Who Should Make the 2025 Bass Fishing Hall of Fame?

Bass Fishing Hall of Fame ballot features a diverse mix of tournament legends, industry pioneers, and media influencers who have helped shape the sport.

From champions and innovators to key business figures, this list highlights individuals who have made a lasting impact on bass fishing.

Here’s a breakdown of the nominees and their contributions to the sport:

Tournament Anglers & Champions

Boyd Duckett (Guntersville, Ala.)

• 2007 Bassmaster Classic Champion
• Founder of Duckett Fishing and key business figure in MLF
• Early adopter of forward-facing sonar in competition

David Dudley (Lynchburg, Va.)

• Four-time FLW Tour Angler of the Year (AOY)
• One of the winningest anglers in FLW / MLF history
• Holds over $4 million in career earnings

Dion Hibdon (Versailles, Mo.)

• 1997 Bassmaster Classic Champion and FLW Cup Winner
• Son of legendary angler Guido Hibdon
• One of the few anglers to win both major championships (FLW / B.A.S.S.)

Andy Morgan (Dayton, Tenn.)

• Three-time FLW AOY
• One of the most consistent anglers in professional history (aka the GOAT)
• Known for versatility and natural fishing instincts

John Murray (Spring City, Tenn.)

• A Western bass fishing pioneer, dominating Arizona, California, and national circuits
• Bassmaster Elite Series winner with decades of experience
• Highly respected as an educator in the sport

Takahiro Omori (Emory, Texas)

• 2004 Bassmaster Classic Champion
• First Japanese angler to win a Classic, inspiring an international wave of competitors
• Over 30 years of elite tournament experience

Clark Wendlandt (Leander, Texas)

• Three-time FLW AOY & 2020 Bassmaster AOY
• One of the best sight-fishermen and finesse anglers in history
• A strong ambassador for the sport, helping countless anglers improve

Industry Innovators & Pioneers

Randy Hopper (Flippin, Ark.)

• Key figure at Ranger Boats, instrumental in the brand’s evolution
• Helped revolutionize bass boat design and tournament standards
• His work continues to impact modern bass boat performance and safety

Don Iovino (Burbank, Calif.)

• The “Godfather of Finesse Fishing,” a pioneer of doodling and deep-water fishing
• Influenced generations of Western anglers, especially with light-line tactics
• Helped shape modern sonar use in fishing

E.A. Pflueger (Akron, Ohio)

• Founder of Pflueger Fishing, one of the most influential tackle companies
• Innovator of modern reel technology, shaping fishing gear for over 100 years
• His contributions extend to spinning reels, rods, and hooks

Rick Pierce (Mountain Home, Ark.)

• President of Bass Cat Boats, a family-run brand known for quality
• One of the most innovative leaders in the bass boat industry
• Continues to push for angler-friendly boat designs

Lynn Reeves (Springfield, Mo.)

• A key player in fishing tackle development and innovation
• Long-time leader at Bass Pro Shops and a key figure in product advancement

William Shakespeare Jr. (Kalamazoo, Mich.)

• Shakespeare Fishing Tackle founder, responsible for pioneering rods and reels
• One of the earliest visionaries in the fishing industry

Media & Promotional Figures

Craig Lamb (Murfreesboro, Tenn.)

• A legendary outdoor journalist and content creator
• Has covered some of the biggest moments in bass fishing history

Pam Martin-Wells (Bowman, Ga.)

• One of the greatest female bass anglers of all time
• Has dominated the Women’s Bassmaster Tour and competed at the highest levels

Dave Mercer (Port Perry, Ont.)

• The voice of the Bassmaster Classic and Elite Series
• One of bass fishing’s most recognizable personalities
• Has brought entertainment and insight to the sport for decades

Bill Taylor (Danville, Ky.)

• A long-time tournament director for FLW / MLF
• Instrumental in shaping modern tournament operations and rules

Mike Whitaker (Tuscaloosa, Ala.)

• A strong advocate for the growth of competitive bass fishing
• Has influenced numerous organizations and tournaments

Jim Wilburn (Tulsa, Okla.)

• One of the biggest names in bass fishing business development
• Key figure in bringing the Major League Fishing (MLF) brand to life

Who Would You Pick?

This is an incredible list with legends across all areas of the sport. Who do you think deserves a spot in the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame this year?

Discover the ultimate resource for bass fishing enthusiasts with Bass Angler Magazine! Packed with expert tips, the latest cutting-edge techniques, and in-depth articles, our magazine is your go-to guide for mastering the art of bass fishing. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, Bass Angler Magazine delivers the insights and inspiration you need to reel in the big ones. Subscribe today and elevate your angling game!

#BassFishing #FishingHallOfFame #BAMTrail #TournamentFishing #LegendaryAnglers

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Mark Lassagne

Source: https://bassanglermag.com/who-should-make-the-2025-bass-fishing-hall-of-fame/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=who-should-make-the-2025-bass-fishing-hall-of-fame

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