SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame welcomed five new members Thursday evening during its annual induction ceremony at the White River Conference Center, celebrating the achievements and lasting contributions of some of the sport’s most influential figures.
The Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 includes legendary finesse fishing pioneer Don Iovino, tournament trailblazer Pam Martin-Wells, international bass fishing icon Takahiro Omori, boat manufacturing innovator Rick Pierce, and tournament organization visionary Mike Whitaker.
The ceremony drew a sold-out crowd that included 20 current Hall of Fame members, industry leaders, sponsors and bass fishing enthusiasts from across the country.
In addition to recognizing the 2026 induction class, the Hall of Fame presented the Ray Murski Lifetime Achievement Award to Hall of Famer Bill Dance for his extraordinary impact on the sport as a competitor, educator, promoter and ambassador.
“Tonight’s inductees represent the very best of bass fishing and have left a lasting mark on our sport through innovation, leadership, competition and service,” said Bass Fishing Hall of Fame Board President Bruce Stanton. “Their accomplishments have inspired generations of anglers and helped shape bass fishing into what it is today.”
The Hall of Fame also announced that more than $150,000 was raised through its annual Celebrate Bass Fishing Week auction and related fundraising efforts. Proceeds will support enhancements to the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame exhibit within Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium, as well as the organization’s scholarship and conservation grant programs.
“We continue to be amazed by the support of the bass fishing community,” Stanton said. “Our banquet sold out, our auction was another tremendous success, and the generosity of anglers and industry partners continues to help us preserve and celebrate the history of our sport.”
Class of 2026 honorees
Don Iovino
Widely regarded as the father of finesse fishing, Iovino revolutionized bass fishing in deep, clear reservoirs throughout Southern California. His pioneering techniques, hand-poured worm designs and innovative approach to light-line fishing helped transform the sport and influenced generations of anglers nationwide.
Unable to attend due to health concerns, Iovino was represented by his daughter, Patty Welzel, who shared remarks highlighting his lifelong passion for fishing and a heartfelt tribute to his late wife, Darlene.
Pam Martin-Wells
A groundbreaking competitor and mentor, Martin-Wells built one of the most accomplished résumés in women’s bass fishing. She captured more than 30 tournament victories and 10 Angler of the Year titles, and in 2010 became the first and only woman to qualify for the final day of the Bassmaster Classic.
Martin-Wells, who passed away in 2025 following a battle with ovarian cancer, was remembered not only for her achievements on the water but also for her impact as an educator, mentor and collegiate fishing coach.
Takahiro Omori
After moving from Japan to pursue his dream of becoming a professional bass angler, Omori established himself as one of the sport’s most influential competitors. His victory at the 2004 Bassmaster Classic made him the first international angler to win the event and helped open doors for anglers from around the world. He also gave the bass fishing world the phrase “I knew it!” after a last-minute flurry of catches clinched the Classic win.
“Coming from Japan, I had no connections here, no friends, no money and no sponsors,” Omori said. “To be here today is unbelievable. I fully committed, believed in myself and put everything into it. That’s what ‘I knew it’ really means.”
Omori remains an active competitor on the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour and earlier this year became the circuit’s oldest tournament winner.
Rick Pierce
As a driving force behind Bass Cat Boats, Pierce helped build one of the most respected brands in the bass boat industry. His innovations in boat design, product development and customer service established standards that continue to influence manufacturers throughout the industry.
“Most of what I do comes from heart and passion,” Pierce said. “It is very humbling to stand here among the legends of the sport.”
Pierce credited his late father, Bass Cat founder Ron Pierce, for providing the foundation of his success and reaffirmed his commitment to continuing his work in the industry.
“I’m not done yet,” Pierce said. “I’m going to keep rolling. I have a passion to go on.”
Mike Whitaker
Whitaker transformed competitive bass fishing through the creation of Operation Bass, which later evolved into FLW Outdoors, ultimately becoming one of the largest tournament organizations in the world.
Under Whitaker’s leadership, Operation Bass grew to conduct more than 150 events annually while helping launch countless fishing careers and providing opportunities for everyday anglers to compete.
“To have my name placed alongside the people who built and shaped this great sport is an honor that my family and I will forever cherish,” Whitaker said. “I am deeply grateful.”
Dance receives lifetime achievement honor
One of the most recognizable figures in fishing history, Bill Dance became the fourth recipient of the Ray Murski Lifetime Achievement Award, joining previous honorees Ray Scott, Johnny Morris and Rick Clunn.
Stanton praised Dance’s enduring influence and popularity throughout the fishing community.
“When you go to a Bassmaster Classic or ICAST or a Bass Pro Shops grand opening, to find Bill Dance you just look for the long line of people,” Stanton said in introducing Dance. “It’s usually an hour to an hour and a half that people stand in line, to this day, to meet the 86-year-old man with the ‘T’ cap because they love him. And he loves them back. It’s something not a lot of people can say in our sport or any sport.”
Accepting the award, Dance reflected on his longtime friendship with Ray Murski and expressed gratitude for receiving an honor bearing his name.
“Ray was a man of integrity, generosity and character,” Dance said. “He truly loved this sport and the people in it. I was fortunate to call him my friend.”
Looking ahead
The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame will announce details of its 2027 nomination process in the coming weeks. The 2027 induction ceremony is scheduled for Sept. 30, 2027, at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri.
