The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors announced that Jim Hooven of Lakeland, Fla. will be honored prior to the upcoming Bassmaster Classic with the Hall’s Meritorious Service Award. The honor is special award to give recognition to select individuals and organizations deemed to have made significant contributions to bass fishing.
For more than 30 years, Hooven has led the Lakeland Bassmasters, one of the oldest and strongest bass fishing clubs in the country, boasting over 100 members for 25 consecutive years, as well as the Lakeland Junior Bassmasters, an equally prolific group. He has also served as the Florida B.A.S.S. Nation president.
Multiple members of the Lakeland Bassmasters have gone on to successful careers as pro anglers, including 2012 Bassmaster Classic champion Chris Lane, his brother Bobby, and former Elite Series pro and noted lure designer Lee Sisson.
“Local bass clubs and the state organizations through B.A.S.S. and FLW are critical in developing not only future professional anglers, but also in maintaining the history and ethics surrounding the sport,” said Bass Fishing Hall of Fame President Donald Howell. “Jim Hooven is a shining example of how the actions of one man can benefit hundreds if not thousands of others. He has devoted his life to growing the sport of fishing and we need to recognize his efforts.”
Bobby Lane noted Hooven’s selflessness as an example that younger anglers could learn from.
"The incredible success of the Lakeland Bassmasters is a tribute to his dedication," said Lane. "I have never seen a man with such drive. What I loved about Jim is that if there was an issue in the club, he handled it with finesse, and continued to bring in new members every week. He's helped countless people enter the world of bass fishing and contribute to or experience everything from weigh-ins to conservation.”
At its recent annual business retreat, the BFHOF Board discussed extensively people and groups who have had a favorable impact on the sport of bass fishing, and the importance of recognizing them with a special honor. The board plans to present this prestigious award to additional recipients as appropriate, which will then be announced at future BFHOF events held during the Bassmaster Classic, the Forrest Wood Cup and Bass Pro Tour Redcrest championship.
