Minnesota Fishing Hall of Fame announces 2025 inductees

Little Falls, Minn. — Three individuals and two organizations will be enshrined by the Fishing Hall of Fame of Minnesota in 2025. Inductees in the Individual Legends category are Jimmy Bell, Don Pursch, and Jon Thelen. In addition, Nesheim Bait and Ray’s Sport & Marine will round out the list.

The Fishing HOF annually recognizes up to four individuals and two groups or organizations that have made a major impact on Minnesota’s sportfishing industry. The Fishing HOF recognizes fishing promoters, whether they have made a difference through education, legislation, guiding, manufacturing, media promotions, or other means.

Individuals must be a state resident, must have lived in Minnesota for a minimum of 25 years, must be at least 50 years of age, and must have made meritorious contributions to the sport of fishing.

Businesses and organizations may also be nominated, provided they are registered in Minnesota and have made similar noteworthy contributions to fishing. Nominations are accepted from the general public, and the list is reduced to the top ten by current Fishing HOF members, after which finalists are voted on for induction.

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Jimmy Bell

Bell is a professional angler with more than 30 years of experience, earning titles including “National Angler of the Year” and “Rookie of the Year” while winning national tournaments.

Beyond his success in tournaments, Bell has been a key advocate for youth and student anglers, establishing and growing programs such as the Student Angler Organization and the Minnesota Student Angler Tournament Trail.

He helped create more than 50 high school fishing teams and launched the Lund Virtual Fishing League during the 2020 COVID shutdown, which has since expanded to multiple states.

As a board member of MN-FISH and the National Professional Anglers Association, Bell has played an instrumental role in promoting conservation and youth engagement in fishing.

Don Pursch

Pursch is a professional fisherman and guide, and began fishing at age 3 near Longville. Specializing in muskie fishing, Pursch has guided anglers for more than 40 years in northern Minnesota and Canada, earning a reputation for catching big fish.

He has worked with notable TV anglers including Roland Martin and Babe Winkelman, appeared on ESPN’s Hunt for the Big Fish, and hosted fishing specials for In-Fisherman.

Pursch also played a key role at Camp Fish, mentoring young anglers and hosting TV specials. A former field rep for Tuffy Boats and Sage fishing rods, he has conducted seminars and written articles. He operated Nielsen’s Fly-In Lodge in Ontario for more than 30 years. Now retired on Leech Lake, he continues to fish and inspire others.

Jon Thelen

Thelen is a renowned fishing expert with more than 20 years of experience as a tournament angler, guide, educator, and television personality. Raised in Anoka, he developed a passion for fishing early on and competed in walleye tournaments from 1997 to 2015, achieving numerous top finishes.

Thelen is best known for hosting Lindy’s Fish Ed and Jon Thelen’s Destination-Fish Television, both highly successful shows that reach millions of households. He also creates educational fishing content on YouTube.

A prolific writer and speaker, Thelen has contributed more than 150 magazine articles and appeared on more than 25 magazine covers. He has served as a full-time guide and a key figure in PRADCO-Fishing’s marketing, where he helped develop products for Lindy, Thill, and Little Joe brands.

He also works closely with brands like Alumacraft Boats, MinnKota, and Humminbird to educate anglers and promote the sport.

Nesheim Bait

Nesheim Bait, founded in 1932 by Sam and Esther Nesheim, became a cornerstone of the Brainerd Lakes area’s fishing community. Sam, known as a “minnow man,” started by selling minnows and expanded into a bait shop and hatchery.

After Sam’s death in 1967, his son Frank and wife Lucy took over, growing the business with deliveries to resorts and adding products including worms, leeches, and minnows.

In 1975, they moved to a new location on Highway 371, where they ran the business for 35 years, providing live bait and fostering a loyal customer base.

Their children grew up helping in the business, and Nesheim Bait became a hub for local anglers and fishing celebrities.

Retiring in 2002, the Nesheims’ legacy continues through the Nesheim Bait Photos Facebook page, celebrating their decades of service.

Ray’s Sport & Marine

Founded in 1943 by Ray Hernesman in Grand Rapids, Ray’s Sport & Marine began as a family-owned flour and feed store. By 1962, it was helping Grand Rapids equip residents for hockey.

In 1983, after Yamaha Outboards entered the U.S., Ray’s became a dealer, eventually adding Sea Nymph boats. In 1987, Ray’s took on Lund Boats, becoming the largest Lund dealer in the nation.

Over the years, Ray’s has grown into a marine industry leader, employing more than 90 people and earning numerous customer service awards.

With stores across Minnesota, Ray’s offers brands including Lund, Crestliner, Alumacraft, and Bennington Pontoons.

The company has supported more than 12 high school fishing teams.

The official enshrinement will take place on Friday, Sept. 26, at the Rice Creek Hunting, Rec and Event Center in Little Falls.

For details, visit www.fishinghalloffamemn.com.