Celebrity Pro-Am to kick off Classic proceedings

B.A.S.S. and Progressive Insurance have announced the Bassmaster Classic Progressive Celebrity Pro-Am Tournament presented by Bass Pro Shops to kick off the 2024 Bassmaster Classic.

Progressive has invited celebrities from the NFL, NASCAR and MLB, as well as top-performing musicians, to join Bassmaster Elite Series anglers in kicking off Classic-week events on Skiatook Lake in Skiatook, Okla., March 21 from 7 to 11 a.m.

“Over the years, Progressive has enjoyed witnessing the passion and commitment displayed by fans and anglers alike during the Bassmaster Classic,” said Eric Doubler, Progressive Recreational Lines Direct Business Leader. “As the country’s No. 1 boat insurer, we’re excited to expand our involvement by bringing a variety of celebrity talent together with some of the top competitors in the sport to take part in the Bassmaster Classic Progressive Celebrity Pro-Am Tournament presented by Bass Pro Shops.”

Joining anglers from the Bassmaster Elite Series are:

> NFL Hall of Famer Randy Moss
> NASCAR Cup Series driver Ross Chastain
> Multi-motorsports competitor Travis Pastrana
> Former Minnesota Vikings’ defensive end Brian Robison
> Southern rock band Whiskey Myers front man Cody Cannon
> Singer/songwriter Koe Wetzel
> Social media influencer Hood Fishing Entertainment
> Barstool Outdoors talent/host Sydnie Wells
In addition to the athletes and musicians partnering with Elite Series pros, the Pro-Am will also feature the father-son MLB team of Mickey Brantley and Michael Brantley, as well as the team of Pittsburgh Steelers’ linebacker Patrick Queen and Taylor Knowles.

Celebrities in the Pro-Am will be paired with some of the biggest names in professional bass fishing, including four-time Classic champion Rick Clunn, who is competing in his 50th year of tournament fishing and who will fish his 500th B.A.S.S. tournament in April. Other top-level anglers who'll participate are Scott Martin, Jamie Hartman, Matty Wong, Seth Feider, Logan Parks, John Soukup and Chris Zaldain.

“We are excited to work with Progressive and Bass Pro Shops to bring the Pro-Am to the weeklong celebration of the Classic,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson. “The celebrity field in this event shows the immense popularity of competitive fishing in professional sports and the music industry, and we are excited to bring some of the biggest names from the professional sports and entertainment world together.”

---