BENTON, Ky. (Dec. 10, 2024) – After more than four decades of delivering premier bass fishing journalism through its print publication, Major League Fishing (MLF) has announced the December 2024 issue of MLF Bass Fishing magazine will be its final printed edition. This decision reflects evolving reader preferences and MLF’s commitment to providing content in the formats anglers and fans overwhelmingly prefer.

Originally launched in 1981 as CAST Magazine, MLF Bass Fishing magazine has been a trusted source of bass fishing expertise and inspiration for millions of anglers. However, as the digital era continues to transform the way people consume information, MLF is pivoting to focus on delivering its world-class content through video, social media and other digital platforms.

“Today’s consumers demand instant access to engaging content, with a significant emphasis on video,” said Boyd Duckett, President and CEO of Major League Fishing. “Research shows that video now accounts for 82% of all internet traffic, and viewers retain 95% of a message when delivered through video compared to just 10% through text. While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to our printed magazine, this transition allows us to focus our resources on continuing to expand our digital presence and create new opportunities to connect with our fans, anglers, and sponsors.”

The transition to a digital-first approach aligns with MLF’s vision to meet the demands of a mobile, fast-paced society while continuing to provide unparalleled access to bass fishing content. This change will also allow MLF to expand its storytelling capabilities, offering more interactive and immersive experiences for audiences around the world.

This shift will not impact MLF’s editorial and design teams, who remain integral to the organization’s future. Instead, these teams will focus on producing dynamic, high-quality digital content that continues to engage and inspire the bass fishing community.

“Content is king, no matter the medium,” added Duckett. “Our team’s creativity and passion will remain at the heart of everything we produce. We are committed to delivering the best bass fishing content to our fans.”

As part of the transition, MLF is reducing its premium membership fee from $95 to $85 – reflecting the cost of the magazine subscription. Premium members will receive a pro-rated credit for any unfulfilled magazine issues, while subscriber members will be issued refunds for unfulfilled issues.

For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 13 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.