Ray Scott notified BassFan today that Jack Wingate, an integral figure in the early days of B.A.S.S., has died. He'd been battling stage 4 prostate cancer since last summer.
"He's now the No. 1 angel in my book," Scott said. "If it weren't for him, there wouldn't be a B.A.S.S. today."
Wingate, the legendary owner of Lunker Lodge at Georgia's Lake Seminole, played a major role in getting B.A.S.S. up and running, providing Scott with the names of many anglers who would go on to become pioneers of the sport and helping to kick off the All-American Tournament at Beaver Lake (Scott's first event) in 1967.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
To read a column that Scott penned about Wingate in 2007, click here.
