The IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame recognizes extraordinary achievements in recreational fishing around the world by anglers, captains, scientists, conservationists, writers, or fishing industry leaders. The first class, honoring 29 of the sport's luminaries, was inducted in 1998. Since then, 92 additional fishing greats have been welcomed to the Hall at the annual induction ceremony each year. Along with the biographical video produced by the IGFA, each Hall of Fame member is honored with a plaque in the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame at the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri. Additional information, documents, and photographs of Hall of Fame members may be found in the E. K. Harry Library of Fishes located at IGFA Headquarters in Dania Beach, Florida.
To learn more about nominating a candidate for the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame, please click here.
To learn more about the 2018 Class of the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame being honored at the 20th Annual IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on September 15, 2018 , please click here.
Hall of Fame Inductees' Bios
To nominate a candidate for the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame, please send a detailed submission letter to Nehl Horton, IGFA President, at 300 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach, FL 33004. This letter should describe the nominee’s significant and lasting contributions to the sport of recreational angling. Nominated individuals can be anglers, captains, scientists, conservationists, writers, or fishing industry leaders. Supporting documentation included with the letter -- newspaper articles, biographical information, photographs, etc. – is extremely helpful, and all materials sent will be retained in the E. K. Harry Library archives. Once a person has been nominated, he or she will remain in consideration. Each year the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame Nominating Committee reviews the information submitted for all potential honorees. Their selections are then submitted to the IGFA Board of Trustees for final approval.