The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame (BFHOF) has been around for several years, but what it has become is nothing short of amazing.
I attended the most recent induction event in which Mike Iaconelli, Bruce Holt and Glen Andrews were inducted. I’ve been to several, but to see the Hall’s continued growth has been impressive.
That’s certainly no disrespect to any inductions of year’s past. Anytime you are honored by your peers it’s a special moment.
But the difference maker the past few years has been the involvement and contribution of Johnny Morris/Bass Pro Shops along with the leadership of the Hall’s board of directors.
Bass Pro Shops gave the Hall of Fame a home in its Wonders of Wildlife Museum at the Springfield store and has hosted the annual banquet since 2017. That, plus the board’s push to create a bigger awareness of the Hall, have enhanced attendance and made this an even bigger affair.
For example, more than 275 people attended the 2023 induction ceremony and raised a lot of money via an auction held online and during the event. Everything from fishing equipment to fishing trips with celebrity anglers and autographed memorabilia is donated for the auction. And every dime goes back into bass fishing.
The money raised is used to provide scholarships for high schoolers pursuing a college degree in fisheries and conservation. In addition, the BFHOF provides grants to volunteer groups for habitat and other bass-related conservation projects.
The induction ceremony is the main event and takes no backseat to any other sport’s hall of fame ceremony. It’s an incredible experience to rub elbows and hear the stories from inductees and all-time greats.
I have given lots of seminars and stood in front of a lot of people throughout my career. Nothing has been more humbling than being honored by your peers and standing before them as I did when I gave my induction speech in 2019.
The event is attended by a who’s who in bass fishing to include anglers, former anglers, manufacturers and sportsmen who helped blaze the trail. Others are there because they love the sport.
It’s an evening of fellowship, when many current and former anglers, dozens of manufacturers and competing bass fishing organizations come together to honor individuals and celebrate the sport of bass fishing.
Several Hall of Famers were on hand in September. I thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting with peers who were veterans during my rookie years and friends I gained throughout my career as a Bassmaster pro.
If you’ve never been to the Wonders of Wildlife Museum, you’re missing a special treat. In addition to an incredible aquarium and wild game display, you will find an area devoted to the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame. There you will see memorabilia and many exhibits that tell the story of bass fishing’s storied past.
For more information about the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame and details about next year’s event, visit www.bassfishinghof.com.
