglers on stage thank Ray for founding the wonderful sport of bass fishing that we all love and enjoy. Consider this, as I did while driving home in the rain that night—where would bass boats, fishing tackle and all other companies associated with fishing be today if we did not have bass tournaments. Would we have side scan electronics, power poles or any of the specialized fishing equipment or merchandise designed especially for the fishing industry?
When Ray pioneered and sold to the American public the idea of tournament angling, he not only gave us this sport we love, but he spawned an industry! If you make or sell boats, fishing tackle, fishing clothes, sunglasses, electronics, etc., you need to thank Ray Scott for not listening to the many people that said it would never work!
I loved every minute of my visit with Ray. I write this because on August 24th, he will turn 80 years old! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RAY SCOTT! May you have many more!
Eddie Plemons, Director
Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation
