The newly formed Ohio Bass Fishing Hall of Fame on Jan. 28 announced it has started the selection process for the first class of inductees.

The Ohio Bass Fishing Hall of Fame was created to preserve the legacy of bass fishing in the Buckeye State, honor the performance of champion anglers and celebrate the contributions of the people pivotal in the growth of the sport.

Ohio Bass Fishing Hall of Fame will honor its first class of inductees May 30 at the pre-tournament dinner of the 25th anniversary Muransky Companies Bass Classic. The tournament is a benefit event of the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley. The volunteer group Charity Bass Ohio and United Way staffers operate the United Way event and support Ohio Bass Fishing Hall of Fame.

Jack Wollitz, a columnist for the Tribune Chronicle and The Vindicator, is the founding nominating committee chair. Nominating committee members are Rich Carter, retired Ohio Division of Wildlife executive and tournament angler; D’Arcy Egan, retired Cleveland Plain Dealer outdoor editor; Mark Hicks, outdoor writer and bass tournament veteran; Bill Byers and Ray Halter, champion tournament anglers; and Doug Clifford, a veteran Ohio outdoor writer.

“Ohio played an important role in the growth of bass fishing beyond its traditional roots in the South, not only in the emergence of successful anglers, but also in the development of lures and tackle that were the building blocks for today’s multi-billion-dollar U.S. fishing industry,” Wollitz said.

“We are particularly proud to have the opportunity to announce our first inductees during the festivities of the Muransky Companies Bass Classic. It is a marquee event with outstanding bass fishing and represents a quarter-century of contributions by the Ohio bass fishing community in funding social services for children and families. We are grateful to The Muransky Companies, the Youngstown United Way and Charity Bass Ohio for their support.”

To make a nomination for the Ohio Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, go to the organization’s Facebook page or contact Jack Wollitz at jackbbaass@gmail.com.