There's something about bass fishing that brings people together and whether you're sharing a boat with an old friend, swapping stories around the dinner table or meeting somebody for the first time at a tournament registration, this sport has a way of building relationships that extend far beyond the water. For Lieutenant Colonel Shawn Dalrymple, owner and CEO of Army Bass Anglers, that's exactly what makes the 2026 Toyota Bonus Bucks Owners Tournament on Alabama's Lake Guntersville such a special experience.
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Sure, everybody wants to catch a big bag of bass and walk away with some bragging rights. But for Dalrymple, the opportunity to spend time with fellow anglers, military veterans and longtime friends is every bit as rewarding as the competition itself.
A TOURNAMENT THAT FEELS LIKE FAMILY
The Toyota Owners Tournament brings together anglers from different backgrounds who share a common appreciation for fishing and the Toyota brand. While the competition is an important part of the weekend, Dalrymple believes the event offers something that can be difficult to find in the fast-paced world of tournament fishing.
“I think it’s an awesome tournament. It’s an awesome way to connect and we view it as a big family event.”
That family atmosphere is especially meaningful to Dalrymple, whose work with Army Bass Anglers has helped connect people through a shared passion for fishing and military service. For many of these anglers, the relationships formed through the sport aren't limited to tournament weekends. They're friendships built through years of shared experiences, conversations and time spent on the water. The Toyota Owners Tournament gives them another opportunity to strengthen those connections.
“I can’t tell you how many Army Bass Anglers I got to see and visit with at the registration dinner on Saturday. We just relax and talk about family, past experiences and life.”
It's easy to overlook moments like those when so much attention revolves around weigh-ins, standings and winning patterns. But ask enough anglers what they remember most about a particular event and you'll often hear about the people they spent time with rather than the fish they caught.
CAMARADERIE COMES FIRST
For someone with Dalrymple's military background, camaraderie carries a particularly important meaning. The bonds formed through military service often last a lifetime and fishing provides another way for those relationships to continue growing. That sense of brotherhood is evident in the way Dalrymple talks about the Toyota Owners Tournament. While he's certainly competitive, his favorite part of the experience happens before the first cast is ever made.
“It’s more about the camaraderie than the fishing, to be honest. Of course, we all want to win but the atmosphere is my favorite part of it. Where else do you get the chance to have a dinner like that?”
That's a pretty telling statement from somebody who has dedicated so much of his time to the fishing community. Lake Guntersville is widely regarded as one of the premier bass fisheries in the country. With its legendary largemouth bass population and rich tournament history, it's the kind of destination that can get any serious angler excited. Even with that caliber of fishing available, Dalrymple places the greatest value on the people surrounding him. It's a reminder that the best tournament experiences aren't always defined by what happens between takeoff and weigh-in.
A PERSONAL CONNECTION TO TOYOTA
Dalrymple's appreciation for Toyota extends beyond the company's involvement in bass fishing. Through Army Bass Anglers, he's seen firsthand how the automotive manufacturer connects with members of the fishing community, including individuals who are part of both organizations.
“Our organization actually has a lot of pro staff guys who work at the Toyota factories.”
That connection makes Toyota's support of the fishing industry particularly meaningful to Dalrymple. It's not simply a relationship between a major corporation and a group of anglers. It's a connection that involves real people, their careers, their families and their shared interests. He also appreciates Toyota's efforts to recognize and support the military community, something that has influenced his own purchasing decisions.
“I just bought a Toyota Camry for my son and I’m about to buy a Toyota Tacoma for my wife. Everything they do for the military is so special to me and I will always spend my money with them when I can.”
For Dalrymple, that loyalty is personal. He values companies that demonstrate a commitment to the communities that matter most to him and Toyota has earned his appreciation.
THE MEMORIES THAT MATTER MOST
At the end of the day, tournament fishing is always going to involve a little friendly competition. Anglers want to catch fish, put together a good limit and see how they stack up against the rest of the field. The 2026 Toyota Owners Tournament illustrates how much more the sport can offer.
For Dalrymple, the weekend on Lake Guntersville provided a chance to reconnect with members of Army Bass Anglers, enjoy conversations with old friends and celebrate the relationships that make the fishing community unique. Long after the boats are loaded and the final weights are recorded, those conversations and friendships will remain. That's what makes the Toyota Bonus Bucks Owners Tournament worth coming back for.
