Bass fishing has lost another legend – BassFan learned this evening that Strike King chairman and Professional Bass Fishing Hall-of-Famer Ray Murski was killed in an auto wreck Monday afternoon near Burnet, Texas. To read an initial report on the accident, click here.
The 72-year-old Murski, also the owner of a large Texas hunting operation, was one of the best-known and most highly-regarded behind the scenes players in bass fishing. He was involved with Strike King since its inception in 1966 and purchased the company from Charles Spence in 1995. He was a stout competitor in the early days of B.A.S.S., placing 4th in Ray Scott's initial tournament (the 1967 All-American at Beaver Lake) and finishing in the money in all 11 events he entered.
During his long career in the sporting goods sector, Murski spent a considerable amount of time on industry, conservation and youth projects. In 2005 he said that, above all of his accomplishments, "I'm most proud of the fact that I've given an opportunity to over 50,000 Texas youngsters to have their first outdoor experience, whether they were fishing, hunting, boating or camping."
