Scott Martin, one of the most decorated anglers in FLW history, announced today that he will compete in the Bassmaster Opens in 2020.
In doing so, Martin has declined the invitation to join the FLW Pro Circuit, which is a revamped version of the FLW Tour under new ownership of Major League Fishing.
Martin made the announcement via a video entitled "The BIGGEST DECISION of my CAREER!" posted to his YouTube channel and cited his desire to ultimately win the Bassmaster Classic, an event his legendary father, Roland Martin, never won.
"I want to win a Bassmaster Classic for my dad," Martin said in the video. "That is my sole drive right now – to win a Bassmaster Classic for my dad and finish off something special. I call it unfinished family business."
Martin, the 2011 FLW Cup winner and 2015 FLW Tour Angler of the Year, won a record eight tour-level events and nearly $3 million over his 20-year FLW career.
"I've been very loyal to FLW and had great success on the FLW Tour," Martin said. "They provided me with a tremendous platform for me to become the angler I am today. I truly, truly thank everyone at FLW, Irwin Jacobs and the Jacobs family. I thank Kathy Fennel and Dave (Washburn) ... just everybody. Bill Taylor.
"I felt like it's time for me to make a move solely driven on passion and what's going to be best for my family and scheduling – and I want to win a Bassmaster Classic for my dad while he's still here."
Martin said trying to qualify for the Elite Series via the Opens might be one of the hardest things he's ever attempted to do.
"Competing in the Bassmaster Opens Eastern and Central Divisions will probably be some of the hardest fishing I've ever experienced," he said.
Below is the complete video of Martin's announcement:
