Take a walk out to my garage right now and you’ll see a handful of bright yellow rods sitting at the ready. Striking black graphics read, “Skeet Reese Signature Series,” a testament to the Bass Fishing Hall of Famer. Those rods just became an even bigger collector’s item, as Reese just announced his retirement from competitive fishing at the end of the 2025 MLF Bass Pro Tour season.
Professional Fishing Career
Reese’s career is long and storied, starting more than 40 years ago in the Western Pro circuits such as WON Bass and West Coast Bass. Since that time, he has competed in more than 300 professional events, claiming 12 career victories, 84 top 10, and 120 top 20 finishes. Reese appeared in 19 Bassmaster Classics, three Major League Fishing REDCREST championships, two Forrest Wood Cups and a Red Man All American.
The Auburn, California based pro was the first angler to see the potential of the Bassmaster Elite Series when it was announced in 2005 and was the first angler to sign up for the circuit. He took the 2007 Bassmaster Angler of the Year honors, and was the 2009 Bassmaster Classic Champion. In 2011, he helped found Major League Fishing, and was inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame in 2024. Altogether, Reese has posted more than $4 million in career earnings while casting.
The Next Chapter
While he is retiring from competition, Reese will remain actively involved in the fishing industry. He plans to spend more time serving in an enhanced promotional capacity for his partners and to grow Reese Fishing, his new fishing rod brand.
Speaking of which, Reese’s promotional abilities are also the stuff of legend. He made impacts early in his career with the use of personalized theme music and his dancing skills. Reese was the first angler to pioneer the use of a trademark color scheme with his signature black and yellow branding. The launch of Skeet Reese rods in 2009 has put hundreds of thousands of “yellow rods” in the hands of anglers worldwide.
A Grateful Journey
Looking back at his career, Reese is struck with nostalgia and a grateful heart.
“I only dreamed of being able to fish for a living as a young angler growing up in Northern California, and I never would have thought it could have turned out like this,” Reese said. “I have had partners along the way that have supported and believed in me that have become more like family than business partners; I would not have been able to stay in this career, let alone be successful without them.
“I am thankful to the leagues that have provided a platform for myself and my colleagues to build our brands in, and to the fans who tune in and attend the events we have competed in throughout the years,” said Reese. “To my family and friends that have been a big part of everything, I want to let you know how much you have been a part of my career and how fulfilling it is to have you a part of it. Finally, to Kim, Lea and Courtney, I would never have been able to chase this without your love and support, thank you and I love you so much.
“This has been a ride that I am grateful to have been on. I can’t express enough how humbled I am to have been a professional angler in this industry, and how thankful I am to have been able to do it for as long as I have. I will put the same effort into working for my partners and into building the best fishing rods you could ever put in your hands at Reese Fishing – from the depths of my heart, thank you all!”
