ATHENS – The Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame committee is accepting nominations for next year’s induction. Nominees can be either individuals or organizations who’ve made important contributions to fishing in Texas. Applications will be accepted through Nov. 1.
“The Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame honors a growing list of 41 individuals and organizations who have made a significant impact on freshwater fishing in the state,” said Kelly Jordon, Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame selection committee chairman. “Whether it’s an outdoor writer, accomplished angler, conservationist, fishing club or industry leader, we look forward to continuing to honor and recognize everyone helping to make Texas fishing the best it can be.”
The nominees will be evaluated by the hall of fame committee, which is made up of industry professionals comprising anglers, fisheries biologists and organizations involved in Texas freshwater fishing. The committee will choose the inductee(s) based on the following criteria: ethics, leadership and commitment, unselfish contributions to the sport, scope of impact on freshwater fishing, fishing/fisheries management expertise and overall impact.
The honoree(s) will be announced in Spring 2027 and officially inducted during a special ceremony and banquet in the fall.
“We are excited to review all of this year’s nominations and welcome the newest inductee(s) into this prestigious group of individuals and organizations who have contributed so much to the world-class fishing that Texas offers,” Jordon added.
The Pierce brothers (Clayton and late brother Jason) of Alba and Michael Scherer of Houston – the 2026 Inductees – will officially be inducted at the annual Hall of Fame banquet this October at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) in Athens.
The Pierce Brothers own and operate Lake Fork Taxidermy, which creates fish replicas for clients across the world, including replicas awarded to anglers who contribute Legacy Class fish to the Toyota ShareLunker Program. Scherer, program director of Fishing’s Future, has shaped angler education throughout Texas with countless volunteer hours through TPWD’s angler education program and a multitude of other groups and organizations.
Following their inductions, videos highlighting the Pierce Brothers and Scherer will be available at TPWD’s YouTube Channel on the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame playlist. The video will also air on the Texas Parks and Wildlife PBS television show.
The Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame is open to the public at the TFFC. 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.”
Nomination forms and instructions are available online or by calling (903) 676-2277.
