“This year the IGFA inducts its 13th class into the International Fishing Hall of Fame on Tuesday, October 25th at 6 pm. Al Lindner, John Chibnail Allen and Buddy Merritt, Frank O’Brien, Jr., and Paxson Offield will join the ranks of fishing’s luminaries at the annual induction ceremony, emceed by 2004 inductee Mark Sosin. Next to the privilege of having a great fish on the line, the event is one of fishing’s highest honors,†said Gail Morchower, Manager of the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum in Dania Beach, Fla.
During a 50-year career spanning the most revolutionary years in sport fishing history, Al Lindner ranks among the most renowned leaders in the sport fishing industry.
As the host of Lindner’s Angling Edge and Fishing Edge television series, Al is logging in his 42nd consecutive year in outdoor television programming. Al remains immensely popular as one of the best-recognized angling authorities in North America. Al, however, has always worn many hats, and even his most avid fans may not realize the extent of his past and present involvement with all aspects of the fishing business. Besides finding new and better ways to catch fish, he has worked as a fishing guide, tackle designer and manufacturer, tournament fishing champion, book author, lecturer, radio host, magazine publisher, video producer, television host and a pioneer of professional walleye tournament fishing.
Of all his titles, Al prefers that of “Angling Educator,†a lifelong obsession he tirelessly pursues. His continuing dedication to teaching youth to fish reached a high point when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service used his Camp Fish formula as a nationwide teaching.
Al’s deep and abiding faith has led him to share not only his fishing knowledge, but more importantly, tell his Christian life story in many venues. He frequently speaks of his life journey, and his deep spiritual convictions to both young and old alike.
Al was inducted into the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame first as a Legendary Angler, and later enshrined into the Hall as an educator. He is a member of the Minnesota Fishing Hall of Fame, and was inducted into the Normark Hall of Fame for the indelible mark his involvement has made on the history of sport fishing.
Al has also been inducted into the Professional Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, and most recently, was given the Samuel C. Johnson Fishing ‘Journalist of the Year’ award for his contributions to the fishing industry in the fields of journalism, conservation and philanthropic leadership.
In March of 2008, Al was named by BassMaster Magazine as one of the 35 most influential persons in the world of bass fishing.
Along the lengthy road, Al has traveled in the world of sport fishing he and his companies have garnered more then 58 excellence-in-craft awards for work in various fields.
Winning a $60 prize as champion of the Hayward Wisconsin Musky Festival in 1965 gave Al the confidence he could make a living at fishing. Since that win, work in the fishing industry (other than his stint in Vietnam) is the only job Al has ever had.
