Best in Bass Series

Bass fishing is one of the fastest growing industries with bass becoming the most sought-after game fish in North America and creating a $60 billion industry. The four-part lecture and discussion series will bring together experts from across Kentucky and Tennessee to discuss various aspects of bass fishing. Topics will include ecological and conservation efforts in the area, the business of bass fishing, and pro-tips for fishing and technology use. 

Participants will enroll in all of the lectures for $80 for the entire package. We want to keep this small and have great discussions, so enrollment is limited to 35 seats. All participants will be entered to win 1 of 2 $50 gift certificates to Holts Outfitter. Seating is limited so get your tickets today!

The Business of Fishing

February 18, 2025

Oscar Brooks – Mr. Oscar Brooks is the founder and owner of Holt’s Outfitters and Sporing Goods Store. He has fished semi-professionally in bass fishing competitions throughout the Southeastern region of the United States> As a father of four, he also served as a Team Captain with ALLPRO DADS, a non-profit that mentors kids on the importance of sports and mentorship. Throughout his professional and fishing career, Mr. Brooks understands the intricacies of building a business and the importance of building relationships, whether in a conference room or on the boat.

Open Water Top Water

February 25, 2025

Bass Geek – Mr. Hank Rogers is best known to more of his 84,000 YouTube subscribers as Bass Geek. @bassgeek created his YouTube channel in 2016 as a way to share his fishing journey and teach others the skills and joys of bass fishing. Mr. Rogers shares content and advice on everything from new lures, expanding your tackle collection, and how to optimize your tools and skills for different seasons.

Keeping up with the fishing tech! In-depth discussion on how to optimize the use of Livescope to optimize your fishing experience.

March 4, 2025

Bracken Castle – Mr. Bracken Castle is a Centre College sophomore and avid outdoorsmen and fisherman. He is the founder and president of Centre College Bass Fishing team. Mr. Bracken is one of the youngest fishing guides in the Kentucky and Tennessee region and has won multiple KHSAA state finishing and other tournaments wins. He is an expert with leveraging new fishing gadgets, such Livescope a forward facing live sonar, to improve accuracy and success.

Ecology and Conservation to promote and protect fishing

March 11, 2025

Mark Galatowitsch – Dr. Mark Galatowitsch received his Ph.D. in Ecology from University of Canterbury in New Zealand and is a fresh water ecologist. He serves as the chair of Centre College Biology Program with extensive experience with field surveys, laboratory experiments, and population genetics.

Lee McClellan – Mr. Lee McClellan the associate editor for Kentucky Afield Magazine and is an avid fisherman and outdoorsman. He works closely with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Department on conservation efforts to promote the bass population in Kentucky waters. Mr. McClellan has published several articles ranging from conservation to angular skillset and assessing quality fishing spots.