Musky Hunter publisher and TV show host Jim Saric has been named a Legendary Angler by the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame.
In addition, three musky guides — Duane Horstman, Russ “Smity” Smith and William Wright were named Legendary Guides when the Hall’s national Awards Committee met in Hayward, Wisconsin, on August 15-16.
“It’s great news for the world of sportfishing in general and, in particular, great news for the musky fishing fraternity,” said the Hall’s director, Emmett Brown, of Saric’s election. “Jim’s an extremely qualified candidate and his selection is in keeping with our criteria that the men and women inducted have made lasting and significant contributions to the world of freshwater sportfishing.”
Said Saric: “This is an incredible honor and a dream come true. Being inducted into the Hall of Fame validates so much of what I have strived to achieve. I am very fortunate to have the tremendous support of my family, friends and sponsor partners to make all of this possible.”
Saric has stood out for years as an accomplished angler, teacher, innovator and leader in the advancement of freshwater fishing. As a tournament fisherman Jim has won seven major musky tournaments, the MWC walleye classic on the Illinois River in 1989, and placed second at the prestigious Sturgeon Bay Bass Open in 1998.
Since becoming owner and publisher of Musky Hunter magazine in 1997, Saric has devoted much of his time promoting and educating the public on musky fishing. He certainly has the credentials — he has boated more than 1,800 muskies, including 110 muskies measuring 50 inches or larger, with his biggest being a 53-pound released fish!
Saric’s highly acclaimed “The Musky Hunter” television show has won nine Telly Awards. The Tellys are to cable television as the Emmys are to broadcast television.
Saric’s first cutting edge articles appeared in Fishing Facts magazine in 1984. He soon became a field editor for Fishing Facts, as well as a regular contributor to In-Fisherman and North American Fisherman magazines.
“Jim has promoted freshwater fishing in just about every way possible. In addition, he has demonstrated skills and developed techniques that few other anglers have matched,” Brown said. “Jim is a tremendous ambassador for freshwater sportfishing and musky fishing.”
Individuals must be nominated for enshrinement in the Hall of Fame. For more information on its awards program and/or to nominate someone, visit www.freshwater-fishing.org and click on Enshrinement/Induction.