Minnesota's Fishing Hall of Fame, Fishing Museum join forces

[h2ofwlr]

Chip Leer named interim Hall of Fame director

Brainerd Dispatch
Posted: May 16, 2014 - 7:54pm
LITTLE FALLS — Efforts to preserve and promote Minnesota’s fishing heritage took a major step forward with the union of two groups committed to honoring the state’s role in the sport’s storied history.

“The Minnesota Fishing Museum and Fishing Hall of Fame have merged,” said Mavis Buker, the museum’s executive director since 2009. “Both organizations will maintain their identities and integrity, while sharing their goals, fundraising and educational efforts.”

Based in Baxter, the Hall of Fame recognizes anglers, industry representatives and others who have played a key role in protecting and enhancing recreational fishing. In cooperation with the Department of Natural Resources, the Hall also sponsors the state’s Master Angler Program, which offers three levels of recognition in youth and adult divisions for notable catches of 60 species of fish. From its Little Falls headquarters, the museum houses a 10,000-square-foot collection of historic tackle, boats, motors and other fishing-related items.

Working together, Buker explained, the groups hope to create a single destination featuring the legacies of industry legends and artifacts echoing the state’s fishing culture. “Both organizations also share a strong desire to promote education for all ages and pass our fishing heritage along to future generations,” she added. “So we hope to house the Hall of Fame, Fishing Museum and a Minnesota Fishing Education Center all under one roof.”

Since neither of the group’s current facilities can accommodate such collaboration, Buker said they are looking at potential building sites for a joint venture, with an eye on the Highway 10 corridor near Little Falls. “We envision a destination where large groups and families can experience the state’s fishing history, and leave with a passion for its future,” she said, noting that a decision on a building site is expected in the near future.

To aid in bringing the groups together, longtime Minnesota guide and noted fishing personality Chip Leer has been tapped to serve as interim director of the Hall of Fame. Based in Walker, Leer operates Fishing the WildSide, a sports marketing and communications company that works with a number of fishing industry allies. “This is a rare opportunity to solidify the history of fishing in Minnesota, and recognize those who’ve had an impact within the state and on a national level,” said Leer.