I recently experienced something monumental for my life and my career. On Oct. 1, 2023, I was inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame. I put this honor right up there with my greatest achievements, including winning the Bassmaster Classic in 2003 and the Elite Series tournament on the Delaware River.
I learned this was going to happen last March while working as a commentator for the Bassmaster Classic on the Tennessee River. I was paired with a different co-host every day. One of them was Mark Menendez. Larry Nixon was another.
On the final day, Bill Dance worked with me. He’s been one of my fishing heroes since I was a kid. While we were on the air, he announced that I was to be inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame.
I had no idea that was coming. I was blown away by the honor and that Bill Dance personally informed me of it.
It really didn’t sink in until I attended the hall of fame event in Springfield, Mo. I had never been to one of them. What an incredible weekend. It was like a dream come true.
Family members and friends I grew up fishing with on the club level were there, along with many people who are important to me in my life and career. There were pro fishermen, folks from the fishing industry, the media and more.
I was presented with a plaque and a blue jacket, which symbolizes that you are a prestigious member of the Hall of Fame. My Uncle Don presented the jacket to me. It was a moment of life coming full circle. Uncle Don is the one who taught me how to fish.
Throughout my life and career I’ve tried to do a good job, to do my best. As with anybody’s life, I’ve had ups and downs, good things and bad and times when I’ve been happy and sad.
Looking back, there are some things I would have done differently. I have had a very polarizing career. Some people love me. Some people hate me. Through it all, I’ve tried to grow the sport.
To experience the appreciation at the hall of fame event from so many people for what I’ve done was overwhelming. They were basically telling me, “Hey Mike, you’ve done good work.” It was such a good feeling.
After being inducted, I had to give a speech. I’m hardly ever nervous when I speak in public, but man, was I ever nervous this time. Looking out at the sea of people, I could see many of my childhood heroes. There’s Larry Nixon. There’s Rick Clunn. There’s Kevin VanDam.
I could also see VIPs from the fishing industry. Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops, was among them. There was also a host of writers and media people, some that I’ve worked with from the beginning. I did my best to convey how thankful and humbled I was.
With many other sports, individuals are inducted into a hall of fame long after their professional career is over. I still want to win tournaments, positively affect people and grow the sport. I feel like I can continue to do this for a long time.
You can watch Michael Iaconelli’s induction on YouTube by going to Bass Fishing Hall of Fame.
