The Butler County Bassmasters is a bass fishing club located in Southwest Ohio. Founded in 1991 by Danny Schmitz, Jim Couch, and Ernie Schuler, the club has proudly served the local fishing community for more than 35 years.
As part of Ohio’s Southwest Region, our members fish lakes and rivers throughout the Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana tri-state area while competing in both club and trail-level events.
Originally established as an affiliated club of B.A.S.S., Butler County Bassmasters has a long history of competitive success. During our affiliation with B.A.S.S., two of our members, including one of our founders, qualified for the Ohio Federation State Team. Ernie Schuler earned the honor in 1995, while Kern McKee qualified in 2005 and again in 2010.
Following the separation of The Bass Federation (TBF) from B.A.S.S. and the growth of FLW competition, Butler County Bassmasters chose to transition from B.A.S.S. affiliation in favor of TBF and FLW. Following the changes that occurred throughout the sport during and after the COVID era, including FLW’s acquisition by Major League Fishing (MLF), the club took a temporary hiatus from league competition. In 2023, Butler County Bassmasters proudly returned to organized trail competition under MLF.
Butler County Bassmasters has always believed in giving back to the community. Through our longstanding support of the Hamilton Optimist Youth Ranch and its youth and MRDD fishing programs, the club was honored with The Bass Federation’s Youth and Community Award for three consecutive years and was also recognized as Club of the Year for its commitment to community involvement.
More than our tournament history or accomplishments, what makes Butler County Bassmasters one of a kind are the members who make up our club.
We believe bass fishing is about more than tournament standings and weigh-in results. It’s about sportsmanship, friendly competition, improving as anglers, and enjoying some good-natured ribbing along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned tournament angler or simply looking to improve your skills, you’ll find yourself surrounded by anglers with years of experience and a willingness to help when they can. After all, they call it fishing, not catching, and the fish have a funny way of reminding all of us who’s really in charge.
On tournament day, the angler in your boat may be your competitor on paper, but he’s also your partner for the day and a fellow member of the club. We believe every angler deserves a fair opportunity to compete, learn, and enjoy their time on the water. Friendly competition is part of what makes tournament fishing fun, but respect for your fellow anglers is what makes a great club.
The sport of bass fishing has evolved a lot over the past 35 years, but one thing has never changed within Butler County Bassmasters: the camaraderie among our members. Tournament standings come and go, fish get caught and fish get away, but the friendships, memories, and stories built through a shared passion for the sport are what have kept this club going strong for more than three decades.
Each month, members gather not only to organize upcoming tournaments and pairings, but also to talk fishing, swap stories, discuss techniques, and enjoy the company of good people who share a passion for the sport. While meeting attendance is not required, it is strongly encouraged whenever schedules permit. Like everyone else, our members balance fishing with work, family, and everyday responsibilities.
Our tournament schedule is established each February through an open nomination and voting process. Tournament locations and dates are selected by the membership, not a committee. This allows every member to have a direct voice in shaping the season and helps maximize participation throughout the year.
It is through these shared values, camaraderie, and commitment to friendly competition that Butler County Bassmasters has remained successful for more than three decades. We are proud of our history, proud of our members, and proud of the anglers our club has helped develop over the years.
If that sounds like the kind of fishing club you’ve been looking for, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out, stop by a meeting, and get to know us. Ask questions, talk fishing, and see if Butler County Bassmasters is a good fit for you. You may discover what our members have known for over three decades: we’re more than a bass club. We’re a group of anglers who enjoy competition, respect the sport, help each other improve, and aren’t afraid to laugh when the fish remind us who’s really in charge.
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