StorQuest proudly announced our collaboration with the Bass Angler Magazine Tournament Trail (BAM TT) earlier this year. This unique, months-long competition allows professional anglers to showcase their bass fishing skills across the West Coast while providing a platform for all outdoor enthusiasts to connect and share their love for the sport. Whether you're deeply involved in the fishing community or a new bass angler, the BAM TT is quickly becoming a staple in the world of bass fishing and is poised to attract even more anglers and fans in the coming years.
StorQuest's collaboration with BAM TT brings together the worlds of outdoor sports and practical storage solutions, helping tournament anglers protect their passion. Retail values of boats, rods, and lures can add up quickly, and keeping them securely stored and in pristine condition means your gear is ready to go whenever you are.
A Closer Look at the Bass Angler Magazine Tournament Trail
Bass Angler Magazine has evolved alongside bass fishing as the sport steadily gained popularity over the past several decades. The magazine and tournament founder, Mark Lassagne, is an accomplished angler who has secured around 15 tournament wins, achieved 40 top-ten finishes, and competed in 25 championships. Lassagne's passion for bass fishing began on his very first fishing trip—catching 30 fish that day left him instantly hooked on the sport. Soon, he began competing in tournaments and building his reputation.
In the early 1990s, with help from his dad, Lassagne started the Gone Fishing Calendar to list local bass tournaments. Over the next decade, the calendar evolved into a magazine and by 2010 Bass Angler Magazine had become a quarterly print and digital publication. Today, Bass Angler Magazine is an essential resource for novice and experienced fishermen and is widely recognized for its quality in the bass fishing community.
In 2023, when a popular tournament on the West Coast folded, Lassagne had an opportunity to create something new with the encouragement of the bass angling community. In this new role as BAM TT producer, he became the owner of an array of equipment needed to host a bass tournament that quickly filled his garage. "In the first year, the media coverage was excellent," says Lassagne. In year two, the BAM tournament circuit is making significant strides. "We're becoming one of the best tournament circuits to ever hit the West Coast," he says.
BAM TT Stands Out With Community and Media Involvement
BAM TT spans multiple events across various outdoor destinations, including lakes, rivers, and tidal fisheries on the West Coast, challenging anglers with different conditions and offering opportunities to showcase their skills. For fishing enthusiasts and spectators, this tournament circuit is more than just a competition—it's a community and a celebration of bass fishing culture. Whether you're an experienced competitor or a fan, BAM TT offers a unique experience and insight into the world of competitive fishing.
Moreover, the tournament stands out in competitive fishing for its production value, including wrapped boats, professional sound systems, dedicated emcee, live broadcasts, and media coverage. BAM TT presents a show-like atmosphere, with anglers wearing sponsored jerseys and engaging with their audience. The tournament also involves local media and community outreach, which is uncommon among other circuits. BAM TT is also the only tour on the West Coast that features a TV show.
How A Professional Bass Fisherman Got His Garage Back With StorQuest
Pro anglers like Lassagne possess a deep understanding of bass behavior, fishing techniques, and tackle, resulting in a garage full of rods, reels, and lures. For example, there are hundreds of lure styles, and it's not uncommon for one type of lure to come in several colors to match different fishing environments, such as water clarity and light conditions. Utilizing self storage for fishing gear can help anglers of all skill levels organize their tackle collections without competing for space in an often overcrowded garage.
Running a successful tournament means having redundant mechanical systems for Lassagne. "If a sound system goes out or the scale goes out, I have to have backups on hand, so I have a lot of redundant items," says Lassagne. "Right before we worked with StorQuest, my garage was full, with a lot of stuff, and we could never get a car in there," he says. However, Lassagne's wife always wished for a workout area in the garage.
The convenience of having a storage unit is like having an extra garage, so Lassagne moved his extensive inventory of fishing gear and tournament equipment out of his garage and took the opportunity to organize all of it in his new drive-up storage unit. "So now I have a garage that is pretty clean and neat, and one side is devoted to working out," he says. "We have a padded floor, a weight machine, a stationary bicycle, and some free weights," he says. With StorQuest's storage solutions, Lassagne was able to declutter his garage and create a dedicated gym space.
As a pro angler, Lassagne has acquired an extensive collection of rods and lures. He organized his storage unit with cabinets, shelves, and a dedicated space for seasonal clothes so it serves a dual purpose. He keeps track of his bass fishing lures and baits in 12X14 plastic bins that he labels for his crankbaits, spinnerbaits, jigs, soft baits, etc., and built a custom rack for his 50 rods. "When I go there, it's like my own little fishing cave. I have all my fishing poles and gear and can work on my stuff in solitude."
For inspiration on how to organize your drive-up unit, follow this link to see Lassagne’s storage unit in action.
Boat and Kayak Storage Ideas For Anglers
When it comes to storing boats and trailers, unless they fit in your garage, parking them at home for more than a few days can be tricky. Homeowner associations and city ordinances often restrict parking boats and trailers on streets and even in private driveways, sometimes allowing it only for short periods like loading or unloading. However, you can protect your investment in between tournaments with RV and Boat Storage. Opt for a facility with wide driveways to simplify maneuvering in and out of your space. Secure perimeters and 24-hour digital surveillance provide additional peace of mind. At StorQuest, you can find these benefits and more, including 24/7 leasing support and flexible month-to-month rentals to manage your storage needs from the convenience of home or while you're on the circuit.
Many anglers view a kayak as a first step toward participating in boat tournaments, while for others, it represents a connection to the sport they love. To protect your passion, utilize proper storage for your kayak between tournaments. Consider storage facilities with wide driveways and drive-up, garage-style units to make loading and unloading your kayak easy. Additionally, 24-hour digital surveillance and secure electronic access will give you peace of mind while keeping your boat safe between events. Besides acting like an additional garage, you can customize the space around your kayak in your unit to store your fishing gear and other personal belongings.
BAM TT Sustainability And Conservation In Fishing
The Bam TT follows a catch-weight-and-release format that helps to ensure tournaments have a minimal impact on local ecosystems. Each tournament features a live release boat to ensure the fish are returned to the water in good condition. This is a specially outfitted boat that holds 1,000 gallons of water treated to help fish relax and maintain their slime coat. Prized fish are weighed in specialized bags and transferred to aerated tanks before being released back into the lake. Moreover, the tournament imposes a penalty of ¼ pound for fish that don't make it. These types of ethical fishing practices emphasize conservation.
StorQuest’s collaboration with the Bass Angler Magazine Tournament Trail (BAM TT) is a testament to our commitment to supporting your passion for adventure. We understand that in the world of bass fishing, where every piece of gear is an investment, safeguarding your equipment is essential to truly protect your passion. From safely storing your boats and kayaks to ensuring your rods and tackle are in pristine condition, StorQuest has you covered.
BAM Members Protect Your Passion & Save 10% OFF Your Storage Unit Today!
Protect your passion and safely store your gear with StorQuest Self Storage. We offer climate-controlled units, 24/7 leasing & support, interior & drive-up units, RV & boat storage, month-to-month rentals, and 24-hour digital surveillance. Our flexible rental options allow you to store your items for as long as you need, without any long-term commitment.
BAM members save 10% off a storage unit when using offer code BAM10. Start protecting your passion today by visiting StorQuest.com to rent your space today.