The International Game Fishing Association (IGFA) has announced the five individuals who will be inducted into its Fishing Hall of Fame later this year.
Amongst the sport fishing luminaries named for the special honour is Australian Neil Patrick, former boss and owner of world renowned lure manufacturing company, Halco Tackle.
Image: Jim Harnwell
Neil Patrick bio:
Neil Patrick started game fishing in 1972.
He followed on Garrick Agnew’s pioneering work and went on to develop the Rottnest Trench as a world renowned marlin fishing destination. Neil served as President of the Perth Game Fishing Club from 1981 to 1985, and in 1986 he was voted President of the Game Fishing Association of Australia.
In 1980 Neil purchased Halco Tackle from Hal Cooper and turned the small West Australian company into a global organization currently serving over 70 countries. Neil’s desire to see marlin and other pelagic species remain viable and sustainable landed him the role of Recreational Representative for the West Coast Tuna Management Advisory Committee where he fought for recognition of the value of the recreational offshore pelagic fishery against the commercial sector.
Neil has been a member of the IGFA Board of Directors since 2002 and also serves as Co-Chairman of the IGFA’s Fisheries Conservation Committee. In 2013 he was elected founding Chairman of Keep Australia Fishing.
Patrick’s fellow Hall Of Fame inductees include C.M. “Rip” Cunningham, Thomas M. Evans, Jr., George Hommell, Jr., and Flip Pallot, and he joins a select group of Australians to be honoured as IGFA Hall Of Fame inductees including: Garrick Agnew, George Bransford, Jack Erskine and Peter Goadby.
The 17th Annual IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame Induction ceremony will be held in Florida in November. More details HERE.
Team Halco – Neil Patrick (right) with Ben Patrick (far left) and Tim Carter with a big Panama tarpon caught last year.
