Ray A. Murski of Meridian has been named to the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.
Murski is a partner in the Bliss-Murski Sales Company and the owner of the Strike King Lure Company, a leading manufacturer of freshwater spinner baits. He is being honored for his lifetime of involvement with freshwater fishing and his many contributions to conservation.
Murski will join a distinguished list of prior honorees including Floyd Mabry, Jackie Hewlett, R.D. Hull, Bob Kemp, Nick Creme, Charlie Inman, Sugar Ferris, Leonard Ranne, Earl Golding, Kathy Magers, the Sabine River Authority, Skeeter Boats and Michael (“Shorty”) Powers.
The Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, which is housed at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens, honors legendary anglers, fisheries professionals and organizations that have made a contribution to freshwater fishing in Texas.
Murski began selling fishing tackle in 1966 and competed in the first BASS tournament the following year. He also competed in 39 Texas State Bass Fishing Tournaments and was inducted into the Texas State Bass Fishing Hall of Fame in 1999.
Murski serves on the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Board, which advised Texas Parks and Wildlife Department on the Freshwater Fishing Stamp. He also serves on Texas A&M University’s Fisheries and Wildlife Division board and is on the American Sport Fishing Association board of directors.
Murski said, “I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve given an opportunity to over 50,000 Texas youngsters to have their first outdoor experience, whether they were fishing, hunting, boating or camping.”
Murski will be formally inducted into the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame at a banquet in Athens May 28.
By: Larry D. Hodge
