While driving home from the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Springfield, Mo., recently, I really started thinking about how far the Hall has come over the years.
What once was basically a small gathering at the Bassmaster Classic has become a major event in the bass fishing world. It has become the place to be for anyone who has a personal or vested interest in our great sport.
It’s important to note the growing magnitude of the event has been made possible by the selfless efforts of many volunteers and the generous contribution of Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris and his Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium. Morris not only provided the Hall a home but has become a major supporter.
This year’s event, which honored inductees Mark Zona, Alfred Williams, Mike McKinnis, Skeet Reese, and the late Fred Arbogast, attracted a record-breaking crowd that included more than 400 people for the induction dinner. The crowd not only included 25 former inductees and other pro anglers but also top representatives from several manufacturers, media, and fans of the sport.
Attendees saw Rick Clunn awarded the Ray Murski Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication and contributions to the sport over his 50-year pro angler career that spanned six decades and more than 500 events. He is only the third recipient of such a prestigious award, previously given to B.A.S.S. founder Ray Scott and Johnny Morris.
In addition, B.A.S.S. announced it will award the Rick Clunn Man of the Year Award each year for an Elite angler’s off-the-water accomplishments and efforts to promote the sport of bass fishing.
The Bass Pro Shops White River Conference Center not only hosts the ceremony, but the Museum and Aquarium includes the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame display that has been expanded to take Aquarium visitors directly through the Hall.
Inside you will find a wall of plaques recognizing every hall of famer as well as memorabilia of some of the heroes and pioneers of our sport.
You’ll see an original Bassmaster Classic boat from yesteryear, outfitted with a 50 HP outboard. You will see Ray Scott’s cowboy hat, jacket and boots that he wore in Bassmaster Classics and large video screens displaying bass fishing scenes of the past.
But the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame has become much more than a museum. It is now a focal point for recognizing those who helped build bass fishing into what it is today.
It’s become proactive in promoting conservation and assisting college students pursue a career in fisheries.
It has committed more than $140,000 to support state and local groups with fishery enhancement projects. Last year, 11 college student applicants each received $2,500 to pursue studies that impact fisheries.
All of this is made possible through donations and annual online auctions of tackle, fishing trips and memorabilia donated by manufacturers and sportsmen.
If you care about the history of bass fishing and want to see one of the country’s most incredible and elaborate aquariums, you need to put the Wonders of Wildlife and Aquarium at the Bass Pro Shops Springfield, Mo., location on your bucket list.
Not only will your entire family enjoy it, but it will make you proud to be a part of this great sport and the history of what it has become today.
