NMMA Awards Gallery
2006 NMMA Hall of Fame Award Inductee - Johnny Morris, Founder, Bass Pro Shops
The National Marine Manufacturers Association and its Board of Directors would like to congratulate Johnny Morris, Founder of Bass Pro Shops, on being inducted into the 2006 NMMA Hall of Fame.
This prestigious award celebrates those whose deeds are synonymous with the pursuit of quality, innovation, and perfection within the marine industry. NMMA is truly honored to add Johnny Morris to the list of inductees that include such pioneers as Chris Smith, Charles Chapman, Elmer Kiekhaefer and Ralph Evinrude. The Hall of Fame Award continues to salute excellence by acknowledging contemporaries such as Ham Hamburger, Leon Slikkers and Pack St. Clair. And now, Johnny Morris!
History continues to verify that innovative individuals who pursue perfection are often the ones who rise to the zenith of their chosen profession. NMMA would like to recognize Johnny’s substantial and lasting contributions toward the advancement of the marine industry. In 1978, he introduced the first professionally rigged boat, motor and trailer fish ready package. This Bass Tracker boat “package” revolutionized the marine industry. For the first time, fishermen could own a perfectly matched, quality fishing system at a price they could easily afford. Today, the Tracker Marine Group represents some of the best names in the freshwater and saltwater boating industry. Names like Tracker, Nitro, Sun Tracker, Tahoe, Fisher, Pro Craft, Kenner, Mako, and SeaCraft are among America’s best selling boats.
In addition to Johnny’s revolutionary boat “package”, his accomplishments and ardent stance on conservation has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Teddy Roosevelt Conservationist Award, the Sport Fishing Institute’s “Fisherman of the Year”, the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies “President’s Award”, and many others. Also, as s Trustee Emeritus of the International Game Fish Association, his generous donation of land has provided a fitting site for the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame. For the past 35 years, Johnny has personified the spirit of the NMMA Hall of Fame Award.
Congratulations Johnny!
Hall of Fame Virtual Tour
