The Badlands Bass Bandits club was established in June 2006 by passionate bass angler Paul Reinbold. A native of South Dakota, Paul relocated to North Dakota to pursue a career in education at Dickinson State University. During his college years, he discovered the exceptional bass fishing opportunities available throughout the state.
As an experienced tournament angler and a member of the Dakota Sportsmen Society in Isabel, South Dakota, Paul was eager to share his enthusiasm for competitive fishing and the sense of camaraderie that comes with belonging to a fishing club. He wanted to bring that same welcoming spirit to the communities of North Dakota.
In the summer of 2005, while exploring the state's bass lakes alongside his longtime friend Deryk Voller, Paul began identifying the best locations to build his vision for a new fishing organization. Drawing from his previous club experience in South Dakota, he carefully laid the groundwork for the Badlands Bass Bandits. He focused on the key elements that make a fishing club both successful and sustainable, with the ultimate goal of creating a well-respected group that could thrive for many years.
With this clear vision in mind, Paul founded the Badlands Bass Bandits in Dickinson, North Dakota. The club's inaugural tournament took place on June 10, 2006, at Raleigh Reservoir. Ten founding members participated, enduring cold, windy, and wet conditions. Despite the tough weather, the event proved to be a resounding success, and every angler enjoyed a memorable day on the water.
Today, the Badlands Bass Bandits boasts members from across the region. As the club continues to grow, it remains dedicated to the friendly and inclusive atmosphere that has defined it since the very beginning, ensuring its legacy endures for years to come.
