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National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame facts for kids

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Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum
HaywardMuskie-061-050507.jpg
Fiberglass muskie
Established 1960
Location Hayward, Wisconsin

The Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame is a special museum in Hayward, Wisconsin, USA. It celebrates and promotes freshwater fishing. About 100,000 people visit the museum every year. One of its most famous features is a giant, 143-foot-long (44 m) sculpture of a fish called a muskie. This huge muskie is actually the biggest muskie sculpture in the whole world!

Discover the Museum

The Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame started in 1960. Its main buildings were built in 1976. The museum sits on a six-acre (2.4 ha) piece of land in Hayward, close to Wisconsin Highway 27. It has seven buildings that cover a total area of 25,000 square feet (2,300 m2).

The Giant Muskie Sculpture

One of the museum's buildings is the amazing 143-foot-long (44 m) fiberglass sculpture of a jumping muskie fish. You can even go inside this giant fish! The lower jaw of the muskie is an observation deck. From here, you can look out and see the surrounding area. Sometimes, people even have weddings inside the muskie's jaw!

What You'll See Inside

The museum has many cool exhibits. You can see over 400 mounted fish. These are real fish that have been preserved to look lifelike. The museum also displays 300 outboard motors, which are engines used on boats. The Hall of Fame also keeps official records for the largest freshwater fish ever caught in the United States and around the world.

Honoring Fishing Legends

The Hall of Fame honors people who have made a big difference in freshwater fishing. Individuals are chosen for induction in four main groups:

  • Enshrinement Programs: These are for people who have had a national or worldwide impact on freshwater fishing. So far, 65 people have been inducted into this group.
  • Legendary Anglers: This group recognizes people who have made a big impact on fishing in their region. There are 78 legendary anglers.
  • Fishing Guide Recognition: This honors people who work as fishing guides and help others enjoy the sport. Fifteen guides have been recognized.
  • Organization Recognition: This group celebrates organizations that have helped the sport of fishing. Twenty-four organizations have been honored.

Famous Inductees

Some well-known people have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. These include Juliana Berners, Ole Evinrude, Virgil Ward, and Izaak Walton. Even the famous baseball player Ted Williams, who was also known for his great fishing skills, is an inductee.

Gallery

See also

  • List of Wisconsin fishing records
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