Kentuckian Named to IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame

From the press release of the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame:
International Game Fish Association (IGFA) Inducts 5 into the Fishing Hall Of Fame.

Ceremony Wednesday October 24, 2001 6:00PM

Honoring Legends of the Sport of Recreational Fishing!

James W. Strader
Pierre H. Closterman
Alfred C. Glassell, Jr.
Julio Sanchez
Dade Thornton

On October 24, 2001 the International Game Fish Association will recognize legends of the Sport of Recreational Fishing! These five individuals will join 34 other hall of fame members all who played a part in establishing recreational fishing as the worlds most popular sport . IGFA recognizes these fishing legends for their commitment to the conservation, preservation and promotion of the sport of recreational freshwater and saltwater fishing. The new Hall Of Fame inductees are:

James W. Strader ( 1925-1998) Angler, conservationist, teacher, and industry leader, Strader was best known for his development of the "Diamond Rattler" one of the first plugs to use a sound chamber for added fish attraction.

Pierre H. Closterman (1921- ) this world class angler from France has several game fishing records and has written books on fishing. He was a World War II flying ace serving in France and England and was a member of the French cabinet. He is a trustee emeritus of IGFA and dedicated spokesman for marine conservation.

Alfred C. Glassell, Jr. (1913 - ) Glassell has held the all-tackle world record for Black Marlin since 1953. It is the largest marlin of any species ever landed in accordance with IGFA rules. He has held numerous other big game fishing records and was one of the pioneers of game fishing at Cabo Blanco, Peru.

Julio Sanchez (199-1985) A pioneer of big game fishing in the Bahamas, founding member of the Miami Rod & Reel Club, winner of the first Cat Cay Tuna Tournament in 1939, Sanchez led the Cuban Team to victory in the International Tuna Cap Matches of 1938 and 1947. Sanchez worked with Tycoon/Fin-Nor designing the famous Bimini King Rod and designed the first fighting chair.

Dade W. Thornton (1923 - 1998) A noted naturalist, conservationist, author IGFA representative and one of fishing's best known ambassadors, Dade was the official photographer of fishing tournaments around the world. In January 1998, Thornton was awarded the prestigious IGFA Elwood K. Harry Fellowship Award for his lifetime achievements in the sport of fishing and conservation.