Bassmaster marshal Bart Stanisz gets a front-row seat to the action as Elite angler Jake Whitaker hooks up on Florida’s Harris Chain of Lakes. 

Photo by Andy Crawford/B.A.S.S.

November 10, 2022

“Fast Track Your Learning Curve” As A 2023 Bassmaster Marshal

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Bass fishing enthusiasts who want to learn from the world’s best anglers can register for the Bassmaster Marshal Program starting Nov. 29. Not only will marshals learn tips for breaking down a fishery, but AFTCO will be rewarding marshals with apparel, gear, a gift card and other items with a total value of $75, plus a 20% off coupon for future purchases, while those who serve as marshals for more than three events will receive a $100 AFTCO gift card.

“If there is anything that is ever consistent about bass fishing, it’s that there is always more to learn, more things to tweak and more things to try,” said multiple-time marshal and tournament angler Bart Stanisz of Wichita Falls, Texas. “Everyone knows the best way to learn is through experience and extensive time on the water. However, if you wanted to really fast track your learning curve, I can’t think of a better way than taking part in the Elite Series Marshal program.”

Registration opens for B.A.S.S Nation and Life members beginning Nov. 29 and opens Dec. 1 for all B.A.S.S. members. All registration slots will open at 9 a.m. CT. To register, visit Bassmaster.com or call (877) BASS-USA.

Marshals join different Elite anglers to spend two to three days on the water. Marshals are not allowed to fish, but they are encouraged to take photos, send blog posts to Bassmaster.com and serve as an extra set of eyes for B.A.S.S. tournament officials and the Bassmaster LIVE crew, who frequently reach out to marshals for updates. Additionally, marshals operate the digital BassTrakk scoring system that enables fans to follow the action in real time.

“I got my start with B.A.S.S. working side by side with many of the marshals, and there are so many good stories that are told from their perspective,” said Bassmaster LIVE co-host Ronnie Moore. “Through Skype, photos and short video clips, they give the Bassmaster LIVE crew a look into every boat, (whereas) we may only have cameras or access in 10 boats.”

What does Stansiz love the most about serving as a marshal?

“Being there — in the boat, in the moment — and having an opportunity to ask questions and pick their brain about why they are doing things a certain way is what makes this program an invaluable tool,” he explained. “It’s an amazing opportunity for those who want to learn not just the broad strokes of bass fishing, but also the intangibles that you just can’t see on TV. Not to mention that it’s an insanely cool experience.”

Marshal spots are available for just $99. Every marshal is guaranteed to be on the water for the first two competition days. As the Elite Series field is cut throughout the weekend leading up to Championship Sunday, marshals are chosen for additional competition days based on how early they register for the event as well as their video, blogging and photography in the preliminary rounds.

Learn more about the Elite Series Marshal program and register at Bassmaster.com.

2023 Bassmaster Elite Series Schedule
Feb. 16-19, Okeechobee, Fla., Lake Okeechobee
Feb. 23-26, Bainbridge, Ga., Lake Seminole
April 20-23, Columbia, S.C., Lake Murray
April 27-30, Clarendon County, S.C., Santee Cooper Lakes
May 11-14, Shelby County, Ala., Lay Lake
June 1-4, Orange, Texas, Sabine River
July 27-30, Macomb County, Mich., Lake St. Clair
Aug. 17-20, Plattsburgh, N.Y., Lake Champlain
Aug. 24-27, Clayton, N.Y., St. Lawrence River