Bass Fishing Hall of Fame Class of 2026 is revealed

A ‘driving force’ within the performance boat industry and a visionary who empowered anglers to realise their dreams of competing on a professional tournament fishing circuit have been recognised at the highest level of US bass fishing.

Rick Pierce, who helped developed the Bass Cat fishing boat brand as one of the sport’s most iconic craft, and Mike Whittaker, of Operation Bass, will be among the Class of 2026 when they are inducted into the prestigious Bass Fishing Hall of Fame (BFHOF) in September.

The other nominations include Takahiro Omori – the first non US pro to win the Bassmaster Classic (2014), Pam Martin-Wells, the most successful female pro of all time and the ‘Godfather of Finesse’ Don Lovino.

“This is one of the hall’s most diverse classes and it really represents so many people across bass fishing in a huge way,” said Bruce Stanton, President of the BFHOF’s Board of Directors. “All of these folks had a massive impact on the sport and lifestyle of bass fishing and its appropriate that they are in the Hall of Fame.”

The Class of 2026 will be honoured during the BFHOF’s annual Celebrate Bass Fishing Week Induction Banquet on Thursday, September 24 at the Johnny Morris Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, Montana,

The second Induction Class of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame is being featured in the latest round of BFHOF Signature Lures.

Bass fishing icons Johnny Morris, Jimmy Houston, Denny Brauer and Bob Cobb — surviving members of the Induction Class of 2002 — have teamed up with PRADCO Outdoor Brands lure designer Frank Scalish to create memorable topwater designs for the 2026 Bass Fishing Hall of Fame auction. These new colours will be featured on Heddon lures, a brand founded in 1894 by Bass Fishing Hall of Famer James Heddon.

These lures will be available for sale exclusively at www.lurenet.com on September 1. All proceeds from the sale will benefit the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame.

“These legends helped build the lifestyle of bass fishing,” said Stanton. “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their induction than by putting their names on a legendary Heddon topwater lure. This will be a must-have for lure collectors and people who love topwater fishing. Only 450 of each will be made. And when they’re gone, they’re gone!”