®
Spring 2025
LIFE AS A TOURNAMENT ANGLER ENDS
As a tournament angler, Mark Lassagne, known for his long-standing Bass Angler Magazine publication, had fished much of what the West Coast had to offer for many years, including the now defunct, Wild West Bass Trail (WWBT) and wasn’t satisfied.
“When Wild West went away, in my eyes there wasn’t really a professional bass fishing circuit with a feeder circuit and pro tour in California or on the West Coast,” said Lassagne. “One that anglers could potentially fish, stay on the West Coast, and earn a living.”
Lassagne thought long and hard about the western tournament scene and how he could help to fill the void that that was left with the sudden exit of WWBT / APEX.
“I didn’t know anybody else that could/would take on the responsibility of a circuit that had the kind of reach that I did and could do bang up job at it; but unfortunately, as a fisherman, taking over the circuit would boot
me out of fishing,” he added. “I decided to go for it; and for the greater good of the West Coast, I think it was worth it.”
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FENCE
Now as the owner/operator of the BAM Tournament Trail, a multi-level circuit that currently includes a Pro Tour, Pro/Am’s and Kayak trails, Lassagne has insight that he never had as a competitor.
page 25