The Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame

Fishing is not just about catching fish. It's about supporting the whole fabric of environment and society that make fishing possible.

The Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame honors individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to freshwater fishing in Texas. Inductees are chosen by the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame Committee from among those nominated by the public. It is the diversity of the Hall's membership, reinforced by its members' lifelong accomplishments and contributions to freshwater fishing in Texas, that makes this Hall of Fame truly special.

Hall of Fame Nomination Form

2025 Inductees

Ann Thomasson-Wilson

Ann Thomasson-Wilson is a two-time bass fishing World Champion, fishing tackle innovator, and owner of Ann’s Tackle Shop. Some of the gear and baits in Thomasson-Wilson’s shop were, in fact, designed by her. She created a brand-new hook design called the G-Lock worm hook #2044, manufactured by Gamakatsu. She invented the “Plum Apple” color, which is available in multiple styles of plastic baits. The color was first manufactured by Gene Larew and is now available in several brands. In addition, the “Chrome Red” version of the Rat-L-Trap was also created by Thomasson-Wilson and is still available today. She shared her knowledge and served as a mentor to those who came through the doors. She volunteered for Get Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs fishing tournaments for years and believes that giving children things to do, like fishing, can make a life changing impact.

Rick Clunn

Rick Clunn is one of the greatest professional bass anglers of all time. Clunn has competed in an incredible 500 B.A.S.S events during his 50-year career, a feat that may never be duplicated. Clunn is a four-time Bassmaster Classic Tournament Champion, tied for the most titles with Kevin VanDam. However, Clunn was the first to achieve the four-win milestone. Clunn has recorded 16 Bassmaster titles and competed in 32 Bassmaster Classics. He fished in 28 consecutive classics, a Bassmaster record.

Clunn was named the 1988 Bassmaster Angler of the Year, won two U.S. Open Championships, the 1985 Red Man All-American Championship and a three-time FLW Tour winner.

Clunn aimed to use his success to inspire and motivate everyone to achieve their dreams. He sought out ways to teach other anglers the intangible fishing skills that he used during his 50 years as a tournament angler.

Previous Inductees

Hall of Fame Nominations

Individuals or organizations that have made a lasting contribution to freshwater fishing in Texas may be nominated through November 1 for induction into the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame. To submit a nomination, fill out the Hall of Fame Nomination Form or call (903) 676-2277 to request a form by mail.

Rules

Anyone may nominate an individual or organization that they feel has created a lasting, beneficial impact on freshwater fishing in Texas.
Individual nominees can be living or deceased.
Nomination packets must be postmarked on or before November 1 to be considered.

Selection Criteria

Nominations will be reviewed by an independent selection committee made up of media and industry professionals from across the state. Nominees will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Ethics
Leadership/Commitment
Unselfish contributions to the sport
Scope of impact on freshwater fishing
Overall contribution to the sport or to fisheries management in Texas

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