2021 Bass Fishing Hall of Fame induction

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The inductees line up with their plaques int the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame on Sept. 30 at Johnny Morris Wonders of Wildlife in Springfield, Mo. Due to the pandemic, the last two classes were merged into one ceremony. From left are Trip Weldon, Gene Gilliland, Jay Yelas, Ron Lindner’s daughter Dawn, and Steve Bowman.
The inductees line up with their plaques int the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame on Sept. 30 at Johnny Morris Wonders of Wildlife in Springfield, Mo. Due to the pandemic, the last two classes were merged into one ceremony. From left are Trip Weldon, Gene Gilliland, Jay Yelas, Ron Lindner’s daughter Dawn, and Steve Bowman.
Hank Weldon helps his father, Trip, slip on his BFHOF jacket. Hank is following in his father’s footsteps at B.A.S.S.
Hank Weldon helps his father, Trip, slip on his BFHOF jacket. Hank is following in his father’s footsteps at B.A.S.S.
Jay Yelas poses with his family, including wife, Jill, and daughters Bethany (right) and Hannah, with husband Nathan.
Jay Yelas poses with his family, including wife, Jill, and daughters Bethany (right) and Hannah, with husband Nathan.
Trip Weldon and wife, Mary, pose with sons Hank (left) with Mallory and Ben with wife, Abby.
Trip Weldon and wife, Mary, pose with sons Hank (left) with Mallory and Ben with wife, Abby.
Steve Bowman, who has served on the board for the hall, shows his pride in making it in for real.
Steve Bowman, who has served on the board for the hall, shows his pride in making it in for real.
Bowman poses with daughter, Melissa. Bowman’s wife, Barb, the BFHOF’s executive director, was busy working to make the night go smoothly.
Bowman poses with daughter, Melissa. Bowman’s wife, Barb, the BFHOF’s executive director, was busy working to make the night go smoothly.
Bruce Akin, on his last night serving as B.A.S.S. CEO, received the BFHOF Meritorious Service Award from longtime Bassmaster magazine editor Dave Precht, who previously served on the hall board, and hall president John Mazurkiewicz.
Bruce Akin, on his last night serving as B.A.S.S. CEO, received the BFHOF Meritorious Service Award from longtime Bassmaster magazine editor Dave Precht, who previously served on the hall board, and hall president John Mazurkiewicz.
Precht, Akin and Mazurk, as he’s known, pose for photographers.
Precht, Akin and Mazurk, as he’s known, pose for photographers.
Gene Gilliland and Trip Weldon have their photo taken after their induction speeches.
Gene Gilliland and Trip Weldon have their photo taken after their induction speeches.
Precht visits with B.A.S.S. legend Bob Cobb.
Precht visits with B.A.S.S. legend Bob Cobb.
A display showing artifacts from Bryan Kerchal’s career sit in a case inside the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, including his original Classic trophy from 1994.
A display showing artifacts from Bryan Kerchal’s career sit in a case inside the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, including his original Classic trophy from 1994.
Besides his trophy are a famed Kerchal fish whistle as well as an autographed hat.
Besides his trophy are a famed Kerchal fish whistle as well as an autographed hat.
Inside the “Granddaddy” of all the Bass Pro Shops is a replica of Johnny Morris’ first tackle area set up inside his father’s Brown Derby liquor store in Springfield.
Inside the “Granddaddy” of all the Bass Pro Shops is a replica of Johnny Morris’ first tackle area set up inside his father’s Brown Derby liquor store in Springfield.
The shelves are an almost identical copy of what was offered back in 1972.
The shelves are an almost identical copy of what was offered back in 1972.
What do you recognize?
What do you recognize?
The Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, which was voted America’s best aquarium in 2021, has 35,000 live animals, including these colorful jellyfish.
The Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, which was voted America’s best aquarium in 2021, has 35,000 live animals, including these colorful jellyfish.
What kind of creature is that?
What kind of creature is that?
That’s an albino alligator looking back at visitors. It’s one of the many curiosities in the facility.
That’s an albino alligator looking back at visitors. It’s one of the many curiosities in the facility.
A display of penguins is the latest feature in the Wonders of Wildlife. The facility is 350,000-square feet celebrating people who hunt, fish and act as stewards of the land and water.
A display of penguins is the latest feature in the Wonders of Wildlife. The facility is 350,000-square feet celebrating people who hunt, fish and act as stewards of the land and water.