2016 Bass Fishing Hall of Fame induction

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The 2016 Bass Fishing Hall of Fame induction ceremony was held in conjunction with the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro.
The 2016 Bass Fishing Hall of Fame induction ceremony was held in conjunction with the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro.
The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame is a nonprofit organization dedicated to all anglers, manufacturers, tackle dealers, media and other related companies that further the sport of bass fishing.
The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame is a nonprofit organization dedicated to all anglers, manufacturers, tackle dealers, media and other related companies that further the sport of bass fishing.
This was the 14th annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
This was the 14th annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Photo collages of the inductees were on display.
Photo collages of the inductees were on display.
Many items were up for grabs at the silent auction.
Many items were up for grabs at the silent auction.
Greg Hackney's tournament jersey was up for auction.
Greg Hackney’s tournament jersey was up for auction.
So was Aaron Martens'.
So was Aaron Martens’.
Tommy Sanders lead the ceremonies.
Tommy Sanders lead the ceremonies.
Clifton Rutledge offered the meal prayer.
Clifton Rutledge offered the meal prayer.
Gary Yamamoto, the founder of Gary Yamamoto Custom Lures, is credited with numerous innovations in the design and manufacturing of soft plastic lures.
Gary Yamamoto, the founder of Gary Yamamoto Custom Lures, is credited with numerous innovations in the design and manufacturing of soft plastic lures.
“I am grateful and honored to be part of this group of people,” said Yamamoto. “I’m just a fisherman with good fortune.”
“I am grateful and honored to be part of this group of people,” said Yamamoto. “I’m just a fisherman with good fortune.”
“It pleases me to share my work with other anglers to help them enjoy fishing as I do.”
“It pleases me to share my work with other anglers to help them enjoy fishing as I do.”
Yamamoto focused on his lure business until age 37, when he launched what became a very successful professional angling career. He now sponsors numerous pros in the United States, Europe and Japan.
Yamamoto focused on his lure business until age 37, when he launched what became a very successful professional angling career. He now sponsors numerous pros in the United States, Europe and Japan.
Gary Yamamoto with his family.
Gary Yamamoto with his family.
Jerry McKinnis introduces Billy Murray.
Jerry McKinnis introduces Billy Murray.
“I feel like I’m standing on the shoulders of all my great friends,” said Murray of his induction. “To spend a lifetime teaching and sharing fishing to newcomers and build on the skills of anglers is an achievement of its own.”
“I feel like I’m standing on the shoulders of all my great friends,” said Murray of his induction. “To spend a lifetime teaching and sharing fishing to newcomers and build on the skills of anglers is an achievement of its own.”
Billy Murray formed the Bass Fishing Institute in 1975, which featured classroom instruction at colleges and universities with B.A.S.S. pros and experts as instructors.
Billy Murray formed the Bass Fishing Institute in 1975, which featured classroom instruction at colleges and universities with B.A.S.S. pros and experts as instructors.
Bill Murray with his family.
Bill Murray with his family.
Gary Yamamoto and Billy Murray
Gary Yamamoto and Billy Murray
Gary Yamamoto with Billy and Bobby Murray.
Gary Yamamoto with Billy and Bobby Murray.
Former President George H.W. Bush joined Murray and Yamamoto in the 2016 class of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame.
Former President George H.W. Bush joined Murray and Yamamoto in the 2016 class of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame.
Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris gave the induction on behalf of Bush.
Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris gave the induction on behalf of Bush.
During his term as vice president, Bush played a key role in passage of the Wallop-Breaux amendment to the Sport Fish Restoration Act. More than $650 million is generated each year by the act for restoring aquatic habitat and improving access to recreational fishing and boating.
During his term as vice president, Bush played a key role in passage of the Wallop-Breaux amendment to the Sport Fish Restoration Act. More than $650 million is generated each year by the act for restoring aquatic habitat and improving access to recreational fishing and boating.
“President Bush is a symbol of how the common denominator of fishing leads to great achievements on our behalf,” said Morris. “He is a friend to all fishermen and I salute him especially for the uncelebrated deeds that he did for conservation, and there are many.”
“President Bush is a symbol of how the common denominator of fishing leads to great achievements on our behalf,” said Morris. “He is a friend to all fishermen and I salute him especially for the uncelebrated deeds that he did for conservation, and there are many.”
Bass Fishing Hall of Fame President Sammy Lee and Johnny Morris.
Bass Fishing Hall of Fame President Sammy Lee and Johnny Morris.
The 2016 Bass Fishing Hall of Fame inductees.
The 2016 Bass Fishing Hall of Fame inductees.