Wally “Mr. Crappie” Marshall, who revolutionized crappie fishing through innovative products, tournaments and promotion of the sport, will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on Oct. 6. 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 accomplishments as a trailblazer in the sport of crappie fishing are unparalleled,” says Dan Kessler, Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame selection committee chairman. “His leadership in bringing forth new ideas and innovative products to crappie fishing and the fishing community in general are second to none. On their own merits, these accomplishments warranted Wally’s consideration for membership in the Hall of Fame. However, it is Wally’s commitment to a lifelong passion for educating current and future anglers as well as the willingness to give his time and resources back to the fishing community that resulted in unanimous support for his induction to the Hall of Fame.”
Marshall’s first career was as a master plumber, but his passion for water won out. Marshall stepped into the crappie fishing spotlight in 1987 when he won the first-ever National Crappie Tournament at Cedar Creek Lake. That tournament victory opened the door for Marshall to promote and teach crappie fishing through seminars at tackle dealers, tackle shows and boat shows, and on radio and television across the state.
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.
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 began pursuing his passion of crappie fishing full time, designing “Mr. Crappie” products and promoting the sport of crappie fishing.
“When I was approached to be nominated, it was a surprise and an honor,” Marshall says. “I wasn’t looking for success, but I worked hard at it — the reward is having the honor to be included in the Hall of Fame with my peers.”
The Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame is housed 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 to foster a sense of appreciation, awareness and participation in the sport of fishing.” Marshall will be inducted as the 38th member.
