January 26, 2026

Old man winter certainly has settled in throughout the United States and Canada. As I write this, it is 23 degrees below zero Fahrenheit (actual) in Hayward, Wisconsin. We haven’t seen above zero actual temperatures since January 22nd. But the heat is on and a warm fire is burning in the hearth. Over the past couple of days, our southern and eastern brethren have been rocketed by a cruel winter storm which has swept a wide path through our nation. My hope is for their speedy recovery. Bless you all and particularly thank you to all the first responders.

The sport show season is currently in full swing throughout the country. Sport shows are a great way to derail “cabin fever” and, at the same time, support the sportfishing community. Turn to page 4 of this issue for a quick overview of where the Hall has already had representation. As you can see, HOF selection committee member Jim Grandt has been busy “talking up” the Hall. Thank you, Jim.

On February 28th I will be inducting Jason Przekurat at the Wisconsin Fishing Expo in Madison, Wisconsin. Then on March 7th I will be inducting Lee Bailey, Jr. and Jerry Costabile at the Journal Sentinel Milwaukee, Wisconsin Sport Show. Not to be outdone, workhorse and Hall ambassador extraordinaire Jim Grandt will be inducting Mark Sak on March 14th at the Ultimate Sport Show Grand Rapids, Michigan. If you are in the area, please stop and say hello. We would love to see you. All these inductions are for the class of 2026 Hall of Famers. Congratulations all and welcome aboard.

Perhaps this is not the best segue, but I would like to pass on some information regarding charitable donations. There are some changes to charitable giving commencing in 2026. One aspect of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) which was passed last year, allows non-itemizers, on their federal returns, to deduct $1,000.00 ($2,000.00 for joint filers) in annual cash donations. This is a substantial positive change for smaller donors from the past. Please consult with your tax professional for additional details. The Fishing Hall of Fame, of course, is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization as defined by the Internal Revenue Service. Thank you for thinking of us.

Until the spring,

Emmett A. Brown, Jr. | Executive Director