Why Did Alex Peric Leave Googan Squad? Unpacking The Departure And His New Chapter

The departure of Alex Peric, widely known as AP Bassing, from the Googan Squad marked a significant turning point in the world of YouTube fishing. For years, the Googan Squad reigned supreme as the most influential collective in the outdoors niche, blending high-energy entertainment with a disruptive approach to the fishing industry. Alex Peric was one of the founding pillars of this group, bringing a unique blend of humor, raw authenticity, and high-level angling skill to the screen. When fans noticed his decreasing presence in group collaborations and eventual formal exit, the community was flooded with speculation regarding internal "beef," financial disagreements, or a decline in the group's friendship.

To understand why Alex Peric left the Googan Squad, one must look beyond the surface-level rumors. The transition was less about a single explosive event and more about the natural evolution of a content creator who felt the need to reclaim his individual identity. As the Googan Squad transitioned from a group of friends filming videos into a multi-million dollar brand with corporate responsibilities, the pressures of the "Googan" label began to clash with Peric’s personal creative vision. This departure serves as a primary case study in the lifecycle of digital creator collectives and the inevitable push for independence that many top-tier influencers experience.

The Evolution of the Googan Squad and Peric’s Role

The Googan Squad was formed by a group of individual creators—Rob Terkla (LunkersTV), Jon Barzarette (Jon B), Justin Rackley (LakeForkGuy), Michael Hsiao (1TakeMike), and Alex Peric. Initially, the group was a loose-knit band of brothers who shared a passion for bass fishing and a desire to disrupt the traditional, often "stuffy" fishing industry. Alex Peric was the "wild card" of the group. His energetic personality and "AP Bassing" brand provided a necessary contrast to the more technical or stoic approaches of his peers. In the early days, the synergy was undeniable; their collaborations generated millions of views and led to the creation of Googan Baits, which transformed the retail fishing market.

However, as the brand grew, so did the logistical requirements. Being a "Googan" meant more than just fishing with friends; it meant structured filming schedules, mandatory product promotions, and travel requirements that often took creators away from their personal channels. For a creator like Peric, who built his following on a specific type of raw, unscripted storytelling, the "corporate" side of the Squad began to feel restrictive. The shift from a grassroots movement to a major business entity changed the internal dynamics, leading each member to eventually evaluate their long-term goals within the collective.

The Drive for Creative Independence and Brand Autonomy

The primary reason Alex Peric moved away from the Googan Squad was a desire for total creative freedom. In a group setting, content is often dictated by the "lowest common denominator" of what the group needs to achieve—whether that is a specific challenge video or a promotional tie-in for a new bait launch. While this model is incredibly successful for brand building, it can be stifling for an artist who wants to experiment with different editing styles, longer-form storytelling, or niche fishing techniques that might not fit the high-octane Googan template.

Peric’s personal brand, AP Bassing, has always had a distinct "vibe" that leaned more toward the lifestyle and aesthetic side of fishing. By distancing himself from the group’s overarching schedule, he was able to refocus on his own channel’s growth without the distraction of group obligations. This move allowed him to curate his own sponsorships, manage his own time, and engage with his audience on a more personal level. In the influencer world, "brand dilution" is a real risk; by remaining too closely tied to a group, an individual risks losing their unique voice. Peric chose to bet on himself, prioritizing his own name over the collective's logo.

Analyzing the Business Shift: From Creators to Executives

The transformation of the Googan Squad into a business powerhouse created a divide between the "content" and the "company." While members like Rob Terkla leaned heavily into the business and managerial aspects of the Googan empire, Alex Peric remained a creator at heart. The requirements of maintaining a physical office, a warehouse, and a massive retail presence meant that the "squad" was no longer just a group of friends—it was a board of directors. For many fans, the departure of AP was the first sign that the original "Googan Era" was coming to an end.

The operational trends in the influencer market suggest that collective groups usually have a shelf life of three to five years before members seek individual paths. This is often due to the "equity vs. effort" dilemma. When a group brand becomes as large as the Googan Squad, members must decide if they are content being a piece of a larger puzzle or if they want to own the entire puzzle of their own career. Peric’s departure was a strategic move to ensure that his career wasn't entirely dependent on the health of the Googan brand, which, like any trend-based entity, faces fluctuations in market interest.

Comparison: Googan Squad Membership vs. Independent Creator

The Impact on the Fishing Community and Fan Base

When the news of Peric’s departure became undeniable, the reaction from the fishing community was mixed. Many long-time fans felt a sense of nostalgia, fearing that the "magic" of the original group was gone. The Googan Squad had pioneered a style of fishing content that felt like a "reality TV show for anglers," and Peric was a fan favorite due to his relatability. His exit led to a broader discussion about the sustainability of YouTube groups and whether fans follow the brand or the individual personalities.

In the long run, Peric’s departure has actually benefited the community by diversifying the content available. Instead of one monolithic channel dominating the space, fans now have the Googan Squad’s high-production videos alongside Peric’s more intimate and artistic solo adventures. This "decentralization" of the Googan Squad has allowed for more variety in the niche. It also cleared up misconceptions about the friendship; despite the professional split, most members have maintained that there is no deep-seated animosity, simply a mutual understanding that everyone must eventually grow in their own direction.

What is Alex Peric Doing Now?

Since leaving the Googan Squad, Alex Peric has successfully revitalized the AP Bassing brand. He has focused on high-quality cinematography, exploring new fishing locations, and building a lifestyle brand that resonates with a slightly older or more "enthusiast" demographic than the typical Googan fan. He has also leaned into new partnerships and ventures that align more closely with his personal interests, such as high-end gear and unique travel experiences.

His current trajectory proves that there is life after a major collective. By maintaining a consistent upload schedule and staying true to the "raw" feeling of his early videos, he has retained a significant portion of his audience while attracting new viewers who prefer a more relaxed fishing experience. Peric’s success as a solo creator serves as an inspiration for other influencers who feel trapped by the very groups that helped them find their initial fame.

FAQ: Understanding the Alex Peric and Googan Squad Split

Was there a fight between Alex Peric and the other Googans?

No official evidence suggests a major falling out or "fight." While there may have been typical professional disagreements regarding the direction of the Googan brand, the members have largely remained respectful of each other. The split was primarily a business and creative decision rather than a personal one.

Does Alex Peric still own part of Googan Baits?

The specifics of the internal equity and buy-out structures are private business matters. However, in most influencer collectives of this scale, departing members usually undergo a transition period regarding their ownership stakes or royalties from group-branded products.

Is Alex Peric still friends with Jon B and LunkersTV?

Yes, they appear to remain on friendly terms. While they no longer film together daily, they have occasionally interacted on social media or at industry events like ICAST. Their lives have simply moved in different directions as they have aged and their priorities have shifted.

Why did the Googan Squad change so much after AP left?

The Googan Squad’s change was a result of the group’s massive growth and the members maturing. As they got older, married, or started other businesses, the "frat house" style of content naturally evolved into a more professionalized media company. Peric's departure was one of many changes in this transition.

Where can I watch Alex Peric’s new content?

You can find his latest videos on his YouTube channel, AP Bassing. He is also active on Instagram, where he shares behind-the-scenes content and updates on his latest fishing expeditions and gear.

Conclusion: Supporting the Evolution of Fishing Content

The story of Alex Peric leaving the Googan Squad is a testament to the importance of individual growth in the digital age. While the Squad provided the platform that launched him to stardom, his decision to go solo highlights the value of authenticity and creative control. For fans of the fishing niche, the best way to support this evolution is to continue engaging with the creators who provide the content you love, whether they are part of a massive collective or carving out their own path in the wilderness.

Ready to upgrade your fishing game? Follow AP Bassing for the latest in technical angling and subscribe to the Googan Squad for high-energy adventures—because the best part of the fishing community is its diversity.