BFHOF Report

Heddon

James Heddon

The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors proudly announced today the selection of five individuals who have made a substantial mark on the sport of bass fishing for induction into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame.

Bryan Kerchal

Bryan Kerchal

The Class of 2020, which will be inducted in ceremonies at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium in Springfield on Thursday, September 24, 2020, includes two Bassmaster Classic winners – Jay Yelas and the late Bryan Kerchal – along with three bass fishing industry innovators include Steve Bowman, a noted figure in bass fishing media and the professional fishing scene, the late lure designer James Heddon, and fishing educator Ron Lindner.

The inductees were nominated by members of the Hall of Fame and elected by a 30-member panel of sportfishing industry leaders, members of the outdoor media, professional anglers and members of the Hall of Fame.

“We are thrilled to have such a diverse class of inductees this year, representing all corners of this sport that we love so much,” said John Mazurkiewicz, president of the Hall of Fame Board. “We are confident that the selection process implemented two years ago ensures that we will continue to induct the most deserving bass fishing innovators and pioneers from a broad pool of candidates.”

The five will be enshrined in the Hall of Fame museum, which opened in November 2017 within the Wonders of Wildlife complex at the flagship Bass Pro Shops store in Springfield. The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring anglers, manufacturers, innovators and media representatives who have furthered the sport of bass fishing. On display in the museum are artifacts, photos and biographical information about the 77 members of the Hall of Fame who have been inducted since 2001.

“Our banquet has quickly become one of the industry’s must-attend events,” said Tim Carini, the Hall’s vice president. “It has become an unparalleled gathering for the sport’s movers and shakers as we celebrate the newest members of the Hall of Fame. As the main fund-raising event that enables us to fulfill our mission of celebrating, promoting and protecting the sport of bass fishing, even if you can’t attend, you can still contribute by bidding on one-of-a-kind items on our online auction during the evening.”

Tickets to the induction dinner and information about the Hall of Fame and its mission are available at www.Bassfishinghof.com.