Bait Georgia 1 Div #3 - Greenwood - Jan. 12

America's Best Team Trail, since 1999 Bass Anglers Invitational Trail, Inc. (B.A.I.T.) was founded in 1999 by the current president, Allen "Bud" DeFoe. Doug Nickels joined B.A.I.T. as national director in 2001, and later became its vice president and national director. Nickels fished the Bass Masters Pro Circuit Trail (BASS) and several other major tournament trails. Since coming to B.A.I.T., Nickels tournament experience and business acumen has lead to steady growth. In 2001, memberships grew to 512 members with five divisions in five states. In 2002, B.A.I.T. hit a new high with 658 memberships within eight divisions across six states. Memberships surpassed 1024 in 2003, coming from 10 divisions in seven states. In 2004 and 2005, B.A.I.T. memberships continued their upward spiral. B.A.I.T. memberships peaked in 2006 from its expansion to 17 divisions in eight states. B.A.I.T. divisions are currently in eight southeastern states, e.g., Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. B.A.I.T. is poised to expand its bass fishing team competition trail concept to more states. Expansion will progress to new areas with substantial angler activity/populations, tourism, and local trail inquiries.