BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — After making the decision to pursue angling full-time 19 years ago, Bassmaster Elite Series pro Chad Morgenthaler of Reeds Spring, Mo., is retiring from the circuit, effective immediately.
“The plan all along was for this to be my final season. Due to rapidly changing times, I’m starting another new chapter a few months earlier than planned,” said Morgenthaler in a letter to fans on Bassmaster.com. “My desire to help anglers achieve their goals is back stronger than ever. I will now be able to share the skills, lessons and experiences gained along my journey.”
Morgenthaler — along with help from other talented anglers and friends — is starting FutureCast Academy, a skills development, coaching, mentoring and hands-on program designed for anglers of all ages. Classes will be available to benefit anglers hoping to climb the bass fishing ladder or just have fun catching more fish.
In his B.A.S.S. career, Morgenthaler has qualified for seven Bassmaster Classics, amassed 21 Top 10 finishes and earned two victories, the 2013 Bassmaster Classic Wild Card on Lake Okeechobee and the 2015 Southern Open on Lake Tohopekaliga.
“I will always cherish those memories, experiences, the lifelong friends I’ve made and competing in some of the most beautiful places our country has to offer,” said Morgenthaler. “I know in my heart, this is the right choice. To all my friends, family, partners, and most of all the fans that make it all possible, thank you, I’m forever grateful.”
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 515,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by Mossy Oak Fishing, TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Series, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Abu Garcia Bassmaster High School Series presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship, Yamaha Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series powered by TourneyX, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk.
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Media Contact: Emily Harley, B.A.S.S. Communications Manager, 205-313-0945 (o), 205-253-1114 (c), eharley@bassmaster.com