Dewey Kendrick

Dewey Kendrick – Dewey Kendrick served as the Tournament Director of the Bass Anglers Sportsmen Society from 1986 until 2002, and during that time spearheaded and implemented many critical changes in the evolution of professional tournament fishing. Those included: the addition of the Pro-Am format (angler/co-angler) at the highest level of the sport; the conservation-minded change to a five-bass limit; the rule that all sight fish must be hooked in the mouth; the increased horsepower limit from 150 to 250; and perhaps most notably, taking the circuit outside of its previous range, to unconventional and urban locations not previously known for bass fishing, such as Hartford, Connecticut, and Detroit, Michigan.

Kendrick’s tenure also saw the maturation of the Bassmaster Classic with the addition of the outdoor expo, indoor weigh-ins, and fan-friendly take-offs. He worked closely with Bob Cobb to elevate the profile of “The Bassmasters” television program on TNN. During his time as TD, Kendrick was known as a strict rule enforcer with a great tremendous work ethic. His leadership positioned BASS to become an acquisition target for sports behemoth ESPN.