April 17, 2025

by Emmett Brown
Three days ago, we opened our grounds for the 2025 season. We have been surprisingly busy. I guess, cabin fever is in full swing. It’s not surprising. As the saying goes, it happens every spring!

Winter has finally released us from its icy grip and our spring projects are also in full swing. The concrete crews have been prepping our pond for waterproofing (see page 4 of this issue). They have also completed the new stairwell/ramp leading up to the Big Musky. It looks very nice. About the time you are reading this, the waterproofing will have been completed. In addition, we are also going to completely demo and replace all our asphalt pathways throughout our grounds. This work should also be completed by mid-May. These projects are obviously causing some disruption, but the end results will be worth it. Thank you to all our supporters whose kind generosity is very much appreciated.

Over the past few years, we have been fortunate to be on the receiving end of a few very generous estate bequests. All monies (real estate works as well) raised is always put to good use (witness the above projects) and is never squandered. As a reminder, the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization as defined by the Internal Revenue Service. All funds donated to the Hall are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. If you think you may want to remember us in your will, please contact your attorney or accountant and they will walk you through the process. More importantly, you will have our gratitude, and you will have left an indelible mark on your legacy at the Fishing Hall of Fame. Thank you for considering this option.

If you remember, about ten years ago, we decided to print our record book every other year (with an update sheet printed during the intervening years). This spring we are due to print the updated record book, and we have. You will notice that quite a few new fresh water fish species have been added. We have a handful of anglers who have purposefully sought new species to catch. I would like to tip my hat to them as it is important for a program to grow. And our world records program certainly has been growing over the last couple of years. Stay tuned for more growth!

I hope to see all of you this summer. Please stop in the office, when you do, say hello. Enjoy your spring and summer.

Until the end of summer,

Emmett A. Brown, Jr. | Executive Director