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Fishing is big business, and FXR founder says the sport’s growth is only getting started
Matt Robertson won a record $1.25 million at The Champions bass fishing tournament on 31 October, highlighting the sport’s growing commercial reach. FXR founder Milt Reimer says fishing’s broad appeal, spanning professionals and casual anglers, gives the industry room to keep expanding.
The three-day event at Old Hickory Lake near Nashville brought together 60 competitors from Bassmaster and Major League Fishing, with a total purse of $3.25 million. A 2026 industry report says 57 million Americans fished at least once in 2025, up from 50.1 million in 2019; FXR, a Canadian motorsports apparel company, has entered fishing apparel and sponsors several professional anglers.
In short
- Matt Robertson won a record $1.25 million bass fishing prize.
- The Champions had 60 competitors and a $3.25 million purse.
- An estimated 57 million Americans fished in 2025.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Fishing’s broad participation and rising prize money suggest it can support a larger commercial industry, while sponsorship and specialist apparel may bring investment, visibility and opportunities for professional anglers. Its appeal to both casual participants and competitors gives businesses room to serve different parts of the sport.
The case against
A record prize and growing participation do not by themselves show that fishing’s commercial expansion will continue or benefit the wider sport. More sponsorship and business involvement could place greater emphasis on professional competition and consumer spending, potentially changing the character of an activity many value for its accessibility and recreation.
Explained simply
Bass fishing has grown from a recreational pastime into a professional sport with major tournaments, sponsorships and prize money. Competitors catch bass under set rules, while many people fish casually for recreation.
Bassmaster and Major League Fishing are organisations that run professional competitions. FXR, a Canadian company best known for motorsports clothing, has expanded into fishing apparel and sponsors some professional anglers.
The sport also has a large pool of recreational participants: an industry report says 57 million Americans fished at least once in 2025, up from 50.1 million in 2019. That mix of professional competition and everyday participation helps explain why companies see opportunities to grow their fishing businesses.