Minnesota: Even though a few are more recognized as multi-species anglers, these guys make my list

Babe Winkleman

Al Lindner

Sam Sobi

Steve Pennaz

 

I also have to throw in my old neighbor, who I helped get his little 'out of the basement' business going back in the mid-70s.

John Peterson of Northland Tackle.

 

Wait - all these guys ARE in the Minnesota Fishing Hall of Fame.....

On 8/19/2025 at 9:31 PM, Motoboss said:

Indiana:

 

Bill Lowen

Jacob Wheeler

You forgot @Team9nine. Without Brian you might not have Wheeler on this list. He’s done quite a bit more than just teach Wheeler to fish too.

I've lived in a few different states.

Most recently and for a bit longer than I'm willing to admit, I've been is a state of confusion. Pretty certain there's a Hall of fame attached to it too.

Some of the more prominent folks inducted, besides myself of course include:

Mark Zona, Scott Martin, Dan Ackroid, 

The Church Lady, Ricky Ricardo and my Ex-Wife. 

A-Jay

Two guys you never heard of were pioneers of bass fishing in Washington state......Ed T. Frederick and Stan Fagerstrom.   Also, Larry Nixon has some ties to this state.

38 minutes ago, 12poundbass said:

You forgot @Team9nine. Without Brian you might not have Wheeler on this list. He’s done quite a bit more than just teach Wheeler to fish too.

Absolutely! My bad.

Missouri

Stacy King 

Guido Hibdon 

Rick Clunn

ALABAMA 

 

Ray Scott

Richard Gene The Fishing Machine 

On 8/19/2025 at 8:31 PM, Tennessee Boy said:

Who would you nominate to be in your states Bass Fishing Hall of Fame and why.  Doesn't necessarily have to be an angler.  Industry leaders are allowed.  Be sure to include the state.

 

I'll go first 😊

 

Tennessee

 

Bill Dance  - No explaination necessary.

 

Billy Westmorland - Professional angler, Smallmouth guru and host of his own fishing show.

 

Charlie Brewer -  Creator of Slider fishing and the father of finesse fishing (I'm sure everyone will agree with that 😆).

 

Charles Spence - Founder of Strike King Lures.  Fished in Ray Scott's first tournament.

 

Earl Bentz - Founder of several bass boat companies.  (Stratos, Triton,  Cayman) Also served as President of OMC after they purchased Stratos from him.

 

Paul Allison - Founder of Allison Boats.  He never built bass boats although Allison makes them now.  He was famous for making very fast boats.  He belongs in the hall of fame for the many innovations he made that are standard equipment on all bass boats today.  He invented the cupped propeller,  was the first to sell a power trim and a foot throttle.

 

 

 

 

You forgot one. 😁

 

On 8/19/2025 at 8:41 PM, Mike L said:

Florida…Roland Martin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike

Maryland gets to claim Roland before FL does 😂 ... He started bass fishing here before he moved to FL.

 

(Kidding mostly, just neat bass fishing trivia for MD)

 

Realistically, the obvious name for MD are Bryan Schmitt and JT Kenny... MD has surprisingly good bass fishing however we are small enough that our bass fishing scene includes a ton of anglers from our border states too.  MD anglers spend a lot of time in VA too.  

MASSACHUSETTS:

 

Firstly, a Fishing Hall of Fame would require a $100,000 committee to analyze the benefit to the state and a second, $200,000 committee to make necessary recommendations to the Governor.

 

If created, there would be annual fees and taxes.

 

I then would nominate @Fishing Rhino and @Mr. Aquarium.

4 hours ago, T-Billy said:

You forgot one. &nbsp😁

 

I say he’s excluded from said state HOF because in that picture he’s not wearing the Tennessee hat. 😂

Kansas

Ned Kehde

Brent Chapman

Harold Ensley 

Chuck Woods

Washington:

Gary Loomis

Dick Posey

Buzz Ramsey 

Stan Fagerstrom

Luke Clauson

Glenn

Gary Klein

Jay Yelas

Aaron Martins

Skeet Reese

Ish Monroe

Don Iovino, hall of fame Father or Finesse fishing

Dee Thomas, Flipping presentation

Mike Falkstad, western pro legend

Dick Trask, Split Shot presentation, western bass pro

Butch Brown, trophy bass angler help to developed Huddleston and Deps swim baits.

Bill Murphy, Pursuit of Giant Bass.

A few off the top of my head.

Tom

 

Missed the most important addition for California…….Dottie!!

 

 

 

Interesting discussion. I don't know of any famous bass anglers from Kentucky, yall wanna help me out with that one?

 

@Team9nine taught Jacob Wheeler how to fish? I like Wheeler, I watch him on youtube and get tips... So does that mean, that Team9nine sorta is teaching me how to fish too?

 Vermont...

Gilbert Gagner.  Over the course of 3 years won the TBF National Championship as a boater then as a co-angler.  Great guide as well.

 

Bryan Labelle.  Super good guy and esteemed guide.  Looking at is BASS and MLF stats...  dude just catches.  I've fished with big names, including guys in this thread, more than a few asked if I knew Bryan and asked for his contact info, "because I'd love to see how he fishes a jig."

 

Jody White MLF photographer and stick.

 

Mike Comeau owner of NPFL (although Mike has moved).

 

A ton of Fly Fishing guys too.

17 hours ago, ElGuapo928 said:

Missed the most important addition for California…….Dottie!!

 

 

 

That isn’t Dottie it’s the current world record 22.315 lbs 

by Japan Kurita’s bass.

Dottie' was caught legally last by Roger Dickerson at 21+ lbs.

Just now, WRB-2.0 said:

That isn’t Dottie it’s the current world record 22.315 lbs 

by Japan Kurita’s bass.

Dottie' was caught legally last by Roger Dickerson at 21+ lbs.

I did leave off Bill Siemantel name who created the BB1 series of swim baits and rats, local pro.

Tom 

6 minutes ago, WRB-2.0 said:

That isn’t Dottie it’s the current world record 22.315 lbs 

by Japan Kurita’s bass.

Dottie' was caught legally last by Roger Dickerson at 21+ lbs.

 

My mistake, either Google or my memory failed me - I’m blaming Google.

 

 

24 minutes ago, ElGuapo928 said:

 

My mistake, either Google or my memory failed me - I’m blaming Google.

 

 

That is Dottie snagged by Mac Weakly ending her chance to be the world record bass at 25.1 lbs….

Tom

 

Dottie's stomach makes her mighty mouth look small by comparison. 

2 hours ago, Swamp Girl said:

Dottie's stomach makes her mighty mouth look small by comparison. 

About 2+ lbs of eggs make her belly look bloated!

Big girl!

Tom

11 hours ago, Bazoo said:

Interesting discussion. I don't know of any famous bass anglers from Kentucky, yall wanna help me out with that one?

Mike Whitaker

Bill Taylor

Ron Shearer

Bill and Billy Schroeder

Terry Bolton

Mark Menendez

Kathy Fennel