Those We Honor

You’ll find more than just fishing celebrities in this list. One can make a significant impact on the lives of many without ever being well known. It is important to honor all of those who had a great influence on the great sport of fishing, whether famous or not. Corporate advances tend to be much more visible to us. For it’s their products that shape the evolution of the sport of fishing.

Tim Lesmeister

Tim Lesmeister

Inducted 2020

Tim Lesmeister has been a full-time freelance outdoor communicator since 1987. He has lived in Minnetonka, Minnesota since 1981, and began writing […]

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Steve Pennaz

Steve Pennaz

Inducted 2020

Steve Pennaz specializes in developing and building enthusiast media brands. His credits include the successful launch of more than a dozen national […]

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Chip Leer

Chip Leer

Inducted 2020

2019 Inductee into the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, TV and stage host of the world’s most prestigious walleye tournament circuit, the […]

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Women Angler’s of Minnesota

Women Angler’s of Minnesota

Inducted 2019

Executive Summary of Accomplishments Longest standing women’s fishing organization in the Nation Founded in 1977 Non-Profit Organization 501(c)3 Donated over 6000 rods […]

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J. R. Cooper

J. R. Cooper

Inducted 2019

J. R. “COOP” COOPER When nominating J. R. Cooper, Jim Kalkofen said the following about Coop: “In my opinion he is one […]

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Harry Van Doren

Harry Van Doren

Inducted 2019

Harry Van Doren — Pioneer Guide and Mentor to Angling Legends Harry Van Doren began his nearly six decades of guiding at […]

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Ron Hunter

Ron Hunter

Inducted 2019

Ron Hunter has been a fixture on Lake Winnibigoshish over the years. He is not only a fishing guide on this beautiful […]

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Bobber ‘Anne’ Orth

Bobber ‘Anne’ Orth

Inducted 2019

Gapen’s One and Only: ‘Bobber’ Anne The Gapen Company believes Anne Orth is one of the most experienced, informed female outdoor sportspersons […]

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Vados Bait and Tackle

Vados Bait and Tackle

Inducted 2019

Vados Bait & Tackle has been in business since 1947.  Family owned and operated every day of its existence. Greg and Eric […]

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Gapen Tackle Company

Gapen Tackle Company

Inducted 2018

The Gapen Tackle Company (Gapen) got its main start when Don Gapen, created the Muddler Fly in 1936. This fly has become […]

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