Hall of Fame induction event set for November 9

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. Taking place at the White River Conference Center, one of the many venues within the newly-opened Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium, plans are in place for the 2017 Bass Fishing Hall of Fame banquet and induction ceremonies on Thursday, Nov. 9.

The event will honor the five new Hall members — including Wade Bourne, Shaw Grigsby, Bob Sealy, Morris Sheehan and Louie Stout — and it will mark the grand opening of the new Bass Fishing Hall of Fame Museum, which is housed within Wonders of Wildlife.

Master of ceremonies for the evening events will be noted fishing celebrity Dave Mercer. An accomplished bass angler and host of the Facts of Fishing TV show airing on The Outdoor Channel and World Fishing Network, Mercer is also known for the excitement he brings to the stage as MC at the Bassmaster Classic and B.A.S.S. Elite tournament weigh-ins.

“The excitement for our induction ceremony and dinner is building among all our members, pro bass anglers, and many in the fishing and boating industries,” said Donald Howell, BFHOF Board of Directors president, “but let me assure the evening is not just for our 2017 inductees and us. We hope to see many from local bass clubs, members of area high school and college bass teams, and anyone who is a fan of the sport of bass fishing. It’s a special opportunity to meet many of your bass fishing heroes and those who have grown it through their efforts.”

Along with what is sure to be an entertaining evening with the acceptance speeches from the 2017 inductees, and Dave Mercer’s hosting duties and special bass fishing scene insight, those attending can also be part of a special reception and “meet & greet” prior to the induction dinner. “Those supporting the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame at our special VIP level are invited to the special Board member kick-off to our exhibit space within the Wonders of Wildlife Museum,” Howell said. “Along with our new Hall members, there’ll be joined there by past Hall inductees including pro anglers Guy Eaker, Jimmy Houston and Denny Brauer, and those from the industry including Johnny Morris and Ray Scott. 

Tickets and further details on the 2017 Bass Fishing Hall Fame banquet and induction ceremonies are available at bassfishinghof.com/shop. Individual banquet/ceremony tickets are $100, with special VIP reception tickets including the banquet at $200. For more information about tickets and event sponsorships, contact Barbara Bowman by email at bfhof.barbara@gmail.com  – or phone at 501.541.6660. For lodging information in Springfield, Mo., visit www.springfieldmo.org/lodging, or call 800.678.8767.