BENTON, Ky. (Dec. 10, 2024) – Major League Fishing (MLF), a leader in bass fishing journalism for over four decades, has announced that the December 2024 issue of MLF Bass Fishing magazine will be its last printed edition. This decision reflects changing consumer preferences and MLF’s dedication to delivering content through the platforms anglers and fans favor most.
From CAST to MLF Bass Fishing: A Legacy of Excellence
Originally launched in 1981 as CAST Magazine, MLF Bass Fishing has been a trusted source of inspiration and expertise for millions of anglers. Over time, the rise of digital media has transformed how audiences consume information, prompting MLF to pivot toward video, social media, and other digital formats to meet evolving demands.
Embracing the Digital Age
“Today’s consumers demand instant access to engaging content, with a significant emphasis on video,” said Boyd Duckett, President and CEO of Major League Fishing. “Research shows that video now accounts for 82% of all internet traffic, and viewers retain 95% of a message delivered through video compared to just 10% through text. While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to our printed magazine, this transition enables us to expand our digital presence and create more opportunities to connect with fans, anglers, and sponsors.”
What This Transition Means for Fans
The shift to a digital-first strategy aligns with MLF’s vision of serving a mobile, fast-paced society. By focusing on digital platforms, MLF can deliver interactive and immersive storytelling experiences to a global audience.
Importantly, MLF’s editorial and design teams will remain integral to this evolution, dedicating their expertise to producing dynamic, high-quality digital content that continues to inspire the bass fishing community.
A Commitment to Innovation and Accessibility
“Content is king, no matter the medium,” Duckett emphasized. “Our team’s creativity and passion will remain at the heart of everything we produce. We are committed to delivering the best bass fishing content to our fans.”
Membership Updates
As part of the transition, MLF is reducing its premium membership fee from $95 to $85, reflecting the absence of the magazine subscription. Premium members will receive pro-rated credits for any unfulfilled magazine issues, while subscriber members will be refunded for unfulfilled issues.
Looking Ahead
The move to digital content reflects MLF’s commitment to innovation and its role as a leader in the fishing industry. Fans can look forward to even more engaging, on-demand content that keeps them connected to the sport they love.
For complete details and updated information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV).
Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 13 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Major League Fishing – WE ARE Bass Fishing™