History & Origins
The story of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame
The Origin Story
The idea to establish the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame was born — as many good ideas are — on a fishing trip.
While on an extended trip in Canada with eight friends from the Hot Springs, Arkansas area, Gilbert Garrett conceived the idea of building a hall of fame — in his hometown — to honor bass anglers. At the time, halls existed for freshwater and saltwater anglers, but none was dedicated specifically to those who pursue America’s favorite sportfish: the black bass.
Excited by the idea, Garrett pulled his fishing guide alongside a boat carrying John Selig and Bill Fletcher and shared his plan. He enlisted their help in forming what became the Professional Bass Fishing Hall of Fame.
An organizational meeting in March 1999 brought together local supporters and touring pros, officially launching the effort. Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee contributed $15,000 in discretionary funds, giving the project early momentum.
Garrett, Selig, and Fletcher became charter board members, joined by Mike Wurm, Rob Kilby, and Mark Davis.
The first class (2001)
The first induction banquet was held in 2001 in Hot Springs alongside a fundraising tournament on Lakes Ouachita and Hamilton.
The inaugural class included Ray Scott, Forrest Wood, Homer Circle, Rick Clunn, Bill Dance, Roland Martin, Bobby Murray, and Larry Nixon.
Early challenges, expansion, and a permanent home
Plans to build a permanent facility in Hot Springs ultimately fell through after a feasibility study showed it would not succeed as a tourist attraction. Most of the original board stepped away, but Fletcher remained committed, focused on elevating the image of bass fishing beyond stereotypes and bringing greater recognition to the sport.
In 2007, the organization dropped “Professional” from its name, becoming the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame. This shift broadened its mission to include recreational fishing and conservation. During this time, leadership also evolved, with Sammy Lee serving as president from 2007 to 2016, followed by Donald Howell, who helped connect the Hall with Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium.
The vision was ultimately realized in 2017 with the opening of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame in Springfield, Missouri, inside Wonders of Wildlife. The exhibit features major artifacts from the sport’s history, including early tournament equipment, rare publications, and all four of Rick Clunn’s Bassmaster Classic trophies. The display honors 103 Hall of Fame members and contributed to 1.6 million museum visitors in its first year.
Today at the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame
The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame continues to grow in visibility and impact. Annual induction banquets held at Wonders of Wildlife in Springfield draw large audiences and help support conservation efforts across North America.
Each fall, new members are inducted during the banquet, continuing the Hall’s mission:
"We are dedicated to celebrating, promoting and preserving the sport of bass fishing."
What's new at the bass fishing hall of fame
