ATHENS, Texas – The Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame has announced its class of 2025 inductees: Ann Thomasson-Wilson of Jasper, Texas, and Rick Clunn of Ava, Missouri.

Thomasson-Wilson, a two-time bass fishing world champion and innovative tackle designer, is also the founder of Ann’s Tackle Shop, which she opened in 1986. Clunn, a four-time Bassmaster Classic Champion and one of the sport’s all-time greats, is a member of multiple fishing halls of fame, including the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame and the International Game Fish Association Fishing Hall of Fame.

“Ann and Rick are two of the greats when it comes to Texas freshwater fishing, but their achievements also resound on national and worldwide scales,” said Kelly Jordon, chairman of the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame selection committee.

“Ann is a two-time world champion, but the impacts she has made on the lives of children and those who come into her tackle shop are innumerable. Rick’s professional career spans an incredible 50 years with multiple championships and victories. His work with high school bass programs and the inspiration he has given to many anglers and non-anglers alike are immeasurable. Ann and Rick were resoundingly selected to be the 2025 inductees and the Hall of Fame is proud to have them.”

Ann Thomasson-Wilson: A Trailblazer in Fishing and Mentorship

Thomasson-Wilson began her professional fishing career in 1970, competing in Lady Bass and Bass’N Gal events until 1996. She secured back-to-back world championships, winning the 1988 Lady Bass Classic Showcase on Louisiana’s Ouachita River and the 1989 Bass’N Gal Hummingbird Classic Star XIII on New York’s Hudson River.

Her shop, Ann’s Tackle Shop, located near Lake Sam Rayburn, became a hub for anglers seeking gear, advice, and mentorship. Thomasson-Wilson, known for her hands-on approach, operated the shop for 39 years before passing it on to her daughter, Debra Pryor, and longtime staff member Laren Bush in 2024.

In addition to running her shop, Thomasson-Wilson designed innovative fishing gear, including the G-Lock worm hook #2044, manufactured by Gamakatsu, and the popular “Plum Apple” color for plastic baits. She also created the “Chrome Red” version of the Rat-L-Trap, still available today.

“I was proud and shocked when I learned that I was being inducted into the Hall of Fame,” said Thomasson-Wilson. “I’m so excited and never dreamed about being in the Hall of Fame, but it is such an honor to represent my community, my state, and all of those I’ve had contact with, especially all the young folks that are grown now, because I learned from them just like they learned from me.”

A strong advocate for youth fishing programs, Thomasson-Wilson volunteered with the “Get Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs” initiative, introducing countless children to fishing as a positive alternative to destructive behaviors.

Rick Clunn: A Living Legend in Bass Fishing

Rick Clunn, widely regarded as one of the greatest professional bass anglers, competed in an astounding 500 B.A.S.S. events over his 50-year career. A four-time Bassmaster Classic Champion, Clunn also holds 16 Bassmaster titles and has fished in 32 Bassmaster Classics, including a record 28 consecutive appearances.

Clunn, who lived in Texas for nearly 50 years, credits his family for their sacrifices that allowed him to pursue his passion.

“It’s an incredible honor to be inducted into the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame,” said Clunn. “I lived in Texas for almost 50 years of my career, and I knew about the Ed Parten’s, Jackie Hewlett’s, Leonard Ranne’s and others that are in the Hall of Fame. These people are amazing to me and to be mentioned with them in the Hall of Fame is incredibly humbling.”

“It takes a tremendous amount of time and effort to be successful, and I have a great family to support me. They are the ones who really have to make sacrifices to allow me the time, energy and resources to go out and achieve something like this. I can’t thank them enough for the sacrifices they made.”

Throughout his career, Clunn sought to inspire others by teaching high school and college bass fishing programs. Many of his students have gone on to compete professionally.

“Fishing connects people to nature,” Clunn said. “It’s one of the last remaining ways to keep humanity grounded in the outdoors. Seeing young people embrace fishing gives me hope for the future.”

In addition to his competitive achievements, Clunn refined the concept of seasonal pattern fishing, which revolutionized bass fishing by helping anglers predict fish movements based on seasonal changes.

Hall of Fame Ceremony

Thomasson-Wilson and Clunn will be inducted as the 40th and 41st members of the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame during a ceremony in October at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens. Established in 1997, the Hall of Fame honors individuals and organizations that have made lasting contributions to freshwater fishing in Texas.

For more information about the Hall of Fame or to submit a nomination, visit the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center website or call (903) 676-2277.