| Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum | |
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Fiberglass muskie |
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| Established | 1960 |
| Location | Hayward, Wisconsin |
| Website | http://www.freshwater-fishing.org |
The Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame is an American hall of fame in Hayward, Wisconsin, dedicated to promoting freshwater fishing. Approximately 100,000 visitors tour the museum each year.[1] The 143 feet (44 m)-long muskie sculpture is the world's largest muskie.[2]
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The hall of fame was founded in 1960,[1] with buildings constructed in 1976.[3] It is located on a 6-acre (2.4 ha) plot of land in Hayward near Wisconsin Highway 27,[1] and occupies 25,000 square feet (2,300 m2) in seven buildings.[1] One of the buildings is a 143-foot (44 m)-long fiberglass sculpture of a jumping muskie fish.[1] The lower jaw of the fish is an observation deck that has on occasion been used for weddings.[2] The museum contains exhibitions of over 400 mounted fish, along with 300 outboard motors.[4] The Hall of Fame also maintains records for the largest fresh water fish in the United States and the world.[3]
Individuals are inducted[5] into the Hall of Fame in four categories: Enshrinement Programs, Fishing Guide Recognition, Legendary Anglers, and Organization Recognition.[1] There have been 65 individuals inducted under the Enshrinement Program for their national and world impact on fresh water fishing, 78 as Legendary Anglers for their impact on at least a regional level, 15 for their work in the field as fishing guides, and 24 organizations for their contributions to the sport.[1]
Notable inductees include Juliana Berners, Ole Evinrude, Izaak Walton, and baseball player Ted Williams, who was known for his fishing skill.[1]