WELCOME TO MEMPHIS BASS CLUB

The Memphis Bass Club is the oldest bass club in the Memphis, Tennessee area. It was founded in 1969 and the membership roster includes some of the pioneers of modern bass fishing.

The Memphis Bass Club held its organizational meeting January 27, 1969. This meeting was held in the auditorium of the Memphis Park Commission, 2599 Avery Street. A temporary committee was assigned with William Wolbrecht presiding. Dues were $7.50 with a $5 initiation fee. By March 31, 1969, the club membership was 140 and the club voted to limit the membership to 200. Early membership included Clarence ‘Johnny’ Fowler, Eron “Red Dog” Harris, Gerald Blanchard, Maurice Wexler, James V. Weatherington, Dennis Demo, Terry Kirk, Lee Griffin, Paul Lazarov, Skip Wolf, Roan McPhail, Ed Wright, John T. “Buddy” Martin, Bart Fruhmann, Ed Ferguson and Charlie McCrory, Tommy Cleaves, Bill Dance and Charles Spence.

The Memphis Bass Club held the first St. Jude Bass Classic in 1973 and Lee Griffin was the first tournament director. This first tournament had 250 people who fished and $3,600 was raised for St. Jude.The Memphis Bass Club continues to host the Annual St. Jude Bass Classic and promotes fishing, conservation and fellowship. Membership dues are $50 per year and the club has had an average membership of 55 members over the past several years. The club hopes to attract members who will continue the goals of helping St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, friendly fishing competition and furthering the sport of fishing.