04/10/2026
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Class of 2026 spotlight, Pam Martin-Wells
Easily the most successful female angler of all time, Pam dominated every women's fishing circuit she tried, starting with Bass'n Gals in 1985 and continuing through the Women's Bassmaster Tour (WBT), WBFA and Lady Bass Anglers (LBAA).
She is the all-time leading money-winner in women's fishing, having earned 32 national tournament victories, and holds 10 angler of the year titles from various circuits.
Only the second female angler to qualify for the Bassmaster Classic, Martin-Wells was the first (and only) woman to make the final-day cut and compete on Championship Sunday. She caught a limit every day, weighed in 25 pounds and finished 22nd in the star-studded field, outscoring some of the most celebrated anglers in the sport.
Martin-Wells also served as the head coach of the Emmanuel College fishing team, where she became a beloved mentor and guiding force for countless student anglers. Her leadership extended far beyond the water - she nurtured young talent, instilled confidence and left a profound and lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to be coached by her. Under her guidance, the Emmanuel program flourished, and her legacy will live on in every student she inspired.
Martin-Wells passed away in 2025 after a four-year battle with ovarian cancer. Her dedication to the sport truly embodies the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame's mission to celebrate, preserve, and promote the sport of bass fishing.