The Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame committee is happy to announce that Wally “Mr. Crappie” Marshall of Anna, Texas, can be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2023.
Marshall revolutionized crappie fishing by way of revolutionary merchandise, tournaments and promotion of the game and he generously provides again to the fish neighborhood by way of his philanthropic work, educating youth to fish and donating time and merchandise to a number of charitable organizations and occasions.
“Wally Marshall’s outstanding accomplishments as a trailblazer in the sport of crappie fishing are unparalleled,” mentioned Dan Kessler, Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame choice committee chairman. “His leadership in bringing forth new ideas and innovative products to crappie fishing and the fishing community in general are second to none. On their own merits, these accomplishments warranted Wally’s consideration for membership in The Hall of Fame. However, it is Wally’s commitment to a lifelong passion for educating current and future anglers as well as the willingness to give his time and resources back to the fishing community that resulted in unanimous support for his induction to the Hall of Fame.”
Marshall grew up in Garland, Texas, for 50 years prior to shifting to Anna. He stepped into the crappie fishing highlight in 1987 when he gained the first-ever National Crappie Tournament at Cedar Creek Lake. That event victory opened the door for Marshall to promote and educate crappie fishing by way of seminars at sort out sellers, sort out exhibits and boat exhibits, and on radio and tv throughout the state.
Marshall teamed up with Bass Pro Shops to design crappie fishing merchandise in 1997 and trademarked the identify “Mr. Crappie” in 1998. Marshall retired as a grasp plumber in 2002 and pursued his ardour of crappie fishing full time, designing “Mr. Crappie” merchandise and selling the game of crappie fishing.
He joined forces with Lew’s to design “Mr. Crappie” and Wally Marshall Signature Series rods and reels together with a “Mr. Crappie” fishing line in 2010. The following yr, Marshall partnered with Strike King to design all kinds of specialised crappie lures below the “Mr. Crappie by Strike King” model. As a consequence, “Mr. Crappie” is one of probably the most acknowledged and common manufacturers within the nation.
In 2004, Marshall created the “Mr. Crappie Big Crappie Classic Tournament” with grownup and youth divisions to encourage households to spend time collectively on the water. Four years in the past, the annual “Crappie Expo” started which consists of the “Mr. Crappie” $300,000 Invitational Tournament, the world’s largest crappie fry, and a three-day shopper present that includes over 100 exhibitors.
Marshall has garnered quite a few honors and awards all through his profession:
• First-ever National Crappie Tournament Champion at Cedar Creek Lake in 1987
• Multiple crappie event titles on Texas lakes that embody Texoma, Ray Hubbard, Lavon, Ray Roberts, Lewisville, Fork, Livingston and Tawakoni
• 26-time National Crappie Classic Qualifier
• 2002 National Crappie Angler of the Year
• 2003 National Crappie Classic Champion
• Seven-time National Crappie Classic Runner-Up
• Inducted into the Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame in 2008
• Name an “American Icon” within the 2018 February-March problem of Field & Stream journal
• Numerous articles and TV appearances
In addition to his skilled accomplishments, Marshall is dedicated to introducing youngsters to the game of crappie fishing. He has donated quite a few fishing journeys to youth organizations over time and took youth fishing from the Buckner’s Children’s Home in Dallas.
He has donated hundreds of {dollars} of “Mr. Crappie” rods, reels and lures to youth organizations, faculties, church buildings and the Boy Scouts and he was concerned with the Garland Police Departments’ Mad Dog Fishing event that raises cash for fallen officers’ households. He additionally donates merchandise and his time to police and fireplace division features and fundraisers.
“When I was approached to be nominated, it was a surprise and an honor,” mentioned Marshall. “I look at the years gone by and all the things I’ve been blessed to do in Texas and abroad. I think about all the people I have met who helped me get to where I am at today as the 2023 inductee. You don’t really know how many people you actually touch through your work and I’m grateful that I get to represent Texas in the Hall of Fame. My motto in life and in business is “Whatever It Takes To Get It Done.” I wasn’t in search of success however I labored laborious at it — the reward is having the dignity to be included within the Hall of Fame with my friends.”
The Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame is housed on 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.”
Since 1997, the Hall of Fame has inducted 37 people and organizations and Marshall can be inducted because the thirty eighth member throughout a ceremony on the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center on Oct. 6, 2023.
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