January 31, 2025
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – B.A.S.S. and the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation are accepting nominations for the annual C.A.S.T. for Kids B.A.S.S. Humanitarian Award, which honors a B.A.S.S. member who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to serving underprivileged groups. This includes efforts directed toward special needs children, abuse survivors, veterans and others facing significant challenges.
Jay Yelas, former Bassmaster Elite Series angler and current executive director of C.A.S.T. for Kids, embodies the spirit of this award. With 16 Bassmaster Classic appearances, a 2002 Classic victory at Lay Lake and the 2003 Bassmaster Angler of the Year title, Yelas has seamlessly transitioned from a decorated professional fishing career to impactful community service leader.
"The significance of the award is it recognizes and honors all the B.A.S.S. members that do such a tremendous amount of community service and humanitarian work," Yelas said. "Unfortunately, there’s only one winner each year, but there are thousands of tremendous individuals who serve less-fortunate populations and they really give back.
"That’s what this award is all about; it brings awareness to this (segment) of the B.A.S.S. membership. Most of the attention is given to the people who win or excel at tournament fishing, but this award is like a timeout that says, 'Hey guys, there’s a lot of other people who are members of B.A.S.S. besides hard-core tournament fishermen.' That speaks volumes to the nature of people who are B.A.S.S. members."
Advertisement
Reflecting on the award's importance, Yelas compared it to honors in other professional sports: "Baseball has the Roberto Clemente Award, the NFL has the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award; this is fishing’s version of those honors. It’s a great way to honor people of character within the organization."
The 2024 award recognized Jake Klopfenstein of Tampa, Fla., for his dedication to providing fishing opportunities to pediatric cancer patients through Angling for Relief, the organization he founded.
Chase Anderson, CEO of B.A.S.S. and C.A.S.T. for Kids board member, emphasized the collaborative spirit of the award: "We are privileged to have collaborated with the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation for several years. Recognizing a devoted B.A.S.S. member with this Humanitarian award is our way of celebrating the incredible community that stands united under the B.A.S.S. shield. Witnessing the impactful contributions of those nominated is truly inspiring and showcases the profound influence their efforts have on countless lives."
Advertisement
Nominations for the 2025 award are open until Feb. 24. Any B.A.S.S. member engaged in exemplary community service is eligible. The nomination form is available at www.Bassmaster.com/award.
A panel from B.A.S.S. and the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation will review all submissions and verify the humanitarian work of the nominees. While C.A.S.T. for Kids focuses on providing fishing opportunities for special needs children, nominations are open to B.A.S.S. members involved in any form of service benefiting vulnerable populations.
The recipient will be announced during the 2025 Bassmaster Classic, scheduled for March 21-23 in Fort Worth, Texas.
