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Location: Rhinelander | The final day weigh in at the Winneconne PWT regional offered a surprise for the competitors and the crowd.
Emmett Brown, Executive Director of the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame took the stage during the final weigh in to present Jim Kalkofen an Award for World Recognition of Outstanding Achievement, Special Recognition, and induction into the Fishing Hall Of Fame.
Nominated by industry leaders including Al Lindner, Jim was recognized for his career long dedication to building the sport of competitive walleye angling.
From Al Lindner's nomination letter:
'For over 20 years Jim has been a pioneer, a leading exponent, and the primary driving force who brought competitive walleye fishing into the prominence it has today. In 1980, when big league walleye tournaments were little more than a dream and when small tin boats with tiny motors sufficed, Jim envisioned a competitive walleye trail in which expert anglers in state of the art boats with sophisticated equipment would compete on rivers, lakes, and reservoirs for big money prizes. He slowly began realizing his dream and unbeknown to him, fullfilling the dreams of soon to be professional anglers.'
And:
'Beyond his organizational skills and championing of the sport, many of today's top names in walleye fishing owe their careers to Jim's inspiration, prodding, and guidance. many of the anglers who started competing when Jim started directing tournaments all now Hall of Famers, including Gary Roach, who is also in the Minnesota Hall of Fame, Mike McClleland, Gary Parsons, Keith Kavajecz, and others. Surely, there will be other professional anglers, guides, and communicators inducted who will owe and contribute a significant portion of their careers to Jim's steadfastness in the Walleye market.'
I would second everything Mr. Lindner had to say. I would also confirm that Jim Kalkofen's dedicated involvement in competitive walleye angling from the Manion Circuit through the Manufacturers Walleye Circuit (now the Masters Walleye Circuit), the Mercury Marine National Walleye Tournament, the Mariner Open Walleye Tournaments, and the In Fisherman Professional Walleye Trail, created an atmosphere in the Walleye industry that allowed for and encouraged the creation of the Professional team and Pro AM Walleye trails and tours in operation today.
Congratulations Jim on your induction into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame!
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Member
Posts: 2300
Location: Berlin | Congrats Jim, you deserve it! Keep up the good work, we all appreciate it. | |
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| Way to go JK. You deserve it with all the years of hard work you've put into the fishing industry. It couldn't happen to a nicer guy!!
Cheri  | |
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Member
Posts: 192
| Congratulations Jim!! My Dad and I are happy for you. I'll see you at Merc Nationals.
Mark O'Brien | |
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Member
Posts: 1040
Location: Stevens Point, WI | Congratulations JK! It was a privelage to be able to have worked under you! The sport definitely owes you a lot for as much time as you have spent in hotel rooms across the country and the time you have put in over the years. | |
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Member
Posts: 874
Location: Neenah, WI | Way to go JK!!!
Dale and Ginny Frank | |
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Member
Posts: 198
Location: Gladstone, Michigan 49837 | Congrats to you Jim, we've known each other for a long time. You've always been a "Pro" in all the things you've done.
Again both Becky and I are very happy for you and your family,
Marty | |
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