SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Bass fishing’s most celebrated week of the year will see five new members enshrined into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame as well as the unveiling of an expansion to bass fishing’s only dedicated museum and an annual auction that will generate funds for initiatives to preserve and promote bass fishing.
Those activities are part of Celebrate Bass Fishing Week, which culminates with the induction ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 26 at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium, and at the White River Conference Center in Springfield, Mo.
Formally inducted into the 2024 Hall of Fame class will be the late Fred Arbogast, inventor of such iconic lures as the Jitterbug and Hula Popper; Mike McKinnis, innovator of breakthrough live video and television coverage of tournament bass fishing as VP of media content for JM Associates; and noted pro angler, tackle designer and promoter Skeet Reese, whose career winnings exceed $4 million. Alfred Williams, a trailblazing angler from Mississippi who was the first African American angler to compete in a Bassmaster Classic, will also be inducted, while Mark Zona will be enshrined as one of the leading voices and personalities in bass fishing as a show host and TV analyst.
“We look forward to hosting this special night for those who enjoy the sport of bass fishing, where we celebrate the Hall’s newest inductees, promote how the industry and anglers come together for this one evening to support a common cause, and provides the Hall’s Board the opportunity to raise funds to help preserve the sport through our conservation efforts,” said John Mazurkiewicz, Hall of Fame board president. “Our induction celebration events have become a must-attend evening in the bass fishing world, and we are pacing toward having one of our biggest crowds ever. Those in the room include a who’s who list of past Hall of Fame inductees, leaders in the fishing and boating industries, current B.A.S.S. and MLF pro bass anglers, high school and college bass anglers featured on our new Champion’s Wall, and fans of the sport from across the country.”
Along with celebrating the 2024 inductees, another highlight of the induction event evening is the official public opening of the expanded exhibit space within the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame venue at Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium. New additions to the Hall of Fame include expanded displays, 5ft x 8ft LED monitor showcasing videos of Hall of Fame Moments, and an historical timeline of the sport of bass fishing. The five inductees will be honored at the venue with a special plaque unveiling sponsored by Phoenix Boats to start off the night’s activities.
Major League Fishing is sponsoring the Hall’s annual ‘Celebrate Bass Fishing’ online auction starting on Sept. 20, along with a live auction during the induction event evening. The online auction provides a once-a-year opportunity for bass anglers throughout the U.S. and Canada to bid on unique fishing trips, original artwork, an assortment of tackle and hunting items, plus unique bass fishing memorabilia and more. Visit https://one.bidpal.net/bfhof/welcome to view all the items up for bid.
Here is a small sampling:
- Bucket list fishing trips with accomplished guides and pro anglers to lakes such as O.H. Ivie and Lake Fork; a day of bass fishing with Whiskey Myers lead singer Cody Cannon; targeting smallmouth on trips for two within the Snake River Canyon in Idaho and the Grand Traverse Bay area in Michigan.
- Tournament jerseys from leading professional bass anglers from both MLF and B.A.S.S. Including Rick Clunn’s final season signed jersey after a 50-year career.
- Original artwork from noted fishing/wildlife illustrator Doug Schermer, and one-of-a-kind handmade crankbaits from Angry Sturgeon Lures.
- Rods, reels and lures from leading brands including Daiwa, Strike King, Lew’s, PRADCO brands, Rapala, Big Bite Baits, SPRO, Sunline, KastKing, St. Croix, Eagle Claw, TFO Rods, Northland Tackle, EGO and more.
- Technical fishing clothing from AFTCO, Simms, HUK, Whitewater, and Marsh Wear.
- Items any angler can put to good use from Dometic, Igloo, and Turtlebox Audio.
The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame wishes to acknowledge the generous financial support provided by Presenting sponsors: B.A.S.S., MLF, Phoenix Boats; Gold sponsors: Bass Cat Boats, Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s, PRADCO, Wired2Fish, Rather Outdoors; Silver sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Rapala, Yamaha; and Bronze sponsors: Simms, Costa, and Sunline.
Go to youtube.com/BassFishingHallofFame for live streaming of induction speeches on Sept. 26.
