The Story of Bass Fishing Lives Here
The history of bass fishing isn’t just something to read about—
it’s something to experience.
The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame is more than a museum. It’s a living tribute to the legends, innovators, and everyday anglers who shaped the sport we love—and those who will carry it forward. From iconic moments and groundbreaking gear to conservation leadership and unforgettable stories, the Hall preserves the heritage of bass fishing while inspiring its future.
Located inside the world-class Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri, the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame connects generations of anglers through a shared passion for the water.
As a nonprofit organization, the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame is dedicated to honoring the men and women—anglers, manufacturers, and members of the media—who have made significant contributions to the sport and industry. Through recognition, education, and storytelling, we strive to increase participation in bass fishing for people of all ages.
Plan your visit and experience the legacy firsthand at Wonders of Wildlife.
2026 Hall of Fame Inductees
Mike Whitaker
2026
Mike Whitaker transformed bass fishing by bridging the gap between casual anglers and professional competition. As the founder of Operation Bass in 1979, Whitaker revolutionized the sport with his vision of professionally run, high-quality tournaments...
Rick Pierce
2026
Rick Pierce was born into the bass boat business, the son of Bass Cat founders Ron and Jan Pierce. He began working for the company over 50 years ago, at the age of 13, and...
Takahiro Omori
2026
Takahiro Omori was born in Tokyo, raised in rural Japan, and is the most successful professional angler who’s ever immigrated to America based on career earnings and his famous 2004 Bassmaster Classic win. Omori, 53,...
Pam Martin-Wells
2026
It’s hard enough for any first timer in the Bassmaster Classic to maintain focus in the incredibly frenetic, hectic pace of Classic week. Add to that the pressure of being somewhat of an outsider —...
Don Iovino
2026
In the infancy of B.A.S.S. tournament competition and for years afterward, the sport was dominated by heavy-handed, shallow-water techniques developed in the South. Some called it “bubba fishing.” Surfacing in the mid-1970s, Don Iovino’s western...
Bass Fishing Archives- 1972 Bass Pro Shops Spring SaleLast week I ran across this 1972 Bass Pro Shops Spring Sale ad in the 1972 March/April issue of Bass Master Magazine and thought you’d find it interesting. During the months of March and April, Johnny was hosting the first two BASS Anglers of the Year, Bill Dance and Roland Martin along with future legend […]
- A Look in the Western Rearview MirrorStill, even equipped with small aluminum boats and minimal electronics, the anglers fiercely competed and many a fish were brought to the scales. This picture article looks back on those days and the boats the early California anglers used to compete in bass tournaments. The post A Look in the Western Rearview Mirror appeared first […]
- Snatrix by Bill Norman LuresBill Norman Lures was one of the leading U.S. manufacturers of hardbaits since the early 70s. It is without argument that the Deep Little N and DD22 are probably two of the best crankbaits ever designed The post Snatrix by Bill Norman Lures appeared first on Bass Fishing Archives.
- Stay Tuned-Bagley’s Lead LipStay Tuned-Bagley’s Lead Lip goes baxck to the days of the original Bagley's Divin'B with the lead button diving bill. The post Stay Tuned-Bagley’s Lead Lip appeared first on Bass Fishing Archives.
- Klein Comes ThroughFor today's Throwback Thursday photo, we have a 1987 picture of Gary Klein on Clear Lake catching bass for the BASSMASTER TV crew. The post Klein Comes Through appeared first on Bass Fishing Archives.
- 1972 Bass Pro Shops Spring Sale
Who We Are
The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame is a nonprofit organization led by a volunteer board of directors and is dedicated to celebrating, promoting and preserving the sport of bass fishing.
What We Do
We honor those whose contributions to the sport of bass fishing have elevated it to the professional level it is today, and without whom none of what millions of anglers enjoy today would have been possible.
Stay in touch with us
Come visit us today!
- Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium 500 W Sunshine St Springfield, MO 65807