Story by Hunter Baughman | Photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons
If you’ve looked at any of my social media in the last few days, you have seen I got a new toy—a 2025 Bass Cat Eyra. To say I’m excited is an understatement. There are so many reasons this is a perfect fit for my family.
First and foremost is the strong Christian morals that the company is built on. The leaders of the company also share those morals. As the readers of this column know, faith is very important to my family.
Second is the history I have with Bass Cat. This dates back to 2008 when I was only 22 years old. The first new boat I ever bought was a Bass Cat Cougar. It was also one of the first sponsorships I received through a local dealership. I knew back then I wanted to fish professionally, and I was ready to start building a relationship with a boat brand.
One day, I went and looked at another brand. I was ready to buy. They basically blew me off. I assume that was due to my age. I left and drove 45 miles to another dealer and bought my Cougar that day. Bad move on the first salesman not taking me seriously. But I’m glad he didn’t. That got my foot in the door with Bass Cat, and I started working boat shows.
I met Rick Pierce and many others through those shows. Rick’s parents started Bass Cat in 1971, and Rick ran the company for many years. He’s a man of great integrity.
In 2012 I bought my second new boat, a Bass Cat Eyra. That relationship with the dealer lasted a little longer and I eventually sold my Eyra in 2018. From there I switched to another brand solely as a business decision. We make friends in this industry and it’s hard to step away at times, but we have to remember this is a business and has to be treated as such. Anyways, fast forward six more years and here we are.
Another reason I’m excited to be back to Bass Cat is that they are made right here in Arkansas. I’m proud to run an Arkansas-built boat.
Lastly is their support to the NPFL. I fish a few tournaments in each organization, but I bleed NPFL. Any time I can support a company that supports us, I’m all in. Between the Bass Cat Quest program and the contingencies through the NPFL, it gives Cat owners a chance to win some huge money. It’s one of the biggest contingency programs around, and I’m hoping I can cash in a couple of times this year.
In the end, I wasn’t sure I’d ever end up back in a Bass Cat. I knew if it was meant to be it would happen. It was and I am so glad to be back home in the Bass Cat family.
Hunter Baughman – Angler Profile
