BFHOF Board Member Brandon Palaniuk will again be taking two anglers to experience the fantastic smallmouth bass fishing found in northern Idaho.

Tackle, Trophies and Trips of a Lifetime 

Bass Fishing Hall of Fame’s ‘Celebrate Bass Fishing Week’ AUCTION features one-of-a-kind memorabilia and bucket-list fishing and hunting experiences

SPRINGFIELD, MO (September 18, 2026) – Historic memorabilia, one-off artwork, bucket-list fishing trips and no shortage of gear are all in play as the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame kicks off its annual “Celebrate Bass Fishing Week” online auction, presented by Major League Fishing. Proceeds support the Hall’s mission to celebrate, promote and preserve the sport of bass fishing. Bidding closes at 10 p.m. EST on Thursday, Sept. 24.

Held alongside the Hall’s Celebrate Bass Fishing Week and the 2026 induction festivities, the auction gives anglers, collectors, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts a shot at an eclectic mix of items — many of which simply can’t be found anywhere else.

Heddon ‘Letter’ Artwork – talk about some bass fishing history brought forward to today. The original letter is from 1916 – penned by Charles Heddon, James’ son – to a tackle distributor.

A Piece of Bass Fishing History

Several pieces tie directly into the sport’s history. A collection of custom crankbaits honors 2026 inductee Mike Whitaker, offering a distinctive way to mark one of bass fishing’s most influential figures. The “Heddon Letter” artwork celebrates the storied Heddon brand’s place in the sport, while a piece honoring fellow inductee Bob Cobb gives collectors another chance to own a slice of bass fishing history. Round it out with framed artwork, memorabilia and autographed items, and there’s plenty for collectors to dig into.

Adventures Beyond the Boat

Bidders can chase turkeys or head to Panama for a tuna trip alongside Hall of Famer Skeet Reese. Prefer to stay closer to home? The auction also includes a run of fishing trips hosted by Major League Fishing and B.A.S.S. competitors, including a trip for two to Idaho to chase smallmouth with Elite Series pro — and Hall of Fame board member — Brandon Palaniuk, right on his home water.

Autographed jerseys and tackle round things out. And there’s a lot of tackle.

Private Bass Tournament with Randy and Laker Howell.

Gear for the Boat, the Blind and Everything Between

Rods, reels, lures, accessories and hunting gear fill out the rest of the offerings, giving anglers plenty of ways to add to the tackle box or the gun safe alike. The variety is by design.

“Celebrate Bass Fishing Week is about bringing the entire bass fishing and outdoors community together,” said John Mazurkiewicz, past president of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame Board of Directors. “The auction is a great reflection of that community. There are pieces of bass fishing history, unique collectibles, incredible fishing and hunting experiences, and plenty of gear that anglers will want to get their hands on. Most importantly, every bid helps support the work of the Hall.”

Waterbug Bait Company commemorative crankbait honoring Mike Whitaker – collaboration between Waterbug, Rodbender Fishing Company, and Mid MO Tackle – comes in ‘OB Craw’ custom paint scheme (OB standing for Operation Bass).

Every Bid Gives Back

Funds raised go toward the Hall’s mission and the programs it supports, including fisheries conservation, scholarships and other efforts aimed at strengthening bass fishing’s future. The Hall has provided meaningful financial backing for conservation projects and fisheries students in recent years, and auction proceeds play a real part in making that possible.

The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame exists to recognize individuals and organizations who’ve significantly advanced the sport, while preserving and promoting its history for generations to come.

Lowrance HDS PRO 12 with Active Imaging HD 3-in-1 Transducer.

The 2026 Celebrate Bass Fishing Week culminates with the induction of Don Iovino, Pam Martin-Wells, Takahiro Omori, Rick Pierce and Mike Whitaker into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame on September 24 at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, Mo. — the Hall’s permanent home since 2017, made possible by Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris and his commitment to celebrating the anglers and conservationists who’ve shaped the sport.

Whether the goal is owning a piece of bass fishing history, adding new tackle to the boat, booking a dream trip, chasing a memorable hunt, or simply backing the Hall’s work, this year’s auction gives plenty of reasons to place a bid.

BFHOF ’26 inductee Takahiro Omori auctions off his favorite DAIWA combo.