BETT (Bass Equaliser Tournament Trail) began in 2005. The idea behind the competition, was to introduce a professionally organised and executed tournament circuit.   It was to be managed by anglers with both national and international experience, which would be governed by a set of rules. There was at the time, not only a need, but a request by the anglers for such a circuit to be introduced, to be run separately from the governing body (SABAA). The idea was to start a monthly competition, at various venues initially in Gauteng, but has subsequently grown at phenomenal rate above all expectations and has expanded to Natal and Limpopo.  This would not only test the ability of the anglers but promote the sport and in doing so encourage development, interaction business opportunities and competitiveness amongst seasoned and novice anglers. In 2006 the average participation was 30 boats (60 anglers) as it is a team event. However, the overall registered teams totaled no less than 55. In 2007 there was an average participation of 80 boats (160 anglers) and registered teams totaling in excess of 130.  We can only assume this is due to sponsors taking advantage of media and TV coverage that was on offer.  Currently we have a membership of 231 Teams (462 anglers) competing in the 3 provinces which could have been greater but for the size of waters.  

The short term goals were to    

a)  Unite the bass angling fraternity   

b) To encourage juniors, women and family participation   

c)  Expand and expose the sport of bass fishing to the nation.    

d)  Educate novice and potential (PDI) anglers   

e)  Conserve the fishing resources by the implementation of the catch and release system   

f)  Create a professional fishing environment and platform for tournament anglers.  

The medium term goals were to   

 a)  Encourage sponsors to participate thereby increasing prize money, and increase funding for development and conservation  

 b)  Giving sponsors a return, by way of television and media coverage        

 c)  To introduce up and coming anglers into tournament angling    

The long term goal  

a)  Create heroes within our sport  

b)  Extend the BETT Series from a one day to a two day knock-out event      with a substantial increase in participants to be named The Elite Series  

c)  Develop and prepare anglers to compete on the international stage.