It was a banner night for the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, and New Jersey’s contributions to the world of professional bass fishing. With more than 275 people gathered inside the White River Conference Center in Springfield, MO – including Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris – the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame (BFHOF) enshrined three new members on September 28, Glen Andrews, Bruce Holt and Michael Iaconelli.
Through donations and industry support as well as the popular online auction that featured fishing trips and other outdoor experiences, pro angler memorabilia and a vast array of fishing tackle, the 2023 version of Celebrate Bass Fishing week raised more than $200,000, exceeding all previous Celebrate Bass Fishing Week totals.
“The induction ceremony evening and the events and activities leading up to it really showed what the bass fishing world is all about,” said BFHOF Board President John Mazurkiewicz. “It didn’t matter whose tournament circuit you favor, whose boat you ride in or the brand of the tackle you use, we all were able to come together as one to support the Hall’s mission of celebrating, promoting, and preserving the sport of bass fishing.”
The gala event featured 20 Hall of Famers in attendance, all distinguishable by their royal blue blazers, and with new banners hanging from the ceiling to commemorate each induction class. Since 2017, the Hall’s inductees and memorabilia representing the history of bass fishing is showcased in Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri, where it has rapidly become a popular destination.
“This is the most amazing feeling. I can’t even put it into words,” said Iaconelli, a New Jersey native and the only angler to win the B.A.S.S. Nation national championship, the Bassmaster Classic and the Bassmaster Angler of the Year award. “To look out at this sea of people who are my heroes from the fishing industry and not just the fishermen, but the writers, the retailers, my friends … it really feels like my life has come full circle,” Ike added.
The induction events were made possible by major financial support from B.A.S.S., Major League Fishing, Phoenix Boats, Wired2fish, PRADCO, Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s, AFTCO, Daiwa, Rapala, Rather Outdoors, Shimano, Costa, St. Croix, Simms, and Sunline.
For more information about the Hall and its mission go to BassFishingHOF.com.
