Know a freshwater fisherman whose big fish stories come with years of giving back to the sport? You may want to send this their way.

The Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame is accepting nominations for its 2027 class through Nov. 1, giving Texans a chance to recognize anglers, conservationists, outdoor writers, fishing organizations and others who have made a lasting impact on freshwater fishing in the state.

The Hall of Fame currently includes 41 individuals and organizations.

“Whether it’s an outdoor writer, accomplished angler, conservationist, fishing club or industry leader, we look forward to continuing to honor and recognize everyone helping to make Texas fishing the best it can be,” selection committee chairman Kelly Jordon said.

Nominees will be evaluated by a committee of anglers, fisheries biologists and other professionals involved in Texas freshwater fishing.

Criteria include ethics, leadership, commitment to the sport, contributions to fishing, fisheries management expertise and the overall impact a nominee has made on freshwater fishing in Texas.

The 2027 honoree or honorees are expected to be announced in the spring and formally inducted during a ceremony and banquet next fall.

This year’s inductees include brothers Clayton and the late Jason Pierce of Alba and Michael Scherer of Houston.

The Pierce brothers (Clayton and late brother Jason) own and operate Lake Fork Taxidermy, which creates fish replicas for clients across the world, including replicas awarded to anglers who contribute Legacy Class fish to the Toyota ShareLunker Program.

The Pierce brothers (Clayton and late brother Jason) own and operate Lake Fork Taxidermy, which creates fish replicas for clients across the world, including replicas awarded to anglers who contribute Legacy Class fish to the Toyota ShareLunker Program.

The Pierce brothers operate Lake Fork Taxidermy and have created fish replicas for anglers around the world, including replicas presented through the Toyota ShareLunker Program. Scherer serves as program director for Fishing’s Future and has spent numerous volunteer hours supporting angler education programs across Texas.

The 2026 class will officially be inducted during the annual Hall of Fame banquet in October at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens.

The Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame was established to recognize people and organizations that have made lasting contributions to freshwater fishing while encouraging greater participation and appreciation for the sport.

Nomination forms and instructions are available through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame webpage. Information is also available by calling 903-676-2277.