 Fiberglass muskie | |
 | |
| Established | 1960 |
|---|---|
| Location | Hayward, Wisconsin |
| Coordinates | 46°00′28″N 91°28′47″W / 46.0078°N 91.4797°W |
| 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-foot-long (44 m) muskie sculpture is the world's largest muskie sculpture.[2]
The hall of fame was founded in 1960,[1] with buildings constructed in 1976.[3] It is located on a six-acre (2.4 ha) plot of land in Hayward near Wisconsin Highway 27,[1] and it occupies 25,000 square feet (2,300 m2) in seven buildings.[1] One of the buildings is a 143-foot-long (44 m) 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, Virgil Ward, Izaak Walton, and baseball player Ted Williams, who was known for his fishing skill.[1]
