Arkansas angler inducted into the National Bass Fishing Hall of Fame

Billy Murray, an Arkansas angler and fishing expert, has been inducted into the National Bass Fishing Hall of Fame along with fellow 2016 inductees former President George H.W. Bush and Gary Yamamoto, an innovative lure designer. Murray was included as a skilled bass fishing educator.

The Hot Springs native said he was amazed and humbled by the honor, especially considering that one gets in through “the representation of all your peers,” he said.

Murray’s career started more than 50 years ago as a fishing guide at Lake Ouachita, which he refers to as “home.” In a press release from the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, Murray credited all of the state’s lakes, stating that he “liked the variety” and going to lakes “that are totally different.”

He also credited Arkansas with being a prime spot for river fishing. “From the Buffalo River, the White River, the Caddo, the Ouachita, the Little Missouri, all of those are fabulous rivers to float, fish and enjoy. The treasure that we have in the state is our water.”

Asked what he enjoys most about fishing, he said that “fishing to me isn’t an escape from something, it’s more like an escape to something.” He explained: “It’s what you receive once you are out there. You get to soak in all of the things that make life really worth something. It’s not hectic. You can’t fish and be in a state of mind where you are worried about everything. It lets everything mellow out and you can enjoy [the moment].”

Billy and his twin brother Bobby are two of the most successful competitive fishermen in the U.S., winning titles from State Championships to the Bass Masters Classic. The brothers worked together as a duo and were hosts for various fishing programs on ESPN and the Outdoor Channel.

While his brother was more of a tournament angler, Billy was focused more on the teaching side of the sport. He worked as a cinematographer for over a decade for the popular outdoor show “The Fishing Hole,” which starred fishing expert Jerry McKinnis. “I was working with Jerry, we just traveled everywhere, we were on this big adventure,” said Murray. “As everything progressed, I got into teaching.”

In the 1970s, he formed a fishing education program known as the Bass Fishing Institute, which was the country’s first on-the-water fishing school. It would grow to be taught in major universities throughout the United States until the mid-1980s. Murray also worked for Pradco Outdoors Brand for around 30 years in various positions. His role included creating lures and providing training for Pradco staff and their clients such as Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s.