FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(head shot photos of inductees available upon request)
Contact: Pete Johnson, Johnson Communications, Inc.
Scottsdale, Ariz. 85267
480-951-3654 (ph) 480-951-0040 (fax)
[email protected]
Hurricane postponed IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame to enshrine five men on December 11th
Seventh annual Rolex sponsored event honors contributions to the sport of fishing; rescheduled after Hurricane Wilma tears through S. Fla.
DANIA BEACH, Fla. --- Five men will wait an extra six weeks to be inducted into the International Game Fish Association Fishing Hall of Fame after Hurricane Wilma interrupted their ceremony in late October. The class of 2005, which includes Stuart “Stu” C. Apte, John L. Morris, George Parker, Donald J. Tyson and Edward vom Hofe, will be enshrined Sunday, December 11 at 6 p.m.
The star-studded induction ceremony and dinner, sponsored by Rolex, will be held at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Fla.
A limited number of tickets are available for what is expected to be a sold out event.
Honorees are selected each year for the important contributions they have made to the sport of fishing through angling achievements, literature, the arts, science, education, invention, communication, or administration of fishery resources.
The 2005 inductees and their contributions are:
Stuart “Stu”C. Apte
An all-around angler considered a pioneer in fly fishing for tarpon. In the 1960s Apte developed a huge following as a Florida Keys guide. He’s also a writer, photographer and holder of more than 40 IGFA world records. He makes his home in Tavernier, Florida.
John L. Morris
Best known as the founder of Bass Pro Shops, one of the world’s leading suppliers of fishing tackle, Morris is a five-time qualifier for the Bassmaster Classic, an ardent conservationist and an IGFA Trustee Emeritus. He resides in Springfield, Mo.
George Parker
One of the first captains to charter regularly out of Kona, Parker caught Hawaii’s first blue marlin over 1,000 lb in 1954, then went head-to-head with scientists until the grander was properly identified as a Pacific blue marlin. He resides in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
Donald J. Tyson
Tyson is a passionate billfisherman dedicated to tagging and releasing the world’s great fish for future generations. As IGFA Trustee, he played a major role in making the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum a reality. He has a home in Springdale, Ark.
Edward vom Hofe
He produced fly and salmon reels, in the mid and late 1800s then began responding to the demands of saltwater anglers. Vom Hofe reels were known for their craftsmanship and dependability, the reel of choice for well-heeled, blue water fishermen. He died in 1920 at the age of 74.
Andy Mill will be the masters of ceremonies joined by Mark Sosin who was inducted in the 2004 IGFA Hall of Fame enshrinement class. Currently 55 Hall of Fame members are enshrined including Ernest Hemingway, Zane Grey, Curt Gowdy, Michael and Helen Lerner, Philip Wylie, Ted Williams, Ray Scott, Roland Martin, Billy Pate and Lee Wulff.
The evening will include a *beep* reception, silent auction, the induction ceremony and dinner. For reservation information please call Ms. Arico at 954-924-4222.
Founded in 1939, the IGFA is a not for profit organization committed to the conservation of game fish and promotion of responsible, ethical angling practices through science, education, rule making and record keeping. IGFA members are located in over 125 countries and territories. The IGFA welcomes visitors to its 60,000-sq.ft .interactive Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum headquartered in Dania Beach, Fla. The IGFA web site can be found at www.igfa.org.
