BENTON, Ky. – Major League Fishing (MLF), the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, announced today that the General Tire Heavy Hitters Special Presented by Bass Pro Shops is officially the most-watched bass fishing television program of 2024. The broadcast, which aired Sunday, Dec. 8, on CBS and Paramount+, captivated fishing fans nationwide, delivering a VideoAmp household rating of 1.46 and drawing an audience of more than 2.5 million viewers — a 5% increase over 2023.

The star-studded event, hosted by Experience Kissimmee, showcased 30 of the best anglers from MLF’s Bass Pro Tour competing over six days for a $500,000 prize purse, including a $100,000 Berkley Big Bass award in the Championship Round. Highlights of the broadcast included key catches from reigning REDCREST champion Dustin Connell, 2020 Heavy Hitters Champion Jordan Lee’s strategic mastery of Lake Toho and legendary angler Kevin VanDam competing in the final tournament of his storied career.

The Heavy Hitters special not only outperformed every other fishing program in 2024, but also reinforced MLF’s dominance in delivering engaging and high-quality sports programming. The event’s massive viewership highlights the growing popularity of competitive bass fishing and MLF’s ability to attract a dedicated audience.

“Fishing fans want excitement, and that’s exactly what Heavy Hitters delivered,” said MLF President of Sales Jim Wilburn. “This event had it all – big personalities, intense competition and some incredible fish catches. To see our broadcast become the year’s most watched by a wide margin is a testament to the passion of our fans and the incredible work of our anglers, staff and partners. It’s clear that MLF is the standard for bass fishing entertainment.”

The hour-long broadcast delivered an exciting mix of on-the-water highlights and exclusive behind-the-scenes commentary. Fans were treated to firsthand insights from the anglers themselves, making the episode not only a celebration of competitive fishing but also an intimate look at what drives the sport’s most successful competitors.

The General Tire Heavy Hitters broadcast exemplifies MLF’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in the sport of bass fishing. As the organization gears up for another exciting season, the record-breaking success of this event underscores its role as a leader in delivering high-quality fishing content to the forefront of sports television.

For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the Bass Pro Tour, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.