About Us

About Minnesota Bass Series

Founded in the spring of 2010, the Minnesota Bass Series—formerly known as the Amateur Bass Series—was created to promote the sport of bass fishing throughout Central Minnesota. While 2022 brought a new name, our mission remains the same: deliver a well-run, respected tournament series that anglers have come to know, trust, and enjoy.

Our goal has always been simple—keep tournament costs affordable while maintaining strong, competitive fishing. We welcome sportsmen and women of all experience levels to compete, learn, and enjoy great days on the water across Stearns and Wright Counties.

The Amateur Bass Tournament Series was founded by Eric Turkowski and Ryan Payne, both Central Minnesota natives and lifelong bass fishing enthusiasts. After taking time away to focus on family, Eric returned in 2015 as Tournament Director and continues to help lead one of the most successful and respected bass tournament series in Minnesota. Alongside Ryan, their shared passion for fishing and community drives everything we do.

Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or new to tournament fishing, we invite you to be part of our series, our community, and our tradition.

We look forward to fishing with you—see you on the water! 🎣