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2017 Bass Fishing Hall of Fame ceremony night

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The Wonders of Wildlife Museum at Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, MO not only houses amazing history of bass fishing and nature, but it also is the home of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame.
The Wonders of Wildlife Museum at Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, MO not only houses amazing history of bass fishing and nature, but it also is the home of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame.
Johnny Morris invited many industry leaders and figureheads to the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame Induction ceremony for the 2017 inductees.
Johnny Morris invited many industry leaders and figureheads to the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame Induction ceremony for the 2017 inductees.
But first everyone took a mini tour of the Wonders of Wildlife Natural Museum.
But first everyone took a mini tour of the Wonders of Wildlife Natural Museum.
It was incredibly beautiful with tanks full of many species of fish as well as other animals. It all lead to the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame.
It was incredibly beautiful with tanks full of many species of fish as well as other animals. It all lead to the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame.
They had plaques on the wall for past inductees and now the Hall of Fame has a home in a tangible location.
They had plaques on the wall for past inductees and now the Hall of Fame has a home in a tangible location.
There was also a wall with every Bassmaster Classic Champion honored.
There was also a wall with every Bassmaster Classic Champion honored.
Mike Iaconelli's iconic Classic win in 2003.
Mike Iaconelli’s iconic Classic win in 2003.
Kevin VanDam's Classic title in 2005 is still one of the most memorable Classics.
Kevin VanDam’s Classic title in 2005 is still one of the most memorable Classics.
Edwin Evers 2016 Classic win at Grand Lake was there on the end row.
Edwin Evers 2016 Classic win at Grand Lake was there on the end row.
Along with this years Classic Champion Jordan Lee.
Along with this years Classic Champion Jordan Lee.
One of the first bass boats used in Bassmaster events had its own place in the Hall.
One of the first bass boats used in Bassmaster events had its own place in the Hall.
Everywhere you looked there was something of historical significance, including a bio of Rick Clunn.
Everywhere you looked there was something of historical significance, including a bio of Rick Clunn.
Ray Scott had his own glass case as expected.
Ray Scott had his own glass case as expected.
Steve Bowman and Bill Huntley stand by Jerry McKinnis' glass case which showcased a feature on his life and his iconic show
Steve Bowman and Bill Huntley stand by Jerry McKinnis’ glass case which showcased a feature on his life and his iconic show “The Fishin Hole.”
McKinnis has definitely created a long standing legacy in the sport.
McKinnis has definitely created a long standing legacy in the sport.
Time to officially open the Hall of Fame and they do so by cutting the ribbon.
Time to officially open the Hall of Fame and they do so by cutting the ribbon.
Dave Mercer introduces several key folks for the evening.
Dave Mercer introduces several key folks for the evening.
One of them being Donald Howell, President of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame.
One of them being Donald Howell, President of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame.
He introduces Johnny Morris and honors him for his efforts in housing the Hall of Fame.
He introduces Johnny Morris and honors him for his efforts in housing the Hall of Fame.
Bill Fletcher, president of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame board of directors, cuts the ribbon to officially open the facility.
Bill Fletcher, president of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame board of directors, cuts the ribbon to officially open the facility.
It was a momentous occasion.
It was a momentous occasion.
People began funneling in to see the amazing history that was recorded and preserved here.
People began funneling in to see the amazing history that was recorded and preserved here.
Kevin VanDam poses with Hall of Fame inductee and legendary outdoor writer Louie Stout.
Kevin VanDam poses with Hall of Fame inductee and legendary outdoor writer Louie Stout.
Meanwhile Dave Mercer and Mark Zona kick the evening off on Facebook LIVE.
Meanwhile Dave Mercer and Mark Zona kick the evening off on Facebook LIVE.
College Champions Jacob Foutz and Jake Lee were invited to this event.
College Champions Jacob Foutz and Jake Lee were invited to this event.
Old cereal boxes were preserved and placed in the Hall.
Old cereal boxes were preserved and placed in the Hall.
Bob Sealy was one of the inductees this evening and he poses by his plaque on the wall.
Bob Sealy was one of the inductees this evening and he poses by his plaque on the wall.
Mark and Karin Zona enjoy the festivities.
Mark and Karin Zona enjoy the festivities.
Former Bassmaster magazine editor Bob Cobb was in attendance as well.
Former Bassmaster magazine editor Bob Cobb was in attendance as well.
Dave Mercer wanted a photo with the iconic Cobb.
Dave Mercer wanted a photo with the iconic Cobb.
A good chunk of the Bassmaster LIVE crew stood with Cobb who got the sport started on TV.
A good chunk of the Bassmaster LIVE crew stood with Cobb who got the sport started on TV.
Guy Eaker was in attendance.
Guy Eaker was in attendance.
Rick Clunn was also here.
Rick Clunn was also here.
Clunn, McKinnis and Morris pose for a photo.
Clunn, McKinnis and Morris pose for a photo.
So much history and effort was put into this amazing place.
So much history and effort was put into this amazing place.
Old Cotton Cordell lures were on display.
Old Cotton Cordell lures were on display.
Basil Bacon and Bob Sealy spend some time together.
Basil Bacon and Bob Sealy spend some time together.
Bob Cobb and Rick Clunn spend some time together.
Bob Cobb and Rick Clunn spend some time together.
Triton's Earl Bentz has his place on the wall.
Triton’s Earl Bentz has his place on the wall.
One of the many aquariums had some giant bass on display as they freely swam.
One of the many aquariums had some giant bass on display as they freely swam.
No detail was spared in the museum as the geology from exhibit to exhibit were as real as it gets.
No detail was spared in the museum as the geology from exhibit to exhibit were as real as it gets.
It was an amazing sight to see.
It was an amazing sight to see.
The evening transitioned to the banquet hall as we were prepared to induct a few members into the Hall of Fame. Shaw Grigsby was one of those figures and he spoke with Mike Suchan about the honor.
The evening transitioned to the banquet hall as we were prepared to induct a few members into the Hall of Fame. Shaw Grigsby was one of those figures and he spoke with Mike Suchan about the honor.
There were plenty of silent auction prizes for people to bid on including this American Flag made out of Strike King Lures.
There were plenty of silent auction prizes for people to bid on including this American Flag made out of Strike King Lures.
There were rain suits, coolers, buckets of baits and even a T-H Marine jackplate up for grabs.
There were rain suits, coolers, buckets of baits and even a T-H Marine jackplate up for grabs.
From Left to Right: Davy and Natalie Hite, Kevin and Sherry VanDam, Karin and Mark Zona, Dave and Sarah Mercer.
From Left to Right: Davy and Natalie Hite, Kevin and Sherry VanDam, Karin and Mark Zona, Dave and Sarah Mercer.
Grigsby's plaque was front and center as we waited for the ceremony to begin.
Grigsby’s plaque was front and center as we waited for the ceremony to begin.
There was a giant Rapala lure on display that was signed by everyone and auctioned off.
There was a giant Rapala lure on display that was signed by everyone and auctioned off.
Plenty of memorabilia up for grabs.
Plenty of memorabilia up for grabs.
The Banquet Hall was beautiful as well.
The Banquet Hall was beautiful as well.
The entertainment for the night were country music stars Misty Loggins and William Michael Morgan.
The entertainment for the night were country music stars Misty Loggins and William Michael Morgan.
There were paintings up for raffle bidding as well.
There were paintings up for raffle bidding as well.
Louie Stout, one of the 2017 inductees holds the huge lure.
Louie Stout, one of the 2017 inductees holds the huge lure.
Steve and Barbara Bowman enjoy the evening.
Steve and Barbara Bowman enjoy the evening.
Mark Zona signs some autographs for young anglers.
Mark Zona signs some autographs for young anglers.
There were numerous jerseys on display including Kevin VanDam's.
There were numerous jerseys on display including Kevin VanDam’s.
Greg Hackney...
Greg Hackney…
Shaw Grigsby and Brandon Palaniuk's jerseys' were displayed too.
Shaw Grigsby and Brandon Palaniuk’s jerseys’ were displayed too.
The food is served!
The food is served!
Donald Howell gets the evening underway.
Donald Howell gets the evening underway.
Steve Bowman says a few words and then a prayer for the food.
Steve Bowman says a few words and then a prayer for the food.
Then the music entertainment got underway.
Then the music entertainment got underway.
Both Loggins and Morgan sang separate songs.
Both Loggins and Morgan sang separate songs.
But they also worked together on a few tunes as well.
But they also worked together on a few tunes as well.
The induction ceremony took place soon after.
The induction ceremony took place soon after.
And Wade Bourne was the first inductee.
And Wade Bourne was the first inductee.
He unfortunately passed in 2016, but his wife Becky and son Hampton accepted the honor in his name.
He unfortunately passed in 2016, but his wife Becky and son Hampton accepted the honor in his name.
Shaw Grigsby was next in line as Steve Bowman presented his Hall of Fame jacket.
Shaw Grigsby was next in line as Steve Bowman presented his Hall of Fame jacket.
As well as his plaque.
As well as his plaque.
He gave a speech about how he got started in the sport.
He gave a speech about how he got started in the sport.
Congrats, Shaw!
Congrats, Shaw!
Bob Sealy was up next.
Bob Sealy was up next.
Sealy has created a huge Big Bass tournament on Sam Rayburn Reservoir and it has grown each and every year.
Sealy has created a huge Big Bass tournament on Sam Rayburn Reservoir and it has grown each and every year.
Morris Sheehan was also inducted tonight.
Morris Sheehan was also inducted tonight.
Sheehan bought and created the American Bass Anglers tournament trail.
Sheehan bought and created the American Bass Anglers tournament trail.
He told military stories and how he bought a tournament trail after retiring after serving our nation.
He told military stories and how he bought a tournament trail after retiring after serving our nation.
The final inductee of the night was outdoor writer Louie Stout.
The final inductee of the night was outdoor writer Louie Stout.
BFHOF board member John Mazurkiewicz presents Stout with his plaque. Stout has covered every Bassmaster Classic since the 1970's.
BFHOF board member John Mazurkiewicz presents Stout with his plaque. Stout has covered every Bassmaster Classic since the 1970’s.
Stout thanked those that helped him get to this point in his career as well as his wife for the support she's showed him.
Stout thanked those that helped him get to this point in his career as well as his wife for the support she’s showed him.
Bob Cobb congratulates Stout.
Bob Cobb congratulates Stout.
Mandy Murski, wife of Ray Murski gathered all past inductees and current inductees in attendance on the stage for a presentation.
Mandy Murski, wife of Ray Murski gathered all past inductees and current inductees in attendance on the stage for a presentation.
They took a group photo...
They took a group photo…
But then presented Johnny Morris a rifle that is dedicated to Ray Murski's life. 72 were created, one for each year of his life, and one was presented to Morris.
But then presented Johnny Morris a rifle that is dedicated to Ray Murski’s life. 72 were created, one for each year of his life, and one was presented to Morris.
Earl Bentz also presented Morris with a framed letter from former President George H.W. Bush outlining how important Morris has been for the industry and sport.
Earl Bentz also presented Morris with a framed letter from former President George H.W. Bush outlining how important Morris has been for the industry and sport.
Morris said a few words and was in awe of the evening.
Morris said a few words and was in awe of the evening.
He posed with the 2017 inductees.
He posed with the 2017 inductees.
The rifle and letter were a great way to cap the evening.
The rifle and letter were a great way to cap the evening.
Earl Bentz gathers with Bob Cobb before the night concluded.
Earl Bentz gathers with Bob Cobb before the night concluded.
In the 50 year history of Bassmaster magazine there have only been three editors, James Hall, Bob Cobb and Dave Precht.
In the 50 year history of Bassmaster magazine there have only been three editors, James Hall, Bob Cobb and Dave Precht.
Mark Zona, Louie Stout and Kevin VanDam gathered one final time before the evening concluded. A great and worthy class of inductees for the 2017 year.
Mark Zona, Louie Stout and Kevin VanDam gathered one final time before the evening concluded. A great and worthy class of inductees for the 2017 year.

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