The Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame The committee is pleased to announce that Wally “Mr. Crappie” Marshall of Anna, Texas will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2023. Marshall revolutionized crappie fishing through innovative products, tournaments and promotion of the sport Marshall generously gives back to the fishing community through his philanthropic work, teaching youth to fish and donating time and products to multiple charitable organizations and events.
“Wally Marshall’s outstanding achievements as a pioneer in the sport of fly fishing are unparalleled,” said Dan Kessler, chairman of the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame selection committee. “His leadership in introducing new ideas and innovative products to angling and the fishing community at large is unmatched. On their own merits, these accomplishments warrant Wally’s consideration for Hall of Fame Fame However, Wally’s commitment to a lifelong passion for educating current and future anglers, as well as a willingness to give back his time and resources to the fishing community, is what resulted in unanimous support for his induction into the Hall of Fame.”
Marshall grew up in Garland, Texas for 50 years before moving to Anna. Marshall’s first career was as a master plumber, but his love and passion is in water casting for shit. Marshall entered the crappie fishing spotlight in 1987 when he won the first National Crappie Tournament at Cedar Creek Lake. That tournament win opened the door for Marshall to promote and teach fly fishing through seminars at tackle dealers, tackle shows and boat shows, and on radio and television throughout the state.
Marshall signed his first sponsorship deal with Joe Hall, owner of Blakemore Lures, maker of the famous “Roadrunner” jig. Marshall launched a crappie fishing guide service in 1989 that operated until 1994 on Lake Fork, Lake Lewisville and Lake Ray Hubbard on weekends and days off. He was the first “shit-only” fishing guide to set up shop on Lake Fork.
Marshall teamed up with Bass Pro Shops to design crappie fishing products in 1997 and trademarked the name “Mr. Crappie” in 1998. Marshall retired as a master plumber in 2002 and devoted himself to his full-time passion for fishing, designing “Mr. Crappie Products” and promoting the sport of crappie fishing.
Marshall joined forces with Lew’s to design “Mr. Crappie” and Wally Marshall Signature Series rods and reels along with a “Mr. Crappie Fishing Line” in 2010. Marshall partnered with Strike King the following year to design a wide variety of specialty fish baits under the “Mr. Brand Crappie by Strike King”. As a result, “Mr. Crappie” is one of the most recognized and popular brands in the country.
In 2004, Marshall created the “Mr. Crappie Big Crappie Classic Tournament” with adult and youth divisions to encourage families to spend time together on the water. Marshall had a vision to create a show like the Bassmaster Classic for the crappie industry. Four years ago, the vision became a reality with the creation of the “Crappie Expo.” It consists of the “Mr. Crappie” $300,000 Invitational Tournament, the world’s largest crappie fry and a three-day consumer trade show with more than 100 exhibitors, including bait and tackle companies, boat manufacturers and tackle dealers.
Marshall has received numerous honors and awards throughout his career:
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Marshall is committed to introducing kids to the sport of snapper fishing. Over the years, he has given numerous fishing trips to youth organizations and led youth fishing at the Buckner Children’s Home in Dallas.
Marshall has donated thousands of dollars worth of “Mr. Crappie” rods, reels and lures to youth organizations, schools, churches and the Boy Scouts. He participated in the Garland Police Departments Mad Dog Fishing Tournament which raises money for to the families of fallen officers He also donates products and his time to police and fire functions and fundraisers.
“When I was asked to be nominated, it was a surprise and an honor,” Marshall said. “I look back over the years and all the things I’ve been fortunate to do in Texas and abroad. I think about all the people I’ve met that have helped me get to where I am today as a 2023 inductee. You really don’t know how many people you touch through your work and I’m grateful that I get to represent Texas in the Hall of Fame. My motto in life and business is “Whatever it takes to make it.” I wasn’t looking for success, but there I worked hard – the reward is to have the honor of being inducted into the Hall of Fame with my peers.”
The Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame is located at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens. Its mission is to “recognize and honor those who have made a lasting contribution to freshwater fishing in Texas, and foster a sense of appreciation, awareness and participation in the sport of angling.”
Since 1997, the Hall of Fame has inducted 37 individuals and organizations, including Gary Klein in 2022. Marshall will be inducted as the 38th member during a ceremony at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center on Oct. 6.
See more about the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame here.