A Legendary Career Reaches New Heights
Rick Clunn, one of the most iconic figures in professional bass fishing, is being honored in a historic way. Following his 500th Bassmaster event and the celebration of his 50th year competing in B.A.S.S. tournaments, Clunn will receive the inaugural Rick Clunn Bassmaster Person of the Year Award at the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
This newly established award recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to the sport, on and off the water, while exemplifying integrity, character, and influence within the fishing community.
Why Rick Clunn?
At 78 years old, Rick Clunn is not just a veteran angler—he’s a foundational pillar of professional bass fishing. His legacy spans six decades, and his impact is still felt on every weigh-in stage and in every new generation of anglers who take to the water.
The 2024 season was a milestone year for Clunn:
- He became the first angler to reach 500 Bassmaster events.
- He celebrated 50 years of B.A.S.S. tournament competition.
- He continued to compete at the sport’s highest level with humility and passion.
Recognizing these unprecedented achievements, B.A.S.S. created an award in his name—a tribute to a man whose influence can’t be measured by trophies alone.
Introducing the Rick Clunn Bassmaster Person of the Year Award
The Rick Clunn Bassmaster Person of the Year Award is more than just a trophy—it’s a legacy. Going forward, it will be awarded annually to someone who reflects the same values Clunn has demonstrated over his career:
- Long-standing dedication to the sport
- Positive influence on peers and fans alike
- Outstanding character and professionalism
Each recipient will receive a plaque bearing Clunn’s name, ensuring that his impact will continue to inspire future generations of anglers.
Rick Clunn’s Career by the Numbers
Rick Clunn’s list of accomplishments is unmatched in the world of tournament bass fishing. Some of his most impressive stats include:
- 16 career victories in B.A.S.S. events
- 4 Bassmaster Classic wins, including two back-to-back titles
- 32 total Classic appearances—a record that speaks to his consistent excellence
- Voted by fans as the greatest professional bass angler of all time
These achievements reflect not only talent, but a lifetime of commitment to evolving with the sport while never losing sight of its roots.
Words from B.A.S.S. Leadership
B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson captured the moment perfectly:
“Rick Clunn’s 2024 season featured two milestones that may never be repeated — 50 years of participation in B.A.S.S. events and 500 tournaments fished. He was there in the earliest days of professional fishing and has watched the sport evolve into the international sensation it is today. Through it all, Rick has remained a model of class and sportsmanship.”
Anderson emphasized that Clunn’s impact reaches beyond tournament wins. He is revered not only for what he’s accomplished, but for how he’s conducted himself along the way.
A Lasting Legacy
The announcement of this award during the Bassmaster Classic—the sport’s most prestigious event—cements Rick Clunn’s place in fishing history. More importantly, it ensures that his influence will carry forward as anglers strive not just to win, but to lead with honor.
By naming the award after him, Bassmaster has ensured that Rick Clunn’s name will remain synonymous with excellence and integrity in fishing.
Bassmaster Person of the Year
Rick Clunn’s recognition as the first-ever Bassmaster Person of the Year is a fitting tribute to a man who has done more than fish—he’s helped shape the sport itself. As fans and fellow anglers gather at the 2025 Bassmaster Classic to honor him, they won’t just be celebrating one career—they’ll be celebrating a legacy that will live on in every angler who follows in his footsteps.