Is Alex Peric Still In Googan Squad? The Full Truth About AP Bassin’s Evolution

The world of YouTube fishing was fundamentally transformed by the emergence of the Googan Squad. For years, the group—consisting of Rob Terkla (LunkersTV), Jon Barzacchini (Jon B), Andrew Flair (fishing_with_flair), Lake Fork Guy (Justin Rackley), and Alex Peric (AP Bassin)—dominated the outdoor niche with their high-energy challenges and "squad" mentality. However, as the brand transitioned from a group of friends filming together to a massive tackle conglomerate, fans noticed a significant shift in the lineup. The most frequent question circulating in the community today is whether Alex Peric is still a member of the Googan Squad.

To understand Alex Peric’s current standing, one must look at the structural changes within the Googan brand over the last two years. While there was never a dramatic "breakup" video or a formal press release announcing an expulsion, the professional distance between Peric and the core Googan media machine has grown exponentially. Peric has largely pivoted away from the collaborative "Googan Lab" style of content, choosing instead to focus on his individual identity and specific brand of authentic, raw fishing content that originally made him a star.

While the "Googan" title is something that often sticks to the original five members for life in the eyes of the fans, the operational reality is quite different. Alex Peric is no longer a participating member in the group's collective commercial ventures or their daily collaborative videos. This separation is less about animosity and more about the natural evolution of a content creator who values creative independence over corporate brand alignment.

The History of Alex Peric and the Googan Squad Foundation

The Googan Squad was born out of a desire to disrupt the traditional, often "stiff" professional fishing industry. Alex Peric was an integral part of this disruption. Known for his "AP Bassin" channel, Peric brought a unique, high-energy, and often eccentric personality to the group. In the early days, the squad lived together, traveled together, and filmed almost every video as a collective unit. This synergy was the engine behind their massive growth, as it allowed them to cross-pollinate audiences and create a "super-group" effect similar to what was seen in the gaming or lifestyle vlog niches.

During the peak years of 2016 through 2020, Alex Peric was a fixture in every major Googan Squad project. Whether they were traveling to Mexico for giant bass or competing in their signature "fishing challenges," Peric’s presence was essential to the group's chemistry. He represented the "everyman" of the group—highly relatable, incredibly passionate about the sport, and often the source of comic relief or high-stakes competitive energy. His role helped the Googan Squad move beyond just fishing videos and into the realm of personality-driven entertainment.

However, as the Googan Squad brand grew into a multi-million dollar tackle company (Googan Baits), the demands on the creators changed. The transition from a "band of brothers" to "brand ambassadors" created a different dynamic. The focus shifted from spontaneous adventures to structured product launches and promotional cycles. For many fans, this was the beginning of the end of the "classic" Googan era, and it was during this transition that Alex Peric began to reclaim his individual path.

Current Status: Why Alex Peric Distance Himself

If you look at the recent content coming out of the "Googan Lab" or the shared social media accounts of the Googan Squad, Alex Peric is noticeably absent. Technically and professionally, Alex Peric is no longer an active member of the Googan Squad's operational rotation. While he may still maintain personal friendships with members like Jon B or Rob Terkla, he is no longer part of the commercial entity that markets itself as the Googan Squad. He has essentially retired from the group to focus exclusively on his own brand, AP Bassin.

The reasons for this departure are multifaceted. Primary among them is the desire for creative autonomy. Being part of a major brand like Googan Squad requires a certain level of conformity to the brand's image and promotional schedule. For a creator like Peric, whose appeal lies in his unfiltered and spontaneous nature, the constraints of a corporate-style creator group can be stifling. By moving away from the squad, Peric has been able to produce content that feels more personal and less like a commercial for a tackle company.

Furthermore, there has been a geographical and lifestyle shift. Many of the core Googan members moved to Texas to be closer to the brand's headquarters and the legendary bass waters of the South. Peric, however, has maintained his roots in the Midwest. This geographical distance made the constant collaboration required for the Googan Squad's high-output channel nearly impossible. The logistical challenges, combined with a differing vision for content, led to a natural and mutual "drifting apart" rather than a hostile split.

Comparing the AP Bassin Solo Era vs. The Googan Squad Era

To understand how Peric’s content has changed since moving away from the group, it is helpful to look at the metrics and the style of his production. The following table highlights the key differences between his time as a core Googan and his current status as an independent creator.

As seen in the comparison, the shift is significant. Peric has traded the "viral" potential of group challenges for a more sustainable and personally fulfilling style of content. While his view counts might not always reach the astronomical heights of a Googan Squad collaboration, his "core" audience is more engaged and loyal to his specific personality rather than the broader Googan brand.

The Pros and Cons of Leaving a Major Creator Group

Analyzing Alex Peric’s move requires looking at the trade-offs involved in leaving a powerhouse like the Googan Squad. In the creator economy, there are distinct advantages to being part of a collective, but there are also significant "invisible" costs that can lead to burnout.

The Pros of Going Solo

The most immediate benefit for Alex Peric has been the reclamation of his brand. When you are part of a group, your identity often becomes synonymous with the group's identity. By stepping away, Peric has proven that he can stand on his own two feet as a creator. This provides him with long-term stability; he is not dependent on the health of a secondary company to earn a living. Additionally, he has total control over his sponsorship deals, allowing him to work with brands that he personally uses and trusts, rather than being forced to promote a specific line of products exclusively.

The Cons of the Departure

The downside is the loss of the "Googan Effect." The Googan Squad’s algorithm power was legendary; a mention from one member could send tens of thousands of subscribers to another. By leaving the core group, Peric lost that constant stream of new viewers. Furthermore, the production resources of the Googan Lab—editors, camera operators, and logistical support—are no longer at his disposal. He has returned to a more "DIY" approach, which, while more authentic, is also significantly more labor-intensive and can lead to a slower growth trajectory on platforms like YouTube.

Expert Insight: The Changing Landscape of Fishing Content

As a subject matter expert in the creator economy and the outdoor niche, I view Alex Peric’s departure as a bellwether for the industry. The era of the "Creator House" or the "Content Squad" is evolving. Audiences are increasingly savvy; they can tell when a group of friends becomes a group of business partners. The initial magic of the Googan Squad was their authentic friendship. When the business side took over, that magic became harder to maintain.

Peric’s move is a strategic "de-risking" of his career. In 2024 and beyond, creators who own their niche and have a direct, unmediated relationship with their audience are the ones who survive platform shifts and brand fatigue. By returning to his Midwest roots and focusing on the fishing styles he loves, Peric is building a "lifestyle brand" that is more resilient than a "hype brand."

How to Follow Alex Peric’s Current Journey

For fans who want to keep up with Alex Peric now that he is no longer a central figure in the Googan Squad videos, the process is straightforward. He remains very active, though his content has shifted in tone.

1. Subscribe to AP Bassin on YouTube: This is his primary hub where he posts long-form fishing videos and life updates.
2. Follow on Instagram: Peric uses Instagram for more real-time updates, showing his day-to-day life and behind-the-scenes looks at his fishing trips.
3. Engage with the "Midwest Fishing" Community: Peric has become a staple of the Midwest fishing scene. Following other creators in that region often leads to organic "cameos" and collaborations that feel much more natural than the old squad videos.
4. Watch for "Legacy" Collaborations: Occasionally, Peric will still appear in a video with Jon B or other original members. These are usually high-value videos that fans of the original era should not miss.

FAQ: Common Questions About Alex Peric and Googan Squad

Q: Did Alex Peric have a falling out with the Googan Squad? A: There is no public evidence of a major falling out. The separation appears to be based on creative differences, geographical distances, and the natural evolution of their respective businesses.

Q: Does Alex Peric still own a part of the Googan Squad company? A: Ownership details of private companies like Googan Baits are not public. However, it is common in these arrangements for original founders to retain some level of equity even if they are no longer "active" on-screen talent.

Q: Where is Alex Peric living now? A: Alex Peric primarily resides in the Midwest, focusing much of his content on the lakes and rivers around Illinois and Wisconsin, a stark contrast to the Texas-based content of the current Googan Squad.

Q: Is Alex Peric still fishing professionally? A: While he competes in various tournaments and events, his primary profession remains content creation and brand partnerships within the fishing industry.

Q: Will the Googan Squad ever reunite with the original members? A: While "never say never" applies, a full-time reunion is unlikely. Most members have moved on to different stages of their lives and careers. However, "anniversary" style collaborations are always a possibility for the fans.

Supporting the Next Chapter of AP Bassin

Whether you are a fan of the original Googan Squad or a newcomer to the fishing scene, Alex Peric remains one of the most compelling figures in the outdoor world. His journey from a group member to a solo powerhouse serves as a roadmap for other creators facing the pressures of corporate growth. To see the most authentic version of Alex Peric, head over to his YouTube channel and dive into his recent solo adventures. The "Squad" may have changed, but the passion for the catch remains the same.