Top 10 Best Bass Anglers
Bass fishing is more than just a hobby - it's a way of life for many who chase that perfect cast and the thrill of reeling in a big one. Over the years, some anglers have stood out for their skills, strategies, and ability to perform under pressure. These are the folks who've made a real name for themselves on the water, inspiring fans and pushing the sport to new heights.In 2022, KVD is still the greatest bass angler of all time, and still by an almost insurmountable margin. He has 29 total career wins at the highest level (25 B.A.S.S. wins and 4 MLF wins, including 3 cup championships and a BPT win).
He has over 120 career top tens, and an otherworldly 81 percent of the time throughout his career he has been in the money. Nobody else who has fished at least 300 pro-level events is even close to that. He is an 8-time Angler of the Year (7 B.A.S.S. AOYs and 1 FLW AOY) and was the Bassmaster Elite 50 Points champion in 2004 and 2005. Essentially, he has 10 AOY titles to his name at the highest level (for some reason nobody ever mentions the Elite 50 circuits. He won the points championship both of the years the circuit existed).
KVD is the all-time money winner in the sport, and the next closest competitor is almost $3 million behind! KVD still is and most likely always will be the GOAT!
Bill is the OG bass angler. He was the sport's first megastar and can hang with any of the other stars of this sport. He has had a tremendous impact on the sport. He also has some of the best stats of any angler ever, which is especially impressive when you consider he only fished as a touring pro for 7 seasons and won AOY in 3 of those 7 years.
One of the most dominant anglers of all time. Truly one of the very best!
Inspired me to fish. Great guy, great angler, and followed me on Instagram and likes my photos regularly. He has 7 BASS wins and 3 AOYs, as well as 23 tour-level national titles. Around 70 percent of the time he was in the money.
I definitely think his spot on this list is good, though, as Van Dam barely edges him out even though he keeps widening the gap! True legends!
Gary has competed at a high level for many years and has had a tremendous impact on the sport. He popularized flipping, pitching, and the drop shot technique, as well as co-founding MLF with Boyd Duckett.
He has the stats to back it all up too, with several wins and several AOY victories as well! One of the very best!
One of the most accurate casters out there, extremely talented, and knowledgeable. He understands every part of the game well!
One of the true legends of the sport. Co-founded Major League Fishing and had qualified for 30 Bassmaster Classics. Great guy and amazing fisherman!
We want the Niles North Wide Receivers to catch the ball like Rick Clunn catches bass fish!
Roland is like a fishing encyclopedia. He is a master at every form of the art. He has done a fantastic job bringing Scott into the ranks. Fantastic dad, incredible fisherman, and a really nice man.
Roland is the best. Better than KVD because of age and experience. He should be number 1. KVD is getting there, though.
The real American fisherman. Solid competitor for generations.
15 BASSMaster Classics and won the B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year title in both 1976 and 1986.
Many relate Woo to crappie fishing, but this guy was dominant on the BASS circuit. He won the 2000 Classic and has an extensive tournament record.
Finished top 5 all three years in his hometown on the James River. Good ol' guy that made it big. WOO WOO WOO!
BASS Angler of the Year title in 2004, 6 wins, 55 top-ten finishes (including three 2nd place finishes in the Bassmaster Classic as of 2010), and over $2 million in career winnings across FLW and BASS.
Incredible angler! He had it all: king of finesse fishing and so much more. If he'd cashed in on a couple of classics, he'd be knocking on KVD's door. He was that good.
Ike is one of the most exciting anglers on the planet. He has truly bettered the sport by attracting younger people to fish by utilizing his wild charisma and "never quit" attitude. Ike is one of the best, hands down.
One of the more colorful characters on the circuit, but the guy can also fish. He has a Bassmaster Classic win to prove it. He placed 2nd in 2009 and won Angler of the Year in 2006.
Exciting and fun to watch. He does a great job of promoting fishing and getting kids involved in fishing.
He only has one Bassmaster Classic title but plenty of other wins and earnings.
Skeet Reese has designed many top-of-the-range lures and rods for bass. He is one of my favorite bass fishermen, tied with Dave Mercer.
The Newcomers
Incredibly cool dude. I wish he would go back to doing plain old YouTube videos.
The 2008 Classic champion, which was overdue after making it to 11 of them.
Great personality. I enjoy watching his YouTube videos. It's almost like you're in the boat with him. Definitely an icon!
Love this guy. I have learned a lot watching his YouTube channel. I would love the chance to fish with him someday!
Dude is rocking with a great personality and loves giving back!
Jacob Wheeler is a natural. Confident, never-quit attitude. Love this guy. Fun to watch!
Professional, caring, and giving overall person.
I have all of his rods and his baits. He is the best fisherman I have ever seen.
Most versatile fisherman out there!
He is a good person and role model.
High percentage in big tournaments fished. He could have stayed in and won lots more!
Just won his first Classic, so he can't be in the top ten, but he deserves to be somewhere. KVD is still the best bass angler of all time!
An infamous shallow-water angler, Ish Monroe utilizes frogs to catch big fish and haul in tournament wins.
Top money winner prior to the current $$ being paid. Top five for sure.
Never fished tournaments, but was THE pioneer in the "monster bass" fishery in San Diego. He caught more bass over 16 pounds than anyone in history.
The best all-around angler in my opinion.