We frequently get inquiries from anglers, fans and other interested persons about how to nominate someone for induction into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame. This is a matter we take very seriously and welcome your thoughts on the most deserving candidates. The process is outlined in our Bylaws , but for purposes of clarity here are answers to the most frequently asked questions in a simple Q&A format:

Q; Who can nominate someone for induction into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame?

A: Any interested person may nominate deserving individuals to be considered for induction into the HOF including Inductees of the Hall of Fame, selection panel members and board members.

Q: Who can be nominated for induction into the Hall of Fame?

A: Individuals may nominate any individual they deem to have: (a) made a major impact on the world of bass fishing at the national level; (b) brought honor and credit to the sport of bass fishing; so long as that individual is (c) at least 50 years old or deceased.

Q: What supporting materials must an individual provide in support of a nomination?

A: Nomination forms must be accompanied by a resume and other biographical information that establishes the potential nominee’s qualifications.

Q: When is the “open season” for nominations?

A: Properly submitted nominations are accepted on a rolling basis, but any nominations received after the annual convening of the Nominations Committee will not be considered until the following year. That meeting typically takes place in the first quarter of the year.

Q: How are nominations judged and ultimately voted upon?

A: All properly submitted nominations are forwarded to the Board’s Nominations Committee, which then forwards between 10 and 25 candidates to the entire HOF Board of Directors. The Board then sends a list to a Selection Committee of 30 (thirty) individuals who are not members of the Board and who are knowledgeable about the sport of bass fishing. The same list is submitted to inductees of the Hall of Fame as well. The Selection Committee & Hall of Famer's review the list of nominees and votes on them, with each member of the committee submitting his or her ballot to the Hall of Fame home office, where votes are tabulated. The complete tabulations is presented to the Board at a meeting no later than six months prior to the induction ceremony, with the Board then making the final decisions.

Q: What happens if a nominee does not receive sufficient votes for induction?

A: Individuals who are nominated for induction into the Hall of Fame but who do not receive sufficient votes for induction will be placed on a master list. So long as they are on the master list, they need not be nominated again. Any name that has been on the master list for five years without being placed on the ballot is removed from the list.

Q: Are there other honors besides induction into the Hall of Fame?

A: Yes. The Board reserves the right to award the Ray Murski Lifetime Achievement Award for individuals chosen by the Board of Directors who have made exceptional contributions to the sport of bass fishing over their lifetime in such a way as to have fundamentally changed the fishing or boating industry and the Meritorious Service Award to deserving individuals or organizations who have made a major impact on the world of bass fishing at the state or regional level, in addition to or instead of induction in the Hall of Fame.