The Outcasts Bass Club has become an important part of the fishing and outdoor recreation culture in southwestern Pennsylvania. Based in Greene County, the club brings together anglers who share a passion for competitive bass fishing, conservation, and community involvement. Although it may not be as widely known as larger national fishing organizations, the club has earned respect throughout the region for its dedication to the sport and its support of local events and charitable activities.
Bass fishing has long been popular in Pennsylvania because of the state’s lakes, rivers, and reservoirs that provide ideal habitats for largemouth and smallmouth bass. Greene County, with its rural setting and access to waterways, offers excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Outcasts Bass Club was organized to give local fishermen a chance to compete in tournaments, improve their fishing skills, and enjoy fellowship with others who love the sport.
In the early years, the Outcast Bass Club was called the Greene County Bassmaster’s and one of the most significant figures associated with its organization was Larry Freeman. Along with the name change in the late 1990s, Freeman later served as District 5 president for the Pennsylvania Bass Federation, helping represent western Pennsylvania anglers in statewide competition and conservation efforts. Through leadership like this, the club developed connections with other bass fishing organizations across Pennsylvania. Freeman is currently the Club President and Tournament Director for the organization.
The Outcast Bass Club, which currently has thirty-eight members, holds ten club tournaments a year, and participates in three District tournaments for the PA Bass Federation, with the hopes of qualifying for the National Semi-Final Tournament held at Seneca Lake in New York.
Their season generally runs from early spring till the end of June. Anglers compete for the total “pounds” of fish with the highest weight winning the tournament. Anglers may keep five fish (minimum of twelve inches) to weigh-in at the end of the day. It’s four fish after October, and the minimum is fifteen inches then. There is a separate “Lunker” prize for the biggest catch of the tournament. All fish are catch-and-release…no fish is kept. If by chance a fish dies, there is a deduction of ½ pound off the total score. Also, no live bait is permitted.
Smallmouth, Largemouth, and Spotted Bass are the pursued species, the Monongahela River, Cheat Lake, the Youghiogheny Rive Lake and Dam, Tygart Lake (WV), and Lake Erie are preferred destinations. Boats are recommended for membership, but not required, you may ask to participate as a “rider” who fishes off the back of the boat of a member.
The Outcasts Bass Club is more than a competitive fishing organization. Community service has also played a major role in its identity. In 2022, the club partnered with the Keystone Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America to host a team bass fishing tournament. The event gave disabled veterans an opportunity to enjoy a day on the water while participating in friendly competition with volunteer boat captains and anglers. Events like this demonstrate how fishing clubs can create opportunities for recreation, friendship, and support for veterans and community members.
Like many local sportsmen’s organizations, the club reflects the traditions of Greene County itself. Outdoor recreation is deeply connected to the county’s culture, where hunting, fishing, and conservation remain important parts of everyday life. Clubs such as the Outcasts encourage responsible fishing practices, respect for wildlife resources, and sportsmanship among younger anglers. They also help preserve interest in outdoor activities at a time when many communities are trying to reconnect younger generations with nature and conservation efforts.
Competitive bass fishing requires patience, strategy, and knowledge of changing water and weather conditions. Members often spend countless hours preparing for tournaments, studying fish behavior, and practicing techniques that improve their chances of success. Tournament fishing also creates strong bonds among members because anglers share advice, stories, and experiences from time spent on Pennsylvania waterways.
The club represents more than just fishing competition. It stands as a symbol of community involvement, outdoor tradition, and fellowship among sportsmen in Greene County.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Outcast Bass Club, you can contact Larry Fitgerald at (724) 678-6860 or Sam Crawford at (724) 255-1599. Memberships are generally submitted in November for the April start of the tournament season.
