International Game Fish Association announces 2025 Fishing Hall of Fame Inductees
by IGFA 19 Feb 21:26 UTC
International Game Fish Association © International Game Fish Association
The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) is thrilled to announce the distinguished inductees for the 2025 class of the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame, honoring those who have made extraordinary contributions to the world of recreational angling.
The 2025 IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's, will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri. The IGFA Board of Trustees has elected this year's inductees unanimously, and these remarkable individuals will join 151 legendary figures whose influence has been forever etched in the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame.
The 2025 class represents a diverse array of talent and dedication, with each inductee shaping the sport of fishing through their skill, innovation, and passion. Gary and Sherrell Carter, an iconic husband-and-wife duo, have mastered the art of light tackle fishing and set numerous records. Gene H. DuVal, a pioneer for women in angling and conservation, was the first woman to surpass 100 IGFA World Records. Andy Mill is celebrated as one of the most accomplished fly anglers, holding an unparalleled tournament record. Captain Skip Smith is known for revolutionizing billfishing with his bait-and-switch techniques and mentoring future captains. Captain Richard Stanczyk's influence on Bud N' Mary's Marina and his pioneering daytime swordfishing techniques have left a lasting legacy on the sport.
"As we honor these exceptional individuals in the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame, we celebrate not just their extraordinary achievements, but their lasting impact on the future of sportfishing," said IGFA President Jason Schratwieser. "Their unwavering commitment to innovation, conservation, and mentorship has shaped the sport in profound ways, inspiring generations to come."
The 2025 IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will celebrate the new inductees alongside fishing legends such as Isaak Walton, Michael Lerner, Ernest Hemingway, Francesca LaMonte, Zane Grey, Mary Orvis Marbury, Ted Williams, George H.W. Bush, Bill Dance, Mark Sosin, Lee and Joan Wulff, Flip Pallot, Alfred C. Glassell Jr., Kip Farrington, and Curt Gowdy.
Gary and Sherrell Carter
Gary and Sherrell Carter have profoundly influenced light tackle and big game angling, setting numerous records and pioneering innovative techniques. Gary has established 23 IGFA World Records, including an 806-pound, 15-ounce Atlantic blue marlin on 20-pound line, and achieved multiple IGFA Grand Slams and Royal Slam Club entries. In addition to conventional tackle records, in 2023 while fishing in Cape Verde, his team captured the largest marlin ever caught on fly, a 293-pound, 10-ounce Atlantic blue, setting the new 20-pound tippet class IGFA World Record. Sherrell has set 22 IGFA World Records, including a remarkable 493-pound, 13-ounce Atlantic blue marlin on 8-pound line and an amazing 105-pound, 11-ounce white marlin on 2-pound test. Both Sherrell and Gary have been honored with the prestigious IGFA Bob Herder Light Tackle Award. Their shared passion for fishing has led them to explore diverse fishing grounds, from the Bahamas to the South Pacific island of Vanuatu, where Gary set back-to-back line class world records for dogtooth tuna. Beyond their personal achievements, the Carters are dedicated to conservation and education, supporting initiatives to teach fishing to young anglers worldwide. They currently reside in Playa Carrillo, Costa Rica, where they continue to share their expertise and passion for fishing.
Gene H. DuVal (1943-2007)
Gene H. DuVal was an expert light tackle angler and a pioneer in women's angling and conservation. She was the first woman to set more than 100 IGFA World Records, ultimately achieving 135 records throughout her lifetime. Gene and her husband, William DuVal, played a crucial role in founding the Conservation Council of Angling Clubs of Virginia in the 1970s. In addition to her work in conservation, Gene was an active leader in the International Women's Fishing Association (IWFA), serving as its membership chairman and later being inducted into the IWFA Hall of Fame in 2004. In recognition of her unparalleled achievements in sportfishing, Gene became the first woman to receive the IGFA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003. Her impact on the fishing world continues to be felt today.
Andy Mill
Andy Mill is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished fly anglers in history. His diverse career spans multiple industries, excelling as an athlete, broadcaster, television producer, angler, author, and podcaster. After retiring from a successful career as a U.S. Olympic skier, Mill shifted his focus to saltwater fly fishing, where his tournament success is unparalleled. He has won more invitational tarpon fly events than anyone, including five Gold Cups, six Golden Flies, and a Don Hawley Invitational. Mill also won the Fall Fly Invitational Bonefish Tournament and the Del Brown Permit Tournament, becoming the first of only three anglers to win a bonefish, tarpon, and permit tournament on fly. His book, "A Passion for Tarpon," is regarded as the definitive work on fly fishing for the species. Mill also hosted "Sportsman's Journal with Andy Mill", a television show that showcased saltwater fly fishing and played a key role in promoting the sport during its early stages. He currently serves on the IGFA Board of Trustees, is a member of the Honorary Advisory Board of the American Museum of Fly Fishing and is an Emeritus Board Member of the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. In recognition of his contributions to the sport, Mill was honored with the Heritage Award from the American Museum of Fly Fishing and the Curt Gowdy Memorial Media Award from the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust.
Captain Skip Smith
Captain Skip Smith is widely regarded as one of the greatest captains in sportfishing history. At the helm of vessels up to 110 feet, he has guided anglers to 48 IGFA World Records, many on ultralight tackle. Smith was an integral part of Jerry and Deborah Dunaway's legendary team aboard the "Hooker", helping them set 14 IGFA World Records on 2- and 4-pound test lines. His expertise in bait-and-switch techniques revolutionized billfishing, making him a pioneer in the field. In addition to his success on the water, Smith was also successful in off-the-water endeavors as well, writing for "Marlin Magazine" for eight years as well as a myriad of other publications. He continues to be involved in the fishing and marine industries as he is in the process of writing a book detailing his many adventures in blue waters around the globe, and he is the President of Smith-Merritt Insurance, Inc., specializing in coverage for the sportfishing industry. He also serves as the Chairman of the IGFA's Legendary Captains and Crew Committee. Smith operates two of the most prestigious billfish tournaments, The Shootout: Production vs Custom, and The Custom Shootout, which benefit numerous charitable organizations in the US and The Bahamas, further solidifying his legacy in the fishing world.
Captain Richard Stanczyk
Captain Richard Stanczyk began his career operating a 40-foot sportfishing boat out of Miami Beach, Florida. In 1978, he purchased Bud N' Mary's Marina in Islamorada and turned the marina into a world-renowned fishing destination. Bud N' Mary's has attracted actors, athletes, business tycoons, and some of the world's top anglers to explore what has been dubbed the "Sportfishing Capital of the World." Richard is an authority on all facets of saltwater fishing, from backcountry to deep-sea adventures. In 1985, he guided angler Vic Gaspeny to a 14-pound, 6-ounce Atlantic bonefish, setting the 12-pound tippet class IGFA World Record at the time. Richard is also known for pioneering the daytime swordfish fishery off the Florida Keys, a method that has been adopted by anglers worldwide. His legacy continues through his family, with his sons Rick and Nick carrying on the Bud N' Mary's tradition as respected charter captains.
As the 2025 class of inductees join the ranks of fishing legends, the IGFA continues its mission to honor those who have shaped the sport, leaving a lasting legacy through their contributions to conservation, mentorship, and innovation. The induction ceremony promises to be an unforgettable celebration of excellence in angling and looks forward to welcoming these distinguished individuals into the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame this September.
Additional event information including ticket sales will be released in the coming weeks. For more information about the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame or to make a nomination, visit www.igfa.org/fishing-hall-of-fame.