Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame Seeks Nominations Through Nov. 1

Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame Seeks Nominations Through Nov. 1

Sept. 3, 2025

Media Contact: TPWD News, Business Hours, 512-389-8030

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ATHENS - The Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame committee is accepting nominations for next year's induction into the hall of fame. Nominees can be either individuals or organizations who've made important contributions to fishing in Texas. Applications will be accepted through Nov. 1.

"The Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame is made up of a growing list of 41 individuals and organizations who have made a significant impact on freshwater fishing in the state," said Kelly Jordon, Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame selection committee chairman. "Whether it's an outdoor writer, pro angler, fishing club or industry leader, we look forward to continuing to honor and recognize everyone helping to make Texas fishing the best it can be."

The nominees will be evaluated by the hall of fame committee, which is made up of anglers, industry professionals, fisheries biologists and organizations involved in Texas freshwater fishing. The committee will choose the inductee based on the following criteria: ethics, leadership and commitment, unselfish contributions to the sport, scope of impact on freshwater fishing, fishing/fisheries management expertise and overall impact.

The honoree will be announced in spring 2026 and officially inducted during a special ceremony and banquet in the fall.

"We are excited to review all of this year's nominations and welcome the newest inductees into this prestigious group of individuals and organizations who have contributed so much to the world-class fishing that Texas offers," Jordon added.

Ann Thomasson-Wilson of Jasper and Rick Clunn of Ava, Missouri - the 2025 inductees - will officially be inducted at the annual Hall of Fame banquet, sponsored by Murski-Breeding Sales, Toyota and Livingston Lures, this October at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC).

Thomasson-Wilson is a two-time bass fishing world champion, fishing tackle innovator and owner of Ann's Tackle Shop, which she opened in 1986. Clunn is a member of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame and International Game Fish Association Fishing Hall of Fame. He was B.A.S.S. angler of the year in 1988 and is remarkably a four-time Bassmaster Classic champion.

Following their inductions, videos highlighting Thomasson-Wilson and Clunn will be available at TPWD's YouTube Channel on the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame playlist. The video will also air on the Texas Parks and Wildlife PBS television show.

The Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame is housed at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens. Its mission is to "recognize and honor those who have made a lasting contribution to freshwater fishing in Texas, and to foster a sense of appreciation, awareness and participation in the sport of fishing."

Nomination forms and instructions are available online or by calling (903) 676-2277.