As anyone who lives in Wisconsin knows, fishing is a popular sport year round. Even when the bitter cold of winter blows through the state, dedicated anglers can be found drilling through frozen ponds in hopes of catching a trophy fish. The Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame is a bastion for these folks, offering history, honor, and a place for them to gather and enjoy their sport. They have education programs, and the goal of the Hall of Fame is to promote fresh water sport fishing. They want to be sure those in the field are honored for their accomplishments, and have a record of what they have achieved. Their library is a clearinghouse for historical and contemporary fishing publications that anglers will enjoy learning from.
The museum includes a "Shrine to Anglers,'' a one half city block sized concrete, steel, and fiberglass, hand sculpted likeness of a Muskellunge. Its jaws can accommodate 20 people and while they are in there, they will enjoy panoramic views of Lake Hayward. This big musky fish sits over an 88,000 gallon pond.
The museum is a four building complex and has more than 50,000 historical and vintage artifacts ranging from reels, to rods, lures, and accessories. There are also over 300 mounted fish on display, as well as 1,000 antique motors.
The Hall of Fame does its part to maintain the records of different fresh water species that are caught. They also have an enshrinement program that recognizes those people who have played a role in the sport of fresh water fishing. This gives visitors an opportunity to learn about the greats of the sport, while giving those greats the honor they deserve.
Enshrinement is determined by a sportsman's national and world impact on the sport. The Legendary Angler category looks at those who have achieved regionally in the sport. The Legendary Communicator is a more recent category and recognizes people who have found a way to share their love of fresh water fishing with the public in a creative, or innovative way. The Legendary Guide award goes to those who have achieved a reputation in the field by sharing their love with others. There is also an organizational or governmental award, a special recognition award, and as of 2009, the Legendary artist award. Anyone who qualifies for one of these categories will be considered for enshrinement.
Each year, more than 50,000 people flock to the museum to enjoy the history and culture of fishing. Exhibits include the first motor built by Ole Evinrude, and displays of classic lures. If you have been fishing your entire life, you may even see a few you recognize. From antique gear to record breaking fish caught, the museum is a fun destination for all who enjoy being out on the water or ice, hunting for that perfect catch. If you have an appreciation for the sport of fresh water fishing, and you want to share that appreciation with your family, head to the Fishing Hall of Fame in Hayward, Wisconsin.
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